Recording and playback device and program

Abstract

To provide a video recording / reproducing device and program capable of giving notice that a video signal has an error even if the error is a momentary error which may be missed.SOLUTION: A video recording / reproducing device comprises an error detection part, a log recording part, a log display part, a video recording part, and a video display part. The error detection part detects an error included in an input video signal. The log recording part records an error log related to the detected error. The log display part displays the error log. The video recording part records the video signal. The video display part reads a part, related to the displayed error log, in the video signal out of the video recording part, and then reproduces it to display a video thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording and playback apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a site where video content is produced, etc., the operation of monitoring video signals (including audio signals) is essential. By performing the monitoring operation, when there is an error in the video signal, for example, it becomes possible to perform an editing operation such as not using the video at the location where the error is included, or to identify the device or the like that caused the error. As a means for supporting such a video signal monitoring operation, for example, a recording and playback apparatus may be used.

[0003] Non-Patent Document 1 describes an outline of a recording and playback apparatus. The recording and playback apparatus described in Non-Patent Document 1 has a function of recording video and a function of performing chase playback of the recorded video (HD-SDI signal) for HD / 3G-SDI signals. Note that 3G-SDI is a standard for transmitting video signals defined by the SMPTE 424M standard. That is, the recording and playback apparatus of Non-Patent Document 1 can perform the operations of recording and playback simultaneously. This recording and playback apparatus is equipped with an SSD (Solid State Drive) for recording video. Further, such a recording and playback apparatus is a small-sized apparatus and can be easily used for monitoring operations. A person who performs the video signal monitoring operation can retrospectively check for errors in the video signal that has already occurred by using such a recording and playback apparatus.

[0004] For example, the signal monitoring operation in broadcasting is performed by viewing video and audio such as programs using monitors and speakers. The monitoring operation is carried out during program transmission, material transmission, or program production in a studio or relay vehicle. In any of these cases, the monitoring operation takes a long time. In a situation where such a long period of concentration is required, there may be cases where video or audio errors occur instantaneously without warning. Especially in such cases of instantaneous errors, it is often not possible to immediately determine whether an actual abnormality has occurred or whether it was a misperception or mishearing. In the monitoring operation using conventional technologies, recording video and audio can be an effective means for dealing with the above-mentioned instantaneous phenomena. The person in charge of the monitoring operation memorizes the time information of the parts that are concerning during the monitoring, and later refers to that time information to play back the corresponding parts of the recorded video, etc., so as to make a reliable determination. For this purpose, the above-mentioned video recording and playback device according to the conventional technology was also used. With a video recording and playback device that can perform video recording and playback simultaneously, it is also possible to check the video quality while continuing the recording. The corresponding part can be quickly played back by specifying it without stopping the recording.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, when performing surveillance operations using a recording and playback device according to the prior art, it was necessary for the person conducting the surveillance to notice the possibility of signal errors in the first place. If the person conducting the surveillance missed an error, it could have happened that the opportunity to check the recorded video was missed.

[0007] Also, surveillance may be conducted for the purpose of investigating malfunctions of broadcast equipment. In such cases, it is necessary to monitor for low-frequency malfunctions such as those occurring, for example, once every few hours, but it is not practical for a person to continuously monitor.

[0008] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of the above problems. That is, the present invention aims to enable a person in charge of surveillance to know the presence of an error and check the recorded video even when the person in charge of surveillance has missed the presence of an error in the video signal. The present invention provides a recording and playback device and a program that are small and easy to use and can notify a person in charge of surveillance of the presence of an error in a video signal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] [1] To solve the above problems, a recording and playback device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an error detection unit that detects an error included in an input video signal, a log recording unit that records an error log regarding the detected error, a log display unit that displays the error log, a video recording unit that records the video signal, and a video display unit that reads out, from the video recording unit, a portion of the video signal associated with the displayed error log, reproduces it, and displays it as a video.

[0010] [2] Further, an aspect of the present invention further includes an input video display unit that displays a video based on the input video signal on a first screen in the above recording and playback device, and the video display unit displays the video read out and reproduced from the video recording unit on a second screen different from the first screen.

[0011] [3] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described video recording and playback apparatus, the error log includes time code information related to the portion where the error occurred, and the video display unit reads out the portion of the recorded video signal associated with the error log based on the time code included in the specific error log and displays it as video.

[0012] [4] Also, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described video recording and playback apparatus, a file generation unit that generates a video of the portion of the recorded video signal associated with the error log as a video file based on the time code included in the specific error log is further provided.

[0013] [5] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described video recording and playback apparatus, the file generation unit determines the start point and end point of the video file based on the content of the operation received from the user when the video display unit is displaying video, and generates the video file including the video in the range from the start point to the end point.

[0014] [6] Also, a video recording and playback apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an error detection unit that detects an event in which an input video signal includes an error or an event in which the video signal returns from an error to a normal video signal, a log recording unit that records an error log related to the detected event, a log display unit that displays the error log, a video recording unit that records the video signal, and a video display unit that reads out, from the video recording unit, the portion of the video signal based on the event of the displayed error log and plays it back and displays it as video.

[0015] [7] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described video recording and playback apparatus, a file generation unit that determines a start point and an end point based on an event recorded as an error log and generates a video file including the video in the range from the start point to the end point is further provided.

