JP2006066986A - Information processing apparatus and method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable easily and accurately reproducing or inversely converting data subjected to pull-down conversion. <P>SOLUTION: A 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 causes a 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23 to perform sequence reset in a frame in which a time code value to be supplied from a time code processing unit 26 is integral multiple of 5. To control a start/finish timings of recording processing of image data, the unit 27 supplies phase information of a sequence of 2-3 pull-down conversion processing to a recording control processing timing control unit 28. The unit 28 controls the operation of a recording control processing unit 24 on the basis of the phase information of the sequence, and synchronizes the recording start timing and finish timing of the image data with the sequence. This apparatus is applicable to, for example, a camcoder. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device and method, and a program, and more particularly, to an information processing device and method, and a program that can easily and accurately reproduce or reversely convert pull-down converted data.

  Conventionally, there are various methods for image data, and there are a plurality of methods for the number of frames per second. For example, there is an interlace system (ie, 60 fields per second) (60i) of 30 frames per second, such as a television signal of NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) system used for terrestrial analog color television broadcasting. In addition to this, for example, there is a progressive method (24P) of 24 frames per second, which is similar to a film image, which is used for recording a movie.

  There is also a method of converting from one method to the other method among a plurality of such methods. For example, there is a 2-3 pull-down conversion process for converting 24P image data to 60i. As shown in FIG. 1, the 2-3 pull-down conversion process converts 4 frames of 24P image data 1 into 10 fields (5 frames) of 60i image data 2, and repeats this as one sequence. The 24P image data is converted into 60i image data.

  In FIG. 1, image data 1 is 24P image data, and frames A to D indicate four frames of image data 1 constituting one sequence of conversion processing. The image data 2 indicates 60i image data, and the sequence numbers No. 0 to No. 4 indicate 5 frames of the image data 2 constituting one sequence of the conversion process. “Ao” indicates the first field (otto field) of the 60i image data 2 obtained by converting the frame A of the 24P image data 1, and “Ae” indicates that the frame A of the 24P image data 1 is converted. The second field (even field) of the 60i image data 2 is shown. Similarly, “Bo” indicates the first field of 60i image data 2 in which frame B of 24P image data 1 is converted, and “Be” indicates 60i in which frame B of 24P image data 1 is converted. The second field (even field) of the image data 2 of “1”, “Co” indicates the first field of the image data 2 of 60i obtained by converting the frame C of the image data 1 of 24P, and “Ce” is 24P The second field (even field) of the 60i image data 2 obtained by converting the frame C of the image data 1 of “2” is indicated by “Do”, and the frame D of the image data 1 of 24P is converted. Indicates the first field, “De” is the second field (even field) of the 60i image data 2 obtained by converting the frame D of the 24P image data 1 Show.

  That is, by the 2-3 pull-down conversion process, the frame A of the image data 1 is converted into two fields of the first field and the second field of the sequence number No. 0 of the image data 2 as shown in FIG. Converted. Also, the frame B of the image data 1 is converted into three fields of the first field and the second field of the frame of the sequence number No. 1 of the image data 2 and the first field of the frame of the sequence number No. 2. The Further, the frame C of the image data 1 is converted into the second field of the frame of the sequence number No. 1 of the image data 2 and the two fields of the first field of the frame of the sequence number No. 3. The frame D of the image data 1 is converted into the second field of the frame of the sequence number No. 3 of the image data 2 and the three fields of the first field and the second field of the frame of the sequence number No. 4. The This conversion process is repeated as one sequence.

  Therefore, when this 60i image data 2 is subjected to 2-3 pulldown reverse conversion to 24P, it is necessary to maintain the sequence during 2-3 pulldown conversion. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the time code of the image data 2 starts from the frame of sequence number No. 4 (when the time code value of the frame of sequence number No. 4 is set to “0”). When 2-3 pulldown reverse conversion processing is performed according to this time code (2-3 pulldown reverse conversion processing is performed with a frame having a time code value of “0” as the first frame), frames A ′ to frames of image data 3 As in D ′, the frames constituting one sequence are shifted from the image data 1.

  Specifically, in the case of FIG. 1, the frame A ′ of the image data 3 includes a field “Do” and a field “De”. The frame B ′ includes a field “Ao”, a field “Ae”, and a field “Bo”. Further, the frame C ′ includes a field “Be” and a field “Co”. The frame D ′ includes a field “Ce”, a field “Do”, and a field “De”. As described above, since the frames A ′ to D ′ of the image data 3 are composed of images different from the frames A to D of the image data 1, a phase shift occurs in the reproduced video.

  Furthermore, since the frame B and the frame D of the image data 3 are originally composed of images of different frames, the frame data becomes unnatural and the user may feel uncomfortable with the reproduced video.

