FR2739198A1 - SOUND RECORDING / PLAYING CAMERA AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

Camera provided with sound recording and playback means comprising a release switch (S1), a sound recording switch (S2), a playback switch (S3), a message input switch (S5 ), automatic distance measuring means (10), photometric clarity means (20), photograph control means (30), which establish a mode of playback and recording of sounds when the recording switch and the playback switch are activated, and output a corresponding selection signal, control a playback and recording operation of sounds, which output and receive a drive signal in accordance with the message input switch, and output a photography signal; sound recording / playback processing means (50) which records the input sounds or plays and outputs the recorded sounds; and shutter drive means (40).

Description

SOUND RECORDING / PLAYING CAMERA AND PRO-

ORDER OF ORDER THEREOF

  The present invention relates to a camera provided with means for recording and playing sounds and

  its control process, and more particularly, an apparatus

  reil photo in which instructions, suggested precautions for using the camera and words to prepare the topic (s) such as "one,

  two, three "can be saved and played automatically-

  so taking a photo becomes easy.

  Generally when taking photos, the photographer holds the camera in his hands and points the camera at the subject (s). After finding a pleasant angle of view, we say "one, two, three" or "cheese", etc. so that we know that the photo is going

to be taken.

  When the photographer says the words or the sentence to prepare the subject (s) for the photo, the camera moves and, as a result, you cannot take a good photo. In addition, it is not convenient for the photographer to say "cheese", etc. to prepare the or

  the subjects. Also, although the cameras are mu-

  With instruction manuals relating to the use of installed operational functions, the manual is often forgotten and left aside. Finally, there is a downside in that if the instructions for the camera are forgotten, one cannot know exactly

2 2739198

  camera functions, and efficient use

  cace and full camera is not possible.

  The present invention has been made with the aim

  to solve the above problems.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera provided with sound recording and playback means and its control method, to allow

  recording and reading instructions and suggestions-

  precautions regarding the use of the device

  photo, and spoken words to prepare the subject (s).

  Through these means, taking a

  photo is simplified and made more efficient.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a camera provided with sound recording and playback means comprises a release switch, which, according to a selection of a user, passes from a first release step to a second release stage; a sound recording switch; a read switch; and a message entry switch. The camera also has automatic distance measuring means which measure a distance between a

  or subjects and the camera and emits an electrical signal

  corresponding tronic; photometric means of clarification

  tee, which measure a level of clarity of the subjects and emits a

  corresponding electronic signal; and means of

  photography order, which 1) set the mode

  recording and playing sounds when switching

  recorder and playback switch are on

  tives and emit the corresponding selection signal, 2) control a reading and recording operation of sounds, of which a training signal is emitted and received in

  message input switch function, and 3) calculated

  slow an amount of exposure depending on the distance and the clarity of the subject or subjects being measured

3 2739198

  when the release switch is activated, and transmits

attempt a photography signal.

  The camera furthermore comprises sound recording / playback processing means which, after the recording and playback sound operation, are selected as a function of the selection signal emitted by photography control means, record the sounds entered, according to the training signal, in a sphere having a fixed address, or read and play the recorded sounds; and shutter drive means which, depending on the photographic signal from the photographic control means, controls an operation

  opening and closing of a shutter.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a camera provided with means

  recording and playing sounds has a pre-

  first step in which, upon receipt of a receipt

  electric rant, all operating circuits and

  usage variables are initialized, then we de-

  complete whether or not the recording switch is activated and which sound recording operations have been selected by the photographer; and a second step, o, if the record switch is activated and

  if the save operation is selected, the device

  reil photo goes into recording mode, the memo area

  message creation is specified; and a third

  step in which, if the message switch is turned on

  ved, the message entered is saved in the fixed sphere.

  The method further includes a fourth step in

  which, if the message entry switch is off

  the recording operation is interrupted and the camera enters the playback mode; of a fifth step where we determine whether or not the

4 2739198

  read is activated, and if it is, the corresponding message

  dant to the fixed reading sphere is read and transmitted; and a

  sixth step in which if the release switch

  tion is activated, the photography operation is performed.

