High-speed camera

Abstract

To solve the problem that the conventional high-speed cameras may not be able to record a required number of image frames.SOLUTION: A high-speed camera of the present invention comprises: a recording memory which is divided into a plurality of segments and written in a ring buffer; a recording part which sequentially causes the recording memory to perform recording, stops the recording when a predetermined number of image frames are recorded based on an input of a trigger signal, and causes the recording memory to leave a predetermined number of image frames set in advance; area information management means of storing segment information and image frame information indicating which image frame is recorded in which segment; and image frame management means of acquiring the predetermined number of image frames before and after a trigger signal is input in a certain segment based on the image frame information of the segment to which the trigger signal is input and the image frame information of the other segments stored by the area information management means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-speed camera, and more particularly to a high-speed camera capable of continuous recording. [Background technology]

[0002] (Explanation of the configuration of a typical digital high-speed camera)

[0003] Figure 18 shows the configuration of a typical digital high-speed camera. The digital high-speed camera 1 is composed of a camera body 2 and a photographic lens 3. Note that some cameras do not have the photographic lens 3 and use other optical systems.

[0004] The camera body 2 includes an imager unit 4 consisting of an image sensor or the like that sequentially exposes at a set exposure timing and captures the target video; a recording memory 5 consisting of DRAM or the like that is configured to record in a ring buffer; a recording unit 6 that sequentially records the images captured by the imager unit 4 in the recording memory 5 as digital data image frames and stops recording in the recording memory 5 and stops overwriting when a predetermined number of image frames have been recorded upon input of a trigger signal described below, thereby leaving the video of the predetermined image frames in the recording memory 5; a system control unit 7 that performs or causes various calculations and storage operations and has a timer that manages the time, a CPU, and a ROM that includes RAM and software related to its operation; an image processing unit 8 consisting of a DSP, GPU, or the like; an input / output unit 9 for inputting and outputting external signals; and a power supply unit 10 for supplying power to the camera body 2.

[0005] 18, the imager unit 4, recording unit 6, image processing unit 8, input / output unit 9, power supply unit 10, etc. are shown as separate entities from the system control unit 7. However, some or all of the imager unit 4, recording unit 6, image processing unit 8, input / output unit 9, power supply unit 10, etc. may constitute part of the system control unit 7.

[0006] (Explanation of how the recording unit 6 records in the recording memory 5)

[0007] In the conventional digital high-speed camera that records to memory, the ring buffer-shaped recording memory 5 is configured so that image frames are written sequentially from the beginning of the storage area, and when the memory area reaches the end, image frames are immediately overwritten sequentially from the beginning of the storage area, and this overwriting is repeated until recording is stopped.

[0008] Then, for example, the recording unit 6 sequentially exposes the captured images at predetermined exposure timings in the recording memory 5 in a ring buffer format, and writes the images converted into digital data.

[0009] The recording unit 6 is provided with a recording image frame number setting unit that presets the number of image frames to record a predetermined number of image frames before and after the image frame (trigger frame) when the trigger signal is input.

[0010] Then, the recording stop section provided in the recording section 6 stops writing (recording) after writing a predetermined number of images after the trigger frame set by the recording image frame number setting section, so that a predetermined number of image frames before and after the trigger frame can be recorded.

[0011] The number of image frames preset by the recording image frame number setting unit is set, for example, to the same number as the maximum number of image frames that can be written to the entire storage area of ​​the recording memory 5 (within the range that will not be overwritten), and is formed so that the recording memory 5 is used effectively.

[0012] The number of image frames preset by the recording image frame number setting unit may be smaller than the maximum number of image frames that can be written into the entire storage area of ​​the recording memory 5 (within the range that will not be overwritten).

[0013] For example, as shown in FIG. 19, there is a general high-speed photography function (hereinafter referred to as normal recording) that records a predetermined number of images (for example, 100 frames before the trigger and 100 frames after the trigger (including the trigger frame at the time of trigger input in this example)) written before and after the trigger signal is input as consecutive image frames in the recording memory 5. In the expressions "pre-trigger" and "post-trigger," the trigger frame may be included in either, or the trigger frame may not be included in either, and the pre-trigger and post-trigger states may be based on the trigger frame.

[0014] It should be noted that the recording image frame number setting unit may set the predetermined number of frames before or after the trigger signal is input to 0, excluding the trigger frame.

[0015] In the figure, the lightning bolt symbol indicates a trigger signal input.

[0016] The trigger signal input means for the trigger signal may be, for example, from outside the camera 1, via the TRIG IN connector of the input / output unit 9, through a circuit inside the camera body 2, and input to the recording unit 6, or the system control unit 7 inside the high-speed camera may generate a CPU trigger.

[0017] In addition, the storage area of ​​the recording memory 5 of the high-speed camera is divided into a plurality of segments (storage areas), and each divided segment is shifted in order and continuously, that is, shifted immediately and written without missing a single image frame.

[0018] That is, when writing is done in the first segment, the first trigger signal is input, and writing stops after a predetermined number of image frames are reached, writing automatically moves to the next segment immediately, making it possible to start recording when the next trigger signal is input.

[0019] This makes it possible to input a trigger signal for each segment, and normal recording can be performed for the number of divided segments, as shown in Figure 20. Also, continuous normal recording (hereinafter referred to as continuous recording) becomes possible.

[0020] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a general high-speed video camera. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0021] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4657379 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0022] However, in the conventional video camera described above, as shown in Fig. 21, normal recording of the current segment is in progress from the time a trigger signal is input until writing of a predetermined frame of the current segment being recorded is completed (image frames within frame A in the figure), so even if a further trigger signal is input, recording may not be possible. Therefore, trigger signal input may be missed.

