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Apparatus for recording on a disk an audio signal that is recorded after the recording of a video signal thereon    
United States Patent5130812   
Link to this pagehttp://www.wikipatents.com/5130812.html
Inventor(s)Yamaoka; Katsumi (Saitama, JP)
AbstractApparatus for recording a still video picture signal and an audio signal on a disk, comprising an after-recording switch manually operable to initiate the recording of an audio signal on the disk, and a controller which responds to the operation of the after-recording switch to control the recording of the audio signal.



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Inventor     Yamaoka; Katsumi (Saitama, JP)
Owner/Assignee     Sony Corporation (Tokyo, JP)
Patent assignment
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Publication Date     July 14, 1992
Application Number     07/462,749
PAIR File History     Application Data   Transaction History
Image File Wrapper   Patent Term   Fees
Litigation
Filing Date     January 9, 1990
US Classification     386/101 358/909.1 386/114
Int'l Classification     H04N 005/781
Examiner     Richardson; Robert L.
Assistant Examiner    
Attorney/Law Firm     Alvin, Frommer; William S. Sinderbrand;
Address
Parent Case    
Priority Data     Jan 20, 1989[JP]1-12475 Jan 20, 1989[JP]1-12476 Jan 20, 1989[JP]1-12477
USPTO Field of Search     358/335 358/341 358/906 358/909 358/342 358/343 360/35.1 360/19.1
Patent Tags     recording disk audio signal is recorded after recording video signal
   
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4965675
Hori
386/101
Oct,1990

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4947265
Hayashi
386/96
Aug,1990

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4680647
Moriyama
386/112
Jul,1987

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4531161
Murakoshi
386/104
Jul,1985

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What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for recording a still video picture signal and an audio signal on a disk, comprising: after-recording switch means manually operable after a still video picture signal is recorded to initiate the recording of an audio signal on said disk; and control means responsive to the operation of said after-recording said audio signal on said disk, said control means including means for re-commencing an audio recording operation if said after-recording switch means is operated again before the completion of a preceding audio recording operation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means further includes delay means for delaying the recording of said audio signal for a predetermined time interval following the operation of said after-recording switch means.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means comprises input means for receiving said audio signal, time compression means coupled to said input means for time compressing the received audio signal and recording means for recording the time compressed audio signal on said disk.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said recording means includes video signal recording means for recording a still video picture signal on a track on said disk, and audio signal recording means for recording the time compressed audio signal on an adjacent track on said disk.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said control means includes video mode select means operable to select a one-picture recording mode for recording signals representing one still video picture in a track or a continuous recording mode for recording signals representing successive still video pictures in successive tracks; and wherein said audio signal recording means is responsive to said one-picture recording mode to record the time compressed audio signal in a track adjacent the track in which said signals representing one still video picture are recorded and said audio signal recording means is responsive to said continuous recording mode to record the time compressed audio signal in a track adjacent the first of said successive tracks.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said means for re-commencing an audio recording operation includes sense means for sensing if said after-recording switch means is operated during the reception, time compression or recording of the audio signal to re-commence the recording of a new audio signal.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said control means further includes warning means for providing a first warning to a user for a first period of time before an audio signal is received by said input means and a second warning for a second period of time before the time compressed audio signal is recorded on said disk.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said control means further includes erase means responsive to a subsequent operation of said after-recording switch means while an audio signal is being recorded to erase said adjacent track on said disk in preparation for recording a new audio signal in said adjacent track.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further including release switch means manually operable to initiate the recording of a still video picture signal on a track; and wherein said erase means is additionally responsive to the operation of said release switch means while an audio signal is being recorded to erase said adjacent track.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said release switch means exhibits first and second operating states, said erase means being responsive to said first operating state and said control means additionally including means responsive to said second operating state to override the recording of an audio signal and to commence the immediate recording of a still video picture signal.

11. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising disk drive means for rotating said disk to record the time compressed audio signal thereon, and means for inhibiting the disk drive means while an audio signal is applied to said input means, thereby minimizing the mixture of noise with said audio signal.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising audio signal recording means for recording an audio signal on the disk; a built-in microphone for supplying the audio signal to be recorded; external microphone connection means for receiving an external microphone to supply the audio signal to be recorded; and selector switch means operable to couple the built-in microphone on the external microphone to said audio signal recording means.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising video playback means for playing back a still video picture signal from the disk, and disk drive means for rotating the disk such that a still video picture signal is played back therefrom; and wherein said control means comprises switch sensing means for sensing the operation of said selector switch means, and disk drive control means for controlling the disk drive means in response to the sensed operation of said selector switch means.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said audio signal recording means includes memory means for temporarily storing an audio signal written thereinto for recording; and said disk drive control means includes means for terminating the operation of said disk drive means in response to the operation of said after-recording switch means if said selector switch means is sensed as coupling said built-in microphone to said audio signal recording means, whereby the disk does not rotate while said audio signal is written into said memory means, means for resuming the operation of said disk drive means after said audio signal is written into said memory means, and means for reading said audio signal from said memory means for recording on the rotating disk.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said disk drive control means further includes means for continuing the operation of said disk drive means in response to the operation of said after-recording switch means if said selector switch means is sensed as a coupling said external microphone to said audio signal recording means.

