High Speed ​​Camera

Abstract

Conventional high-speed cameras are sometimes unable to record the required number of image frames. [Solution] The high-speed camera of the present invention is characterized by comprising a recording memory divided into a number of segments and written in a ring buffer shape, a recording unit which records sequentially into the recording memory and stops recording when a predetermined number of image frames have been recorded based on the input of a trigger signal, leaving a predetermined number of image frames in the recording memory, an area information management means which stores segment information and image frame information regarding which image frame is recorded in which segment, and an image frame management means which acquires, based on the image frame information of the segment to which the trigger signal was input and the image frame information of other segments, a predetermined number of image frames before and after the predetermined number of image frames before and after the input of a trigger signal in a certain segment, stored by the area information management means.

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] Fig. 18 shows the configuration of a typical digital high-speed camera. The digital high-speed camera 1 is made up of a camera body 2 and a photographic lens 3. 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 which captures a target image by sequentially exposing at a set exposure timing, a recording memory 5 consisting of a DRAM or the like which is configured to record in a ring buffer shape, a recording unit 6 which sequentially records the images captured by the imager unit 4 in the recording memory 5 as image frames of digital data, and which 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 which will be described later, thereby leaving the images of the predetermined image frames in the recording memory 5, a system control unit 7 which performs or causes various calculations and storage, and which has a timer which manages the time, a CPU, and a ROM which includes RAM and software related to the operation thereof, an image processing unit 8 consisting of a DSP, a 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 form part of the system control unit 7.

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

[0007] In the conventional digital high-speed camera in which recording is performed in memory, the ring buffer-like recording memory 5 is configured such that image frames are written in sequence from the beginning of the storage area, and when the entire area is written, the storage area is immediately overwritten with new image frames from the beginning, and this overwriting is repeated until recording is stopped.

[0008] Then, for example, the recording unit 6 sequentially exposes, at a preset exposure timing, the captured and digitized images are written in the recording memory 5 in a ring buffer manner.

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

[0010] Then, a recording stop section provided in the recording section 6 stops writing (recording) after writing a predetermined number of images after the trigger frame, which is 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 (within the range that is not overwritten) into the entire storage area of ​​the recording memory 5, and is configured so that the recording memory 5 is utilized efficiently.

[0012] The number of image frames preset by the recording image frame number setting section 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 is not overwritten).

[0013] For example, as shown in FIG. 19, there is a general high-speed shooting function (hereinafter, normal recording) that records a preset number of images (e.g., 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 input of the trigger signal 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 periods may be determined based on the trigger frame.

[0014] In addition, the recorded image frame number setting section may set the predetermined number before or after the trigger signal is input to 0, excluding the trigger frame.

[0015] In the figure, a 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 number of segments (storage areas), and each divided segment can be shifted sequentially and continuously, that is, immediately shifted and written without missing a single image frame.

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

[0019] This makes it possible to input a trigger signal for each segment, and enables normal recording for the number of segment divisions, as shown in Fig. 20. Also, continuous normal recording (hereinafter, 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, as shown in Fig. 21, after a trigger signal is input, until writing of a predetermined frame of the current segment being recorded is completed (image frames in frame A in the figure), normal recording of the current segment is in progress, so even if a further trigger signal is input, recording may not be possible. Therefore, the trigger signal input may be missed.

[0023] In addition, if a trigger signal is input immediately after moving to the next segment, some frames before the trigger signal input are not recorded in the next segment, so it is not possible to guarantee that a certain number of image frames before and after the trigger signal input will all be recorded.

[0024] For example, Figure 22 shows image frame data recorded by each trigger signal input when recording is performed with the above-mentioned conventional high-speed camera. In this example, the settings are made so that the same number of frames can be recorded before and after the trigger signal input. Also, the recording memory 5 is divided into four segments. The segment names are segment 0, segment 1, segment 2, and segment 3, respectively, and images are written in that order. Also shown is an example where the trigger signal is input four times.

[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 lower part 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 each segment and the shooting scene.

[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 preset by the recording image frame number setting unit, and then recording of segment 0 is terminated by the recording stop unit. 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 is input while segment 0 is being recorded.