[0023] Furthermore, if a trigger signal is input immediately after moving to the next segment, some frames before the trigger signal input will not be recorded in the next segment, so it cannot be guaranteed that all of the specified number of image frames before and after the trigger signal input will be recorded.

[0024] For example, Figure 22 shows image frame data recorded in response to each trigger signal input when recording is performed using the conventional high-speed camera. In this example, the camera is set up so that the same number of frames can be recorded before and after the trigger signal input. The recording memory 5 is also divided into four segments. The segments are named segment 0, segment 1, segment 2, and segment 3, and images are written in that order. The example also shows four trigger signal inputs.

[0025] The top part of Fig. 22 is a transition diagram showing the recording status of each segment along the time axis. The parts of each segment that have patterns on them indicate that they remain as recorded images. The parts of each segment that have no patterns on them indicate that the images have been overwritten and have disappeared.

[0026] The bottom row shows the image frame data recorded by each of the above segments, indicated by DATA0 to DATA3.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 22, in the conventional method, the recorded frame data matches the shooting scene of each segment.

[0028] First, images are written in a ring buffer manner into segment 0. Then, upon the first trigger signal input, a predetermined number of frames are recorded from the trigger signal input, which is set in advance by the recording image frame number setting unit, and then the recording stop unit ends recording of segment 0. Then, a predetermined number of frames before and after the trigger signal input are recorded as DATA0.

[0029] The second trigger signal input is ignored because it was input while segment 0 was being recorded.

[0030] When recording of segment 0 is completed, images are written in a ring buffer to the next segment 1. When the third trigger signal is input, recording of the predetermined number of frames is completed from the trigger signal input, and then recording of segment 1 is completed. Then, a predetermined number of frames before and after the trigger signal input are recorded as DATA1.

[0031] When recording of segment 1 is completed, images are written to the next segment 2. When the fourth trigger signal is input, recording of the predetermined number of frames is completed from the input of the trigger signal, and then recording of segment 2 is completed.

[0032] However, because the time from the start of recording of segment 2 to the input of the trigger signal was short, the predetermined number of image frames before the input of the trigger signal were not recorded, and therefore, the image is recorded as DATA2, which has a smaller number of image frames.

[0033] When recording of segment 2 is completed, images are written in a ring buffer to the next segment 3. Images are written in this manner until the next trigger signal is input.

[0034] As described above, depending on the timing of the trigger signal input, the trigger signal input may be ignored and no recording may be performed. Also, there may be cases where the specified number of frames before and after the trigger signal input cannot be recorded.

[0035] The present invention is intended to eliminate the above drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0036] The high-speed camera of the present invention comprises an imager unit which sequentially captures target images at set exposure timings; a recording memory which is divided into a plurality of segments, each of which is written to in turn and continuously, and each of which is written to and overwritten in a ring buffer manner until writing is stopped; and a recording device which sequentially records images captured by the imager unit as digital image frames in the recording memory, and stops recording in the recording memory when a predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stopping unit have been recorded based on input of a trigger signal, thereby leaving the predetermined number of image frames in the recording memory. a recording image frame number setting unit in which a predetermined number of image frames before and after the image frame at the time of input of the trigger signal are preset to be recorded based on the input of the trigger signal; an area information management means for storing segment information and image frame information as to which segment each image frame is recorded in; and an image frame management means for acquiring, based on the image frame information of the segment to which the trigger signal is input and the image frame information of other segments, the predetermined number of image frames before and after the predetermined number set by the recording image frame number setting unit, which are set based on the image frame at the time the trigger signal is input in a certain segment, stored by the area information management means.

[0037] Further, the image frame information is the position of the image frame within each segment, and the area information management means is configured to store, for each segment, the position within the segment of each image frame recorded in the segment after recording has stopped, and the image frame management means is configured to compensate for the position of the image frame that could not be recorded in the segment of the trigger frame from the position of each image frame within other segments to the position of each image frame within the segment into which the trigger signal was input, which has been stored by the area information management means, in order to acquire a predetermined number of image frames before and after the number of recorded image frames that is set based on the trigger frame when the trigger signal is input and which is preset by the recorded image frame number setting unit.

[0038] Further, a sequence number management means is provided which assigns a sequence number to each image frame recorded in sequence in each of the segments which are recorded sequentially in succession, the image frame information being a sequence number assigned for each of the segments by the sequence number management means, the area information management means being configured to store, for each segment, the sequence number of each image frame recorded in the segment after recording has stopped, and the image frame management means is configured to supplement the sequence numbers of each image frame of the segment to which the trigger signal is input, stored by the area information management means, with the sequence numbers of each image frame of other segments, to obtain a predetermined number of image frames before and after the trigger frame which is set in advance by the recorded image frame number setting unit, which is set based on the trigger frame when the trigger signal is input.

[0039] The recording unit is also characterized by being provided with a pseudo trigger signal input means for issuing a pseudo trigger signal when the input of the trigger signal overlaps in each segment and the segment moves to the next segment in succession.

[0040] The pseudo trigger signal input means is characterized by comprising delay management means for setting each segment to a delay state when the first trigger signal is input, and for canceling the delay state when recording of the segment currently being recorded stops, and overlap management means for setting each segment to an overlap state when a new trigger signal is input during the delay state, and for inputting a pseudo trigger signal to the recording unit when recording of the segment currently being recorded stops and recording moves continuously to the next segment, and for canceling the overlap state when the pseudo trigger signal is input.

[0041] The predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit is also characterized in that it is set to a predetermined number of image frames after the image frame at the time of input of the trigger signal, which is preset by the recording image frame number setting unit.

