JP2008011200A - Image playback device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a thumbnail of a scene shot using a fade-in function from being completely white.
An effect flag and an offset time for generating a thumbnail are recorded at the time of shooting, and a thumbnail is appropriately generated based on the shooting information.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a moving image recording / reproducing apparatus such as a digital video recorder or a digital video camera, and a recording / reproducing method.

  Today, video cameras such as Non-Patent Document 1 are increasing in number of products that use optical disks or the like as recording media.

  In addition, unlike conventional video tapes, it has excellent random accessibility, so that a so-called thumbnail in which the first frame is reduced for every shooting is created, and a list display is made to improve operability.

  Further, as described in Non-Patent Document 3, a video camera generally has a function of adding a plurality of special effects such as fade-in during shooting.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses an information reproducing apparatus and method for extracting a still image after a predetermined time from the beginning.
Japanese Patent No. 3552283 Canon Inc. Digital Video Camera (DC20 / DC10) Operation Manual page 77

  However, in the above background art, for example, when shooting is performed using the fade-in function starting from the entire white surface, all the thumbnails become only the entire white surface during reproduction, which causes a problem in the selection.

  In addition, since the information reproducing apparatus and method for taking out a still image after a predetermined time from the beginning shifts uniformly, a predetermined time is left after a predetermined time.

  A moving image recording / reproducing apparatus that records moving image data and moving image data management information having a moving image data management unit for managing the moving image data in a predetermined unit at least on a recording medium, and reproduces the moving image data from the recording medium. An image capturing unit that captures an image, an image effect superimposing unit that superimposes a predetermined effect on an image signal captured by the image capturing unit, and an image effect superimposing control unit that controls whether or not to operate the image effect superimposing unit. A moving image data management information generating unit for recording moving image effect superimposition period information indicating at least a period in which the image effect is superimposed, and generating a reduced image by extracting a still image for each moving image data management unit from the moving image data Representative image generating means for displaying, wherein the representative image generating means extracts the still image according to the moving image effect superimposition period information. Image recording and reproducing apparatus.

  Further, the effect by the moving image effect superimposing means is a fade-in, and the representative image generating means takes out the still image from the moving image data after the fade-in effect ends. .

  The moving image recording / reproducing apparatus further comprises a still image selection method determining unit that determines whether the representative image generating unit extracts the still image according to the moving image effect superimposition period information.

  The moving image recording / reproducing apparatus is characterized in that, when the still image is taken from a position other than the standard position, a display for notifying that the still position is not the standard position is loaded.

  The moving image recording / reproducing apparatus is characterized in that the standard position is a first frame of the moving image data management unit.

  It is possible to prevent a thumbnail corresponding to a scene photographed using the fade-in function from becoming completely white and the like, and the photographed image from becoming unrecognizable.

  As a result, the operability during playback can be improved.

<First embodiment>
Description of Video Camera FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a video camera.

  Reference numeral 130 denotes a lens unit, which is a correction unit that has a function of correcting the imaging position moved by the movement of a fixed lens group for focusing, a variable power lens group, a diaphragm, and a variable power lens group, and a function of performing focus adjustment. Consists of a lens group. The lens unit 130 finally forms a subject image on an imaging surface of a CCD 131 described later. Reference numeral 131 denotes a CCD (charge coupled device), which converts light into electric charge and generates an imaging signal.

  Reference numeral 132 denotes a camera processing unit that performs predetermined processing on the imaging signal and outputs digital image data. Special functions such as fade and reduction are also provided.

  These are collectively referred to as a camera unit. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a variable power lens group, an actuator such as a diaphragm, a sensor for correcting camera shake (for example, an angular velocity sensor), and the same correcting means (shift lens, etc.) are provided. Reference numeral 135 denotes a camera control microcomputer which controls the camera unit according to the control of the microcomputer 110 described later.

  Reference numeral 133 denotes a microphone unit. The microphone unit 133 is provided for collecting audio during shooting, and includes predetermined amplification, band limitation, and the like. An A / D processing unit 134 receives the output of the microphone unit 133 and outputs digital audio data.

  Reference numeral 110 denotes a microcomputer that controls the entire system. The microcomputer 110 measures nonvolatile memory (ROM) for storing programs, volatile memory (RAM) as a work area, external bus for accessing data to other hardware and accessing control registers, and measuring time. At least a timer to perform. Reference numeral 103 denotes a bus. Each block is connected to the bus 103, and is a transmission path for transferring data according to the control of the microcomputer 110.

  An encoder unit 102 receives digital image data and digital audio data according to the control of the microcomputer 110, compresses the digital image data by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 method, and further multiplexes the data in time series to generate compressed video data. . In addition, the encoder unit 102 has a function of notifying the microcomputer 110 of information necessary for converting the data position and the frame position, for example.

  A control circuit 104 has an interface between the encoder unit 102 and a memory 106, an optical disk 120, and a decoder unit 108, which will be described later, and controls data transfer under the control of the microcomputer 110. Reference numeral 106 denotes a memory, and each block can be used for work.