  Therefore, in such 2-3 pull-down conversion processing, a phase reference position signal indicating the first frame of each sequence is generated and associated with the converted image data, whereby the image data is reproduced or inversely converted. A method for suppressing the occurrence of phase shift or the like has been considered (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-289512 A

  However, in the case of the above-described method, this phase reference position signal is not a general-purpose technique, and an apparatus that reproduces or edits image data supports this function, and detects the phase reference position signal to detect the phase of the sequence. There has been a problem that it is necessary to have a function of controlling. Further, when the converted image data is recorded on the recording medium, the phase reference position signal must also be recorded, which may increase the data amount accordingly. Further, when a plurality of image data are continuously reproduced, the first frame of each image data is not necessarily the first frame of the sequence, and the last frame of each image data is always the last frame of the sequence. Is not limited. Therefore, when switching the image data to be reproduced, there is a possibility that a phase shift occurs and the reproduced image becomes unnatural.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation. By controlling the phase of each frame of image data with respect to the sequence of each frame, the data subjected to pull-down conversion can be reproduced or inversely converted easily and accurately. Is to be able to.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a sequence control unit that controls a start timing of a sequence that is repeatedly performed in a pull-down conversion process of image data, and a processing timing for image data that is controlled by the sequence control unit and subjected to pull-down conversion. And a processing timing control means for controlling according to the timing.

  The pull-down conversion process can be a 2-3 pull-down conversion process for converting progressive image data of 24 frames per second into interlaced image data of 60 fields per second.

  The sequence control means may comprise start timing changing means for forcibly moving the start timing of the sequence.

  The sequence control means can adjust the start timing of the sequence to a frame in which the value of the time code of the image data is an integer multiple of 5 by the start timing changing means.

  The processing timing control means may control the processing start timing for the image data according to the sequence start timing.

  The processing timing control means can control the end timing of the processing for the image data according to the end timing of the sequence.

  The processing timing control means can control the timing of the processing for recording the pull-down converted image data on a recording medium.

  The processing timing control means can control the timing of the processing for outputting the pull-down converted image data to the outside.

  The information processing method of the present invention includes a sequence control step for controlling the start timing of a sequence that is repeatedly performed in pull-down conversion processing of image data, and processing timing for image data that is controlled by the sequence control step and subjected to pull-down conversion. And a process timing control step for controlling according to the sequence timing.

  The program according to the present invention includes a sequence control step for controlling a start timing of a sequence that is repeatedly performed in a pull-down conversion process of image data, and a process timing for the image data that is controlled by the process of the sequence control step and subjected to pull-down conversion. And a processing timing control step for controlling according to the timing.

  In the information processing apparatus, method, and program of the present invention, the start timing of a sequence that is repeatedly performed in pull-down conversion processing of image data is controlled, and the processing timing for the image data subjected to pull-down conversion depends on the timing of the sequence. Be controlled.

  According to the present invention, pull-down converted data can be reproduced or inversely converted easily and accurately.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between constituent elements described in the claims and specific examples in the embodiments of the present invention are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that specific examples supporting the invention described in the claims are described in the embodiments of the invention. Therefore, even though there are specific examples that are described in the embodiment of the invention but are not described here as corresponding to the configuration requirements, the specific examples are not included in the configuration. It does not mean that it does not correspond to a requirement. On the contrary, even if a specific example is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, this means that the specific example does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. not.

  Further, this description does not mean that all the inventions corresponding to the specific examples described in the embodiments of the invention are described in the claims. In other words, this description is an invention corresponding to the specific example described in the embodiment of the invention, and the existence of an invention not described in the claims of this application, that is, in the future, a divisional application will be made. Nor does it deny the existence of an invention added by amendment.

  In the present invention, an information processing apparatus (for example, the camcorder in FIG. 2) for processing image data (for example, CCDOUT in FIG. 9) is provided. This information processing apparatus includes sequence control means (for example, FIG. 2) that controls the start timing (for example, frame A in FIG. 3) of a sequence (for example, one sequence in FIG. 3) that is repeatedly performed in the pull-down conversion processing of image data. 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit) and processing timing control means (for example, the recording shown in FIG. 2) for controlling the processing timing of the image data controlled by the sequence control means and subjected to pull-down conversion in accordance with the sequence timing. Control processing timing control unit).

  The pull-down conversion process converts 24 frames per second progressive image data (for example, image data 1 in FIG. 1) into interlaced image data (for example, image data 2 in FIG. 1) at 60 fields per second. 2-3 pull-down conversion processing can be performed.

  The sequence control unit may include a start timing changing unit (for example, a reset processing unit in FIG. 2) that forcibly moves the start timing of the sequence.

  The sequence control means can adjust the start timing of the sequence by the start timing changing means to a frame in which the time code value of the image data is an integer multiple of 5 (for example, 5N in FIG. 3).

  The processing timing control means can control the processing start timing (for example, recording start in FIG. 4) for the image data in accordance with the start timing of the sequence.

  The processing timing control means can control the processing end timing (for example, recording end in FIG. 5) for the image data in accordance with the sequence end timing.

  The processing timing control means controls the timing of a process (for example, a process of the recording control processing unit in FIG. 2) for recording the pull-down converted image data on a recording medium (for example, the recording medium in FIG. 2). be able to.

  The processing timing control means can control the timing of processing for outputting the image data subjected to pull-down conversion to the outside (for example, processing of the output control processing unit in FIG. 4).

  In the present invention, an information processing method for an information processing apparatus (for example, the camcorder in FIG. 2) for processing image data (for example, CCDOUT in FIG. 9) is provided. This information processing method is a sequence control step (for example, FIG. 7) for controlling the start timing (for example, frame A in FIG. 3) of a sequence (for example, one sequence in FIG. 3) repeatedly performed in the pull-down conversion processing of image data. A sequence timing control process) and a process timing control step (for example, a recording control process in FIG. 8) for controlling the processing timing for the image data controlled by the sequence control step and subjected to pull-down conversion in accordance with the sequence timing. Including.