[0042] The recording stop unit is further provided with a judgment unit that judges whether or not there is an unrecorded area in the segment when the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit have been recorded in the segment, and if the judgment unit judges that there is no unrecorded area, the recording stop unit stops recording when the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit have been recorded, and if it judges that there is an unrecorded area, the recording stop unit is set to stop recording after writing up to the unrecorded area.

[0043] The false trigger signal input means is further characterized by comprising a false trigger signal input determining means for determining whether or not to input a false trigger signal to the next segment.

[0044] The recording stop unit is further provided with a judgment unit which judges whether or not there is an unrecorded area in a segment when the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit have been recorded in the segment, and if the judgment unit judges that there is no unrecorded area, the recording stop unit stops recording when the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit have been recorded, and if it judges that there is an unrecorded area, the recording stop unit is set to stop recording after writing up to the unrecorded area, and the pseudo trigger signal input means is provided with a pseudo trigger signal input judgment means which judges whether or not to input a pseudo trigger signal to the next segment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0045] The high-speed camera according to the present invention makes it possible to record a predetermined number of image frames before and after the input of any trigger signal at any timing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a high-speed camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on the position of the segments. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on the position of the segments. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on the position of the segments. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on the position of the segments. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on the position of the segments. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on sequence numbers. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on sequence numbers. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on sequence numbers. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on sequence numbers. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on sequence numbers. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention based on sequence numbers. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a transition diagram of the recording operation in response to trigger signal input for each segment in new method 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention based on the position of the segments. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention based on sequence numbers. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention based on sequence numbers. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a transition diagram of the recording operation in response to trigger signal input for each segment in new method 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a high-speed camera according to a conventional embodiment. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the recording state of image frames when a trigger signal is input; [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the recording state when the memory is divided into four segments. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a new trigger signal is input during a conventional recording state. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a transition diagram of a conventional recording operation in response to input of a trigger signal to each segment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the high-speed camera of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the high-speed camera of the present invention is not limited to the following description and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0048] The same parts as those in the above-described conventional example are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. [Example]

[0049] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a high-speed camera according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] (Explanation of the overall configuration of the present invention)

[0051] In the present invention, in a conventional high-speed camera 1, the storage area of ​​the recording memory 5 is divided into a plurality of segments (storage areas), and writing is performed in each divided segment in order and continuously (i.e., immediately shifting without missing a single image frame).

[0052] Furthermore, for example, the system control unit 7 is provided with area information management means 11 for storing segment information and image frame information, which indicates which image frame is recorded in which segment.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, the system control unit 7 is provided with an image frame management means 12 that acquires a predetermined number of image frames before and after the preset number of image frames to be recorded based on the image frame (trigger frame) when a trigger signal is input in a certain segment, based on the image frame information of the segment to which the trigger signal is input, stored by the area information management means 11, and image frame information of other segments.

[0054] That is, if it is not possible to obtain all of the predetermined number of image frames based on the trigger frame to which the trigger signal was input using only the segment to which the trigger signal was input, the image frame management means 12 supplements the necessary image frames from adjacent segments, so that all of the required predetermined number of image frames can be obtained for each trigger signal input.

[0055] Conventionally, the image frames required to be recorded based on the trigger signal input were acquired for each segment to which the trigger signal was input, so depending on the time the trigger signal was input, certain image frames were not recorded, and it was not possible to record all of the required image frames.

[0056] That is, for example, if a trigger signal is input immediately after moving to the next segment, the next segment does not have a record of the predetermined number of image frames before the image frame to which the trigger signal was input, so it may be possible to record only some of the image frames.

[0057] Therefore, in the present invention, the above-mentioned image frame management means 12 is provided, and in addition to the image frame information of the segment to which the trigger signal is input, necessary image frame information is supplemented from image frame information recorded in other segments such as before and after, and based on this image frame information, it becomes possible to obtain the required number of image frames each time a trigger signal is input.

[0058] In the present invention, the image frame management means 12 is provided, so that all of the required number of image frames corresponding to the trigger signal can be recorded.

[0059] (Example of segment information in the area information management means 11)

[0060] The segment information of the area information management means 11 includes, for example, the position (memory address) of each segment in the recording memory 5, the recording order of each segment, and the identification name set for each segment.

[0061] Then, the area information management means 11 stores the segment information of each divided segment.

[0062] (Example of image frame information of the area information management means 11)

[0063] The image frame information of the area information management means 11 includes, for example, the position of each image frame within each segment. Then, the area information management means 11 stores image frame information of each necessary image frame recorded for each segment.

[0064] In this example, in order to acquire a predetermined number of image frames before and after the preset number, which is set based on the trigger frame when the trigger signal is input, the image frame management means 12 acquires the required number of image frames by filling in the positions of each image frame in the segment to which the trigger signal was input, which were stored by the area information management means 11, with the positions of each image frame that could not be stored in the segment, from the positions of each image frame in other segments.

[0065] (Another example of the area information management means 11)

[0066] Instead of using the position within each segment as the image frame information, a sequence number management means may be provided that assigns a sequence number to each image frame recorded in sequence in each segment, and the sequence number stored for each segment may be used. Then, the area information management means 11 stores image frame information of each necessary image frame recorded for each segment.

[0067] In this other example, in order to acquire a predetermined number of image frames before and after the preset number, which is set based on the trigger frame when the trigger signal is input, the image frame management means 12 acquires the required number of image frames by supplementing the sequence numbers of each image frame of the segment to which the trigger signal is input, which are stored by the area information management means 11, with the sequence numbers of each image frame that could not be stored in the segment, from the sequence numbers of each image frame of other segments.

[0068] (Explanation of pseudo trigger signal input means 13)

[0069] Furthermore, the system control unit 7 is further provided with a pseudo trigger signal input means 13 for inputting a pseudo trigger signal to the recording unit 6 when the issuance of a trigger signal to the recording unit 6 overlaps in each segment and the recording unit moves to the next segment.

