JPH09130721A - Information processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operability by correcting a delay in reception operation of the operator so as to easily receive an object video image as a still image. SOLUTION: Till an instruction of reception of a still image is given after display of an input video image is started, before a received video image frame is switched into a succeeding video frame, while an old stored video image is updated into a newest video image, at least one still image is buffered in a video transfer memory 4 at all times. When the reception of the still image is instructed by the operation of the operator, the still image buffered before the instruction timing is stored in the video transfer memory 4 to receive a still image before the instructed timing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a still image capturing function capable of capturing a desired still image by operating an operating unit while watching an input image displayed on a screen. Is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, an input image from a television receiver, a video camera, a video tape device, a video disc device, etc. is displayed on a screen of a display unit, and a user can see a desired image while watching the displayed image. By operating the still image capture operation unit at the display timing, a so-called still image capture function that captures the image of the operation timing into a storage device that can process data in the device body, such as a multimedia-compatible personal computer or word processor Information processing devices have become widespread.

At present, for example, while displaying a television broadcast image or a reproduced image of a video tape device, if the image on the screen is temporarily stopped and the still image capture button is pressed while the image is paused, A multimedia-compatible personal computer in which the image is stored in a hard disk has been put into practical use.

Also, while displaying an input image from a video camera or the like, when a still image capturing button is pressed at the timing of the image to be captured, the multimedia is incorporated into a memory in the main body of the device, and a word processor compatible with multimedia is practically used. Has been converted.

Further, in an information processing apparatus having a still image capturing function, an input image is displayed on the screen together with an image of an operating section of the video equipment, and the video equipment is controlled based on an instruction of the image of the operating section. There is known a technique for easily operating on a screen a video device involved in a still image capturing work by forming a control signal for controlling the operation (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 2).
-285871).

Further, in an information processing apparatus having a still image capturing function, a shutter key (still image capturing button) is pressed to capture an image in the recording means, and then a screen based on the captured image signal for one screen is displayed. By inserting and displaying in the display screen of the input video as a sub screen,
There is known a technique capable of easily confirming a captured image and confirming that the capturing operation is performed accurately (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-13069).

Further, in the information processing apparatus having the still image capturing function, when the shutter key is pressed while the input image is displayed, the still image video signal is selected instead of the input video signal, and the still image is selected. When the image is displayed on the screen and then the shutter key is pressed again, the still image video signal is captured by the recording means, so that the captured image can be confirmed in advance on the screen. Technology is known (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 13076/1993)
No.).

As described above, various still image capturing methods have conventionally been proposed in consideration of user operability.

[0009]

In the information processing apparatus having the still image capturing function as described above, when the user performs a still image capturing operation, the still image capturing button is visually checked while visually confirming a moving image. Pressing or performing an operation to pause the image while visually checking the moving image, so after the consciousness you want to capture works,
After the display of the target video has passed, the button operation (operation of the still image capture button or the pause button) for capturing the video is performed.

In the conventional information processing apparatus having the still image capturing function, the capturing of the image being input at that time is started at the timing when the user operates the still image capturing button. , As mentioned above, there is a delay in the button operation of the operator,
Considering that there is a time lag from the button operation until the input video is transferred to the storage area, it is not easy to capture the target video. In particular, when a still image capturing operation is performed while visually observing a fast-moving image, it is inevitable that the target image goes too far. In addition, even in an information processing device that captures a video after the video is paused, it is difficult to pause the video at a timing that the user desires to capture, as described above. Video capture is difficult.

For the above-mentioned reason, in the conventional information processing apparatus, the target video cannot be captured unless the operator has the consciousness of operating the button before the desired video is displayed. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the button operation timing while recording the video in advance and reproducing the target video many times.

For example, if an image is recorded by the video tape device, the desired image can be finally obtained by repeating the operations of rewinding the tape, reproducing and stopping. However, delicate timing adjustment is required while repeating reproduction, it takes time to capture a target image, and the work efficiency of the operator is not so good. For example, the most frequently used NTSC television image at present has a field frequency of 60 Hz (frame frequency is 30 Hz), and field images (frame images at 1/30 intervals) are switched at 1/60 second intervals. . It is not easy to obtain one desired still image from the images switched at such short time intervals by the operation of the user, considering the mechanical performance of the playback device such as the running / braking performance of the video tape. Absent.

In particular, in the above-mentioned conventional information processing apparatus, a situation in which an image is input only once, such as a case where a received image of a television is captured as a still image without a recording device such as a video tape device There is a serious problem that there is a high possibility that a desired still image cannot be captured. In other words, in such a situation, it is not possible to play back later, so failure to capture images is not allowed, but as described above, a desired still image can be captured with a single capturing operation while observing a moving image. Is difficult, and it is very likely that the capture of the desired still image will fail.

[0014]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the information processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 displays the input image from the image input section and the input image as a still image. By providing a capture operation means for instructing the capture timing and a video storage means having an area for storing the input video as a still image, by operating the capture operation means while watching the input video displayed on the display means. It is equipped with a still image capturing function capable of capturing a desired still image into the video storage means, and from the start of the display of the input video until there is an instruction to capture the still image from the capturing operation means, Video buffering in which the old stored video is updated and stored as the latest video, and the input video is transferred to the video storage means as a still image at a predetermined time interval and saved. Control means and the still image capture control for retaining the still image transferred and saved in the video storage means before the instruction timing when the still image capture is instructed by the capture operation means. And means are provided.

According to the above arrangement, from the time when the operator starts the display of the input image to perform the still image capturing operation until the operator inputs a still image from the capturing operation means, the operator receives the still image. The input video from the video input unit is transferred and saved (buffered) to the video storage means as a still image without waiting for the capture instruction.
Therefore, at the time when the operator gives a capture instruction, at least the still image before the capture instruction including the video immediately before the instruction timing is already stored in the video storage means.

When an operator actually gives a capture instruction, the transferred and saved still image is held in the image storage means, and the image before the still image capture instruction timing is captured. Becomes

Since the operator gives a fetching instruction by operating the fetching operation means while looking at the input image displayed on the display means, the fetching instruction operation is performed after the consciousness of the fetching has worked as described above. It takes a long time to react and the operation is delayed. However, in the present invention, since the image before the actual capture instruction timing can be captured, it is possible to capture the target image by correcting the delay of the operator's capture instruction.

An information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is, in the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, provided with a capture number setting operation means for arbitrarily setting the capture number of still images before the capture instruction timing, The video buffering control means controls at least the number of still images set by the capture number setting operation means from the start of displaying the input video until the capture operation means instructs the capture of still images. Buffering control of the still image so that the still image is buffered in the video storing means, and the still image capturing control means controls the captured image number from the still image transferred and saved immediately before the capturing instruction timing. The still images up to the number set before are stored in the image storage means as still images to be taken into the image storage means. It is characterized in that.

According to the above arrangement, the operator himself / herself can arbitrarily set the number of still images to be captured before the capture instruction timing by operating the capture number setting operation means. In this case, a plurality of still images are buffered in the video storage means until the capture operation is instructed by the capture operation means until the capture operation is performed. Then, the set number of still images up to immediately before the capture instruction timing are stored in the video storage means and captured.

When a target video frame is captured as a still image from a large number of continuous video frames that make up a moving image by a single capturing operation, it is considered that there are individual differences in reaction time among operators and differences in image content. It's not easy. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the operator himself / herself presets the number of captured images, a plurality of images before the capture instruction timing can be captured, so that the probability of capturing a target still image can be increased.

In the information processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 3, in the configuration of the invention of claim 2, the time interval for transferring and saving the input video as a still image in the video storage means is a minimum video frame minimum interval time. A time interval setting operation means for arbitrarily setting the unit is provided, and the video buffering control means stores the input video as a still image in the video storage means at the time interval set by the time interval setting operation means. The feature is that the transfer is saved.