  In the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer (for example, the camcorder in FIG. 2) to perform processing relating to image data (for example, CCDOUT in FIG. 9). This program is a sequence control step (for example, the sequence timing in FIG. 7) for controlling the start timing (for example, frame A in FIG. 3) of a sequence (for example, one sequence in FIG. 3) repeatedly performed in the pull-down conversion processing of image data. Control processing) and a processing timing control step (for example, the recording control processing in FIG. 8) for controlling the processing timing for the image data controlled by the processing in the sequence control step and subjected to pull-down conversion in accordance with the sequence timing. Including.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of an embodiment of a camcorder to which the present invention is applied.

  The camcorder 11 is a device that photographs a subject and records the obtained image data on a recording medium. The camcorder 11 includes an input unit 21, an imaging unit 22, a 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23, a recording control processing unit 24, a drive 25, a time code processing unit 26, a 2-3 pulldown conversion processing timing control unit 27, and a recording control. A processing timing control unit is included.

  The input unit 21 includes various buttons and switches, and receives input from the user. The input unit 21 supplies various types of user input information input by being operated by the user to the photographing unit 22, the time code processing unit 26, the recording control processing timing control unit 28, or the like as necessary.

  The photographing unit 22 includes a photoelectric conversion element using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or the like, and photographs a subject based on a user instruction supplied from the input unit 21. The supplied 24 frames per second progressive image data (hereinafter referred to as 24P) is supplied to the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23.

  The 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23 performs 2-3 pull-down conversion processing at a timing controlled by the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27, and converts 24P image data supplied from the photographing unit 22 into 60 fields per second. Image data of the interlace method (hereinafter referred to as 60i). The 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23 supplies the converted image data to the recording control processing unit 24.

  The recording control processing unit 24 supplies the 60i image data supplied from the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23 to the drive 25 together with the time code in synchronization with the time code supplied from the time code processing unit 26, and supplies them to the drive 25. Recording is performed on the optical disk 31 mounted in the drive 25. At this time, the recording control processing unit 24 starts or ends the recording control at the timing controlled by the recording control processing timing control unit 28.

  An optical disc 31 that is a writable nonvolatile recording medium is appropriately attached to the drive 25. The drive 25 is controlled by the recording control processing unit 24 and records the image data and time code supplied from the recording control processing unit 24 on the optical disc 31.

  The optical disc 31 is, for example, a DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable), a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disc-ReWritable), a DVD + R (Digital Versatile Disc + Recordable), a DVD + RW (Digital Versatile Disc + ReWritable), It is a writable large-capacity recording medium such as a DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disc-Random Access Memory), Blu-ray Disc, or Professional Disc for DATA (both are registered trademarks), and records image data and the like.

  The time code processing unit 26 performs processing related to the time code of the image data recorded on the optical disc 31. The time code processing unit 26 includes a time code generation unit 41 and a time code delay processing unit 42.

  The time code generation unit 41 performs processing related to generation of a time code for 60i image data, and supplies the generated time code to the time code delay processing unit 42. For example, when the time code generation unit 41 obtains an instruction input to start shooting from the input unit 21, the time code generation unit 41 starts a time code generation process in accordance with the start timing of shooting based on the instruction. For example, the time code generation unit 41 acquires an initial value input via the input unit 21 and generates a time code starting from the initial value.

  Further, the time code generation unit 41 receives an external input time code supplied from the outside of the camcorder 11 and supplies the time code to the time code delay processing unit 42. The externally input time code is input as, for example, a common time code for synchronization in a plurality of camcorders.

  The time code delay processing unit 42 holds the time code supplied from the time code generating unit 41 for a predetermined period, and stores the time code at a predetermined timing at the recording control processing unit 24 or the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27. To supply. Due to the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing by the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23, a delay time of about 2 frames, for example, is generated in the image data. That is, when compared at the same time, the frame of the image data output from the photographing unit 22 and the frame of the image data received by the recording control processing unit 24 are shifted by about 2 frames. The time code delay processing unit 42 delays the time code generated by the time code generation unit 41 in accordance with the photographing timing of the photographing unit 22 according to the delay time (according to the timing of the supply destination), 2 -3 Pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 and recording control processing unit 24.

  The 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 is a processing unit that controls the timing of the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing performed in the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23. As will be described later, from the time code processing unit 26 Based on the supplied time code value, the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23 performs sequence reset to control the sequence phase of the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing. For example, the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing timing control unit 27 causes the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23 to perform sequence reset in a frame in which the time code value supplied from the time code processing unit 26 is an integer multiple of 5. This ensures that the time code value of the first frame of the sequence is an integral multiple of 5.

  Also, the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 sends information regarding the timing of the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing sequence to the recording control processing timing control unit 28 in order to control the start / end timing of the image data recording processing. Supply.

  The 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 includes a time code determination unit 51, a TC (Time Code) sequence number calculation unit 52, a sequence counter 53, a field determination unit 54, and a reset processing unit 55.