[0070] The pseudo trigger signal input means 13 comprises, for example, delay management means 13a which sets each segment to a delay state when the first trigger signal is input, and which cancels the delay state when recording of the currently being recorded segment stops, and overlap management means 13b which sets each segment to an overlap state when a new trigger signal is input during the delay state, and which inputs a pseudo trigger signal to the recording unit 6 when recording of the currently being recorded segment stops and recording of the next segment starts in succession, and which cancels the overlap state when the pseudo trigger signal is input.

[0071] Conventionally, when duplicate trigger signals are input to the same segment, the recording stop unit stops recording of the segment based on the input of the first trigger signal, and then starts recording of the next segment after recording of a predetermined number of image frames has been completed.

[0072] At this time, the required number of image frames will not remain in the segment because recording of the segment will be completed by the input of a subsequent trigger signal.

[0073] Furthermore, if a trigger signal is not input for the next segment after recording has started, the recording will be overwritten in the ring buffer, and the image frame required for the input of the subsequent trigger signal will not be retained.

[0074] Therefore, in the present invention, if there are duplicate trigger signals in each segment, when recording of the next segment begins, a pseudo trigger signal is input to the next segment, and the recording stop unit stops recording after recording the predetermined number of images previously set by the recording image frame number setting unit, preventing overwriting and allowing the required number of image frames to be recorded based on the subsequent trigger signal.

[0075] That is, when the first trigger signal is input to the recording unit 6 during recording of a certain segment, and based on the first trigger signal input, when recording of the number of image frames set in the recording image frame number setting unit is completed, writing of the certain segment is terminated, overwriting of the certain segment is stopped, and recording of the next segment is immediately started.

[0076] Then, based on the first trigger signal, a predetermined number of image frames are recorded in the certain segment, and the recording of the image frames is managed by the area information management means 11 based on their positions within the segment and sequence numbers.

[0077] It should be noted that the delay management means 13a causes a delay state due to the input of the first trigger signal, and this delay state is resolved when writing moves to the next segment.

[0078] Furthermore, if a new trigger signal is input during the delay state, the duplication management means 13b inputs a pseudo trigger signal to the recording unit 6 when moving to the next segment, and after writing of a predetermined number of image frames is completed, writing is stopped and overwriting of the next segment is stopped.

[0079] Then, the image frame management means 12 manages the necessary image frames from the image frame information of the segment when the new trigger signal is input and the image frame information of the next segment.

[0080] Then, by stopping the overwriting of the next segment, writing of the next segment can be started.

[0081] When the new trigger signal is input, the number of image frames at which writing of the certain segment will be stopped has already been set by the image stopping unit based on the first trigger signal, so the effect of the new trigger signal to stop recording of the certain segment is ignored.

[0082] Furthermore, when the pseudo trigger signal is input to the next segment, a delay state is created by the delay management means 13a, and when writing moves to the next segment, this delay state is resolved.

[0083] Then, in the next segment, writing continues until a trigger signal is input, and if a trigger signal is input, the above steps are repeated.

[0084] For example, in the recording stop section of the recording unit 6, when the overlap management means 13b moves recording to the next segment, instead of stopping recording in the next segment after recording the number of image frames set in the recording image frame number setting section in response to the input pseudo trigger signal, it may stop recording after recording only the number of image frames that are not enough with the image frames recorded in the segment to which the trigger signal was input.

[0085] That is, the recording stop unit may record the number of image frames in the next segment obtained by subtracting the number of image frames between the image frame at which the new trigger signal is input and the image frame at which recording is completed in the certain segment from the number set in the recording image frame number setting unit, and then stop recording.

[0086] In addition, in cases such as those described above, when moving on to the next segment while leaving an area in the segment where no recording has been performed (an area where recording has not been completed), the area where recording has not been completed in the next segment can be subdivided into one or more segments so that the point where recording stopped becomes the beginning of the new segment, and each of the subdivided segments can be immediately transitioned to and written in order, and then the recording can be continued to the next segment.

[0087] In this case, the recording memory 5 can be used more efficiently since the unrecorded area can be eliminated.

[0088] Then, the required number of image frames before and after the trigger frame at which the trigger signal is input, which is set in the recording image frame number setting section, are recorded.

[0089] (Explanation of the first embodiment of the present invention in the case where image frame information is a position within a segment)

[0090] Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in the case where image frame information is a position within a segment.

[0091] The recording memory 5 is divided into, for example, three segments, "A," "B," and "C," and recording is started consecutively in the order of "A," "B," and "C." Each segment is a ring buffer with a capacity of 10 image frames. The recording image frame number setting unit also records the image frame where the trigger signal is input (trigger frame), the four frames thereafter, and the five frames before (hereinafter referred to as the 10 frames near the trigger).

[0092] In addition, the recording stop unit is set so that after a trigger signal is received, recording stops when four frames have passed from the image frame, which is the same number as the number previously set by the recording image frame number setting unit, and the unit moves to the next segment.

[0093] In the case of the final segment, the recording may move to the first segment or stop there.

[0094] First, as shown in Figure 2, assume that recording begins in segment "A" with the settings such that captured image frames are written sequentially in a ring buffer into 10 image frame areas [A0] to [A9] on the recording memory.

[0095] The captured image frames are written in the segment A in a sequential manner, overwriting the previous image frames.

[0096] 2 to 6, the upper row indicates the position of the image frame area within each segment, and the lower row indicates the recording status. [oo] indicates that the recording has been overwritten.