16. Apparatus for recording a still video picture signal and an audio signal on a disk, comprising: release switch means manually operable to initiate the recording of a still video picture signal on said disk; and control means responsive to the operation of said release switch means to commence a still video picture signal recording operation followed by an audio signal recording operation, said control means including means for interrupting the audio signal recording operation to record another still video picture signal if said release switch means is operated again before the completion of said audio signal recording operation.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising disk drive means; and wherein said control means further includes switch sensing means for sensing partial operation of said release switch means for energizing said disk drive means to rotate said disk in preparation for recording a still video picture signal thereon.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said means for interrupting includes erase means responsive to the operation of said release switch means while an audio signal is being recorded to erase that audio signal and enable a new audio signal to be recorded on the disk.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said control means further includes video signal recording means for recording a still video picture signal on a track on said disk, and audio signal recording means for recording an audio signal on an adjacent track on said disk.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said release switch means exhibits first and second operating states, said erase means being responsive to said first operating state for erasing said adjacent track; and said control means additionally including means responsive to said second operating state to override an audio signal recording operation and commence the immediate recording of still video picture, signal.

21. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said means for interrupting includes override means responsive to the operation of said release switch means while an audio signal is being recorded on said disk to terminate the audio signal recording operation and commence immediately a video signal recording operation.

22. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said control means comprises disk drive means for rotating said disk to record video and audio signals thereon; means for terminating the operation of said disk drive means after a still video picture signal is recorded; input means for receiving an audio signal to be recorded after the operation of said disk drive means terminates; time compression means coupled to said input means for time compressing the received audio signal; means for restarting the operation of said disk drive means; and audio recording means for recording the time compressed audio signal on said disk.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said control means further comprises delay means for delaying said input means for a predetermined time interval after the operation of said disk drive means terminates.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 further including a housing to contain at least said disk drive means and said disk, and wherein said input means comprises a microphone built into said housing.

25. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said time compression means includes memory means for temporarily storing an audio signal written thereinto for recording, and wherein said means for interrupting includes means responsive to partial operation of said release switch means before said audio signal is recorded to condition said memory means to store a new audio signal.

26. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said control means includes means for reserving a track on said disk for the recording of an audio signal therein associated with the still video picture signal recorded in response to the operation of said release switch means.

27. Apparatus for reproducing a still video picture signal from a disk and thereafter recording an audio signal on the same disk, comprising: recording switch means operable to establish an audio signal recording mode; a built-in microphone for supplying an audio signal for recording; connection means for connecting an external microphone to supply an audio signal for recording; sense means for sensing the connection of an external microphone; and control means operable when said recording switch means is operated and responsive to said sense means for delaying the recording of an audio signal on said disk when the connection of an external microphone is not sensed and for recording an audio signal on said disk directly when the connection of an external microphone is sensed.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said control means comprises memory means for temporarily storing the supplied audio signal; write-in means for writing an audio signal into said memory means; read means for reading the stored audio signal from said memory means; and recording means for recording the read audio signal on said disk.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said recording means is operable to record the read audio signal on a track adjacent the track from which the still video picture signal is reproduced.

30. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said recording means includes disk drive means operative to rotate said disk to reproduce said still video picture signal and to record the read audio signal; and wherein said control means comprises interrupt means for interrupting the operation of said disk drive means if the connection of an external microphone is not sensed while an audio signal is written into said memory means, and means for resuming the operation of said disk drive means while reading the audio signal from said memory means to said recording means.

31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said control means further comprises bypass means for bypassing said interrupt means if the connection of an external microphone is sensed, whereby said audio signal is written into and read from said memory means while said disk drive means is operating.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said control means includes means for determining if a reserved audio track associated with a video track from which the still video picture signal is reproduced is present on said disk, means for recording the audio signal read from said memory means in said reserved audio track, and means for recording the audio signal read from said memory means in a track adjacent said video track if said reserved track is not present.

33. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said control means includes means for sensing subsequent operation of said recording switch means before the stored audio signal is read from said memory means to condition said memory means to store a new audio signal.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the audio signal read from said memory means is recorded in an audio track on said disk associated with a track from which the still video picture signal is reproduced; and said control means further includes means for erasing said audio track when the subsequent operation of said recording switch means is sensed.

35. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said read means operates at a faster rate than said write-in means to time compress the audio signal.
 Description Submit all comments and votes
 


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to still video recording/playback apparatus and, more particularly, to such apparatus wherein an audio signal may be recorded on a disk at virtually any time following the recording thereon of a still video picture.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Electronic still cameras are known in which a still picture is recorded as a video signal on a magnetic disk. The "instantly recorded" picture may be played back with the use of a playback adapter and displayed, either as a video picture on a television monitor or as a "printed" hard copy picture. While the camera alone is used to record a still video picture on the disk, successful play back is accomplished by connecting the camera to the aforementioned playback adapter. The camera reproduces signals from the disk; and these reproduced signals are processed by the adapter into conventional television signals for display on a conventional television monitor.

Recently, improvements to the still video camera have been proposed, wherein audio signals which relate to the still picture may be recorded on the same disk. For example, a brief narrative explaining the picture, the subjects, the environment, etc., may be recorded as an audio signal and may be linked to the still video picture such that, when the video picture is played back, the recorded narrative likewise may be reproduced. In, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 62-99972 and in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 62-95079, an audio signal spoken for a predetermined duration (e. g. on the order of five seconds, or ten seconds, or twenty seconds) may be time-base compressed and then recorded in a track on the same disk as was used for recording the still video picture Advantageously, the audio signal is recorded after the recording of the still picture; and this post-recording (or, as is sometimes used herein, the after-recording) process may be carried out immediately after the still video picture is recorded or at a later time, such as when the still video picture is reproduced and displayed.

In the aforementioned audio recording still video camera, the time limit during which the user may record his audio signal is on the order of about ten seconds. That is, an audio signal duration of ten seconds may be recorded. However, if the user does not successfully complete his audio recording in this time limit, for example, if the user does not compose his thoughts successfully, or if the user becomes "tongue-tied", the ten second duration may expire before the user completes his audio recording. It is expected that, during normal operation of the audio recording still video camera, incomplete or unsuccessful audio recording will not be uncommon. In the still video camera proposed heretofore, means are not provided for erasing the incomplete (or unsuccessful) audio signal to enable a subsequent audio recording to be made. It is, therefore, desirable to erase the audio signal from the disk or, for those audio recording still video cameras that employ a memory chip to store temporarily the audio signal, as may be used for time-base compression, to erase the audio signal from memory.

The camera proposed heretofore also does not enable the user of the audio recording still video camera to interrupt an audio recording operation and instantly record a still video picture if the opportunity arises. Heretofore, when an audio recording operation was initiated, it normally had to be completed before a video picture recording operation could begin. Thus, a momentary photographic opportunity may be lost.

In a typical audio recording still video camera, a built-in microphone is provided in the camera housing to facilitate audio recording. However, since the microphone is housed in the same case as the mechanical assemblies which are used in the video and audio signal recording operations, namely, the disk drive, mechanical noises generated by the assemblies are likely to be picked up by the microphone when an audio recording operation is carried out. It is desirable to avoid, or at least minimize such mechanical noises by interrupting the disk drive operation when an audio signal is supplied to the microphone. For example, for the embodiment wherein the audio signal is stored temporarily in a solid-state memory, operation of the disk drive may be interrupted while the audio signal is written into the memory and then resumed when the audio signal is read out and recorded. However, this interruption of the disk drive is not satisfactory when the audio signal is recorded while displaying a video signal. In that event, continual operation of the disk drive is needed to reproduce the still video picture signal from the disk. If the disk drive is stopped so as to minimize mechanical noises, the video signal terminates, thus blanking the displayed video picture and making it difficult, if not impossible, for the user to provide an acceptable narrative of that picture.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for recording still video picture and audio signals on a disk which overcomes the aforenoted drawbacks and disadvantages.

Another object of this invention is to provide still video and audio recording apparatus which permits an audio signal to be recorded immediately after a still video picture is recorded or after a still video picture is reproduced.

A further object of this invention is to provide still video and audio recording apparatus which facilitates the recording of an audio signal in the event that an attempted recording is incomplete or otherwise unsuccessful.

An additional object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the aforenoted type which is readily and easily over from an audio recording mode to a video recording mode to enable the user to seize a photographic opportunity.