According to the above arrangement, the operator himself / herself can arbitrarily set the time interval of the images buffered in succession by operating the time interval setting operation means. In this case, from the start of the display of the input video until the capture operation means gives an instruction to capture a still image, the input video is thinned and buffered at a set time interval in the video storage means. Then, when the capture operation is performed, the set number of still images up to immediately before the capture instruction timing are stored in the video storage means and captured. As a result, it is possible to absorb the difference due to the type of image and the operation of the operator (reaction time), and to widen the selection range for capturing a still image from the input image.

An information processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, wherein the video is stored based on the storage capacity of the video storage means and the storage capacity required for one still image. The present invention is characterized by including management means for limiting and managing the maximum number of still images that can be stored in the storage means and for managing the maximum number of still images that can be set by the capture number setting operation means.

According to the above arrangement, the management means manages the limited storage capacity of the video storage means, and manages the maximum number of sheets that can be set by the operator by the fetched sheet number setting operation means. The upper limit number of still images that can be stored in the video storage means can be obtained by dividing the storage capacity of the video storage means by the storage capacity required for one still picture. By managing this maximum number of images, the operator can capture more still images within the storage capacity of the video storage means,
The selection rate of the target video can be improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the input of a few seconds before the timing at which the still image capturing operation is instructed by the capturing operation means is used as a reference. A time setting operation means is provided for setting the time for capturing the video as a still image with the minimum time interval of the video frame as the minimum unit. Then, the video buffering control means displays all video frames of the input video at every minimum video frame time interval from the start of displaying the input video until the capture operation means gives an instruction to capture a still image. While transferring to the video storage means, the still image buffering control is performed so that a predetermined number of still images are always saved in the video storage means. It is characterized in that a still image transferred and saved at a timing traced back by the time set by the setting operation means is held in the image storage means as a still image to be taken into the image storage means.

According to the configuration of the invention of claim 5, by operating the time setting operation means, the operator himself / herself can arbitrarily set how many seconds before the capture instruction timing the input video is captured as a still image. You can In this case, all video frames of the input video are transferred to the video storage means, and a predetermined number of still images are constantly buffered in the video storage means. And when the import operation is performed,
A still image buffered at a timing that is set back from the capture instruction timing by a set time is treated as a captured image.

Generally, the operation timing of the operator's capture is slightly different depending on the individual difference in reaction time depending on the operator and the content of the image (speed of movement, etc.). The dead time is not always constant. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the operator himself / herself presets the timing of capturing as a still image, whereby the deviation of the operation timing can be accurately corrected, and the probability of capturing the target still image increases.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect of the invention, the still image capture control means captures a still image by the capture operation means. When is instructed, the input video at the instruction timing is stored as a still image in the video storage means, and the input video after the instruction timing is stored as a still image in the video storage means.

According to the structure of the above invention, when the operator inputs an instruction to capture a still image, the still image before the instruction timing, the still image at the instruction timing, and the still image after the instruction timing are given. Also,
The image is stored in the image storage means. This improves the operator's selection rate of the target image after capturing the still image.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided the information processing apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth aspect of the invention, wherein the image storage means has one image frame composed of a plurality of fields. It has a storage area in field units for storing the input image of the interlaced system as a still image. The information processing apparatus further includes a display mode setting operation unit for setting the display mode after the still image is captured in the video storage unit to either the non-interlace mode or the interlace mode, and the non-interlace mode. When the interlace mode is set, the still image captured in the video storage means is displayed in a non-interlace form which constitutes the image by the information of one field, while when the interlace mode is set, the video is displayed. It is characterized in that it is provided with display control means for interlacing the still image taken in the storage means to form an image with information of a plurality of fields.

According to the above configuration, when a still image is captured from an interlace type input image (NTSC type television image or the like) in which one image frame is composed of a plurality of fields, display mode setting operation means. By this operation, the operator himself can change and set the display mode of the captured still image to either non-interlace or interlace. When the non-interlaced mode is set, the still image captured in the video storage means is displayed as a non-interlaced image that constitutes the image with the information of one field. Further, when the interlace mode is set, the still image captured in the video storage means is displayed in the interlace which constitutes the image by the information of a plurality of fields.

For example, when a still image is captured from a fast-moving input image, the image blur between the fields becomes large. In this case, the non-interlace mode is set to improve the image quality of the still image. be able to. On the other hand, when a still image is captured from an input image with a small amount of movement, there is almost no blurring of the image between each field. In this case, the interlace mode is set, so that a non-interlace with multiple fields and a large amount of information You can get a beautiful still image. In this way, the image quality of the captured still image can be improved by setting the display mode according to the type of the input video.

An information processing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh aspect of the invention, wherein a plurality of still images are captured in the video storage means. , A selection operation means for selectively displaying an arbitrary still image on the display means and a still image selected by the selection operation means and displayed on the display means are written and stored in an auxiliary recording medium. A storage means is provided.

According to the above construction, when a plurality of still images are taken in the video storage means, the operator can select and display any still image on the display means by operating the selection operation means. Then, take a visual check,
By writing and saving the necessary still image in the auxiliary storage medium by the saving means, it is not necessary to save the unnecessary still image, so that the capacity shortage of the auxiliary storage medium can be reduced. Also, by saving the captured still image in the auxiliary storage medium, the saved still image can be read out any number of times later, and the still image can be captured (display, processing, and printing are possible).
Since it can be restored, you can save the trouble of repeating the work of capturing a still image from the original input video.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information processing apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh aspect of the invention, wherein a plurality of still images are captured in the video storage means. A selection operation means for selectively displaying an arbitrary still image on the display means, and a print control means for causing a printing device to print the still image selected by the selection operation means and displayed on the display means. It is characterized by having and.

With the above arrangement, when a plurality of still images are captured in the video storage means, the operator can select and display any still image on the display means by operating the selection operation means. Then, take a visual check,
By printing the required still image on the printing device, the target still image can be printed accurately. Further, by printing the still image in this way, the still images captured in the past can be easily confirmed.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention.
The following is a description with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a video input terminal 11 for inputting a video signal from a video source such as a television receiver, a video camera, a video tape device, a video disc device or the like. And CR the input video
Display instruction on the screen of the display device 7 such as T (Cathode-Ray Tube) or liquid crystal display panel, and by operating (input instruction) the input device 6 while watching the input image displayed on the display device 7 This is a multimedia-compatible information processing device having a function of capturing previous images as still images.

In the present embodiment, a case where an NTSC system (field frequency 60 Hz, 1: 2 interlace system) television image is used as an input image will be described as an example.

This information processing apparatus includes an analog / digital conversion unit (hereinafter referred to as an A / D conversion unit) 1, a video reception memory 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 3, a video transfer memory 4 (video storage means), The video environment information buffer 5, the input device 6, the display device 7, the auxiliary storage medium 8, the printing device 9, and the clock control device 10 are provided.

The A / D converter 1 has a video input terminal 11
In addition to the function of converting the input video signal from the device into a digital signal, it also outputs a signal for decoding the video. The video receiving memory 2 is a frame memory for storing still image data of one frame of digitally converted input video, and is a 1/60 second cycle so that the video can be reproduced at odd / even resolution positions. Reception management is performed by dividing into an odd field and an even field that are alternately received.

The CPU 3 executes a program stored in a memory (not shown) to control each peripheral device interconnected by a bus line. The image buffering control means, the still image capture control means, the management means, the display control means, and the print control means described in the claims are:
It is a functional module of the CPU 3 that executes a predetermined program.