[0030] Then, when recording of segment 0 is completed, images are written in a ring buffer manner to the next segment 1. Upon input of the third trigger signal, recording of the predetermined number of frames is performed 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] Then, when recording of segment 1 is completed, images are written into the next segment 2. Upon input of the fourth trigger signal, recording of the predetermined number of frames is performed 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 specified 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 input of the trigger signal, the input of the trigger signal may be ignored and recording may not be performed. Also, there may be cases where the number of frames before and after the input of the trigger signal is not recorded as specified.

[0035] The present invention is intended to eliminate the above-mentioned 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 a set exposure timing; a recording memory which is divided into a plurality of segments, each of which is shifted sequentially and written to in sequence, and into which data is written and overwritten in a ring buffer manner until writing is stopped; a recording unit which sequentially records images captured by the imager unit as digital data image frames in the recording memory, and which 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 a predetermined number of image frames in the recording memory; and a recording image frame number setting unit which 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 based on input of the trigger signal. Among the above divided segments Which segment Segment information on which segments are Image frame information for each image frame recorded andand 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, a predetermined number of image frames before and after the predetermined number set by the recorded image frame number setting unit, which is set based on the image frame when the trigger signal is input in a certain segment, stored by the area information management means.

[0037] 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 is stopped, and the image frame management means is configured to supplement the positions of image frames that could not be recorded in the segment of the trigger frame from the positions of each image frame within other segments to the positions of each image frame within the segment to which the trigger signal was input, 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 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.

[0038] Further, a sequence number management means is provided which assigns a sequence number in order to each image frame which is recorded in sequence in each of the segments which are recorded sequentially with a continuous transition, 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 is stopped, and 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 which could not be recorded in the segment of the trigger frame, in order to obtain a predetermined number of image frames before and after the predetermined number set by the recorded image frame number setting unit which is set based on the trigger frame when the trigger signal is input.

[0039] The present invention is also characterized in that the recording section is 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 transitions to the next segment in succession.

[0040] The pseudo trigger signal input means further comprises a delay management means for setting each segment to a delay state when a first trigger signal is input, and for canceling the delay state when recording of the currently being recorded segment is stopped, and an 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 currently being recorded segment is stopped 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 section is characterized in that it is set to a predetermined number of image frames following the image frame at the time of input of the trigger signal, which is preset by the recording image frame number setting section.

[0042] 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 are recorded in the segment, and if the judgment unit judges that there is no unrecorded area, the recording stop unit is set to stop recording when the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit are recorded, and if it is judged that there is an unrecorded area, the recording stop unit is set to stop recording after writing up to the unrecorded area.

[0043] The pseudo trigger signal input means is further characterized by comprising a pseudo trigger signal input decision means for deciding whether or not to input a pseudo 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 are recorded in the segment, and if the judgment unit judges that there is no unrecorded area, the recording stop unit is set to stop recording when the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop unit are recorded, and if it is judged 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. Effect of the Invention

[0045] According to the high-speed camera of the present invention, it is possible to record a predetermined number of image frames before and after the input of a trigger signal, regardless of the timing of the input of the trigger signal. [Brief description of the drawings]

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

[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 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0048] The same parts as those described in the above conventional example are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. EXAMPLES

[0049] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a high-speed camera according to an 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 sequence and continuously (i.e., immediately transitioning without missing a single image frame) into each divided segment.

[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 regarding which image frame is recorded in which segment.

[0053] Also, for example, the system control unit 7 is provided with an image frame management means 12 which 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] In other words, when the segment to which a trigger signal has been input is not sufficient to obtain all of the specified number of image frames based on the trigger frame to which the trigger signal has been input, the image frame management means 12 supplements the necessary image frames from adjacent segments, thereby making it possible to obtain all of the required specified number of image frames for each trigger signal input.

[0055] Conventionally, the image frames required to be recorded based on the trigger signal input were obtained for each segment to which the trigger signal was input. Therefore, depending on the time the trigger signal was input, a certain image frame was 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 specified number of image frames prior to the image frame in which the trigger signal was input, so that only a portion of the image frames may be recorded.