[0016] [8] Further, one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the video recording and playback device described in any one of [1] to [7] above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the video recording and playback device automatically detects an error included in an input video signal. Further, the video recording and playback device records the video signal. Further, the video recording and playback device plays back a video signal related to a specific error among the recorded video signals and displays it as a video. That is, the process of detecting an error in the video signal and the display of the video for the detected error can be performed in parallel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] [First Embodiment] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The video recording and playback apparatus of this embodiment is a video recording and playback apparatus having an error detection function and a function of saving detection results. The video recording and playback apparatus is an apparatus that can perform preview playback of a specified location while recording an input video. This video recording and playback apparatus automatically detects errors in the input video simultaneously with recording. Further, this video recording and playback apparatus displays a list of error detection results on a built-in display. The information displayed at this time includes information on the occurrence timing of the error and the content (type) of the error. Further, this video recording and playback apparatus can perform preview playback of the video at the corresponding location of the detection result selected by the user from the list. The information of the detection result includes information such as the error content and the time code. For the corresponding location of the error detection result selected by the user, a video file can be cut out in a certain size and output to the outside. Thereby, it can also be used for information sharing and analysis of the cause of the error.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a video recording and playback apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the video recording and playback apparatus 1 includes a signal input unit 11, an error detection unit 12, a log recording unit 13, a log display unit 14, a video recording unit 21, a video display unit 22, and a file output unit 23. Each of these functional units is realized, for example, using an electronic circuit. Further, each functional unit may include storage means such as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic hard disk device inside as necessary. Also, at least some of the functions may be realized by a computer and software. The video recording and playback apparatus 1 has a function of performing various settings. Specific items and details of the settings will be described later. The functions of each part of the video recording and playback apparatus 1 will be described next.

[0021] The signal input unit 11 acquires a video signal from the outside. The signal input unit 11 acquires the video signal as an electrical signal via, for example, a metal cable. The input video signal is a signal having a predetermined format. The video signal may be, for example, an HD / 3G-SDI signal or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0022] The error detection unit 12 detects an error included in the video signal (input video signal) acquired by the signal input unit 11. The error detection unit 12 starts or ends the process for error detection, for example, based on a user's operation. Specifically, the error detection unit 12 detects whether an error is included by analyzing the waveform of the electrical signal or performing a determination of signal standard violation by calculation. The technology itself for the error detection unit 12 to detect an error is an existing technology, for example, a function implemented by an existing waveform monitor or the like. Examples of the errors detected by the error detection unit 12 will be described later with reference to another figure.

[0023] When the error detection unit 12 detects an error, the log recording unit 13 records an error log. That is, the log recording unit 13 records an error log regarding the detected error. This error log includes at least time code information related to the part where the error occurred. That is, by referring to the error log, the position (time position) of the location where the error occurred within the video can be specified. The log recording unit 13 performs a process of writing the error log to, for example, non-volatile storage means (such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a flash memory) within the recording and playback device 1. An example of the data format of the log will be described later with reference to another figure.

[0024] The log display unit 14 reads out the log (including information regarding the error) written by the log recording unit 13 and displays it on the screen. That is, the log display unit 14 displays the error log. The log display unit 14 can read out a plurality of error logs and display them in a list on the screen. The log display unit 14 displays a list screen of the error log on the display device provided in the recording and playback device 1. Alternatively, the log display unit 14 may output a signal of the list screen of the error log to the outside in order to display the list screen of the error log on an external display device. In the list screen of the error log, a specific error log among the plurality of error logs can be selected by the user. The error log selected by the user can be the target for, as will be described later, cueing the location of the error within the video, playing back the video, or outputting it externally as a video file.

[0025] The video recording unit 21 records the video signal acquired by the signal input unit 11. The video recording unit 21 writes the video signal to a non-volatile recording medium (for example, a magnetic hard disk drive, a flash memory, etc.) within the video recording unit 21. By the video recording unit 21 recording the video signal, the video display unit 22, which will be described later, can read out and reproduce the video signal and display it on the screen. For example, when the video recording unit 21 starts recording video, the error detection unit 12 may start the error detection process. Also, for example, when the video recording unit 21 finishes recording video, the error detection unit 12 may end the error detection process. By doing so, it becomes possible to record and later reproduce a video signal for which the error detection unit 12 may detect an error.

[0026] Note that the video recording unit 21 records the video signal in a form associated with the time code of the video. Thereby, it becomes possible to read out the recorded video signal from a desired position. The video recording unit 21 may record a video signal including an audio signal, or may record the video signal in a form not including an audio signal.

[0027] The video display unit 22 plays the video related to the selected error log and displays it on the screen. Regarding the part of the video signal that contains an error, the video display unit 22 performs display based on the video signal that contains the error. That is, the video display unit 22 reads out from the video recording unit 21 the part of the video signal in the video signal that is associated with the error log displayed on the screen, plays it, and displays it as a video. The video display unit 22 may, for example, read out the part of the recorded video signal that is associated with the error log based on the time code included in a specific error log and display it as a video. By the video display unit 22 displaying the video, the user can confirm by chasing and playing the actual video. Note that the video to be displayed by the video display unit 22 is the video related to the error log selected by the user on the list screen of the error logs displayed by the aforementioned log display unit 14. The video display unit 22 performs cueing of the playback position of the video based on the information indicating the location where the error occurred in the error log (the time code at the start point of error detection and the time code at the end point).

[0028] The file output unit 23 generates a video file including portions where an error exists in the video recorded by the video recording unit 21 and outputs it to the outside. In other words, the file output unit 23 generates, as a video file, the video of the portion associated with the error log of the recorded video signal based on the time code included in a specific error log. Note that the file output unit 23 is also called a "file generation unit". As a result, it becomes possible to confirm a video file representing the error situation with other devices or the like. That is, information for analyzing in detail the failure factor or the like that caused the error can be provided to the outside. Note that the file output unit 23 generates a video file for output based on the position information (time code) of the location where the error occurred, based on the error log selected by the user in the list screen of the error logs displayed by the log display unit 14 described above, for example. Note that the file output unit 23 may be realized, for example, as follows. As an example, the file output unit 23 generates a video file from the video recorded by the video recording unit 21 based on an arbitrarily specified start time and end time. As another example, the file output unit 23 cuts out the video from several seconds before (a preset number of seconds) to several seconds after (the same preset number of seconds) the time code at the time of error occurrence from the video recorded by the video recording unit 21 and generates a video file. As still another example, the following may be done. That is, although the video recording unit 21 logically records a large single video as a file, its entity is a file of a plurality of segment videos of a predetermined size. The file output unit 23 may select one or more segment files based on the specified time (such as the time code at the time of error occurrence) from among these plurality of segment video files and output them to the outside.