  These features, aspects, advantages, and others of the present invention will now be

  better understood on reading the description which follows,

  and the appended claims, made with reference to the

attached sins, on which:

  - Figure 1 is a block diagram of an ap-

  such a photo provided with means for recording and reading sounds according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 2a is a flowchart of the operation of controlling a camera provided with means

  recording and playing sounds in a preferred mode

  re embodiment of the present invention; and - Figure 2b is a flowchart which is the

following that of FIG. 2a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a camera provided with means for recording and playing sounds

  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention

  tion includes a release switch Si, a switch

  S2 sound recorder, playback switch

  S3, an instruction read switch S4, a commu-

  S5 message input timer, and selector switches

  address selection Ai to A3, an automatic distance measurement part 10, a photometric clarity part 20 and a photograph control part 30. The part 30 is

  connected to all the switches Si to S5, Ai to A3 and to the ex-

  output hoppers of the measuring parts 10, 20. In function

  tion of the state of the switches, part 30 emits a

  general measurement for the measurement of sound recording or playback operations, or a signal

2739198

  photography. The camera also has a part

  shutter drive 40 connected to the component part

  photo command 30. Depending on a photo signal

  relayed graphics, the shutter drive portion 40 opens or closes the camera shutter. The camera also has a sound recording / playback part 50, which, depending on the signal relayed to the photography control part 30 initiates a sound recording operation or a playback operation.

sounds.

  The above sound recording / playback part 50 is made up of a sound input part 51 and a sound recording / playing processing part 53. The recording / playing processing part of sounds 53 processes the playback and recording of input sounds according to the measurement signal which is emitted by the

  part of photography order 30. Part of broadcast

  sound channel 55 is connected to an output end of the sound recording / playback part 53 and outputs the sounds

reading.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the pre-

  invention, the processing part of record-

  ment / sound playback 53 has an integrated circuit used

  for playing and recording sounds in arrangements

  normal tape recording devices, the broadcast part

  Sound channel 55 has a loudspeaker, and sound input part 51 has a microphone. The part of

  photography control 30 preferably includes half

  07C2416 type croprocessors manufactured by Samsung Elec-

  tron and ND 78064 microprocessors manufactured by NEC.

  A motor drive part 60 is also

  connected to the photograph control part 30. The part

  motor drive tie 60 is provided to activate a

  engine to advance the film after each exposure.

6 2739198

  Subsequently we will describe the application of the camera (having the structure above) provided with means for recording and playing sounds according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, by the operation of the part photograph control unit 30, in accordance with the software stored therein

  and shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

  When electricity is sent to the camera from a power source (not shown), the photography control part

  , after initialization of all the function circuits-

  usage variables, determines at the level

  from step S10 of FIG. 2A, the input state of the

  timers Sl to S5 and Ai to A3, which are actuated according to the selection of the user, that is to say, the person taking the photo. When the user wants to record a message, he activates the sound recording switch S2. For example, in order to record a message to prepare the subject (s) for the photo, such as "one, two, three" or "cheese", the S2 recording switch is activated. When this is done, the photography control portion 30, regardless of the mode of the camera

  photo at this time, goes into recording mode, and,

  in accordance with a routine shown in FIG. 2, the recording operation is carried out, steps S120 to S130. Next, the photograph control part 30

  transmits and fixes (via the processing part

  recording / playing sounds 53) the corresponding address

  responding to the message storage area specified by the state of the address selection switches Ai to A3, and then determining the state of the message input switch

  S5, steps S140 to S150. If the input-to-measure switch

  sage S5 is activated, the photography control part

7 2739198

  establishes an E / L recording / playback selection signal in a low level state "B" through the sound recording / playback processing portion 53, and initiates a recording operation at step

S160.

  After the sound recording operation has been initialized, the photography control part emits the drive signal, "Validate" indicated in FIG. 1, at a low level and records the entered message.

  through the sound input part 51.

  In the operation described above, the user keeps the message input switch S5 in an active state and the user says "one, two, three", "cheese" or the message he wishes, in the sound input part 51. The sound input part 51 changes the input voice signal to a corresponding electronic signal and transmits it to the processing part

  recording / playing sounds 53.