[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 for each trigger signal input.

[0058] In the present invention, the image frame management means 12 is provided, so that it becomes possible to record all of the required number of image frames corresponding to the trigger signal.

[0059] (Example of segment information of the above-mentioned 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 an identification name set for each segment.

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

[0062] (An 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 required 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 frame 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 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 which 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 which assigns sequence numbers in order to each image frame recorded in each segment, and the sequence numbers stored for each segment may be used. Then, the area information management means 11 stores image frame information of each required 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 frame 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] 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 the trigger signal to the recording unit 6 overlaps in each segment and a transition is made to the next segment.

[0070] The pseudo trigger signal input means 13 comprises, for example, a 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 a duplication 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 transitions continuously to recording of the next segment, 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 due to the input of a subsequent trigger signal will no longer remain in the segment because recording of the segment has ended.

[0073] Furthermore, if a trigger signal is not inputted, the recording of the next segment after recording has started is overwritten in the ring buffer, and it is not possible to leave the image frame required by the input of the subsequent trigger signal.

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

[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. The image frames are managed by the area information management means 11 according to their positions in the segment and sequence numbers.

[0077] Incidentally, when the first trigger signal is input, a delay state is created by the delay management means 13a, and this delay state is eliminated when writing is transferred 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 a predetermined number of image frames have been written, 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 is started.

[0081] It should be noted that when the new trigger signal is input, the number of image frames at which writing of the certain segment is to be stopped has already been set by the image stopping unit based on the first trigger signal, and therefore the effect of the new trigger signal for stopping 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 is transferred to the next segment, this delay state is eliminated.

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

[0084] For example, in the recording stop section of the recording unit 6, when the overlap management means 13b transitions 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 be possible to 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 stop recording after recording the number of image frames in the next segment obtained by subtracting from the number set in the recording image frame number setting unit 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 ended in the certain segment.

[0086] Furthermore, in cases such as those described above, when moving on to the next segment while leaving an area in the segment that is not being recorded (an area in which recording is not completed), the area in which recording is not completed of the next segment can be re-divided into one or more segments so that the point where recording stopped becomes the start of the new segment, and each of the re-divided segments can be immediately moved to and written in order, and then the recording can be moved to the next segment continuously.

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

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

[0089] (Description 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 for 10 image frames. The recorded image frame number setting unit is also configured to record the image frame where the trigger signal is input (trigger frame), as well as 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 as to stop recording and move to the next segment when, after a trigger signal is received, 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.

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

[0094] First, as shown in FIG. 2, assume that recording starts in segment “A” with 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 sequence, overwriting the previous ones.

[0096] 2 to 6, the upper rows show the position of the image frame area in each segment, and the lower rows show the recording status. [oo] indicates a state where the recording has been overwritten.

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

[0098] It should be noted that the numbers in the lower rows in Figs. 3 to 5 indicate the order of the recorded image frames before and after the trigger frame set by the recorded image frame number setting unit.

[0099] As shown in Fig. 3, when the first trigger signal is input in the image frame area [A8], image frames are written in 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 the segment A, the necessary image frames based on the first trigger signal remain in the image frame areas [A3], [A4], [A5], [A6], [A7], [A8], [A9], [A0], [A1], and [A2].

[0100] It should be noted that FIG. 4 shows the location of image frame areas corresponding to recorded image frames when presented in chronological order.

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

[0102] Here, in the conventional technology, 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 stops 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 is input to segment B, the data is overwritten in a ring buffer manner, and it is not 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, if a second trigger signal is received 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 specified number of image frames have been recorded, writing of segment B is stopped to prevent it from being overwritten.

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

[0106] It should be noted that the pseudo trigger, for example, follows the same rules as a normal trigger, in that 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" starts, as shown in Figure 6.

[0107] (Description of the first embodiment of the present invention 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] The recording memory 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 for 10 image frames. The recorded image frame number setting unit is also configured to record the image frame where the trigger signal is input (trigger frame), as well as the four frames thereafter and the five frames preceding it (hereinafter referred to as the 10 frames near the trigger).