[0029] Note that the recording and playback device 1 may be provided with an input video display unit (not shown) that displays a video based on the input video signal on a first screen. The display of the input video is performed in real time (or almost in real time). In this case, the video display unit 22 displays the video read from and played back by the video recording unit 21 on a second screen different from the first screen described above. When using the first screen and the second screen, the recording and playback device 1 has at least two screens (for example, screens using a liquid crystal display panel or the like).

[0030] FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram showing one aspect of the operation when the recording and playback device 1 operates. In the illustrated state transition diagram, there are three types of states from state S1 to S3. S1 is a state in which the detection operation is stopped. In state S1, even if the signal input unit 11 acquires a video signal from the outside, the error detection unit 12 does not perform an operation for detecting an error from the video signal. S2 is a state in which the detection operation is in progress. In state S2, the error detection unit 12 performs an operation for detecting an error in the video signal from the outside. Specifically, the error detection unit 12 monitors and analyzes the waveform and data content of the video signal. S3 is a state of error log recording. In state S3, the log recording unit 13 writes the error log into a memory or the like. Note that even in state S3, the error detection unit 12 may continue to perform an operation for detecting an error in the video signal.

[0031] The trigger for the state transition is as follows. In state S1, when an instruction to start an operation for detecting an error is given based on, for example, a user operation or the like, the state changes to S2. In state S2, when the error detection unit 12 actually detects an error in the video signal, the state changes to S3. In state S3, when the writing of the error log by the log recording unit 13 is completed, the state changes to S2. In state S2, when an instruction to end the error detection operation is given based on, for example, a user operation or the like, the state changes to S1.

[0032] Figure 3 is a state transition diagram showing another aspect when the recording and playback apparatus 1 operates. In the illustrated state transition diagram, there are three types of states from state S4 to S6. S4 is a state in which the log display unit 14 is displaying a list of error logs. In state S4, each error log included in the list of error logs can be selected by the user. The user can select an error log by moving the cursor on the screen or other methods. S5 is a state in which the video display unit 22 is playing and displaying a video on the screen. In state S5, the video to be displayed is a video associated with the error log selected by the user. Specifically, based on the time code information of the error log (information at the time of error detection or recovery from the error), the video display unit 22 plays and displays the video. S6 is a state in which the file output unit 23 is outputting a video file. In state S6, the file output unit 23 generates and outputs a video file including, for example, the location of the error in the video. The file output unit 23 identifies the location of the error based on the record of the error log selected by the user.

[0033] The triggers for state transitions are as follows. In state S4, when, for example, based on a user operation or the like, an instruction to start playing a video associated with a specific error log is given, the state transitions to S5. In state S4, when, for example, based on a user operation or the like, an instruction to output a video file associated with a specific error log is given, the state transitions to S6. In state S5, when playback ends due to an operation from the user or the end of the video being played back, the state transitions to S4. In state S5, when, for example, based on an operation from the user, an instruction to output a video file is given, the state transitions to S6. In state S6, when the generation and output of the video file by the file output unit 23 are completed, if it has originally transitioned from state S4, it returns to state S4. Also, if it has originally transitioned from state S5, it returns to state S5.

[0034] When the recording and playback device 1 performs the state transition shown in FIG. 3, the display of information in the state before the transition may not be terminated. For example, when transitioning from state S4 to state S5, the recording and playback device 1 may continue to display the log list while performing video playback and display. Also, when transitioning from state S5 to state S6, the recording and playback device 1 may continue to perform video playback and display while outputting a file. Further, when transitioning from state S6 to state S4, the recording and playback device 1 may continue to output a file while displaying the log list. Also, when transitioning from state S4 to state S6, the recording and playback device 1 may continue to display the log list while performing a process of outputting a file. Also, when transitioning from state S6 to state S5, a process of outputting a file may be continued while performing video playback and display. Also, when transitioning from state S5 to state S4, the recording and playback device 1 may continue to perform video playback and display while displaying the log list.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the error log written by the log recording unit 13. As shown in the figure, the error log can be expressed as, for example, tabular data. Each row of the data shown in the figure corresponds to one error (the events from the time when the error detection unit 12 detects an error to the time when it is recognized that the error has been recovered). The error log includes, as data items, the detection start time, the error content, and the end time. In the example shown in FIG. 4, row numbers are assigned to the data in each row.

[0036] As an example, for the error log in the first row, the detection start time is "13:13:05.15", the error content is "CRC ERROR", and the end time is "13:13:08.15". The error logs in other rows are the same.

[0037] The detection start time is the time (date and time) when the error detection unit 12 detects the error. The end time is the time (date and time) when the error ends. These times recorded in the error log are represented, for example, by the standard time of each country (region) or the relative time from the start of the video. As the time, the information of the time code included in the video signal can be used. In the illustrated example, the detection start time and the end time are represented in the format of "hh:mm:ss.nn". "hh" represents hours, "mm" represents minutes, and "ss" represents seconds respectively. "nn" is a numerical value representing the time less than seconds.

[0038] The error content is information representing the type of the error. For example, "CRC ERROR" represents an error in which the code of the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) included in the video signal does not match. Also, "NO INPUT" represents an error in which no input signal exists (is not detected). Also, "LINE NUM" represents a line number error. A line number error is an error in which the value of the line number data on the input HD-SDI signal does not match the value of the line number counted by the device that actually inputs the signal. Also, "TRS ERROR" represents a timing reference signal error. A timing reference signal error is an error that occurs when the timing reference signal on the HD-SDI signal is not at the position determined by the standard. It may also include other error contents.