[0097] FIG. 3 shows an example in which, for example, in segment A, the first trigger signal is input at the timing when an image frame is written to the image frame area [A8], and then a new trigger signal is input at the timing when an image frame is written to the image frame area [A1]. Note that <> indicates that a trigger signal has been input.

[0098] The numbers at the bottom of each of FIGS. 3 to 5 indicate the order of the recorded image frames before and after the trigger frame set by the recording image frame number setting unit.

[0099] As shown in Figure 3, when the first trigger signal is input to the image frame area [A8], image frames are written into the four image frame areas [A9], [A0], [A1], and [A2] set by the recording stop unit, and then writing is stopped in the image frame area [A2]. Then, in segment A, the necessary image frames remain in the image frame areas [A3], [A4], [A5], [A6], [A7], [A8], [A9], [A0], [A1], and [A2] based on the first trigger signal.

[0100] It should be noted that FIG. 4 shows the positions of image frame areas corresponding to recorded image frames in a time series.

[0101] Then, immediately after the writing of the segment A stops, the writing of the next segment B starts.

[0102] Here, in the conventional case, a new trigger signal input at the time of the image frame area [A1] is ignored because segment A is currently being recorded.

[0103] Furthermore, even if a new trigger signal is received, recording of segment A will stop at image frame area [A2], so even if segment A has recorded up to image frame areas [A6], [A7], [A8], [A9], [A0], [A1], and [A2], since no trigger signal has been input to segment B, the recording will be overwritten in a ring buffer manner, and it will not be possible to leave image frames corresponding to the required image frame areas [B0], [B1], and [B2] based on the input of a new trigger signal.

[0104] Therefore, in the present invention, when a second trigger signal is input in segment A, resulting in an overlapping state, as shown in Figure 5, a pseudo trigger signal is automatically input to the recording unit from the pseudo trigger signal input means 13 in the first image frame area [B0] of segment B, and after the predetermined number of image frames have been recorded, writing of segment B is stopped to prevent it from being overwritten.

[0105] In FIG. 5, [xx] in segment B indicates that no image has been stored in memories [B5] to [B9].

[0106] The pseudo-trigger, for example, follows the same rules as a normal trigger, and in the recording stop section, writing stops at a set number of image frames (for example, the final number of frames including the trigger is 5 frames), and after writing up to the image frame area [B4], writing of segment "C" begins, as shown in Figure 6.

[0107] (Example 1 of the present invention will be described in the case where image frame information is a sequence number)

[0108] Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in the case where image frame information is a sequence number.

[0109] For example, the recording memory is divided into three segments, "A," "B," and "C," and recording is started consecutively in the order of "A," "B," and "C." Each segment is a ring buffer with a capacity of 10 image frames. The recording image frame number setting unit also records the image frame where the trigger signal is input (trigger frame), the four frames after that, and the five frames before that (hereinafter referred to as the 10 frames near the trigger).

[0110] In addition, the recording stop unit is set so that after a trigger signal is received, recording stops when four frames have passed from the image frame, which is the same number as the number previously set by the recording image frame number setting unit, and the unit immediately moves to the next segment.

[0111] In the case of the final segment, the recording may move to the first segment or stop there.

[0112] First, as shown in Figure 7, assume that recording starts in segment "A" with the settings such that captured image frames are written sequentially in a ring buffer into 10 image frame areas [A0] to [A9] on the recording memory.

[0113] The sequence number management means assigns sequence numbers to the captured image frames in order, such as

[00] ,

[01] ,

[02] , . . .

[0114] The captured image frames are written in the segment A in a sequential manner, overwriting the previous image frames.

[0115] In Figure 7, the sequence number of the third cycle recorded in the ring buffer is <28> And the fourth lap <31> 10 shows an example in which a trigger signal is input to an image frame corresponding to the sequence number at the timing of .

[0116] sequence number <28> When the trigger signal is input, the recording stops at sequence number

[32] , which is four image frames ahead of the sequence number set in the recording stop section. Then, in segment A, the image frames corresponding to sequence numbers

[23] to

[32] remain.

[0117] In terms of the memory arrangement of the segment A, as shown in FIG. 8, image frames corresponding to a series of sequence numbers remain.

[0118] FIG. 9 also shows a series of sequence numbers corresponding to the recorded image frames when presented in chronological order.

[0119] Then, after the writing of segment A stops, the writing of the next segment B starts, and the sequence number management means sequentially numbers the captured image frames in order, such as

[33] ,

[34] ,

[35] ..., as shown in Figure 10.

[0120] Here, conventionally, the sequence number <31> A new trigger signal input at this point is ignored because segment A is currently being recorded.

[0121] Furthermore, even if a new trigger signal is received and the required sequence numbers

[26] to

[35] are recorded in segment A up to sequence numbers

[26] to

[32] , since no trigger signal is input to segment B, the image frames corresponding to sequence numbers

[33] to

[35] are overwritten in a ring buffer as shown in Figure 5, and it is not possible to leave the image frames corresponding to sequence numbers

[33] to

[35] .

[0122] Therefore, in the present invention, if a second trigger signal is received in segment A and an overlap occurs, the first frame of segment B <33> Then, the pseudo trigger signal input means 13 automatically inputs a pseudo trigger signal to the recording unit, stopping writing of segment B and preventing it from being overwritten, as shown in FIG.

[0123] In FIG. 11, [xx] in segment B indicates that no image has been stored in memories [B5] to [B9].

[0124] In addition, this pseudo trigger <33> is a normal trigger <28> Following the same rule, in the recording stop section, writing stops at the set number of image frames (for example, the last frame count including the trigger is 5 frames), and after writing up to

[37] , writing of segment "C" starts as shown in Figure 12.