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

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

[0112] First, as shown in FIG. 7, assume that recording starts in segment “A” with 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, such as

[00] ,

[01] ,

[02] . . . to the captured image frames in order.

[0114] The captured image frames are written in the segment A in sequence, overwriting the previous ones.

[0115] In Figure 7, the sequence number of the third round recorded in the ring buffer is <28> And the fourth lap <31> 3 shows an example in which a trigger signal is input to an image frame corresponding to the sequence number at a timing of .

[0116] Sequence Number <28> Then, when the trigger signal is input, writing 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] When viewed from the perspective of the memory arrangement of the above-mentioned segment A, image frames corresponding to a series of sequence numbers remain as shown in FIG.

[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 begins, 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, sequence numbers <31> If a new trigger signal is input at this point, the trigger signal will be ignored because segment A is currently being recorded.

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

[26] through

[32] of the required series of sequence numbers

[26] through

[35] are recorded in segment A, since no trigger signal is input to segment B, the image frames corresponding to sequence numbers

[33] through

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

[33] through

[35] .

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

[0123] In addition, in FIG. 11, [xx] in segment B indicates that no image was 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 FIG. 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 the new method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Using this diagram, the recording operation in response to a trigger signal input 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 shown as segment 0 to segment 3, and it is shown that the parts with patterns remain as recording memory, and the parts without patterns are overwritten and erased. The image frame data managed as the shooting scene is shown as data 0 to data 3.

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

[0129] First, images are written in a ring buffer manner 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, switches to segment 1, and writing is performed into segment 1.

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

[0131] Incidentally, from the time when the first trigger signal is input until the current recording of segment 0, a delay state is established by the delay management means 13a.

[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 judges this to be an overlap state, 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 state caused by the input of the first trigger signal is eliminated by moving to the next segment.

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

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

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

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

[0138] At this time, since the image frames in segment 1 are not enough, 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 eliminated 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 proceeds to the next segment 3, and writing is then performed in the next segment 3.

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

[0142] It should be noted that the image frames based on the third trigger signal will be composed only of image frames recorded in segment 2.

[0143] Incidentally, upon input of the third trigger signal, the delay management means 13a causes the segment 2 to enter a delayed state.

[0144] However, by moving to the next segment 3, the delay condition is resolved.

[0145] Then, when a fourth trigger signal is input in segment 3, since there is no overlap, the recording is stopped 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 terminated, or writing to segment 0 may be started.

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

[0148] At this time, since the image frames in segment 3 are not enough, 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 started, the delay state is resolved.

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

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

[0152] In this embodiment 2, for example, in each segment, the recording stop section of the recording unit 6 is provided with a judgment section which judges 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, and 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 set in advance have been recorded, and if it is judged 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, since the incomplete recording area can be eliminated, the recording memory 5 can be used efficiently.

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

[0155] In addition, in the recording stop section of the recording unit 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 image frame that the segment can record is 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 writing to the current segment has not been completed, 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 pseudo trigger signal input means 13 may be provided with a separate pseudo trigger signal input determination means for determining whether or not to input a pseudo trigger signal to the next segment.

[0158] (Explanation of the second embodiment of the present invention 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 after the trigger frame where the trigger signal is input, and therefore the image frame area [B5] to [B9] of segment B is not recorded.

[0160] Therefore, since that area will not be utilized and the program will move on to the next segment, in the second embodiment, in order to make effective use of memory, when a trigger signal is input to position [B0] of segment B, when a predetermined number of image frames (five 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 judges 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 FIG. 14, and then stops writing image frames, and moves to the next segment "C" as shown in FIG. 6.

[0161] For example, in the above embodiment 1, if a trigger signal is input at the timing when an image frame is written to the image frame area [A8] of segment A, as shown in Figure 3, 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 embodiment 2 as well, at the time when recording stops in the image frame area [A2], there is no incomplete recording area, so the judgment unit judges that there is no incomplete recording area, and the 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] (Description of the second embodiment of the present invention in the case where image frame information is a sequence number)

[0163] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, 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 utilize the memory efficiently, in the second embodiment, the sequence number <33> Even if a trigger signal is input, as in the above, the recording will not end at

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

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

[0165] As explained above with respect to the position of the image frame information within a segment, if there is no area that has not yet been recorded when recording is stopped, recording is stopped at that point by the recording stopping section.