  Reference numeral 120 denotes an optical disk. The control circuit 104 has an interface with the microcomputer 110 and the memory 106 connected to the bus 103 and an interface with the optical disk 120, and performs conversion for accessing the control register of the optical disk 120 from the microcomputer 110 or the like. It is. The optical disk 120 has not only the medium itself but also a mechanical deck including a head and a motor, a control circuit for controlling them, and an interface (for example, ATAPI I / F) that can be connected to the control circuit 104, and reads and writes data and the like on the optical disk. A possible unit. The control circuit 104 has a so-called direct memory access (DMA) function for automatically transferring read or write data by designating the start address and data amount of the memory 106 and the start sector to be written to the optical disc 120.

  A decoder unit 108 sequentially reads out compressed video data and compressed still image data from the address of the memory 106 designated by the microcomputer 110, for example, a digital video signal such as ITU-R BT.656 (CCIR656), and digital audio. Convert to signal and output. At the time of reproduction of compressed still image data, it has been devised so that reduction processing can be performed if necessary.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes an audio output unit, and 109 denotes a video output unit. The video output unit 109 and the audio output unit 107 are blocks for converting the digital video signal and digital audio signal converted by the decoder unit 108 into analog signals and outputting them to the outside, and are connected to a television receiver or the like. The Reference numeral 116 denotes a speaker unit which receives the digital audio signal and reproduces the audio.

  Reference numeral 113 denotes an on-screen display (OSD) unit that superimposes information such as various setting menus, titles, and times on the video output. The OSD unit 113 also has a function of capturing a digital video signal input from the decoder unit 108, performing a reduction process, and superimposing it on an arbitrary position.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes an operation switch group, 162 denotes a trigger switch, and 163 denotes a mode dial. In either case, the microcomputer 110 determines and operates a signal input by a user operation. The mode dial 163 is a rotary switch, and selects a camera mode for shooting a moving image, an off mode for shutting off the main power supply, and a playback mode for playing back a captured image. In the camera mode, the microcomputer 110 recognizes the trigger switch 162 as a moving image recording start request or a stop request. Reference numeral 115 denotes a real-time clock for transmitting calendar and time information to the microcomputer 110. The initial value and the count start command are input by the user via the operation switch 112 and given via the microcomputer 110. This is used for time stamp information given to recorded content.

  The microcomputer 110 has software for handling a predetermined file system, and data is read from and written to the optical disc 120 in accordance with this file system.

Recording Operation Next, the flow of the moving image recording operation will be described. First, when the power is turned on, the microcomputer 110 searches the recordable (empty) area from the optical disk 120 according to the file system described above. At this time, the recordable capacity is calculated, and the recordable time is calculated from the recordable capacity and the recording mode. Thereafter, during recording, the decrease in the recordable capacity is monitored, and the recordable time is periodically updated. The microcomputer 110 constantly detects the state of the switch and monitors the operation of the user. Hereinafter, the user's operation is transmitted to the microcomputer 110 through the user interface such as the operation switch group 112 unless otherwise noted. Next, when the user generates a recording start request, the microcomputer 110 controls each block in order to start recording of camera images and audio. First, the encoder unit 102 is caused to start the MPEG2 encoding process, and controls the compressed video data to be accumulated at the head of a predetermined address in the memory 106 via the control circuit 104. Each time a predetermined amount of data is accumulated, the encoder unit 102 notifies the microcomputer 110 by means such as interruption. The microcomputer 110 receives this notification and notifies the control circuit 104 of the head address to be stored next. Further, the microcomputer 110 issues a command to the optical disc 120 and the control circuit 104 so as to write the compressed video data stored in the memory 106 to the optical disc 120. At this time, the area to be written on the optical disc 120 is a recordable (empty) area searched according to the file system. A series of processes from the encoding process to writing to the optical disk 120 is repeated until a recording stop request is generated. The recorded compressed video data is managed as a chapter.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation when shooting is performed using the fade-in function.

Reference numeral 203 denotes a time axis, where T ₁ is a photographing start time and T ₃ is a fade end time. 202 is handed amount of fade and represents that will fade gradually released toward the fade end time T ₃ from the imaging start time T _1. 201_1, 201_2, and 201_3 are recorded images at respective timings.

  FIG. 3 shows photographing information created at the time of recording. Reference numeral 402 denotes a shooting date and time. Reference numeral 402 denotes an effect flag, which is set to 1 when there is an effect and 0 when there is no effect. Reference numeral 404 denotes an offset time. When the effect flag 403 is 1, the time when the effect is canceled is recorded.

  In the example of FIG.

Date: T ₁
Effect flag: 1
Offset time: T ₃
If the device has a plurality of types of fade-in, the offset time can be stored in the microcomputer 110 in advance, and the offset time corresponding to the selected fade-in can be recorded. good.