[0125] (Explanation based on frame data of the first embodiment of the present invention)

[0126] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the image frame data recorded in each segment when a trigger signal is input to each segment, in accordance with the new method of the first embodiment of the present invention. Using this diagram, the recording operation in response to the input of a trigger signal to each segment will be specifically explained.

[0127] First, an example is shown in which the number of segments is divided into four so that the same number of frames can be recorded before and after the trigger signal input, and the trigger signal is input four times. The period during which recording is performed in each segment is indicated by segments 0 to 3, and it is shown that the parts with patterns remain as recording memory, while the parts without patterns are overwritten and erased. The image frame data managed as a captured scene is indicated by data 0 to data 3.

[0128] As shown in Figure 13, with the new method, each segment does not necessarily match the captured scene.

[0129] First, images are written in a ring buffer format into segment 0. Then, the first trigger signal input becomes a trigger frame of data 0, and after recording a predetermined number of frames after the first trigger signal input, recording of segment 0 ends, and the system switches to segment 1, and writing begins in segment 1.

[0130] Then, the image frame based on the first trigger signal is recorded as data 0 by the image frame management means 12, which corresponds to the required number of image frame information previously set by the recording image frame number setting unit.

[0131] It should be noted that from the time of the first trigger signal input until the current recording of segment 0, the delay management means 13a causes a delay state.

[0132] Since the second trigger signal is input during the recording of segment 0 after the first trigger signal is input (delay state), the overlap management means 13b determines that an overlap state has occurred, and when the recording of segment 0 is stopped and writing moves to the next segment 1, a pseudo trigger signal is input to the next segment 1.

[0133] The delay caused by the first input of the trigger signal is resolved by moving to the next segment.

[0134] Furthermore, the overlapping state is also resolved by inputting a pseudo trigger in the next segment.

[0135] Furthermore, in the next segment 1, a false trigger signal is input, so the delay management means 13a causes a delay state.

[0136] Then, based on the pseudo trigger signal, the next segment 1 records the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop section, then stops recording, and moves on to the next segment 2, which is written in a ring buffer format.

[0137] Then, the image frames based on the second trigger signal are recorded as data 1 by the image frame management means 12, so that the image frames corresponding to the required number of image frame information are recorded.

[0138] In this case, the image frames in segment 1 are not enough, so the image frames recorded in segment 0 are added to create data 1.

[0139] The delay state caused by the input of the false trigger signal is resolved by moving to the next segment 2.

[0140] When a third trigger signal is input to the next segment 2, which is written in the ring buffer, there is no overlap, so as usual, the recording stops after recording the specified number of image frames set in the recording stop section, and the recording moves on to the next segment 3, and writing is then performed in that next segment 3.

[0141] Then, the image frames based on the third trigger signal are recorded as data 2 by the image frame management means 12, so that the image frames corresponding to the required number of image frame information are recorded.

[0142] The image frames based on the third trigger signal will consist of only the image frames recorded in segment 2.

[0143] When the third trigger signal is input, the delay management means 13a causes the segment 2 to enter a delay state.

[0144] However, by moving to the next segment 3, the delay will be resolved.

[0145] Then, when a fourth trigger signal is input in segment 3, since there is no overlap, the recording stops after recording the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop section as usual.

[0146] When writing to segment 3 is completed, writing to the segments may be completed, or writing to segment 0 may be started.

[0147] Then, the image frames based on the fourth trigger signal are recorded as data 3 by the image frame management means 12, so that the image frames corresponding to the required number of image frame information are recorded.

[0148] At this time, the image frames in segment 3 are not enough, so the image frames recorded in segment 2 are added to create data 3.

[0149] Furthermore, when the fourth trigger signal is input, the delay management means 13a causes a delay state in the segment 3, and when a new trigger signal is input thereafter, the overlap management means 13b causes an overlap state, and when the next segment is reached, the delay state is resolved.

[0150] According to the present invention, no image frames are left behind for each trigger signal input. [Example]

[0151] The first embodiment above shows an example in which, in each segment, recording is stopped after recording a predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop section, and writing is shifted to the next segment.

[0152] In this second embodiment, for example, the recording stop section of the recording unit 6 is provided with a judgment section for judging whether or not there is an unrecorded area (an area in which recording is not completed) in the segment when the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop section have been recorded in the segment. If the judgment section judges that there is no area in which recording is not completed, the recording stop section stops recording when the predetermined number of image frames have been recorded. If it judges that there is an area in which recording is not completed, the recording stop section stops recording after writing up to the area in which recording is not completed, i.e., after recording the maximum number of image frames that the segment can record without being overwritten.

[0153] In this case, the recording memory 5 can be used more efficiently since the unrecorded area can be eliminated.

[0154] Then, the required number of image frames before and after the trigger frame at which the trigger signal is input, which is set in the recording image frame number setting section, are recorded.

[0155] In addition, in the recording stop section of the recording section 6, if the judgment section judges that there is an area in which recording has not been completed and recording is stopped after the maximum number of image frames that the segment can record has been recorded, even if the next trigger signal is input in the segment, all image frames may be recorded and there may be no need to input a pseudo trigger signal to the next segment.

[0156] In other words, if the writing to the current segment has not been completed in one cycle, and if the value set as the number of frames after the trigger input is added from the trigger frame related to the last trigger input in that segment, and the result does not exceed the total number of frames in that segment, it is possible to record (save) all desired image frames in that segment without inputting (issuing) a pseudo trigger.

[0157] Therefore, the false trigger signal input means 13 may be provided with a separate false trigger signal input determining means for determining whether or not to input a false trigger signal to the next segment.

[0158] (Example 2 of the present invention will be explained in the case where image frame information is a position within a segment)

[0159] For example, in the above-mentioned Example 1, as shown in FIG. 5, in segment B, the recording stop unit stops recording after writing a predetermined number of images from the trigger frame where the trigger signal is input, and therefore the image frame areas [B5] to [B9] of segment B are not recorded.