  The time code determination unit 51 acquires the time code supplied from the time code processing unit 26, performs a determination process on the time code, such as whether or not the value of the time code continuously increases, and the determination The result and time code are supplied to the TC sequence number calculation unit 52 and the sequence counter 53.

  The TC sequence number calculation unit 52 calculates a TC sequence number indicating an ideal sequence phase for the supplied time code in the 2-3 pull-down conversion process, and supplies the value to the sequence counter 53. For example, the TC sequence number calculation unit 52 divides the time code value supplied from the time code determination unit 51 by 5 and sets the remainder as the TC sequence number.

  The sequence counter 53 manages the phase in the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing sequence in the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23. Further, the sequence counter 53 supplies the phase information to the recording control processing timing control unit 28.

  The field determination unit 54 determines whether the field of the image data processed in the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23 is the first field or the second field.

  Based on the count value of the sequence counter 53, the reset processing unit 55 performs a sequence reset that initializes the sequence for the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing in the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23.

  The recording control processing timing control unit 28 controls the operation of the recording control processing unit 24 based on the phase information of the sequence supplied from the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27, and the recording start timing and end of image data. Synchronize timing to sequence.

  That is, in the camcorder 11, the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing timing control unit 27 starts the sequence in accordance with the time code in the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing of the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23 as shown in FIG. Control the frame.

  In the top example of FIG. 3, in the 24P image data 61 supplied from the photographing unit 22 to the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23, the start frame A of the conversion processing sequence is generated by the time code processing unit 26. Is not synchronized with the time code value of 60i.

  In contrast, as in the second example from the top in FIG. 3, the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing timing control unit 27 applies a sequence reset 62 to the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23, thereby converting the conversion process. The start frame A of the sequence is moved to a timing at which the time code value is an integer multiple of 5.

  In this way, as in the example at the bottom of FIG. 3, in the converted 60i image data 63, the frame with the sequence number No. 0 (frame A) always has a time code value of 5N. (N is an integer). That is, in the image data 63, a frame having a time code value of 5N is a sequence start frame (frame A). Therefore, an apparatus that reproduces or reversely converts the image data 63 can easily specify the sequence start frame from the time code value, and can suppress the occurrence of problems such as phase shift.

  In the camcorder 11, the recording control processing timing control unit 28 controls the recording control processing unit 24 and controls the recording start position in accordance with the time code as shown in FIG.

  As shown in the top example of FIG. 4, in the frame of sequence number No. 3 of the 60i image data 71 supplied from the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23 to the recording medium control processing unit 24, the input unit Assume that 21 accepts a user instruction for instructing the start of recording. At this time, if the recording control processing timing control unit 28 does not control as in the conventional apparatus, the image data 72 as in the second example from the top in FIG. The image data 72 starts to be recorded from the frame having the sequence number No. 4, and the first frame is the frame D. That is, the image data 72 is different in sequence start position and recording start position. Therefore, for example, when the reproducing apparatus reproduces the image data 72 from the first frame, the reproducing process must be started from the middle of the sequence, which causes a problem.

  On the other hand, the recording control processing timing control unit 28 of the camcorder 11 controls the recording start timing based on the count value of the sequence counter supplied from the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27. Is recorded with image data 73 as shown in the bottom example of FIG.

  The image data 73 starts to be recorded from the frame having the sequence number No. 0, and the first frame is the frame A. That is, in this image data 73, the sequence start position and the recording start position coincide. Therefore, for example, when the playback device plays back the image data 73 from the top frame, the playback process always starts from the top of the sequence, and the occurrence of problems is suppressed.

  Further, in the camcorder 11, the recording control processing timing control unit 28 controls the recording control processing unit 24 and controls the recording end position according to the time code as shown in FIG.

  As shown in the top example of FIG. 5, in the frame of sequence number No. 2 of 60i image data 81 supplied from the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23 to the recording medium control processing unit 24, the input unit Assume that 21 accepts a user instruction to instruct the end of recording. At this time, if the recording control processing timing control unit 28 does not control as in the conventional apparatus, the image data 82 as in the second example from the top in FIG. The image data 82 has been recorded in the frame of sequence number No. 2 instructed to end recording. That is, the image data 72 is different in sequence end position and recording end position. Therefore, for example, when the reproducing apparatus reproduces other image data following the reproduction of the image data 72, the reproduction of the image data ends in the middle of the sequence. Will occur.

  On the other hand, the recording control processing timing control unit 28 of the camcorder 11 controls the recording end timing based on the count value of the sequence counter supplied from the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27. Is recorded with image data 83 as shown in the bottom example of FIG.

  The image data 83 has been recorded with the frame of sequence number No. 4, and the final frame is frame D (sequence end frame). That is, in the image data 83, the sequence end position and the recording end position coincide. Therefore, for example, when the reproducing apparatus reproduces other image data following the reproduction of the image data 83, the reproduction of the image data always ends at the end of the sequence, so that the occurrence of problems is suppressed.

  A specific flow of processing executed in the camcorder 11 as described above will be described.

  First, processing related to the time code by the time code processing unit 26 will be described. When using the external input time code, the time code processing unit 26 supplies the external input time code without generating the time code. When the external input time code is not used, the time code processing unit 26 generates a time code and supplies it. However, since the free-run mode and the reclan mode exist in the image data recording and recording process, the time code processing unit 26 generates a time code in accordance with each mode.