Reproduction Operation Next, the reproduction operation will be described. Again, a scene to be reproduced is selected by operating the operation switch group 112 by the user. A UI that starts reproduction by displaying a representative image (thumbnail) for each scene (hereinafter referred to as an index screen), moving the pointer to a desired content, and determining it is common. The microcomputer 110 starts reading the digital video data of the scene determined as described above from the optical disc 120. Specifically, a command is issued to the control circuit 104 so that it is read from the optical disc 120 and stored in the memory 106, contrary to the recording. At this time, the microcomputer 110 specifies the read head sector of the optical disc 120, the write head address of the memory 106, and the data amount as in the recording. Next, the microcomputer 110 issues a command to the decoder unit 108 to decode the digital video data stored in the memory 106. A series of processes is repeatedly executed so that the digital video data to be decoded by the decoder unit 108 is not interrupted until a user operation such as the end of content, stop, or pause is applied.

About Index Screen FIG. 4 is an example of an index screen. Reference numeral 401 denotes an index screen that displays a maximum of six representative images (thumbnail images) per page. Reference numerals 402, 403, 404, 405, and 406 are representative images, which correspond to scenes. Reference numeral 411 denotes a cursor, which is a display for the user to select a representative image. The representative images 402 to 406 are images obtained by reducing the first frame of each scene or a predetermined frame according to the present invention described later, but are omitted in FIG. (Indicated as TUMB1-5)
Features of the Invention Conventionally, an image obtained by reducing the recorded image 201_1 at the recording start time T1 has been used as a thumbnail displayed on the playback index screen. Therefore, in the recording as shown in FIG. 2, the thumbnails are completely white and cannot be distinguished. A method for solving this problem will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  This process is executed when a thumbnail is generated, and is started from step 501.

  Step 502 determines the value of the effect flag, and transitions to step 503 when 1 (with effect) and to step 504 when 0 (no effect).

Step 503 is processing for creating a thumbnail from the offset time. That is, a frame for generating a thumbnail is determined with reference to the offset time 404. Result becomes possible to create thumbnails from the recording start time T ₃ of the image.

  Step 504 is processing for creating a thumbnail from the top frame. This is the process when there is no need for shifting because no effect such as fade-in is applied.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when shooting with an effect such as a fade-in function, that is, when the captured image of the first frame cannot be recognized, the timing at which the effect is canceled when generating the thumbnail is appropriately set. It is possible to detect the thumbnail, and it is possible to eliminate the thumbnail such as the entire white color by shifting the frame as the thumbnail. As for the unnecessary scenes, the first scene is selected as before, and the thumbnails are not inadvertently shifted.

  Further, an item for setting whether or not to shift the thumbnail is provided in the main body setting menu or the like, and the processing described with reference to FIG. 5 may be invalidated.

  Further, an icon for notifying that the thumbnail is not the first frame may be displayed on the thumbnail image created in the processing 503, for example.

It is a figure explaining the structural example of a video camera. It is a figure explaining the recorded image of fade-in. It is a figure explaining imaging | photography information. It is a display example of an index screen. It is a flowchart explaining the frame selection which produces | generates a thumbnail.

Explanation of symbols

130 Lens unit 131 CCD (charge coupled device)
132 Camera Signal Processing Unit 133 Microphone Unit 134 A / D Processing Unit 135 Camera Control Microcomputer 102 Encoder Unit 103 Bus 104 Control Circuit 120 Optical Disk 106 Memory 107 Audio Output Unit 108 Decoder Unit 109 Video Output Unit 113 OSD (On Screen Display Unit)
150 EVF
151 Liquid crystal panel 152 Panel open / close detection switch 110 Microcomputer 112 Operation switch group 162 Trigger switch 163 Mode dial 115 Real time clock

Claims (8)

A moving image recording / reproducing apparatus for recording moving image data and moving image data management information having a moving image data management unit for managing the moving image data in a predetermined unit at least on a recording medium, and reproducing from the recording medium,
An imaging means for capturing a moving image;
Image effect superimposing means for superimposing a predetermined effect on the imaging signal imaged by the imaging means;
Image effect superimposing control means for controlling whether or not to operate the image effect superimposing means;
Moving image data management information generating means for recording image effect superposition information at least indicating whether or not the image effect is superimposed;
Representative image generating means for extracting a still image from the moving image data for each moving image data management unit and generating and displaying a reduced image;
The moving image recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein the representative image generating means extracts the still image in accordance with the image effect superposition information. The image effect superposition information includes image effect superposition period information indicating a period in which the effect is superimposed,
2. The moving image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the representative image generating unit extracts the still image according to the image effect period information.   3. The moving image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the representative image generating means extracts the still image from a period in which no image effect is superimposed according to the image effect period information.   3. The moving image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the representative image generating means extracts the still image from the first frame on which the image effect is not superimposed according to the image effect period information.   The effect of the moving image effect superimposing means is a fade-in, and the representative image generating means extracts the still image from moving image data after the fade-in effect ends. And a moving image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 4.   Furthermore, the said representative image production | generation means is provided with the still image selection method determination means which determines whether the said still image is taken out according to the said moving image effect superimposition period information, The 1, 2, 3, 4, And 5. The moving image recording / reproducing apparatus according to 5.   6. The moving image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display for notifying that the still image is not a standard position is added when the still image is taken from a position other than the standard position.   8. The moving image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the standard position is a first frame of the moving image data management unit.

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