The video transfer memory 4 has a storage area for storing video frames for a plurality of screens, and is a storage medium for saving the received video from the video receiving memory 2. The video transfer memory 4 constantly buffers the video transferred from the video reception memory 2 at a set time interval for several frames while receiving the input video. The clock control device 10 includes a timer, and the video reception memory 2
The time interval of the video frames transferred from the video transfer memory 4 to the video transfer memory 4 is controlled. The video environment information buffer 5 is
This is a buffer memory that stores information for managing the capacity of the video transfer memory 4 and managing the continuous virtual shutter speed, the number of images, etc., and will be described in detail later.

The input device 6 is for setting an environment at the time of capturing a virtual shutter button and an image, and is a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse.
Alternatively, a general input device such as a touch panel can be used. The display device 7 displays a still image of an input image and a captured image, and a general display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display panel can be used. The auxiliary storage medium 8 is a general auxiliary storage medium such as a hard disk for storing the captured still image, and the printing device 9 is a general laser printer for printing the captured still image. Printing device.

Next, FIG. 2 shows an example of the structure of the video transfer memory 4 for temporarily storing the captured video. The video transfer memory 4 includes areas M0 to Mn for storing (n + 1) video frames. The storage area of each of these video frames is composed of a pair of storage areas a and b of an odd video frame (odd field) and an even video frame (even field) forming one frame.

In this embodiment, the field frequency 6
Since a 0 Hz television image is targeted, the image transfer memory 4 may be any storage device capable of data transfer within the minimum time 1/60 seconds for switching the image field. For example, it is desirable to use a predetermined storage area of the main memory composed of DRAM or SRAM as the video transfer memory 4, but the present invention is not limited to this.
It may be a secondary storage device using a hard disk, a memory card or the like that can be accessed (read / write) within 1/60 seconds.

Next, FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the video environment information buffer 5 for temporarily storing the information of the environment necessary for executing the still image capturing process. The video environment information buffer 5 stores a storage area 51 for storing the value of the maximum capacity of the video transfer memory 4, and a value of the maximum number of video transfer frames obtained by dividing the video capacity of one frame from the maximum capacity of the video transfer memory. Area 52, an area 53 for storing the value of the operator-specified frame interval time designated by the operator, an area 54 for storing the value of the number of video frames before the operator-specified virtual shutter designated by the operator, and an operator-specified virtual shutter designated by the operator. It comprises an area 55 for storing the value of the number of video frames after pressing, an area 56 for storing the non-interlace / interless operator set value, and an area 57 for storing the value of the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory.

Storage area 5 of the video environment information buffer 5
The values stored in 3-56 are values that the operator can arbitrarily set by operating the input device 6 of FIG. The information processing apparatus of this embodiment has a function of capturing images before and after the capture instruction as still images. Therefore,
The number of frames to be captured before and after the capture instruction can be set by the operator, and each set value is held in the storage areas 54 and 55 of the video environment information buffer 5, respectively. Also, the video transfer memory 4
The frame interval taken in by the operator can also be set, and the set value is held in the storage area 53 of the video environment information buffer 5.

Further, the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment has a function of selectively setting the non-interlace mode or the interlace mode in which a still image is taken in the still image captured in the video transfer memory 4. It is equipped with. When a desired frame is captured as a still image from a fast-moving input image, in an interlace mode in which an odd field and an even field form one frame, the image blur between the odd field and the even field becomes large. ,
The image quality as a still image is lower than that in the case of non-interlace (only odd fields or even fields are displayed) in which the amount of image information is half that of interlace. On the other hand, when a desired frame is captured as a still image from an input image with little motion, it is better to configure the still image in the interlace mode in which the information amount of the image is larger than that of the non-interlace, as a still image. be able to. Therefore, the operator can arbitrarily set the non-interlace / interless mode setting according to the speed of movement of the input video, and the operator's set value is held in the storage area 56 of the video environment information buffer 5. Has become. This mode setting change can be performed before or after capturing a still image.

As shown in FIG. 2, the storage capacity of the video transfer memory 4 is finite, and when the video is being saved from the video receiving memory 2, the storage area M0 to Mn of the video frame becomes full. The storage area management is performed so that the latest video frame is stored in the storage area in which the oldest video frame is stored. Therefore, the value of the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory, which indicates the position of the area in which the latest video frame is stored, is managed in the storage area 57 of the video environment information buffer 5.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, an example of the screen display of the display device 7 relating to the still image capturing operation will be described.

FIG. 4 is a display example of an initial screen for capturing a still image. This initial screen shows that it is in still image capture mode (in the figure, "video snapshot" is displayed)
Display area 701, input video display area 702, and video start button 703 for starting input video display
And a start button 708, a setting change button 704 for changing settings for capturing video (hereinafter referred to as capture settings) and a setting button 712, a capture setting area 705 for displaying the current capture setting value and performing the setting, A display area 706 after capturing for displaying and setting the display method (interlaced / non-interlaced) after capturing a still image (after capturing),
A video snap number display area 707 that displays the number of captured images, a stop button (virtual shutter button) 709 that starts capturing images, and a still image captured in the auxiliary storage medium 8 (FIG. 1). Save button 710, the captured still image is printed by the printing device 9 (FIG. 1)
Print button 711 for printing on the screen, end button 713 for ending this processing mode, scroll bar 714 for scrolling a plurality of captured images in the reduced display area to find the target image, captured image , Which are displayed in a reduced size (six in this case), and the plurality of reduced display regions 71.
A stop timing position cursor 716 located in any one of the reduced display areas 5 is displayed.

Video start button 7 displayed on the screen
Various buttons such as 03 are virtual buttons, and the operator operates the input device 6 to specify virtual buttons on the screen to perform various operations and settings. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the input device 6 and various virtual buttons displayed on the display device 7 are used to input the capture operation means, the capture number setting operation means, the time interval setting operation means, and the time setting operation described in the claims. Means, display mode setting operation means, and selection operation means.

In the capture setting area 705, the maximum number of captures, the number of captures before stop (the number of captures of images before the operation instruction of stop button operation), the number of captures after stop (instruction of operation by stop button operation) The setting items for the number of captured images after the operation timing) and the capture interval (the time interval for capturing a still image from the input image) are displayed. Of these, the operator can arbitrarily change the settings of the number of captures before the stop, the number of captures after the stop, and the capture interval. The value set by the operator here is stored in the video environment information buffer 5 having the configuration shown in FIG. It is stored in a predetermined storage area.

In this initial screen, depending on the position of the stop timing position cursor 716, the operator's capture instruction operation timing (stop timing)
A reduced display area 715 for displaying the video captured in is shown. Immediately after capturing the image, the reduced display area 715 on the left side of the reduced display area 715 indicated by the cursor 716 (the reduced display area indicated by 5 in FIG. 4).
The images (images before the stop) captured before the operator's capture instruction operation timing are displayed in (the reduced display regions indicated by 1 to 4), and the reduced display region 715 (the reduced display region indicated by 6) on the right side thereof. In (), images captured after the operator's capture instruction operation timing (images after the stop) are reduced and displayed (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

The stop timing position cursor 71
When any one of the position 6 and the set value of the number of captures before and after the stop in the capture setting area 705 is changed, the other is interlocked and the setting is changed.

The capture setting area 705 shown in FIG.
The value displayed in the video snapshot number display area 707 is an example added for convenience of description, and is not a limit value.

FIG. 5 is a display example of the screen during input image display in the still image capture processing mode. This screen is a screen after the video start button 703 or the start button 708 of FIG. 4 is operated, and the input video is displayed in the input video display area 702. In addition, the area which was the video start button 703 in FIG. 4 is switched to the video stop button 703 ′ as a virtual shutter button for starting the video capture on this screen. The display of other areas is the same as in FIG. The operator operates the video stop button 703 'or the stop button 709 at the timing of the video to be captured while watching the input video displayed in the input video display area 702 of this screen.