  The free run mode is a method for advancing the time code regardless of the execution of the recording process. In this mode, the time code is continuous throughout the shooting operation, so the time code of the image data recorded on the optical disc 31 indicates the recording timing for the entire shooting operation. For example, in a plurality of image data arranged in the order of recording, when there is an interval between the recording end time of one image data and the recording start time of the next image data, the time codes of these image data are not continuous with each other.

  The reclan mode is a method in which the time code is advanced only during the recording process. In this mode, the time code value does not increase while the recording process is not being performed. Therefore, for example, in a plurality of image data arranged in the order of recording, even when there is an interval between the recording end time of one image data and the recording start time of the next image data, the time of those image data The codes are continuous with each other.

  When the camcorder 11 shifts to the shooting mode in which shooting is performed, the time code processing unit 26 executes time code processing and performs such control processing. This time code processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1, the time code generation unit 41 determines whether or not to internally generate a time code. If it is determined to internally generate, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the time code generation unit 41 determines whether or not the recording process mode is the free-run mode. If it is determined that the recording mode is the free-run mode, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S <b> 3, the time code generation unit 41 generates a new time code value obtained by incrementing the current value by “1” and supplies it to the time code delay processing unit 42. The time code delay processing unit 42 delays the time code by a predetermined time in step S4, and then in step S5, the time code determination unit 51 of the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 and the recording control process To the unit 24.

  In step S6, the time code generation unit 41 determines whether or not to end the time code process. If it is determined not to end the process, the process returns to step S3 and repeats the subsequent processes. If it is determined in step S6 that the time code process is to be terminated, the time code generation unit 41 ends the time code process.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the recording process mode is the reclan mode, the time code generator 41 advances the process to step S7.

  In step S7, the time code generation unit 41 determines whether image data is currently being recorded. If it is determined that the image data is being recorded, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the time code generation unit 41 generates a new time code value obtained by incrementing the current value by “1”, supplies it to the time code delay processing unit 42, and proceeds to step S9. If it is determined in step S7 that image data is not being recorded, the time code generation unit 41 supplies the time code to the time code delay processing unit 42 without incrementing the value, and the process proceeds to step S9.

  The time code delay processing unit 42 delays the time code by a predetermined time in step S9, and then in step S10, the time code determination unit 51 of the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 and the recording control process To the unit 24.

  In step S11, the time code generation unit 41 determines whether or not to end the time code process. If it is determined that the time code process does not end, the process returns to step S7 and repeats the subsequent processes. If it is determined in step S11 that the time code process is to be ended, the time code generation unit 41 ends the time code process.

  If it is determined in step S1 that an external input time code is to be used without internally generating a time code, the time code generation unit 41 proceeds to step S12, receives the external input time code, and receives it as a time. This is supplied to the code delay processing unit 42.

  The time code delay processing unit 42 delays the external input time code by a predetermined time in step S13, and then converts the external input time code to the time code determination unit 51 of the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 in step S10. And supplied to the recording control processing unit 24.

  In step S15, the time code generation unit 41 determines whether or not to end the time code process. If it is determined not to end the process, the process returns to step S12 and repeats the subsequent processes. If it is determined in step S15 that the time code process is to be terminated, the time code generation unit 41 ends the time code process.

  As described above, when the time code processing unit 26 performs the time code processing, the time code generation unit 41 can supply a correct time code at a timing according to the processing of the supply destination.

  Next, a sequence timing control process executed by the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing timing control unit 27 to control the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing by the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. explain.

  In step S31, the field determination unit 54 determines whether or not the current field of the 60i image data subjected to 2-3 pulldown conversion in the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23 is the second field. If it is determined that it is, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, the time code determination unit 51 determines whether or not the time code is supplied from the time code processing unit 26. If it is determined that the time code is supplied, the process proceeds to step S33 and the time code is supplied. It is determined whether or not the time code value is incremented (incremented by one). If it is determined that the time code value is advancing, the time code determination unit 51 advances the process to step S34.

  In step S34, the TC sequence number calculation unit 52 calculates the TC sequence number from the time code value. The TC sequence number calculation unit 52 converts the time code value into a continuous integer from “0”, and sets the remainder obtained by dividing the value by the value “5” as the TC sequence number. The TC sequence number calculation unit 52 supplies the calculated TC sequence number to the sequence counter 53.

  The sequence counter 53 supplied with the TC sequence number supplies the current count value to the recording control processing timing control unit 28 in step S35.

  In step S36, the sequence counter 53 updates the counter value with the value of the TC sequence number, and supplies the updated value to the reset processing unit 55. In step S37, the reset processing unit 55 determines whether or not the count value of the supplied sequence counter is “4”. If it is determined that the count value is “4”, the process proceeds to step S38. Go ahead and reset the 2-3 pulldown conversion sequence. The reset processing unit 55 that has reset the sequence proceeds to step S39.

  In Step S37, when it is determined that the supplied count value is “4”, the reset processing unit 55 omits Step S38 and proceeds to Step S39.