[0160] Therefore, since that area will not be utilized and the program will move on to the next segment, in order to make effective use of memory, in Example 2, when a trigger signal is input to position [B0] of segment B, when a predetermined number of image frames (5 frames including the trigger frame) set by the recording stop unit have been recorded, i.e., when [B4] has been recorded, there is still an area in which recording has not been completed ([B6] to [B9]), so the judgment unit determines that there is an area in which recording has not been completed, and the recording stop unit does not end recording at [B4], but instead writes up to the end of the ring buffer (i.e., [B9]) as shown in Figure 14, and then stops writing image frames, and moves on to the next segment "C" as shown in Figure 6.

[0161] For example, in the above-mentioned Example 1, as shown in Figure 3, if a trigger signal is input at the timing when an image frame is written to the image frame area [A8] of segment A, recording stops in the image frame area [A2] and the necessary image frames remain in the image frame areas [A0] to [A9]. However, in the above-mentioned Example 2, since there is no incomplete recording area at the time when recording stops in the image frame area [A2], the above-mentioned judgment unit judges that there is no incomplete recording area, and the above-mentioned recording stop unit stops recording in the image frame area [A2] and the necessary image frames remain in the image frame areas [A0] to [A9].

[0162] (Explanation of the second embodiment of the present invention in the case where image frame information is a sequence number)

[0163] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the image frame areas [B5] to [B9] of the segment B are not recorded.

[0164] Therefore, the area is not utilized and the process proceeds to the next segment. Therefore, in order to use the memory effectively, in the second embodiment, the sequence number <33> Even if a trigger signal is input, as in the above, instead of ending at

[37] as [B4], as shown in Figure 15, in the recording stop section, writing is stopped up to the end of the ring buffer (i.e.,

[42] ), and then the process moves to the next segment "C" as shown in Figure 16.

[0165] As explained above regarding the position of the image frame information within the segment, if there is no area in which recording has not been completed at the time when recording is stopped, the recording stop unit stops recording at that point.

[0166] (Explanation based on frame data of the second embodiment of the present invention)

[0167] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the image frame data recorded in each segment when a trigger signal is input to each segment, in accordance with the new method of the second embodiment of the present invention. Using this diagram, the recording operation in response to the input of a trigger signal to each segment will be specifically explained.

[0168] By recording all frames of each segment without depending on the timing of the trigger signal input, it is possible to use the recording memory efficiently.

[0169] This example shows settings that allow recording of the same number of frames before and after trigger signal input, dividing the number of segments into four, and inputting the trigger signal four times. The period during which recording is performed in each segment is indicated by segment 0 to segment 3, with portions with patterns remaining as recording memory and portions without patterns being overwritten and erased. Recorded data managed as shooting scenes is indicated by data 0 to data 3.

[0170] However, in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, if the judgment unit judges that there is an area in which recording has not been completed even after the necessary image frames have been recorded, each segment is set to record the maximum number of image frames that each segment can record (up to the range that does not overwrite), and then move on to the next segment.

[0171] As shown in Figure 17, with the new method, each segment does not necessarily match the captured scene.

[0172] First, images are written in a ring buffer format into segment 0. Then, the first trigger signal input becomes a trigger frame of data 0, and after recording a predetermined number of frames after the first trigger signal input, recording of segment 0 ends, switching to segment 1, and writing to segment 1 begins.

[0173] Then, the image frame based on the first trigger signal is recorded as data 0 by the image frame management means 12, which corresponds to the required number of image frame information previously set by the recording image frame number setting unit.

[0174] It should be noted that from the time of the first trigger signal input until the current segment 0 is being recorded, the delay management means 13 causes the recording to be in a delayed state.

[0175] Since the second trigger signal is input during the recording of segment 0 after the first trigger signal is input (delay state), the overlap management means 13b determines that an overlap state has occurred, and when the recording of segment 0 is stopped and writing moves to the next segment 1, a pseudo trigger signal is input to the next segment 1.

[0176] The delay caused by the first input of the trigger signal is resolved by moving to the next segment.

[0177] Furthermore, the overlapping state is also resolved by inputting a pseudo trigger in the next segment.

[0178] Furthermore, in the next segment 1, a false trigger signal is input, so the delay management means 13a causes a delay state.

[0179] Then, based on the pseudo trigger signal, the next segment 1 records the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit. However, since there are still areas in segment 1 where recording has not been completed, the judgment unit determines that there are areas where recording has not been completed, and the recording stop unit stops recording after recording the total number of frames, and then moves on to the next segment 2, and writing is performed in next segment 2.

[0180] Then, the image frame based on the second trigger signal is recorded as data 1 by the image frame management means 12, with the image frame corresponding to the required number of image frame information previously set by the recording image frame number setting unit.

[0181] In this case, the image frames in segment 0 are not enough, so the image frames recorded in segment 1 are added to create data 1.

[0182] The delay state caused by the input of the false trigger signal is resolved by moving to the next segment 2.

[0183] Then, when a third trigger signal is input in the next segment 2, the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop section are recorded. However, since there are still areas in segment 2 where recording has not been completed, the judgment section determines that there are areas where recording has not been completed, and the recording stop section stops recording after recording the total number of frames, and then moves on to the next segment 3, and writing is performed in this next segment 3.

[0184] Then, the image frames based on the third trigger signal are recorded as data 2 by the image frame management means 12, so that the image frames corresponding to the required number of image frame information are recorded.

[0185] In this case, the image frames from segment 2 are not enough, so the image frames recorded in segment 1 are added to create data 2.