  If the drive signal "Validate" is entered at a low level, the processing part

  recording / playing sounds 53 then transforms the

  general electronic output corresponding to the voice signal entered into its corresponding pulsed signal, and codes the signal

  pulsed according to a MIC process (modulation not pulses co-

  gods). The coded signal is then stored in the message storage area as specified by the switches

  for selecting address A1 to A3, step S170.

  At this time, if the user deactivates the commu-

  message input timer S5, the photograph control part 30 emits a drive signal "Validate" at a high level "H", and interrupts the operation

  step S180 to S190.

  If the user reactivates the switch

  S2 sound recording, pho- to control part

8 2739198

  tography 30 emits the selection signal

  E / L recording / playback at a high "H" level and

  switches this mode to a playback mode. In addition,

  formally to the above operation, although the camera

  to be in playback mode, the recorded sound signal is not played back and output until the

  S3 reading is activated by the user.

  If desired, in the foregoing, the state of one or more of the address switches A1 to A3 can be changed to specify a different message storage area, and the sound recording operation is repeated. Messages preparing the subject for taking a photo, suggestions for precautions regarding

  camera, and instructions can be saved

  very. After the sound recording operation has

  been taken, the person taking the photo activates the commu-

  reading tutor S3 and the recorded message to prepare

the subject is read, step S220.

  The photograph control part 30 transmits the addresses, specified by the state of the address switches A1 to A3, to the sound recording / playback processing part 53, thereby specifying the desired message to be read. If the read switch S3 is

  activated, photography control part 30 transmits the

  general training "Validate" at a low level "B" to initiate

  tialize the sound playback operation, step S240.

  To play the sounds, the sound recording / playback processing part 53 must be in the state

  in which the recording selection signal

  ment / read E / L is emitted at a high level "H" and the

  play mode is selected. After receipt of addresses

  its emitted by the photograph control part 30, if the drive signal "Validate" is emitted at a low level "B", the sound recording / playback part 53 changes the coded signal MIC saved in the zone message storage specified as a pulsed electronic signal and outputs the corresponding electronic signal to the sound emitting part 55. The sound emitting part 55 (the speaker) then emits the sounds corresponding to the signal

  modified electronics, thus providing a reading of the

recorded vocal sage wanted.

  A separate user instruction switch

  sation S4 is installed and used if the user needs to hear a certain message often, for example, instructions for using the camera,

steps S200 to S210.

  In other words, after the necessary instructions have been saved, if the use instruction switch S4 is activated, the message is

read to the user.

  So when we take photos, after a message to prepare the subjects "one, two, three", or

  "cheese", etc. has been read, the user activates the switching

  release sensor Si. Preferably, the switch Si is

  a two-stage pressure actuated switch in the-

  which a light pressure activates a first stage and a greater pressure activates a second stage. If the first stage of the release switch is activated, the photography control part 30 drives the automatic distance measurement part 10. This causes the measurement of the

  distance between the camera and the subject. Also

  if, the photometric clarity part 20 measures the value

  clarity of the subject, steps S250 to S260.

  If the second stage of the release switch

  is activated, the photograph control part 30 cal-

  calculates the value of the shutter exposure time, based on the distance measured between the subject and the camera and the value of the clarity. Using this calculation

2739198

  exposure time, the photography command outputs a photography signal that activates

the camera shutter.

  After opening the shutter and after taking a photo in accordance with the photography signal output from the photography control portion 30, the shutter drive portion 40 activates the motor drive portion 60. This winds the movie part

  used for the photo and interrupts the photo-

script, steps S270 to S300.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention

  vention uses a separate recording and playback chip

  decked out with a normal camera. This allows you to record and read safety suggestions and camera operating instructions. Of

  plus, a message that prepares the subject for taking a picture

  to prevents camera movement just before

  take a picture which can result in an inca-

  ability to be able to take the desired view.

  The disadvantage of the photographer having to say the

  words to prepare the subject for taking a photo is thus

  if eliminated. In addition, since instructions concerning

  the use of the camera may be

  saved and read when desired, the functions of

  the camera can be fully used,

  weaving better photos and more use

effective camera.