  In step S39, the 2-3 pull-down conversion process timing control unit 27 determines whether or not to end the sequence timing control process. If it determines not to end the process, the process returns to step S31 and repeats the subsequent processes. . If it is determined in step S39 that the sequence timing control process is to be ended, the 2-3 pull-down conversion process timing control unit 27 ends the sequence timing control process.

  If it is determined in step S32 that the time code is not supplied from the time code processing unit 26, or if it is determined in step S33 that the time code value is not advanced, the time code determination unit 51 The process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, the sequence counter 53 determines whether or not the count value is smaller than “4”. If it is determined that the count value is smaller, the process proceeds to step S41, and the current count value is sent to the recording control processing timing control unit 28. Supply. In step S42, the sequence counter 53 increments the count value by “1”, returns the process to step S39, and repeats the subsequent processes.

  If it is determined in step S40 that the count value is “4”, the process proceeds to step S43. In step S43, the sequence counter 53 supplies the current count value to the recording control processing timing control unit 28. The sequence counter 53 sets its count value to “0” in step S44. In step S45, the reset processing unit 55 resets the sequence of 2-3 pull-down conversion processing. The reset processing unit 55 that resets the sequence returns the processing to step S39 and repeats the subsequent processing.

  If it is determined in step S31 that the current field of the 60i image data that has undergone 2-3 pulldown conversion in the 2-3 pulldown conversion processing unit 23 is the first field, the field determination unit 54 performs the process in step S31. Proceed to S46. In step S <b> 46, the sequence counter 53 supplies the current count value to the recording control processing timing control unit 28. The sequence counter 53 that has supplied the count value returns the processing to step S39 and repeats the subsequent processing.

  By executing the sequence timing control process as described above, the 2-3 pulldown conversion process timing control unit 27 determines the sequence start position of the 2-3 pulldown conversion process executed by the 2-3 pulldown conversion process unit 23 as follows: It can be accurately controlled according to the time code value.

  Next, the recording control processing executed by the recording control processing timing control unit 28 to control the recording control processing unit 24 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S61, the recording control processing timing control unit 28 determines whether or not recording start is instructed. If it is determined that the recording is instructed, the process proceeds to step S62. In step S62, the recording control processing timing control unit 28 starts recording from the next sequence start position. In step S63, the recording control processing timing control unit 28 determines whether or not the recording end is instructed, and waits until it is determined that the instruction has been instructed. If it is determined that the end of recording has been instructed, the recording control process timing control unit 28 advances the process to step S64 and ends the recording at the next sequence end position. The recording control processing timing control unit 28 that has finished recording advances the processing to step S65.

  If it is determined in step S61 that the start of recording has not been instructed, the recording control process timing control unit 28 advances the process to step S65.

  In step S65, the recording control process timing control unit 28 determines whether or not to end the recording control process. If it is determined that the recording control process does not end, the process returns to step S61, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S65 that the recording control process is to be terminated, the recording control process timing control unit 28 terminates the recording control process after performing the termination process in step S66.

  By performing the recording control process as described above, the recording control process timing control unit 28 can match the recording start position with the sequence start position and the recording end position with the sequence end position.

  Next, a change in the value of each signal in the control process as described above will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a change in the value of a signal related to sequence reset.

  In FIG. 9, the input time code 101 input to the time code delay processing unit 42 is output from the time code delay processing unit 42, supplied to the drive 25 by the recording control processing unit 24, and image data to the optical disc 31. The value of the recording time code 102 which is a recorded time code is delayed by two frames.

  At this time, the signal A 103 supplied from the time code processing unit 26 to the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 is a time code having the same timing as the recording time code 102. Further, the signal B104 is supplied from the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 to the recording control processing timing control unit 28. The signal B104 is a count value of the sequence counter 53, that is, a sequence number of “0” to “4”.

  When the sequence reset signal 105 is generated at the timing indicated by the sequence reset 111, the phase with respect to the sequence is changed as shown in FIG. The phase of the sequence in the field of post-conversion data 107 after pull-down conversion also changes as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a change in the value of a signal related to the recording start / end control.

  For each signal similar to FIG. 9, the recording control processing timing control unit 28 supplies the recording control signal 121 to the recording control processing unit 24 at the timing as shown in FIG. In other words, in the case of a control signal for instructing the start of recording, the recording control processing timing control unit 28 changes the recording control signal 121 from “00:10” in which the value of the recording time code 102 is an integer multiple of 5. The recording control processing unit 24 supplies the recording control processing unit 24 with the recording start timing 122 so as to be started. In the case of a control signal for instructing the end of recording, the recording control processing timing control unit 28 sets the recording control signal 121 to “00:14” in which the value of the recording time code 102 is one before an integer multiple of 5. Is supplied to the recording control processing unit 24 at the timing of the recording end 123 so that the recording process ends.

  Thereby, the recording process is performed from “00:10” to “0014” in the recording time code 102. As a result, the range indicated by the double-headed arrow of the converted data 107 is recorded on the optical disc 31 as the recording data.

  By controlling as described above, the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing sequence of the image data recorded on the optical disc 31 is always synchronized with an integer multiple of “5” of the time code, and the start frame of the image data is a sequence. The end frame of the image data is the last frame of the sequence.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion device that performs 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing on the image data recorded in this manner.

  In FIG. 11, the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion device includes a drive 141, an image data reading unit 142, a 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing unit 143, a time code reading unit 144, a sequence control unit 145, and an image data output unit 146. Have.