[0039] Next, the user interface of the recording and playback apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a front view of the housing of the recording and playback apparatus 1 as viewed from the front side. The front side of this housing is the surface that the user of the recording and playback apparatus 1 mainly sees during operation. Concentrated on the front side of this housing, means for operating the recording and playback apparatus 1 (such as buttons and knobs) and means for presenting information presented by the recording and playback apparatus 1 to the user (such as a display screen and a lamp) are provided.

[0041] The size of the housing of the recording and playback apparatus 1, excluding uneven portions such as knobs and buttons, may be, for example, 15 cm (centimeters) or more and 20 cm or less in the vertical direction of FIG. 5, and 8 cm or more and 15 cm or less in the horizontal direction of FIG. 5. Also, the size of the thickness (depth direction of FIG. 5) may be, for example, 5 cm or more and 8 cm or less. The circuit and the like for realizing the functions of the recording and playback apparatus 1 can be sufficiently accommodated within the above size range. However, any of the vertical, horizontal, and thickness dimensions may be outside the above range. When the size of the housing is within the above range or a size close thereto, the user can easily carry the recording and playback apparatus 1. The user can use the recording and playback apparatus 1 by placing it on a table or the like, or, for example, in the case of outdoor shooting or the like, the user can carry and use the recording and playback apparatus 1. Thus, the recording and playback apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is not a large-scale apparatus and can also be used for video production performed by a relatively small number of staff. Note that a connector may be provided on the housing of the recording and playback apparatus 1 for connecting a cable for the input signal or output signal of the recording and playback apparatus 1.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, on the front surface of the housing of the recording and playback apparatus 1, there are provided an input video display screen 701 (first screen), a power button 702, a recording button 703, an information display screen 704 (second screen), a menu button 705, a thumbnail display button 706, a shift button 707, and a dial knob 708.

[0043] The input video display screen 701 displays a video based on the video signal acquired by the signal input unit 11. The input video display screen 701 is also called the first screen. The input video display screen 701 displays the video acquired at that time. The input video display screen 701 is realized using a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display panel. Note that the input video display screen 701 may have a touch panel function. In this case, a touch on the input video display screen 701 by the user is detected. Each processing unit may perform processing based on the detected touch.

[0044] The power button 702 is a push button for turning on / off the power of the recording and playback device 1.

[0045] The recording button 703 is also called the "REC button". The recording button 703 is a button for starting or ending recording (recording video). When the recording button 703 is pressed in a state where recording (video recording) is not being performed, the video recording unit 21 starts recording video. When the recording button 703 is pressed while recording is in progress, the video recording unit 21 ends (stops) recording the video. Note that during recording, a lamp attached to the recording button 703 emits light (lights up). When recording ends, the lamp goes out.

[0046] The information display screen 704 is a screen for displaying error log information and the video being played back (the video recorded by the video recording unit 21). Other information may be displayed on the information display screen 704. The information display screen 704 is also called the second screen. In this embodiment, the information display screen 704 is switched and used for multiple purposes, namely, for displaying error log information and for displaying the played-back video. Instead of switching and using the screen in this way, a dedicated screen for displaying error log information and a dedicated screen for displaying the video to be played back may be provided. The information display screen 704 is also realized using a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc. Note that the information display screen 704 may have the function of a touch panel. In this case, a touch on the information display screen 704 by the user is detected. Each processing unit may perform processing based on the detected touch.

[0047] The menu button 705 is a push button for displaying a menu on the screen. When the menu button 705 is pressed, for example, a menu of the functions of the recording and playback device 1 is displayed on the information display screen 704.

[0048] The thumbnail display button 706 is a push button for displaying a thumbnail image on the screen. Here, the thumbnail image is, for example, a thumbnail of a still image (one frame in the video) at the time including the error, corresponding to each error in the log. The thumbnail image to be displayed may be, as an example, a still image (frame) at the time when the video starts. When the thumbnail display button 706 is pressed, a group of thumbnail images is displayed on, for example, the information display screen 704. As a user interface, when a thumbnail image on the screen is pressed (or touched), the video corresponding to the error is displayed. As a user interface, alternatively, a cursor indicating the thumbnail image of interest may be moved by a wheel (for example, the following dial knob 708) and so on, and the selection may be confirmed by clicking the wheel. Also in this case, the video corresponding to the thumbnail image for which the selection has been confirmed is displayed. That is, the thumbnail image can be used for previewing the video including the error location.

[0049] The shift button 707 is a push button for shifting individual user interface means in operating the recording and playback apparatus 1. The shift button 707 is a button having the same function as the shift key on a general computer keyboard. Note that the shift button 707 also functions as a BACK button ("return" button). In a predetermined context of the user interface, when this shift button 707 is pressed, the recording and playback apparatus 1 operates as if the BACK button has been pressed. For example, when this BACK button is pressed, the operation of the recording and playback apparatus 1 returns to the previous function. As an example, when a video corresponding to a selected specific error is being played back and displayed on the information display screen 704, when this BACK button is pressed, it returns to the screen for selecting the video to be played back. Note that when deeply entering a menu tree having a hierarchical structure, this BACK button may be assigned to the operation of returning one layer.

[0050] The dial knob 708 is a knob provided so that the user can pinch and rotate it with a finger. The position (rotation angle) of the dial knob 708 is transmitted to the processing unit inside the recording and playback device 1 as, for example, an electrical signal. Each part of the recording and playback device 1 can acquire data on the position (rotation angle) of the dial knob 708 via, for example, an API (Application Programming Interface). The dial knob 708 is used, for example, to fast forward or reverse the playback position of the video being played and displayed, or to scroll the information displayed on the screen in the forward or reverse direction. The dial knob 708 is also called a "wheel".