FIG. 6 is a display example of the screen immediately after the start of still image capturing. This screen is a screen immediately after the video stop button 703 ′ or the stop button 709 of FIG. 5 is operated, and the pre-stop video for the set number of captures before the stop (here, four) and This is the screen immediately after the stop timing image is captured. On this screen, the four captured images before stop A, B, C, D are reduced in time series and displayed in each reduced display area 715 on the left side of the stop timing position cursor 716. The stop timing image E shows the stop timing position cursor 7.
16 is reduced and displayed in the reduced display area 715 ... Then, the fact that a total of 5 images including 4 images before the stop and 1 image at the stop timing is captured is displayed in the image snap number display area 707 (display example “05/30
Sheet"). The display of other areas is the same as in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a display example of the screen after the completion of still image capturing. This screen is a screen immediately after the set number of captured images after the stop (here, 25) is captured after the state of FIG. In this screen, one of the first captured image F of the 25 captured images after the stop is reduced and displayed in the reduced display area 715 on the left side of the stop timing position cursor 716. Further, in FIG. 6, in the input image display area 702 where the input image is displayed, the reduced display image E on the stop timing position cursor 716 is displayed.
The same still image is displayed. The fact that a total of 30 images have been captured is displayed in the image snapshot number display area 707 (display example “30/30 images”). The area which was the video stop button 703 'in FIG. 6 is again displayed on this screen by the video start button 703'.
The display has been switched to. The display of other areas is the same as in FIG.

In the configuration and screen display example as described above, the still image capturing process of the information processing apparatus will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the information processing apparatus, first, the A / D conversion unit 1 and the video reception memory 2 which form the video input processing unit.
Is set, the area of the video transfer memory 4 is secured, the video transfer memory 4 of the configuration of FIG. 2 is cleared, and the storage areas 51 to 57 of the video environment information buffer 5 of the configuration of FIG. 3 are set.
Maximum video transfer memory capacity, maximum number of video transfer frames,
Operator-specified frame interval time, number of video frames before operator-specified virtual shutter press, number of video frames after operator-specified virtual shutter press, non-interlaced
Initialization of the environment is performed such as the initial value setting of the interlace operator set value and the latest video frame pointer value in the video transfer memory (S1).

In the interlace mode, the required capacity per frame (that is, one field) of the image is, for example, a horizontal resolution of 480 dots in the expression of 160,000 colors per dot
Approximately 460K when calculated with a vertical resolution of 320 dots
It becomes a byte. In such an interlace mode, the maximum number of video transfer frames is the maximum capacity of the video transfer memory (about 460K).
Divided by (byte). CPU of Figure 1
3 manages the storage capacity of the video transfer memory 4 from the initial stage of the still image capture processing mode, obtains the maximum number of video transfer frames from the required capacity per video frame as described above, and the operator arbitrarily specifies Manage the upper limit of the number of video frames that can be captured.

In the interlace mode, the minimum time interval between frames to be drawn is 2/60 seconds. In this case, the minimum value of the operator-specified frame interval time is 2/60 seconds and 2/60 seconds. It can be set in seconds.

In order to make it possible to change the non-interlace / interlace mode setting even after capturing a still image, the odd-numbered video frame and the 1/60 second after the odd-numbered video frame are irrelevant regardless of these mode settings. It is necessary to transfer the even-numbered video frames in pairs from the video reception memory 2 to the video transfer memory 4. Therefore, in this case, even if the non-interlace mode is set, the transfer (capture) to the video transfer memory 4 is the same as in the case of interless, and the CPU 3 manages the storage capacity of the video transfer memory 4 and the video. The management of the number of captured frames does not depend on the non-interlaced / interless mode setting.
Here, the description will be continued assuming that the non-interlaced / interless mode setting can be changed even after the still image is captured.

After the above-described environment initialization step, the initial screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display device 7 (FIG. 1) (S
2). In the initial screen of FIG. 4, the maximum number of captured images in the capture setting area 705 is “30”, and the denominator in the image snapshot number display area 707, “30”, is the maximum number of video transfer frames calculated above. It is the example which displayed the result. Further, in this initial screen, the number "04" and "25" before and after the stop in the capture setting area 705 are the number of video frames before and after the operator-specified virtual shutter is pressed, which is set in the video environment information buffer 5 in S1. In this example, the stop timing position cursor 716 that is interlocked with the number of sheets before and after the stop is also displayed at a position corresponding to the initial value. The capture interval "02/60 seconds" in the capture setting area 705 is an example in which the initial value of the operator-specified frame interval time set in S1 is displayed. Also, the display area 706 after capture
The non-interlaced / interless display of the above is S1 above.
It is the example which displayed the initial value of the non-interlace / interlace operator set value set by.

After the above initial screen is displayed, the subsequent processing is divided by the virtual button operation by the operator. When the end button 713 is operated on the screen (S3), the still image capturing process mode is ended. When the image start button 703 or the start button 708 is operated (S4), the image display start process (S11), the save button 71
When 0 is operated (S5), save processing (S6), and when the print button 711 is operated (S7), print processing (S8) is performed. In the saving process (S6) or the printing process (S8), if there is no still image that can be saved or printed in the initial screen state where no image has been captured yet, the saving or printing process is performed. Instead, the process proceeds to S3. The saving or printing process when the image is captured will be described later.

When the operator changes the setting item by an operation other than the above (YES in S9), the setting process (S10)
If an invalid operation is performed (NO in S9), the operation is ignored and the process proceeds to S3.

The setting process of S10 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

On the initial screen of FIG. 4, if the number of sheets before the stop in the capture setting area 705 is changed (S21), the process proceeds to the number of sheets before the stop (S22). In this process, the number of images whose setting has been changed is displayed at the position of the number before the stop in the capture setting area 705, and the number of image frames before the operator-specified virtual shutter is pressed in the image environment information buffer 5 is changed to the set value. Is.

If the number of sheets after the stop in the capture setting area 705 is changed (S23), the process proceeds to the number of sheets after the stop (S24). This process
The number of images whose setting has been changed is displayed at the position of the number after the stop in the capture setting area 705, and the number of image frames after the operator-specified virtual shutter is pressed in the image environment information buffer 5 is changed to the set value.

If the capture interval in the capture setting area 705 is changed (S25), the process moves to the capture interval changing process (S26). This processing is to display the changed value of n / 60 seconds at the position of the capture interval of the video environment information buffer 5 and to change the operator-specified frame interval time of the video environment information buffer 5 to the set value. Is.

If the display mode of the display area 706 after capture is changed (S27), the process proceeds to the non-interlace / interlace changing process (S28).
In this processing, the ON position of the radio button in the display area 706 is switched to either interlace or non-interlace, and the result is set as the non-interlace / interlace operator set value in the video environment information buffer 5. This is the process of setting.

The stop timing position cursor 7
If the position of 16 is changed (S29), the process proceeds to the number changing process before and after the stop (S30). This process
In accordance with the position movement of the cursor 716, the display value of the number of images before and after the stop in the capture setting area 705 is changed, and the number of image frames before and after the operator-specified virtual shutter is pressed in the image environment information buffer 5 is changed. It is a process to do.

Change of the number of sheets before stop (S22),
The stop timing position cursor 716 is moved along with the change of the number of sheets after the stop (S24) or the change of the number of sheets before and after the stop (S30) (S31).

When the setting process (S10) by the operator's operation as described above is completed, the process proceeds to S3 in FIG.