  The image data reading unit 142 reads the image data recorded as described above on the optical disc 31 that is appropriately mounted on the drive 141, and supplies the image data to the 2-3 pull-down inverse conversion processing unit 143 and the time code reading unit 144. To do.

  The 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing unit 143 controls the timing of the sequence by the sequence control unit 145, performs 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing on the image data supplied from the image data reading unit 142, and performs 60i Are converted into 24P image data. Then, the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing unit 143 supplies the converted 24P image data to the image data output unit 146.

  The time code reading unit 144 reads the time code added to the image data supplied from the image data reading unit 142 and supplies the value to the sequence control unit 145. The sequence control unit 145 controls the sequence of 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing executed by the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing unit 143 based on the time code value supplied from the time code reading unit 144.

  The image data output unit 146 outputs the image data supplied from the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing unit 143 to the outside of the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion device 131.

  Next, the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion process executed by the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion device 131 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 81, the image data reading unit 142 reads the image data recorded on the optical disc 31 mounted on the drive 141. As described above, this image data is image data that has been subjected to 2-3 pulldown conversion by controlling the sequence by the camcorder 11, and the phases of the start frame and the end frame with respect to the sequence of 2-3 pulldown conversion processing are also included. It is controlled. When the image data is read, the image data reading unit 142 supplies the image data to the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing unit 143 and the time code reading unit 144, and the process proceeds to step S82.

  In step S 82, the time code reading unit 144 reads the value of the time code added to the image data supplied to the image data reading unit 142 and supplies the value to the sequence control unit 145. In step S83, the sequence control unit 145 determines whether or not the supplied time code value is an integer multiple of “5”. If it is determined that it is an integral multiple of “5”, the sequence control unit 145 proceeds to step S84 and resets the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing sequence in the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing unit 143. The sequence control unit 145 that resets the sequence proceeds to step S85. If it is determined in step S83 that the time code value is not an integer multiple of “5”, the sequence control unit 145 advances the process to step S85.

  In step S85, the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing unit 143 performs 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion, and supplies the converted image data to the image data output unit 146. The image data output unit 146 outputs the image data supplied in step S86 to the outside of the 2-3 pull-down inverse conversion device 131.

  In step S87, the image data output unit 146 that has output the image data determines whether to end the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion process. If it determines not to end, the process returns to step S81, and the subsequent steps Repeat the process. If determined to end in step S87, the image data output unit 146 ends the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion process.

  As described above, the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion device 131 can easily control the 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion processing sequence only by referring to the time code. Can be reproduced or inversely converted easily and accurately.

  The control of the 2-3 pull-down conversion process as described above can be applied to apparatuses other than the camcorder 11 shown in FIG. 2 as long as the apparatus performs the 2-3 pull-down conversion process. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a recorder that records image data input from the outside of the apparatus on the optical disc 31.

  In FIG. 13, a recorder 201 has basically the same configuration as the camcorder 11 of FIG. 2, but an image data input unit 211 that accepts input of image data from the outside of the apparatus is used instead of the imaging unit 22 of the camcorder 11. Have.

  The image data input unit 211 includes an input interface unit 222, a playback drive 223, and a communication unit 224. The input interface unit 222 acquires 24P image data from another device that supplies image data connected by a predetermined method, and supplies it to the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23. The playback drive 223 is loaded with a recording medium on which 24P image data is recorded, reads the image data, and supplies it to the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23. The communication unit 224 is connected to a network typified by the Internet, communicates with other devices connected via the network, acquires 24P image data, and sends it to the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23. Supply.

  As described above, since the recorder 201 has basically the same configuration as the camcorder 11, the description of the process related to the control of the 2-3 pull-down conversion process described for the camcorder 11 can also be applied to the recorder 201.

  Furthermore, the image data that has been controlled as described above and subjected to the 2-3 pull-down conversion process may not be recorded on the recording medium. FIG. 14 shows an example of the configuration of a 2-3 pulldown conversion device that performs 2-3 pulldown conversion by performing sequence control on the input 24P image data as described above, and outputs the converted image data to the outside of the device. FIG.

  In FIG. 14, the 2-3 pull-down conversion device 301 includes the same input units 21, 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit 23, time code processing unit 26, and 2-3 pull-down conversion processing timing control unit 27 as the camcorder 11. is doing. The 2-3 pull-down converter 301 includes an output control processing timing control unit 311 instead of the recording control processing timing control unit 28 of the camcorder 11 and outputs instead of the recording control processing unit 24 and the drive 25 of the camcorder 11. A control processing unit 312 is included.

  The output control processing unit 312 performs output processing of image data (60i) at a timing controlled by the output control processing timing control unit 311. The output control processing timing control unit 311 operates in the same manner as the recording control processing timing control unit 28 of the camcorder 11, and starts output processing at the first frame of the sequence and ends output processing at the last frame of the sequence. The operation of the processing unit 312 is controlled.

  That is, the 2-3 pull-down conversion device 301 differs from the camcorder 11 only in the processing related to input and output of image data, and the processing related to sequence control of the 2-3 pull-down conversion processing is similar to that of the camcorder 11 described above. Done as if.