[0051] In the situation shown in FIG. 5, an overhead view video of a soccer (football) game is displayed on the input video display screen 701. Also, the information display screen 704 displays a list of error logs. In the illustrated example, one line of the error log screen corresponds to one error. For one error, the detection start time (time code of the occurrence date and time), the error code, and the end time (time code of the recovery date and time) are displayed in one line. In the illustrated example, eight error logs are displayed. This count information is also displayed as "ERROR COUNT:8" at the upper right position of the information display screen 704. The content of this error log corresponds to the data shown in FIG. 4. On the screen for displaying the list of error logs, for example, a line cursor for selecting any error is also displayed. The user can, for example, appropriately move this line cursor to select a specific error.

[0052] That is, the information display screen 704 displays time code information regarding errors and error content information. One line of display includes the time code information at the time of occurrence of each error and the time code information at the time of recovery. Also, information on the total number (count) of recorded errors is displayed.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a front view of the housing of the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 as seen from the front side, similar to FIG. 5. The situation shown in FIG. 6 is the result of a change from the state of FIG. 5. In the situation shown in FIG. 6, the line cursor for selecting an error has been moved to the position of the 6th error log. The recording and reproducing apparatus 1 moves the line cursor, for example, according to the movement of the dial knob 708. For example, when the dial knob 708 is rotated in the right direction as seen from the front, the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 moves the line cursor downward. Conversely, when the dial knob 708 is rotated in the left direction, the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 moves the line cursor upward. When a selection operation is performed while the cursor exists in any row of the error log (where the time code information and error type information are specified), the video display unit 22 of the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 plays back the video of the time period when the error occurred in that row in a cue-play mode. Note that the selection operation is performed by the user pressing a predetermined button.

[0054] The manner of display when the video display unit 22 performs cue-play can be changed, for example, based on the setting information. For example, when a row of a certain error log is selected, the video display unit 22 of the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 may start playing back the video immediately from the position of the detection start time of that error. Also, the video display unit 22 may start playing back the video from a position a predetermined time before the detection start time (for example, a set value such as 2 seconds before).

[0055] FIG. 7 is a front view of the housing of the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 as seen from the front side, similar to FIGS. 5 and 6. The situation shown in FIG. 7 is the result of a specific error row being selected in the state of FIG. 6. In the situation shown in FIG. 7, the video including the selected error is displayed on the information display screen 704. Note that the input video display screen 701 consistently displays the video input at that time from the beginning. The video displayed on the information display screen 704 in FIG. 7 includes a plurality of horizontal black lines. These black lines are noise caused by an error in the video signal. The user of the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 can visually confirm such an error-including video by simply performing a selection operation based on the error log information and having the video be displayed on the screen.

[0056] The user interface of the recording and playback apparatus 1 can be configured in the following ways, for example.

[0057] By operating the dial knob 708 (wheel), playback, fast forward, rewind playback, pause, etc. of the video can be controlled. In this case, the video display unit 22 controls the playback position, playback direction, playback speed, etc. based on the state of the dial knob 708.

[0058] From the state where the video display unit 22 is playing a video, it should be possible for the user to return to the error log list display screen with a single operation. For example, when the shift button 707 (which also operates as the BACK button as described above) is pressed while the video display unit 22 is playing a video, the video display unit 22 stops the video playback and passes control to the log display unit 14. At that time, the log display unit 14 displays a list of error logs on the information display screen 704. However, when the shift button 707 (BACK button) is pressed while the video display unit 22 is playing a video, the log display unit 14 may display a list of error logs on the information display screen 704 without the video display unit 22 stopping the video playback, that is, while the video display continues.

[0059] In addition, the recording and playback apparatus 1 should be able to automatically generate a video file of a video containing an error. For example, when a predetermined operation is performed by the user, control is passed to the file output unit 23. The file output unit 23 generates a video including the error portion as a video file and can output it externally. As an example, the file output unit 23 identifies the portion containing the error in the video based on the time code information of the log related to the most recently played error log and generates a video file of that portion. Note that the file output unit 23 can also be set not to automatically generate a video file according to the setting information of the recording and playback apparatus 1.

[0060] Also, according to the settings of the recording and playback device 1, the length of the video file generated by the file output unit 23 can also be specified. For example, according to the settings of the recording and playback device 1, it is possible to specify the length of the time before and the length of the time after the location including the error in the video. As an example, the length of the time before can be set to 1 second, and the length of the time after can be set to 5 seconds. When set in this way, the file output unit 23 generates and outputs a video file from the position 1 second before the detection start time (time code) to the position 5 seconds after the end time (time code) in the recorded video. The video file generated by the file output unit 23 may be passed to an external device via a connected cable, for example. Also, for example, by communication using IP (Internet Protocol), the file output unit 23 may be able to transmit the generated video file to an external device (such as a PC (personal computer)). Also, as an example of such communication, the file output unit 23 may attach the generated video file to an email and transmit it to an external device via SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) over IP.

[0061] Note that on the recording and playback device 1, the video corresponding to the image selected from the thumbnail images displayed on the screen may be played and displayed.

[0062] Also, the start point and end point of the video file output by the file output unit 23 may be specified by the user. For example, during the playback of the video by the video display unit 22, the start point and end point of the file to be output can be specified based on the user's operation. When a predetermined operation (as an example, another predetermined button or a single click on the display screen while the shift button 707 is pressed) is detected while the video display unit 22 is playing the video, the file output unit 23 uses the time code of the frame being displayed at that time as a candidate for the start point of the video file. Also, when another predetermined operation (as an example, another predetermined button or a double click on the display screen while the shift button 707 is pressed) is detected while the video display unit 22 is playing the video, the file output unit 23 uses the time code of the frame being displayed at that time as a candidate for the end point of the video file. When a candidate for the start point or end point of the video file is determined by the above operations, the file output unit 23 displays the time code of the start point or end point on the information display screen 704. Also, in a state where both the candidate for the start point and the candidate for the end point are determined, the file output unit 23 displays a button for instructing video creation on the information display screen 704. For example, words such as "CREATE CLIP" are displayed on the button for instructing video creation. When a touch on this button on the information display screen 704 is detected, the file output unit 23 generates and outputs a video file based on the specified start point and end point. That is, in this case, the file output unit 23 determines the start point and end point of the video file based on the content of the operation received from the user while the video display unit 22 is displaying the video, and generates a video file including the video in the range from the start point to the end point.