When the image start button 703 or the start button 708 is operated in S4, the image display start process (S11) is performed. In this S11, in FIG.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 1, first, the video start button 703 on the initial screen of FIG. 4 is changed to the video stop button 703 'of FIG. 5 and displayed (S51). Further, the clock control device 10 is set to start the operation of the clock so that the video can be transferred from the video reception memory 2 to the video transfer memory 4 at the operator-specified frame interval time (S5).
2). In addition, the odd-numbered video frames input from the video input terminal 11 and received by the video reception memory 2 via the A / D converter 1 are converted into the odd-numbered video frames in the video frame storage area M0 of the video transfer memory 4 shown in FIG. Transfer to area a of frame 0. In addition, even-numbered video frames received 1/60 seconds after that are even-numbered video frames 0 in the video frame storage area M0.
The data is transferred to the area b of (S53). Then, the value of the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory of the video environment information buffer 5 shown in FIG. 3 is set as the next frame pointer value (S
54). After that, before the next frame image is received,
Non-interlace / interless operator Odd video frame 0 when the setting value is non-interlace, odd / even video frame 0 when the setting value is interless
Input image display area 702 of display device 7 in pairs (FIG. 5)
Is displayed (S55).

After S11 above, the process during image display (S1
Go to 2). In S12, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 12, first, it is determined whether the time set in the clock control device 10 has passed the operator-specified frame interval time of the video environment information buffer 5. Yes (S61). Here, if the time has not elapsed, the image is input from the video input terminal 11 and the A / D conversion unit 1 outputs A.
The frame in the video reception memory 2 which is the D / D converted video is displayed in the input video display area 702 as shown in FIG. 5 (S62), and the stop button (video stop button 70
3'or the stop button 709) is operated (S13 in FIG. 8). Therefore,
If the stop button is not operated, the clock control device 1
The input video is displayed in the input video display area 702 until the set time of 0 has passed the operator-specified frame interval time.

On the other hand, in S61, if the set time of the timepiece control device 10 has passed the operator-specified frame interval time, after the lapse of time, the odd-numbered video frame received first is transferred from the video reception memory 2 to the video transfer memory. While transferring to the odd-numbered video frame area a (FIG. 2) of the video frame storage area Mn of the video transfer memory 4 designated by the latest video frame pointer, the timepiece control device 10 is reset and the timepiece is restarted. Furthermore, 1 /
The even video frame received after 60 seconds is also transferred to the even video frame area b of the same video frame storage area Mn (S63, S64). Then, the value of the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory of the video environment information buffer 5 shown in FIG. 3 is set as the next frame pointer value (S65). At this time, if the next frame pointer value exceeds the maximum number of video transfer frames, the value of the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory is set to the leading pointer (address of odd video frame 0 in FIG. 2). After that, before the next frame video is received, if the non-interlace / interless operator setting value is non-interlace, transfer the saved odd video frame this time, and if the setting value is interless, transfer this time. The saved odd / even video frames are displayed in pairs in the input video display area 702 (FIG. 5) of the display device 7 (S66). After that, the stop button (video stop button 703 'or stop button 7
09) to the processing for determining the presence / absence of an operation (S13 in FIG. 8).

The above-described image displaying process (S12) is repeated until the stop button (image stop button 703 'or stop button 709) is operated. By repeating this process during video display, the latest n + 1 (here, 30) videos (odd video frames and even videos) transferred from the video reception memory 2 to the video transfer memory 4 at each operator-specified frame interval time. (A pair with a video frame) is always transferred and saved (buffered) in the video transfer memory 4.

When the stop button is operated (S13
YES), the process proceeds to the video stop process (S14). This video stop processing will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG.

In this video stop processing, first, the display processing of the video before the stop is performed (S41). This S41 is a process of capturing the image before the stop operation by the number of image frames before pressing the operator-specified virtual shutter and displaying the reduced image in the reduced display area 715 of the display device 7. Specifically, from the video immediately before the video in the video transfer memory 4 indicated by the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory, to the video traced back by the number of video frames before the operator-specified virtual shutter is pressed (here, four). , Is secured in the video transfer memory 4 as the video before the stop. Then, the images A, B, C, and D before the stop are displayed in a reduced display area 715 on the left side of the position of the stop timing position cursor 716 in a time-series arrangement from the left side (see FIG. 6). At the same time, the total number of captured images is also displayed in the image snap number display area 707.

That is, in the present embodiment, at the time when the video stop operation (capture instruction) is performed, as many as 30 pre-stop videos have already been captured in the video transfer memory 4. . Among them, a desired number of pre-stop images are stored as still images by holding the necessary number of pre-stop images (the set number of operator-specified virtual shutter pre-press image frames) in the video transfer memory 4. Then, these are displayed and displayed on the screen.

Video display processing before the stop (S4
After 1) is completed, next, the display processing of the image at the time of stop is performed (S42). In step S42, the image of the stop operation timing is captured and the reduced display area 71 of the display device 7 is displayed.
This is a process of reducing the display to 5.

Specifically, the odd-numbered video frame first received after the stop operation is transferred from the video reception memory 2 to the video frame storage area Mn of the video transfer memory 4 designated by the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory. No. 1 is transferred to the odd video frame area a (FIG. 2), and the timepiece control device 10 is reset to restart the timepiece.
Further, the even video frame received 1/60 seconds after that is also transferred to the even video frame area b of the same video frame storage area Mn. Then, the value of the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory of the video environment information buffer 5 shown in FIG. 3 is set as the next frame pointer value. At this time, if the next frame pointer value exceeds the maximum number of video transfer frames, the value of the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory is set to the leading pointer (address of odd video frame 0 in FIG. 2). After that, before the next frame video is received, if the non-interlace / interless operator setting value is non-interlace, transfer the saved odd video frame this time, and if the setting value is interless, transfer this time. The saved odd / even video frames are displayed in pairs in the input video display area 702 of the display device 7. Then, the latest video transferred this time is secured in the video transfer memory 4 as a video at the time of stop, and the video E is displayed in the reduced display area 71 on the stop timing position cursor 716.
The display is reduced to 5 (see FIG. 6). At this point, the reduced display image on the cursor 716 and the input image display area 7 are displayed.
The video of 02 is the same video. At the same time,
The total number of captured images is displayed in the image snapshot number display area 707.

Video display processing at the time of stop (S4
After completing 2), it is determined whether or not the set value of the number of video frames after the operator-specified virtual shutter is pressed is "0" (S).
43). At this time, if the set value is “0” (that is, the number of sheets after the stop is 0), the next process (S
On the other hand, if the set value is not "0" while moving to (46), then a video capturing process after stop is performed (S4).
4). This S44 is a process of capturing the image after the stop operation for the number of image frames after the operator-specified virtual shutter is pressed.

Specifically, when the set time of the clock control device 10 has passed the operator-specified frame interval time, the odd-numbered video frame received first after the lapse is transferred from the video reception memory 2 to the latest video in the video transfer memory. While transferring to the odd video frame area a (FIG. 2) of the video frame storage area Mn of the video transfer memory 4 designated by the frame pointer, the timepiece control device 10 is reset and the timepiece is restarted. Further, the even video frame received 1/60 seconds after that is also transferred to the even video frame area b of the same video frame storage area Mn. Then, the value of the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory of the video environment information buffer 5 shown in FIG. 3 is set as the next frame pointer value.
At this time, if the next frame pointer value exceeds the maximum number of video transfer frames, the value of the latest video frame pointer in the video transfer memory is set to the leading pointer (address of odd video frame 0 in FIG. 2). After that, before the next frame video is received, if the non-interlace / interless operator setting value is non-interlace, transfer the saved odd video frame this time, and if the setting value is interless, transfer this time. The saved odd / even video frames are displayed in pairs in the input video display area 702 of the display device 7. And 1 after the stop captured here
The stop time position cursor 71 is displayed on the first image F.
6 is reduced and displayed in the reduced display area 715 on the right side of 6 (see FIG. 7). At this point, the reduced display image and the image in the input image display area 702 are the same image. At the same time, the total number of captured images is displayed in the image snapshot number display area 707.