  Therefore, the recorder 201 in FIG. 13 and the 2-3 pull-down conversion device 301 in FIG. 14 can control the phase of each frame of the image data with respect to the sequence of the frame as in the case of the camcorder 11 in FIG. The data can be reproduced or inversely converted easily and accurately.

  Although the 2-3 pull-down conversion process has been described above, the present invention can be applied to any conversion process as long as it converts the frame rate of an image.

  In addition, you may make it each apparatus of the camcorder 11, the recorder 201, and the 2-3 pull-down converter 301 mentioned above each comprise a part of function separately (as several apparatus).

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. In this case, for example, the camcorder 11 in FIG. 2, the recorder 201 in FIG. 13, or the 2-3 pull-down converter 301 in FIG. 14 may be configured as a personal computer as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 15, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401 of the personal computer 400 performs various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402 or a program loaded from a storage unit 413 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403. Execute the process. The RAM 403 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 401 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 401, ROM 402, and RAM 403 are connected to each other via a bus 404. An input / output interface 410 is also connected to the bus 404.

  The input / output interface 410 includes an input unit 411 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an output unit 412 including a speaker, and a hard disk. A communication unit 414 including a storage unit 413 and a modem is connected. The communication unit 414 performs communication processing via a network including the Internet.

  A drive 415 is connected to the input / output interface 410 as necessary, and a removable medium 421 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from them is It is installed in the storage unit 413 as necessary.

  When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the recording medium is distributed to distribute the program to the user separately from the apparatus main body, and includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk) on which the program is recorded, an optical disk ( Removable media 421 including a CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory), a DVD (digital versatile disk), a magneto-optical disk (including MD (mini-disk) (registered trademark)), or a semiconductor memory. In addition to being configured, it is configured by a ROM 402 in which a program is recorded and a hard disk included in the storage unit 413, which is distributed to the user in a state of being pre-installed in the apparatus main body.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a schematic diagram explaining the example of the conventional pull-down conversion. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the camcorder to which this invention is applied. It is a schematic diagram explaining the example of a sequence reset. It is a schematic diagram explaining the example of recording start position control. It is a schematic diagram explaining the example of recording end position control. It is a flowchart explaining a time code process. It is a flowchart explaining a sequence timing control process. It is a flowchart explaining a recording control process. It is a figure explaining the change of the value of the signal regarding a sequence reset. It is a figure explaining the change of the value of the signal regarding control of recording start end. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a 2-3 pulldown reverse conversion apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining 2-3 pulldown reverse conversion processing. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the recorder to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the 2-3 pulldown converter to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the personal computer to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

  1 image data, 2 image data, 3 image data, 11 camcorder, 21 input unit, 22 photographing unit, 23 2-3 pull-down conversion processing unit, 24 recording control processing unit, 25 drive, 31 optical disc, 41 time code generation unit, 42 Time code delay processing unit, 51 Time code determination unit, 52 TC sequence number calculation unit, 53 Sequence counter, 54 Field determination unit, 55 Reset processing unit, 131 2-3 pulldown inverse conversion device, 141 drive, 142 Image data reading unit 143, 2-3 pull-down inverse conversion processing unit, 144 time code reading unit, 145 sequence control unit, 146 image data output unit, 201 recorder, 211 image data input unit, 222 input interface unit, 2 3 Playback Drive, 224 communication unit, 301 2-3 pulldown conversion unit, 311 output control process timing controller, 312 an output control processor, 400 a personal computer

Claims (10)

In an information processing apparatus that processes image data,
Sequence control means for controlling the start timing of a sequence repeatedly performed in the pull-down conversion processing of the image data;
An information processing apparatus comprising: processing timing control means for controlling processing timing for the image data controlled by the sequence control means and subjected to pull-down conversion in accordance with the timing of the sequence. The information according to claim 1, wherein the pull-down conversion process is a 2-3 pull-down conversion process for converting progressive image data of 24 frames per second into interlaced image data of 60 fields per second. Processing equipment. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sequence control unit includes a start timing changing unit that forcibly moves a start timing of the sequence. 4. The information processing according to claim 3, wherein the sequence control unit adjusts the start timing of the sequence to a frame in which a time code value of the image data is an integer multiple of 5 by the start timing changing unit. apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing timing control unit controls a processing start timing for the image data according to a start timing of the sequence. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing timing control unit controls an end timing of processing for the image data in accordance with an end timing of the sequence. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing timing control unit controls timing of processing for recording the image data subjected to the pull-down conversion on a recording medium. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing timing control unit controls processing timing for outputting the image data subjected to the pull-down conversion to the outside. An information processing method of an information processing apparatus for processing image data,
A sequence control step for controlling a start timing of a sequence repeatedly performed in the pull-down conversion processing of the image data;
An information processing method comprising: a processing timing control step for controlling processing timing for the image data that is controlled by the processing of the sequence control step and subjected to pull-down conversion, according to the timing of the sequence. In a program that causes a computer to perform processing related to image data,
A sequence control step for controlling a start timing of a sequence repeatedly performed in the pull-down conversion processing of the image data;
A processing timing control step for controlling processing timing for the image data that has been controlled by the processing of the sequence control step and subjected to pull-down conversion, according to the timing of the sequence.

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