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

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

[0168] By recording the full number of frames of each segment without relying on the timing of the trigger signal input, it is possible to utilize the recording memory efficiently.

[0169] In this example, 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 segment 0 to segment 3, and the parts with patterns remain as recording memory, while the parts without patterns are 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 move on to the next segment after recording the maximum number of image frames that each segment can record (up to the extent that they will not be overwritten).

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

[0172] First, images are written in a ring buffer manner 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, switches to segment 1, and writing is performed into segment 1.

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

[0174] Incidentally, from the time when the first trigger signal is input until the current recording of segment 0, the delay management means 13 causes a delay 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 judges this to be an overlap state, 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 state caused by the input of the first trigger signal is eliminated by moving to the next segment.

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

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

[0179] Then, based on the pseudo trigger signal, the next segment 1 records the predetermined number of image frames set in the recording stop section. However, since there are still areas in segment 1 that have not yet been recorded, the judgment section determines that there are areas in which recording has not yet been completed, and the recording stop section stops recording after recording the total number of frames, and then moves on to the next segment 2, and writing is performed in the 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, which corresponds to the required number of image frame information previously set by the recorded image frame number setting unit.

[0181] At this time, since the image frames in segment 0 are not enough, 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 eliminated 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 that have not yet been recorded, the judgment section determines that there are areas in which recording has not yet been completed, and after recording the total number of frames, the recording stop section stops recording, and then the process moves to the next segment 3, and writing is performed in this next segment 3.

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

[0185] At this time, since the image frames from segment 2 are not enough, the image frames recorded in segment 1 are added to create data 2.

[0186] Incidentally, upon input of the third trigger signal, the delay management means 13a causes the segment 2 to enter a delayed state.

[0187] Then, when a fourth trigger signal is input in segment 2, since it is input during recording of segment 2 after the third trigger signal is input (delay state), the overlap management means 13b judges it to be an overlap state, and when recording of segment 2 is stopped and writing is transferred to the next segment 3, a pseudo trigger signal is input to the next segment 3.

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

[0189] At this time, since the image frames in segment 2 are not enough, 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 eliminated by moving to the next segment 3.

[0191] Moreover, 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 specified number of image frames set in the recording stop section. However, since there are still areas in segment 3 that have not yet been recorded, the judgment section determines that there are areas in which recording has not yet been completed, and after recording the total number of frames, the recording stop section stops recording and, if necessary, transitions 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 Unit 8 Image Processing Section 9 Input / output section 10 Power supply section 11 Area information management means 12 Image frame management means 13. Means for inputting pseudo trigger signal 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 sequence and continuously, and each of which is written in a ring buffer shape and overwritten until writing is stopped; a recording section for sequentially recording images captured by the imager section as digital image frames in the recording memory, and for stopping recording in the recording memory when a predetermined number of image frames set in a recording stopping section 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, which are to be recorded in response to the input of the trigger signal; an area information management means for storing segment information indicating which of the plurality of divided segments a particular segment is, and image frame information indicating where in each of the segments each image frame is recorded; an image frame management means for acquiring a predetermined number of image frames before and after the image frame number setting unit, which is set based on the image frame when the trigger signal is input in a certain segment, based on image frame information of the segment to which the trigger signal is input and image frame information of other segments, the image frame information being stored by the area information management means; A high-speed camera comprising:

2. the image frame information being 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 according to claim 1, characterized in that the image frame management means is configured to supplement 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 to the positions of each image frame in the segment to which the trigger signal was input, which 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 preset 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 sequence in each of the segments which are sequentially recorded in succession; the image frame information is a sequence number assigned to each of the segments 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 is 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 is 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 predetermined number set 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 in succession.

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 being recorded 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, inputting a pseudo trigger signal to the recording unit when recording of the currently being recorded segment is stopped and recording moves continuously to the next segment, and eliminating 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 following 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 are 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 data 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 are recorded; When it is determined that there is an unrecorded area, the recording stop 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