When the first image after the stop is captured as described above, the number after the stop is reduced by 1 (S4
5) Then, the process proceeds to S43 again.

After that, the above-mentioned routines of S43 to S45 are repeated until the number of stopped sheets becomes "0". As a result, in the video transfer memory 4, after the stop operation,
At every operator-specified frame interval time, images corresponding to the set number of image frames after the operator-specified virtual shutter is pressed (a pair of an odd-numbered video frame and an even-numbered video frame) are captured.

In this embodiment, five of the six reduced display areas 715 are used to reduce the images before and at the time of the stop, so that the reduced display area 715 can be reduced and displayed after the stop. There is only one video of. Therefore, the reduced display processing is omitted for the second and subsequent images of the captured video after the stop.

When the acquisition of all the set number of images is completed and YES is determined in S43, the process after image acquisition (S46) is performed. In this process, the video stop button 703 ′ (FIG. 6) is replaced with the video start button 703 (FIG. 7) so that the video transfer memory 4 can retain the state of capturing the video and start, save and print the video again. ). Further, the same still image as the reduced display image on the stop timing position cursor 716 is displayed in the input image display area 702.

The screen at the end of video capture shown in FIG. 7 is a result of executing the video stop processing (S14 in FIG. 8). After this video stop processing, the processing shifts to S3 in FIG.

Next, based on the timing at which the still image is instructed, the time setting of how many seconds before the input image is captured as a still image is accurately set with the minimum time interval of the video frame as the minimum unit. A configuration for performing the operation will be described with reference to FIG.

In this case, in the initial screen shown in FIG. 14, the correction time is newly displayed in the capture setting area 705 as a setting item that can be arbitrarily changed by the operator. This setting item is an item for setting how many seconds before the input image is captured as a still image with reference to the timing at which the capture of the still image is instructed. The correction time can be set with the minimum time interval of the video frame as the minimum unit. For example, the minimum time interval between frame changes in the interlace mode is 2/60 seconds. In this case, the minimum value of the operator-specified frame interval time is 2/60 seconds in units of 2/60 seconds. It can be set. The set value of the correction time is stored in the video environment information buffer 5, like the other set values.

When the correction time is set,
All video frames of the input video are transferred to the video transfer memory 4 at every video frame minimum time interval from the start of the display of the input video until the operation of capturing the still image is performed, regardless of the setting value of the capture interval. A predetermined number of images (the maximum number of captures, 30
Still images are buffered.

Then, when the operator takes in a still image, the still image transferred and saved in the video transfer memory 4 at a timing traced back by the set correction time from the taking instruction timing is displayed before the stop. It is secured in the video transfer memory 4 as the first video. Furthermore, with this still image as a reference, the still image transferred and saved in the image transfer memory 4 at a timing traced back by the set capture interval time is stored in the image transfer memory 4 as the second image before the stop. Secure. Similarly, the set number of still images before the stop is secured in the video transfer memory 4. At the same time, the still image input at the still image capture operation timing is also secured in the image transfer memory 4 as the latest image frame. After that, the above-described post-stop image capturing process is performed according to the set number of sheets after the stop and the set value of the capture interval. The display process of the captured image in this case is as described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, in this configuration, in the image buffering process until the operation of capturing a still image, the set value of the capture interval is not always stored in the image transfer memory 4 as the still image of the input image. Does not match the transfer save time interval (matches only when the capture interval setting is set to the video frame minimum time interval).

Generally, the operator's operation timing for fetching is slightly different depending on the individual difference in reaction time depending on the operator and the content of the image (speed of movement, etc.). The dead time is not always constant. On the other hand, in the above configuration, the capture timing of the first image before the stop, which is the most important capture timing, can be set with high accuracy (in units of minimum time intervals of the video frame), so The deviation can be corrected surely, and the probability that the target still image can be captured increases.

As described above, after the set number of images including the images before and after the stop operation timing are captured, the operator can select a desired image from the images on the screen. One example is described below.

In the screen immediately after the end of image capturing shown in FIG. 7, the reduced display image on the stop timing position cursor 716 is the input image display area 7 which is the main display area.
02 is displayed. In this state, the cursor 716
When is moved, the reduced display image on the cursor after the movement is displayed in the input image display area 702. That is, after capturing the image, the reduced display image on the cursor 716 matches the display image on the input image display area 702, and the target still image can be selected by changing the position of the cursor 716. .

The cursor 716 can be moved only within the range of the six reduced display areas 715 ... Therefore, when selecting an image that is captured as a still image but is not displayed in the reduced display area 715,
A plurality of images captured by operating the scroll bar 714 are scrolled in the reduced display area 715.

It should be noted that the operator can roughly determine which image is displayed in the input image display area 702 by checking the position of the position display portion 714a on the scroll bar 714. . For example, if the display image in the input image display area 702 (the image on the cursor 716) is the first image, the position display unit 714a displays the left end of the scroll bar 714, and the display image is the maximum number of captured images (here If it is the 30th image), it is located at the right end of the image, and the scroll bar 714 is shifted according to the position of the displayed image. For example, by displaying a scale according to the shift amount in the shift range of the position display unit 714a of the scroll bar 714, it is possible to accurately know what number of images the displayed image is.

Although the still image captured at the stop operation timing is displayed in the input image display area 702 on the screen immediately after the image capturing shown in FIG. 7, the cursor 716 may be moved after that. Alternatively, by operating the scroll bar 714, it becomes difficult to recognize which still image is captured at the stop operation timing. Therefore, when the still image captured at the stop operation timing is displayed in the reduced display area 715 that is not on the cursor 716, the cursor is displayed in a color different from that of the cursor 716, or by blinking display, or by a negative / negative display. It is desirable to identify and display the still image captured at the stop operation timing by positive inversion display or another special display method that can be distinguished from the image in the other reduced display area 715. Also, a mark indicating the position of the still image captured at the stop operation timing may be displayed within the shift range of the position display portion 714a of the scroll bar 714. This can facilitate the operator's operation of selecting the target video after capturing the video.

As described above, when the target still image is selected from the plurality of captured still images and displayed in the input image display area 702, the save button 710 is operated (S5 in FIG. 8). ), The still image (a pair of an odd-numbered video frame and an even-numbered video frame) is stored in the auxiliary storage medium 8 of FIG. 1 (S6). At this time, if the print button 711 is operated (S7 in FIG. 8), the still image is printed (printed) by the printing device 9 in FIG. 1 (S8).

In the saving process of S6, even when the non-interlace is set, the even-numbered video frames as well as the odd-numbered video frames are included so that the setting can be changed to the interlace later. It is stored in the auxiliary storage medium 8. On the other hand, in the print processing of S8, the print result reflecting the display according to the non-interlace / interless mode setting is obtained.

Also, the operator is a non-interlaced
The interlace mode setting can be changed, and a still image is displayed in the input video display area 702 in the set mode. As described above, the display mode with higher image quality can be selected according to the speed of movement of the input image when capturing a still image.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of still images can be captured by a single capture instruction. Therefore, not only one still image but also a plurality of still images can be selected from the captured plurality of still images. Then, it is possible to process the display data to be edited on one screen. As an example, the input video display area 702 can be divided into a plurality of regions, and editing such as displaying separate still images in each divided region can be performed. Of course,
The image edited on one screen in this way is printed by the printing device 9
You can also print at.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus having the still image capturing function of the present embodiment, the operator starts the display of the input image for the still image capturing operation and then receives the instruction to capture the still image. Until a certain point, before the input video frame is switched to the next video frame, the old transfer video is updated to the latest video and stored in the video transfer memory 4
When at least one still image is transferred and saved in the image transfer instruction by the operator's operation, the still image transferred and saved before the instruction timing is held in the video transfer memory 4. The configuration is such that a still image before the instruction timing can be captured.