[0186] When the third trigger signal is input, the delay management means 13a causes the segment 2 to enter a delay state.

[0187] When a fourth trigger signal is input in segment 2, the overlap management means 13b determines that an overlap state has occurred because the input occurred during recording of segment 2 after the third trigger signal input (delay state). When recording of segment 2 stops and writing moves to the next segment 3, a pseudo trigger signal is input to the next segment 3.

[0188] Then, the image frames based on the fourth trigger signal are recorded as data 3 by the image frame management means 12, so that the image frames corresponding to the required number of image frame information are recorded.

[0189] In this case, the image frames from segment 2 are not enough, so the image frames recorded in segment 3 are added to create data 3.

[0190] The delay state caused by the input of the fourth trigger signal is resolved by moving to the next segment 3.

[0191] Furthermore, the overlapping state is also resolved by inputting a pseudo trigger in the next segment.

[0192] Then, in segment 3, the pseudo trigger records the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop section. However, since there are still areas in segment 3 where recording has not been completed, the judgment section determines that there are areas where recording has not been completed, and after recording the total number of frames, the recording stop section stops recording and, if necessary, moves to segment 0.

[0193] As a result, similar to the first embodiment, no image frame is left behind for each trigger signal input. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 1. High-speed camera 2. Camera body 3. Photographic Lenses 4 Imager section 5 Recording Memory 6 Recording section 7 System control section 8 Image processing section 9 Input / output section 10 Power supply section 11 Area information management means 12 Image frame management means 13. Pseudo trigger signal input means 13a Delay Management Measures 13b Duplication control measures

Claims

1. an imager unit that captures target images sequentially at set exposure timings; a recording memory divided into a plurality of segments, each of which is written in turn and continuously, and each of which is written in a ring buffer and overwritten until writing is stopped; a recording unit that sequentially records images captured by the imager unit as image frames of digital data in the recording memory, and stops recording in the recording memory when a predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stopping unit have been recorded based on an input of a trigger signal, thereby leaving the predetermined number of image frames in the recording memory; a recording image frame number setting unit that presets a predetermined number of image frames before and after the image frame at the time of input of the trigger signal to be recorded in response to the input of the trigger signal; an area information management means for storing segment information and image frame information indicating which image frame is recorded in which segment; an image frame management means for acquiring, based on the image frame information of the segment to which the trigger signal is input and the image frame information of another segment, a predetermined number of image frames before and after the predetermined number set by the recording image frame number setting unit, which are set based on the image frame when the trigger signal is input in the segment, stored by the area information management means; A high-speed camera comprising:

2. The image frame information is the position of the image frame within each segment, the area information management means is configured to store, for each segment, a position within the segment of each image frame recorded in the segment after recording has been stopped; The high-speed camera of claim 1, wherein the image frame management means is configured to fill in the positions of image frames that could not be recorded in the segment of the trigger frame from the positions of each image frame in other segments at the positions of each image frame in the segment to which the trigger signal was input, which positions are stored by the area information management means, in order to acquire a predetermined number of image frames before and after the trigger frame that is set in advance by the recorded image frame number setting unit, which is set based on the trigger frame when the trigger signal is input.

3. a sequence number management means for assigning a sequence number to each image frame recorded in the segments which are sequentially recorded in succession; the image frame information is a sequence number assigned to each segment by the sequence number management means, the area information management means is configured to store, for each segment, a sequence number of each image frame recorded in the segment after recording has been stopped; The high-speed camera according to claim 1, characterized in that the image frame management means is configured to supplement the sequence numbers of image frames of the segment to which the trigger signal was input, stored by the area information management means, with the sequence numbers of image frames of other segments that could not be recorded in the segment of the trigger frame, in order to acquire a predetermined number of image frames before and after the trigger frame that is set in advance by the recorded image frame number setting unit, which is set based on the trigger frame when the trigger signal is input.

4. 2. The high-speed camera according to claim 1, further comprising a pseudo trigger signal input means for issuing a pseudo trigger signal to the recording unit when the input of the trigger signal overlaps in each segment and transitions to the next segment.

5. the pseudo trigger signal input means includes a delay management means for setting each segment in a delay state when a first trigger signal is input, and for canceling the delay state when recording of the currently recording segment is stopped; The high-speed camera according to claim 4, further comprising an overlap management means for determining that an overlap state exists when a new trigger signal is input during the delay state, and inputting a pseudo trigger signal to the recording unit when recording of the currently being recorded segment stops and recording moves continuously to the next segment, and for resolving the overlap state when the pseudo trigger signal is input.

6. The high-speed camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit is set to a predetermined number of image frames after the image frame at the time of input of the trigger signal, which is preset by the recording image frame number setting unit.

7. a determination unit for determining whether or not there is an unrecorded area in a segment when the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit have been recorded in the segment; When the determination unit determines that there is no unrecorded area, the recording stop unit stops recording when a predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit have been recorded; The high-speed camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, when it is determined that there is an unrecorded area, the recording stop unit is set to stop recording after writing up to the unrecorded area.

8. 6. The high-speed camera according to claim 4, wherein said pseudo trigger signal input means is provided with a pseudo trigger signal input decision means for deciding whether or not to input a pseudo trigger signal to the next segment.

9. a determination unit for determining whether or not there is an unrecorded area in a segment when the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit have been recorded in the segment; When the determination unit determines that there is no unrecorded area, the recording stop unit stops recording when a predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit have been recorded; When it is determined that there is an unrecorded area, the recording stopping unit is set to stop recording after writing data up to the unrecorded area, 6. The high-speed camera according to claim 4, wherein said pseudo trigger signal input means is provided with a pseudo trigger signal input decision means for deciding whether or not to input a pseudo trigger signal to the next segment.

Images