[0063] The file output unit 23 names the generated video file as follows, for example. That is, the name of the video file is set to "hhmmssnn_NUMBER_mm". Here, "hhmmssnn" is replaced by the hour, minute, second, and sequential number of less than a second in the time code. Also, "mm" is the line number on the list display screen of the error log. For example, when generating a video with the start time code of "13:18:57.10" (hhmmssnn = 13185710) related to the error on the 6th line (mm = 06) of the list display screen of the error log, the file name will be "13185710_NUMBER_06". Note that file names other than the patterns exemplified here may be used. Also, information other than the above example may be included in the file name.

[0064] As described above with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the user interface and the like of the recording and playback apparatus 1 have been described. As described above, in the recording and playback apparatus 1, the corresponding part selected from the error log list can be instantaneously played back and confirmed on the screen. Also, the recording and playback apparatus 1 outputs the video data of the part corresponding to the error to the outside as a file. The extraction of the data of the part corresponding to the error may be automatically performed by, for example, the file output unit 23 of the recording and playback apparatus 1. Alternatively, based on a simple operation by the user, the file output unit 23 may extract the said data.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the recording and playback device 1 automatically detects an error in the input signal. The recording and playback device 1 displays a list of error logs related to the detected errors on the screen. When such a recording and playback device 1 is used for signal monitoring operations in broadcast video production, additional equipment such as a waveform monitor is not required, and it supports human visual monitoring in a limited space. The recording and playback device 1 of this embodiment records video and enhances the detection accuracy by automatically detecting errors. For this reason, handwritten memos such as time information that were conventionally required for video signal monitoring operations are no longer necessary. Furthermore, the user can select an arbitrary error on the list display screen of the error logs displayed by the recording and playback device 1 and cue the video at the location corresponding to that error. As a result, for example, a specific point in a long-duration recorded video can be instantly cued and played back for confirmation. That is, the user can select the error to be confirmed in the error log list and immediately play it back for confirmation. For this reason, it becomes possible to efficiently perform the entire video monitoring operation. In addition, the recording and playback device 1 can output the video file of the portion where the corresponding error exists to an external memory (recording medium, etc.) or an external device with a simple operation. As a result, it becomes possible to easily share information (video) within the organization or share information (video) with a manufacturer that manufactures related devices.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the recording and reproducing apparatus 1. As shown in the figure, the recording and reproducing apparatus 1 can be realized using a computer. The computer includes a central processing unit 901, a RAM 902, an input / output port 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, etc., and a bus 906. The computer itself can be realized using existing technologies. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions included in a program read from the RAM 902 or the like. The central processing unit 901 writes data to the RAM 902, reads data from the RAM 902, and performs arithmetic operations and logical operations according to each instruction. The RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element included in the RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using the address. Note that RAM is an abbreviation for "Random Access Memory". The input / output port 903 is a port for the central processing unit 901 to exchange data with external input / output devices or the like. The input / output devices 904 and 905 are input / output devices. The input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via the input / output port 903. The bus 906 is a common communication path used inside the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data in the RAM 902 via the bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses the input / output port via the bus 906.

[0067] [Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions of matters already described in the previous embodiment may be omitted below. Here, the description will focus on matters specific to this embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of the recording and reproducing apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the recording and reproducing apparatus 2 includes a signal input unit 111, an error detection unit 112, a log recording unit 113, a log display unit 114, a video recording unit 121, a video display unit 122, and a file output unit 123. These functional units are realized using, for example, electronic circuits as in the case of the first embodiment.

[0069] Similar to the signal input unit 11 in the first embodiment, the signal input unit 111 acquires a video signal from the outside.

[0070] The error detection unit 112 detects an error included in the video signal acquired by the signal input unit 111, or detects that the video signal has returned to a normal state. That is, the error detection unit 112 detects an event in which the input video signal includes an error, or detects an event in which the video signal has returned from an error to a normal video signal. The functions that the error detection unit 112 has for detecting an error are as described in the first embodiment. When the error detection unit 112 detects an error, it reports information on the type of the detected error to the log recording unit 113. In addition, the error detection unit 112 notifies the log recording unit 113 of an event indicating that the video signal has become normal. In addition, the error detection unit 112 may notify the log recording unit 113 of other events.

[0071] Based on the events reported from the error detection unit 112, the log recording unit 113 records an error log. That is, the log recording unit 113 records an error log related to the events detected by the error detection unit 112. Specifically, the log recording unit 113 writes an error log for an event indicating that an error has been detected in the video signal, an event indicating that the error in the video signal has disappeared and the video signal has returned to a normal state, and other events. At this time, the recording of the error log includes at least information on time information (video time code) related to each event. That is, by referring to the error log, the position (time position) of the event that occurred in the video can be specified. The log recording unit 113 performs a process of writing the error log into, for example, non-volatile storage means (such as a magnetic hard disk device or a flash memory) in the recording and playback apparatus 2. An example of the data format of the log will be described later with reference to another figure.

[0072] Similar to the log display unit 14 in the first embodiment, the log display unit 114 reads out the error log and displays it on the screen.

[0073] Similar to the video recording unit 21 in the first embodiment, the video recording unit 121 records the video signal input to the signal input unit 111. As a result, it becomes possible to record a video signal that the error detection unit 112 may detect an error in and play it back later. Note that the video recording unit 121 records the video signal in a form associated with the time code of the video. Thereby, it becomes possible to read out the recorded video signal from a desired position.