As a result, the overshooting of the target image due to the delay in the operation timing of the operator's capture instruction is corrected, and the possibility of capturing the target image is significantly higher than in the prior art. Conventionally, a complicated operation such as repeating the reproduction of a video image is required in order to capture the target video image, and it took time to capture the target video image. However, in the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment, It is possible to easily capture the target video without performing such a complicated operation. As described above, when the still image capturing function of the present embodiment is used, the work efficiency of the operator is significantly improved as compared with the conventional case. In particular, in the case of the information processing device of the present embodiment,
There is a high possibility that the target video can be captured even if the still image capture operation is performed only once, and the target video is missed even in the situation where the opportunity to capture the still image is given only once (such as how many videos can be played). Less often.

Further, in the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment, in the above configuration, the operator can arbitrarily set the number of still images captured before the capture instruction timing, and the image transfer memory with the input image as a still image. 4, the operator can arbitrarily set the time interval for transfer and withdrawal with the minimum unit of the video frame interval as the minimum unit, and the time setting of how many seconds before the import instruction timing the input video is captured as a still image. A configuration in which the operator can arbitrarily set the minimum frame time interval as the minimum unit, a configuration in which the input video after the capture instruction timing is captured as a still image, or a combination of these configurations can be adopted.

By adopting the various configurations as described above, it is possible to absorb individual differences in reaction time between operators and differences in image contents (movement speed, etc.), and to capture an input image as a still image. Since the selection range is expanded, the possibility of capturing the target image is further increased.

Further, the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment forms a field-unit storage area for storing the input image of the interlace system as a still image in the video transfer memory 4, and according to the set display mode. The configuration is such that display control is performed for non-interlaced display or interlaced display of the captured still image, and the operator can arbitrarily change the display mode of the still image to the non-interlaced mode or the interlaced mode. This allows
By setting the display mode according to the speed of movement of the input image, the quality of the captured still image can be improved.

In particular, regardless of the setting of the display mode before the capture instruction, when buffering a certain still image, the video signals of all fields constituting the still image (image frame) are buffered as a group ( In the above example, if the odd-numbered video frame and the even-numbered video frame 1/60 seconds after that are transferred in pairs from the video reception memory 2 to the video transfer memory 4, the display mode can be changed even after capturing the still image. It can be arbitrarily changed to the non-interlace mode or the interlace mode. As a result, the operator can visually check the captured still image and adopt a display mode with higher image quality.

If the mode setting is not changed after the still image is captured, it is not necessary to capture a pair of the odd-numbered video frame and the even-numbered video frame as described above when the non-interlace is set. . Therefore, in the case of the non-interlace mode in which the change to the interlace mode is impossible after capturing the still image, the video transfer memory 4
As shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to adopt a memory configuration in which odd video frames and even video frames are not distinguished.
Of course, even if the input video display system is originally the non-interlace system, the configuration of the video transfer memory 4 is as shown in FIG.

For example, in the interless mode when the horizontal resolution is 480 dots and the vertical resolution is 320 dots in the expression of 1 dot 160,000 colors, the required capacity per frame of the image is about 460 Kbytes, but the non-interlace mode. In the above, the required capacity per frame (that is, one field) of the video is about 230 Kbytes, which is half of that. Therefore, in such a non-interlace mode, the maximum number of video transfer frames is
It is obtained by dividing the maximum capacity of the video transfer memory by the required capacity per frame (about 230 Kbytes).
In addition, the minimum time interval between frames drawn in the non-interlace mode is 1/60 second. In this case, the minimum value of the operator-specified frame interval time is 1/60 second and the unit is 1/60 second. It can be set with.

By the way, after (2n + 1) / 60 seconds (n is a positive integer) after the odd-numbered video frame is input, the even-numbered video frame which is a different image from the odd-numbered video frame is input. In the non-interlace mode, the capture interval is set to (2n + 1) / 60 seconds (n is a positive integer), and an odd video frame and an even video frame of another image are stored in the video transfer memory 4 every (2n + 1) / 60 seconds. If you switch to interlace mode when capturing,
It is possible to obtain a still image including an odd video frame and an even video frame of different images. For example, in the case of an input image that is almost stationary without any large movement, but vibrates at a cycle of (2n + 1) / 60 seconds or a cycle of an integer fraction thereof, it is captured at an interval of (2n + 1) / 60 seconds. The still image obtained from the odd-numbered video frame and the even-numbered video frame has higher image quality. Therefore, even in fields that form different image frames, if odd video frames and even video frames are alternately captured in the video transfer memory 4, switching to the interlace mode after capturing still images May be possible. That is, when the capture interval is set to (2n + 1) / 60 seconds (n is a natural number 0, 1, ...) In the non-interlace mode, and odd video frames and even video frames are alternately captured at the set time intervals, After capturing, it is possible to change to interlace mode.

The above-described embodiments are intended to clarify the technical contents of the present invention, and should not be construed in a narrow sense by limiting to such specific examples, but within the scope of the claims. , Can be implemented with various modifications.

[0118]

As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention keeps the oldest video up to date until the input of the still image is instructed by the capture operation means after the display of the input video is started. Video buffering control means for transferring and saving the input video as a still image to the video storage means at predetermined time intervals while updating and storing the video, and the instruction timing when the still image capture is instructed by the capture operation means Still image loading control means for holding the still image transferred and saved in the video storage means earlier in the video storage means as a still image loaded in the video storage means.

Therefore, since the image before the actual capture instruction timing can be captured, the delay of the capture instruction by the operator can be corrected and the target image can be easily captured as a still image, and the operability can be improved. Has the effect.

As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is, in the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, a capture number setting operation for arbitrarily setting the capture number of still images before the capture instruction timing. The image buffering control means comprises at least the number of images set by the captured image number setting operation means from the start of display of the input image until the capture operation means instructs to capture a still image. The still image buffering control is performed so that a still image of one minute is buffered in the video storage unit, and the still image capture control unit captures the still image transferred and saved immediately before the capture instruction timing. Video storage means for capturing still images up to the number of sheets before the number set by the number setting operation means into the video storage means. It is configured to be held.

Therefore, by presetting the number of images to be captured by the operator himself, a plurality of images before the capture instruction timing can be captured, so that there is an effect that the probability of capturing a target still image can be further increased.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus of the third aspect of the invention, in the configuration of the second aspect of the invention, the time interval for transferring and saving the input image as a still image in the image storing means is set to the minimum of the image frame. A time interval setting operation means for arbitrarily setting the interval time as a minimum unit is provided, and the video buffering control means uses the input video as a still image at the time interval set by the time interval setting operation means. The configuration is such that the image is transferred and saved in the image storage means.

Therefore, a plurality of images thinned out at each set time interval can be taken in as still images. Therefore, by setting the time interval, the contents of the image (movement speed) and the operator can be set. It is possible to absorb the difference due to the operation (reaction time) and expand the selection range for capturing the input image as a still image.

As described above, the information processing apparatus of the invention of claim 4 has the configuration of the invention of claim 2 or 3 as described above.
Based on the storage capacity of the video storage means and the storage capacity required for one still image, the upper limit number of still images that can be captured in the video storage means is limited, and the upper limit number that can be set by the capture number setting operation means is set. This is a configuration including management means for managing.

Therefore, by managing this storage capacity, it is possible to take in more still images within the storage capacity of the video storage means.