  Finally, when using the delay trigger

  automatically to take automatic photos, a voice recording is used rather than using a

  time display light-emitting diode for information

  sea subject of the moment when the photo will be taken. This per-

  puts about knowing the exact moment the photo is taken 2739198 so that he better prepares himself and puts himself

in a desired pose.

  Other embodiments of the present in-

  vention will appear to those skilled in the art taking into account

  sideration the description and the implementation of

  the invention described here. It is obvious that the description

  and the examples are to be considered only as

  as examples, the true scope and spirit of this in-

  vention being indicated by the indexed claims.

12 2739198

Claims (6)

  1. Camera fitted with recording means   ment and sound reading, characterized in that it comprises   door: a release switch (Sl) which can be   operated by a user to a first release stage   ration and to a second release stage,   a sound recording switch (S2) for   before being activated between an active state and an inactive state,   a read switch (S3) which can be activated   operated between an active state and an inactive state, a message input switch (S5) operable between an active state and an inactive state, automatic distance measuring means (10)   to measure a distance between a subject and the ap-   similar photo and to send an electronic signal   distance meter, photometric means (20) for measuring a   level of clarity of the subjects and to emit an electrical signal   corresponding clarity tronic, photograph control means (30) 1) for establishing the modes of recording and playing sounds according to the actuation of the switch   recording switch and playback switch and for transmitting   be a corresponding selection signal,   2) to order a recording operation   sound playback, in which a signal   drive is issued and entered in accordance with the switching   message input sensor, and 3) to calculate an exposure value based on the distance meter signal and the light meter signal when the release switch is on, and to output a photograph signal, 13 2739198   sound recording / playback processing means (50) responding to a selection of the operation   recording and playing sounds according to the   general selection sent by the photo control means   written to selectively record the sounds entered in accordance with the training signal in a specified message storage area, and to output the recorded sounds, and   shutter drive means (40)   responding to the photography signal emitted by the photography control means for controlling an operation   opening and closing of a shutter.   2. Camera according to claim 1, ca-   characterized in that the sound recording / playback processing means (50) comprise: a sound input part (51) which transforms a sound signal from a user voice into an electronic signal,   part of recording processing-   sound / playback of sounds (53), which fixes an operation of sounds as a function of the state of the selection switch emitted by the photography control means, codes the signal   electronics emitted by the conformal sound input part   ment to the drive signal and saves it in the corresponding sphere of the applied address, and if the recording operation is selected in accordance with the applied selection signal, and emits the coded signal, and a part for emitting sounds (55) which transforms the electronic signal, emitted by the processing part   recording / playback of sounds, as a sound signal.   3. Camera according to claim 1, ca-   characterized in that the photography control means (30) comprise means responding to an active state of the message input switch (S5) for transmitting the signal 14 2739198   selecting in a first level state, and, through the sound input portion, allowing the message to be recorded; and responding to an inactive state of the message input switch to output the selection signal in a second level state, to switch the camera to playback mode, to change the state of the drive signal, and to interrupt the recording operation.   4. Camera according to claim 1, ca-   characterized in that it further comprises a switch   instruction manual (54) to initialize the play   ture of audio messages concerning the instructions of   camera functions.   5. Camera according to claim 4, ca-   characterized in that the photograph control means (30) comprise means for transmitting the address of the message storage area where the operating instructions are stored when an active state of the instruction switch is detected of use, to output the reading mode selection signal, and to   read the operating instruction message.   6. Method for controlling a camera provided with sound recording and playback means comprising the steps consisting in: determining an active / inactive state of a recording switch, determining a selection by a user of the recording operations change the camera to a recording mode and specify the message storage area where the message will be recorded if the switch   recording is activated and the recording operation- ment of sounds is selected,   save the message entered in the message area   message characterization specified if the message switch sage is activated;   interrupt the recording operation and change   manage the camera to a playback mode if the   message input switch operation is in-   overwhelmed, read and send the message corresponding to the   reading sphere fixed upon detection of an ac- tif the read switch, and   perform the photography operation if a commu- release timer is activated.