[0074] The video display unit 122 plays back the video recorded by the video recording unit 121 and displays it on the screen. When playing back the recorded video, the video display unit 122 can start playback from the position (time position) of the event recorded in the error log by referring to the error log. That is, the video display unit 122 reads out from the video recording unit 121 the portion of the input video signal determined based on the event of the displayed error log, plays it back, and displays it as a video. That is, the video display unit 122 performs cueing of the video. To perform this cueing playback, the video display unit 122 associates the time of each event recorded in the error log with the time code of the recorded video. By the video display unit 122 displaying the video, the user can also confirm the actual video by chasing and playing it back. Note that the video to be displayed by the video display unit 122 based on the error log is the video at the position of the event selected by the user in the list screen of the error log displayed by the log display unit 114.

[0075] The file output unit 123 is also called the "file generation unit". The file output unit 123 generates a video file of the video recorded by the video recording unit 121 and outputs it externally. The file output unit 123 can cut out only a part related to the event recorded in the error log from the video and output it as a video file. That is, the file output unit 123 can determine a start point and an end point based on the event recorded as an error log, and generate a video file including the video in the range from the start point to the end point. Thereby, it becomes possible to confirm a video file representing the situation of the event recorded in the error log with other devices or the like. That is, information for analyzing in detail the failure factor or the like that caused the error can be provided externally.

[0076] The file output unit 123 determines the start position and the end position in the video based on the event selected by the user on the list screen of the error log displayed by the log display unit 114, for example, and generates a video file of the video in that range. There can be a plurality of methods for determining this start position and end position. The file output unit 123 may determine the start position and the end position by any of these methods. The specific method will be described later.

[0077] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the error log written by the log recording unit 113. As shown in the figure, the error log can be expressed as, for example, tabular data. The log recording unit 113 of the present embodiment records an error log in a format different from the error log described in the first embodiment. Each row of the data shown in the figure corresponds to one event. In the present embodiment, one row of data in the error log represents the occurrence of an error, the normalization due to recovery from the error, or other events. The error log includes, as data items, time and event. In the example shown in FIG. 10, line numbers are also assigned to the data in each row.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the error log held information on the start time and end time of each error. On the other hand, in this embodiment, each line of the error log records the event detected by the recording and playback apparatus 2 and the time thereof. As an example, for the error log on the first line, the time is "13:00:00" and the event is "1080 / 59.94i". The same applies to the error logs on other lines.

[0079] The time item is the time when the error detection unit 112 detected the event. These times recorded in the error log are represented, for example, by the standard time of each country (region) or the relative time from the start of the video. As the time, the time code information included in the video signal can be used. In the illustrated example, the time is represented in the format of "hh:mm:ss" (hour:minute:second). Note that date information may be included as part of the time information. That is, the time has an accuracy of seconds.

[0080] The event item is information representing the type of the detected event. Regarding "CRC ERROR", "NO INPUT", "LINE NUM", and "TRS ERROR" as events, they are as described in the first embodiment. The event "1080 / 59.94i" indicates that the input signal has become normal (the previously detected error has disappeared). For example, if the signal input when the recording and playback apparatus 2 starts operating is normal, the error detection unit 112 detects that the signal is normal, and the log recording unit 113 records the log of the event "1080 / 59.94i".

[0081] Here, an example of the types of events that the error detection unit 112 can detect will be described. The event "NO INPUT" is an error event in which no input signal is detected. The event "NO INPUT" may also be expressed as "INPUT ERROR", "NO SDI", "SDI ERROR", etc. The event "INPUT DETECT" is an event indicating that an input signal has been detected. The event "INPUT DETECT" may also be expressed as "SIGNAL DETECT". The event "CRC ERROR" is an error event indicating that an error has been detected in the cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The CRC error occurring in Ych may also be expressed as "CRC Ych ERROR". Also, the CRC error occurring in Cch may also be expressed as "CRC Cch ERROR". The event "LINE NUM" is an event indicating that a line number error has been detected. The event "LINE NUM" may be expressed as, for example, "L.N.ERROR". The event "TRS ERROR" is an event indicating that an error has been detected that the TRS signal on the HD-SDI signal is not at the position determined by the standard. The event "FORMAT ERROR" is an event indicating that a signal format error has been detected. Also, as an event indicating that an input signal in a state without an error has been detected (recovered from an error), events such as "1080 / 59.94i" and "SDI DETECT" may be used. Furthermore, other events (such as errors) may be used.

[0082] Next, the user interface of the recording and playback apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a front view of the housing of the recording and playback apparatus 2 as seen from the front side. The front side of this housing is the surface that the user of the recording and playback apparatus 1 mainly sees during operation. Similar to the recording and playback apparatus 1 in the first embodiment, means for operating the recording and playback apparatus 2 (such as buttons and knobs) and means for presenting information presented by the recording and playback apparatus 2 to the user (such as a display screen and a lamp) are concentrated on the front side of this housing.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 11, on the front of the housing of the recording and playback apparatus 2, there are provided an input video display screen 701 (first screen), a power button 702, a recording button 703, an information display screen 704 (second screen), a menu button 705, a thumbnail display button 706, a shift button 707, and a dial knob 708. The forms, purposes, and functions of these screens, buttons, and knobs are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0085] In the situation shown in FIG. 11, an aerial view video of a soccer (football) game is displayed on the input video display screen 701. Also, the information display screen 704 displays a list of error logs. In the illustrated example, one line of the screen displaying the error logs corresponds to a record of one event. For one event, the time (the time when the event was detected) and a character string representing the type of the event are displayed in one line. In the illustrated example, records of nine events are displayed. This count information is also displayed as "COUNT: 9" at the upper right position of the information display screen 704. Alternatively, only the number of errors may be displayed instead of the number of events. When the number of errors is five, for example, "ERROR COUNT: 5" etc. is displayed at the upper right position of the information display screen 704. Also, both the display of the total number of events and the display of only the number of errors may be performed. The content of this error log corresponds to the data shown in FIG. 10. A line cursor for selecting any one of the events is also displayed on the screen for displaying the list of error logs. Also, it may be possible to specify the line of interest using a display means other than the line cursor in the form shown in the figure. The user can, for example, appropriately move this line cursor to select a specific event. The order of the records when the error log is displayed on the information display screen 704 may be in ascending order of time or in descending order of time. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the records of the error log are displayed in descending order of time.