As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention uses the timing at which the capturing operation means is instructed to capture a still image as a reference, and determines how many seconds before the input image is a still image. A time setting operation means is provided for setting the time of whether to capture the video image with the minimum time interval of the video frame as a minimum unit, and the video buffering control means is stopped by the capture operation means after the display of the input video is started. Until an instruction to capture an image is given, a predetermined number of still images are always saved in the video storage means while transferring all video frames of the input video to the video storage means at minimum video frame time intervals, The still image buffering control is performed, and the still image capture control means is set when the time setting operation means is set from the capture instruction timing. A still image transferred retracted only back timing, as a still image capture in the image storage means, a configuration for holding the video storage means.

Therefore, by preliminarily setting the timing at which the operator himself captures a still image (the time when the still image is captured with reference to the instruction timing), the deviation of the operation timing can be accurately corrected. The effect that the probability of capturing a still image can be further increased is achieved.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus of the invention of claim 6, in the configuration of the invention of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, the still image capture control means is the capture operation means. When an instruction to capture a still image is given, the input image at the instruction timing is fetched as a still image in the image storage means, and the input image after the instruction timing is also fetched as a still image in the image storage means.

Therefore, there is an effect that the operator's selection rate of the target image after the image is captured is improved.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 7, in the structure of the invention of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, one image frame includes a plurality of image frames. Has a storage area in units of fields for storing an input image of an interlace system composed of fields as a still image, and the information processing apparatus further has a display mode after the still image is captured in the image storage means. Is set to either the non-interlace mode or the interlace mode, and when the non-interlace mode is set, the still image captured in the video storage means is Non-interlaced display that makes up the image by field information is displayed, while the still image captured in the video storage means is set when the interlaced mode is set. And a configuration in which a display control means for interlaced display constituting an image information of a plurality fields.

Therefore, the contents of the input image (movement speed)
According to the above, by switching the display mode to the non-interlace mode or the interlace mode, it is possible to improve the quality of the captured still image.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 8, in the configuration of the invention of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, a plurality of still images are stored in the video storage means. When captured, a selection operation means for selectively displaying an arbitrary still image on the display means, and a still image selected by the selection operation means and displayed on the display means,
A storage means for writing and storing the data in the auxiliary recording medium.

Therefore, an arbitrary still image can be selectively displayed on the display means, visually confirmed, and only the necessary still image can be written and saved in the auxiliary storage medium by the saving means, which is unnecessary. Since there is no need to store even a still image, it is possible to reduce the capacity shortage of the auxiliary storage medium.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus of the invention of claim 9, in the configuration of the invention of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, a plurality of still images are stored in the video storage means. When captured, a selection operation means for selectively displaying an arbitrary still image on the display means, and a still image selected by the selection operation means and displayed on the display means,
This is a configuration including a print control unit that causes the printing apparatus to print.

Therefore, it is possible to selectively display an arbitrary still image on the display means, visually confirm it, and print only the necessary still image. Therefore, the desired still image can be printed accurately. There is an effect that can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an information processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a video transfer memory in the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a video environment information buffer in the information processing device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an initial screen in a still image capturing processing mode in the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a screen during input image display in the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a screen immediately after the start of capturing a still image in the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a screen after completion of capturing a still image in the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a main routine of still image capturing processing of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing various setting processes of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a video stopping process of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a video display start process of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing during video display of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the video transfer memory in the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another display example of the initial screen in the still image capture processing mode in the information processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 video reception memory 3 CPU (video buffering control means, still image capture control means, management means, display control means, print control means) 4 video transfer memory (video storage means) 5 video environment information buffer 6 input device (capture operation Means, number-of-captures setting operation means, time interval setting operation means, time setting operation means, display mode setting operation means, selection operation means) 7 display device (display means) 8 auxiliary storage medium (storing means) 9 printing device 10 clock control Device 11 Image input terminal 703 'Image stop button (capture operation means) 705 Capture setting area (capture number setting operation means, time interval setting operation means, time setting operation means) 706 Display area after capture (display mode setting operation means) 709 Stop button (capture operation means) 714 Scroll bar -(Selection operation means) 716 Stop timing position cursor (Selection operation means) a Storage area for odd video frame (odd field) b Storage area for even video frame (even field)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A video storage having a display means for displaying an input video from a video input section, a loading operation means for instructing a timing of loading the input video as a still image, and an image storage having an area for storing the input video as a still image. An information processing apparatus having a still image capturing function capable of capturing a desired still image in the image storage unit by operating the capturing operation unit while watching the input image displayed on the display unit, From the start of the display of the input video until the capture operation means instructs the capture of a still image, the old video is updated and stored as the latest video, and the input video is treated as a still image at a predetermined time interval. The video buffering control means for transferring and saving to the storage means, and when the capture operation means instructs to capture a still image, Information including a still image capturing control unit for holding a still image transferred and saved in the video storage unit before the instruction timing as a still image to be stored in the video storage unit Processing equipment. 2. A capture number setting operation means for arbitrarily setting the capture number of still images before the capture instruction timing, wherein the video buffering control means performs the capture operation after starting display of an input video. Buffering control of still images so that at least the number of still images set by the above-mentioned number-of-captures setting operation means is buffered in the above-mentioned video storage means until there is an instruction to capture still images by the means. At the same time, the still image capture control means displays still images from the still image transferred and saved immediately before the capture instruction timing up to the number of images before the number set by the capture number setting operation means.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image storage unit holds the still image as a still image to be stored in the image storage unit. 3. A time buffer setting operation means for arbitrarily setting a time interval for transferring and saving an input video as a still image in the video storing means with a video frame minimum interval time as a minimum unit, and the video buffering. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means transfers and saves the input video as a still image to the video storage means at a time interval set by the time interval setting operation means. 4. The upper limit of the number of still images that can be captured in the video storage means is controlled based on the storage capacity of the video storage means and the storage capacity required for one still picture, and the capture number setting operation means is used. 4. A management means for managing the maximum number of sheets that can be set.
The information processing device described. 5. The time setting of how many seconds before the input image is captured as a still image with reference to the timing at which the capture operation means gives an instruction to capture a still image,
The video buffering control means is provided with a time setting operation means for performing the video frame minimum time interval as a minimum unit, and the video buffering control means is instructed to capture a still image by the capture operation means after the display of the input video is started. Buffering control of still images so that a predetermined number of still images are always saved in the video storage means while transferring all video frames of the input video to the video storage means at every video frame minimum time interval. At the same time, the still image capture control means stores the still image transferred and saved at a timing traced back by the time set by the time setting operation means from the capture instruction timing as a still image to be captured in the video storage means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus holds the information by means. 6. The still image capture control means, when capture of a still image is instructed by the capture operation means,
The input image at the instruction timing is stored as a still image in the image storage means, and the input image after the instruction timing is also stored as a still image in the image storage means. 5. The information processing device according to item 5. 7. The video storage means has a storage area in field units for storing an input image of an interlace system in which one image frame is composed of a plurality of fields as a still image, and the video storage means stores the still image in the video storage means. Display mode setting operation means for setting the display mode after the image is captured to either the non-interlace mode or the interlace mode, and the video storage means when the non-interlace mode is set. The non-interlaced display that composes the image with the information of one field is displayed on the other hand, while the still image captured in the image storage means is displayed with the information of multiple fields when the interlace mode is set. Display control means for displaying an interlaced image that constitutes an image is provided.
The information processing device according to 4, 5, or 6. 8. When a plurality of still images are fetched in the video storage means, a selection operation means for selectively displaying any still image on the display means, and a selection operation means selected by the selection operation means. Storage means for writing and storing a still image displayed on the display means in an auxiliary recording medium.
The information processing device according to 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. 9. When a plurality of still images are fetched in the video storage means, a selection operation means for selectively displaying any still image on the display means, and a selection operation means selected by the selection operation means. 5. A print control means for causing a printing device to print the still image displayed on the display means.
The information processing device according to 5, 6, or 7.