[0086] That is, the information display screen 704 displays the information on the time when the event occurred and the information representing the content of the event. Also, the information display screen 704 displays the information on the total number (number of cases) of the recorded events. Also, as described above, the information display screen 704 may be configured to display only the number of error cases.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a front view of the housing of the recording and reproducing apparatus 2 as seen from the front side, similar to FIG. 11. The situation shown in FIG. 12 is the result of a change from the state of FIG. 11. In the situation shown in FIG. 12, the line cursor for selecting an event has been moved to the position of the third event. The recording and reproducing apparatus 2 can move the line cursor, for example, in response to the movement of the dial knob 708, as in the case of the first embodiment. When a selection operation is performed while the cursor exists in any row, the recording and reproducing apparatus 2 identifies the time and the type of event corresponding to that row. Also, the recording and reproducing apparatus 2 obtains the position of the time code on the video corresponding to the specified time. Thereby, the video display unit 122 performs a cue-up reproduction of the video from the position corresponding to the event of that row. Note that the selection operation is performed by the user pressing a predetermined button.

[0088] As methods for determining the start position and end position of the video output by the file output unit 123 in this embodiment, multiple methods can be considered. In the first method, the file output unit 123 uses the time associated with the event selected by the user as the start position of the video to be output. Also, in the first method, the file output unit 123 uses the time associated with the event of the normal signal that first appears after the said event (such as "1080 / 59.94i" or "SDI DETECT") as the end position of the video to be output. In the second method, the file output unit 123 uses the time associated with the event selected by the user as the start position of the video to be output. Also, in the second method, the file output unit 123 uses the time after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed after the said event as the end position of the video to be output. In the third method, when the event selected by the user is an error event, the file output unit 123 uses the time associated with the said error event as the start position of the video to be output. Also, in the third method, the file output unit 123 uses the time when the said error event has been resolved as the end position of the video to be output.

[0089] The file output unit 123 specifies the range of the video to be output using any of the methods described above and outputs a video file. However, the file output unit 123 may use the position that is a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) before the start time determined by any of the methods described above as the video start position for generating the video file. Also, the file output unit 123 may use the position that is a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) after the end time determined by any of the methods described above as the video end position for generating the video file. Also, the file output unit 123 may select one or more segment files including the range from the start time to the end time determined by any of the methods described above and output them externally. In this case, the file output unit 123 does not need to cut out the video with a position in the middle of the segment file as the start position or end position.

[0090] Note that an example of the internal configuration for realizing the video recording / playback apparatus 2 may be the same as that described with reference to FIG. 8 in the first embodiment.

[0091] Note that at least some of the functions of the video recording / playback apparatus 1 or the video recording / playback apparatus 2 in each of the above-described embodiments can be realized by a computer and a program. A program for realizing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. Here, the "computer system" is assumed to include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a USB memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a communication line such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which temporarily and dynamically holds the program, and a volatile memory inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client in that case, which holds the program for a certain period of time. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the aforementioned functions, and may also be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system for realizing the aforementioned functions.

[0092] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included.

Industrial Applicability

[0093] The present invention can be used, for example, in video signal monitoring operations in video content production and the like. However, the scope of use of the present invention is not limited to those exemplified here.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 1,2 Video recording and playback device 11 Signal input section 12 Error detection section 13 Log recording section 14 Log display section 21 Video recording section 22 Video display section 23 File output section (file generation section) 111 Signal input section 112 Error detection section 113 Log recording section 114 Log display section 121 Video recording section 122 Video display section 123 File output section (file generation section) 701 Input video display screen (first screen) 702 Power button 703 Recording button (REC button) 704 Information display screen (second screen) 705 Menu button 706 Thumbnail display button 707 Shift button 708 Dial knob 901 Central processing unit 902 RAM 903 Input / output port 904,905 Input / output device 906 Bus

Claims

1. An error detection unit that detects errors included in an input video signal, A log recording unit that records an error log regarding the detected error, A log display unit that displays the error log, A video recording unit that records the video signal, A video display unit that reads out, from the video recording unit, a portion of the video signal associated with the displayed error log, plays it back, and displays it as a video, A file generation unit that generates, as a video file, a video of a portion of the recorded video signal associated with the error log based on a time code included in a specific error log, A recording and playback device comprising the above.

2. The file generation unit determines the start point and end point of the video file based on the content of an operation received from a user when the video display unit is displaying a video, and generates the video file including the video in the range from the start point to the end point. The recording and playback device according to Claim 1.

3. An input video display unit that displays a video based on the input video signal on a first screen, Further comprising: The video display unit displays the video read out and played back from the video recording unit on a second screen different from the first screen. The recording and playback device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The error log includes information on the time code related to the portion where the error occurred. The video display unit reads out, based on the time code included in a specific error log, a portion of the recorded video signal associated with the error log and displays it as a video. The recording and playback device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. An error detection unit that detects an event in which an input video signal includes an error and an event in which the video signal returns from an error to a normal video signal, A log recording unit that records an error log regarding the detected event, A log display unit that displays the error log, A video recording unit that records the video signal, A video display unit that reads out, from the video recording unit, a portion of the video signal based on the event of the displayed error log, plays it back, and displays it as a video, A file generation unit that determines a start point and an end point based on an event recorded as an error log and generates a video file including the video in the range from the start point to the end point. A recording and playback device comprising the above.

6. A computer, The recording and playback device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5. A program for causing it to function as...

Images