Still another object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the aforenoted type in which an audio signal recording operation may be initiated while a still video picture is reproduced and displayed, without mixing mechanical and other noises in the audio signal.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide still video and audio recording apparatus which may be used to record an audio signal generated from either a built-in microphone or an externally connected microphone.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, apparatus is provided for recording a still video picture signal and an audio signal on a disk, including an after-recording switch manually operable to initiate the recording of an audio signal after a video signal has been recorded, and a controller responsive to the operation of the after-recording switch to control the recording operation of the audio signal.

As one aspect of this embodiment, a delay is imparted to the recording of the audio signal such that the audio signal is not recorded for a predetermined time interval following the operation of the after-recording switch.

In accordance with another aspect of this embodiment, the controller includes an input for receiving the audio signal, a time compressor for time compressing the received audio signal and a recorder for recording the time compressed audio signal on the disk. As a feature of this aspect, the time compressed audio signal is recorded in a track adjacent the track in which the still video picture is recorded. As yet another feature of this aspect, a video mode selector is operable to select a one-picture recording mode for recording signals representing one still video picture in a track, or a continuous recording mode for recording successive tracks of still video pictures. When the one-picture recording mode is selected, the time compressed audio signals are recorded in a track adjacent the track in which the still video picture signals are recorded; and when the continuous recording mode is selected, the time compressed audio signal is recorded in a track adjacent the first of the successive video tracks.

As yet another aspect of this embodiment, if the after-recording switch is operated while the audio signal is being received, time compressed or recorded, an audio signal recording operation is recommenced to permit a new audio signal to be recorded. As a feature of this aspect, the track reserved for the previous audio signal is erased, thus preparing it to record a new audio signal. As yet another feature, the apparatus includes a release switch manually operable to initiate the recording of a still video picture signal; the operation of this release switch during an audio recording operation being effective to erase the track reserved for the audio signal, thus permitting a new audio signal to be recorded in that track. As a still further feature, the release switch may be partially or fully operated. If partially operated, the aforementioned track erase operation is carried out. If fully operated during an audio recording operation, that operation is overridden and a still video picture signal recording operation is commenced immediately.

As yet another aspect of this invention, the disk on which the video and audio signals are recorded is rotated by a disk drive whose operation is inhibited while an audio signal is supplied for recording, thereby minimizing the mixture of mechanical noise with that audio signal.

As yet another aspect of this invention, the apparatus includes a built-in microphone as well as an external microphone connection, and a selector switch operable to couple the built-in microphone or the external microphone to the audio recording circuitry. As a feature of this aspect, a still video picture signal may be played back from the disk while that disk is rotated by a disk drive; and if the built-in microphone is selected for coupling audio signals to the audio recording circuitry, the disk drive is interrupted while the audio signal is written to a temporary memory and then resumed when that memory is read to the disk. However, if the external microphone is selected, there is no interruption in the operation of the disk drive.

In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, apparatus is provided to reproduce a still video picture signal from a disk and, subsequent to such reproduction, an audio signal may be recorded on the same disk. Upon actuating a recording switch to establish an audio signal recording mode, audio signals may be supplied for recording either from the built-in microphone or from the external microphone. The manner in which the disk is driven to record the audio signal is a function of whether the built-in or external microphone is connected.

As one aspect, if the recording switch is operated while an audio signal is being written into or read from the memory, the memory is prepared to store a new audio signal; and the track in which the previous audio signal was or was about to be recorded is erased, thus preparing that track to store the new audio signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, given by way of example, and not intended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a still video camera with which the present invention may be used;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a video disk cassette which may be used with the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a playback adapter which may be connected to the camera of FIG. 1 to play back previously recorded video and audio signals;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a block diagram of one embodiment

FIG. 5A and 5B are a block diagram of one embodiment of circuitry included in the camera shown in FIG. 1; of circuitry included in the adapter shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6A-6E comprise a flow chart which is useful in explaining the operation of the camera system controller when recording an audio signal on the disk;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams of a disk having video and audio signals recorded thereon;

FIGS. 8A and 8B comprise a flow chart which are useful in understanding the operation of the camera system controller for recording an audio signal immediately after a still video picture signal is recorded; and

FIGS. 9A-9D comprise a flow chart which is useful in understanding the manner in which an audio signal is recorded after a still video picture signal is played back by the adapter shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is illustrated one embodiment of a still video camera, referred to herein as an electronic still camera, in which the present invention finds ready application. Camera 1 is provided with an outer casing whose front portion 1A includes an aperture (not shown) through which a photographic lens may be exposed to an external image or scene to be photographed. The front portion also is provided with an electronic flash unit (not shown) to irradiate the image. Another aperture in the front portion exposes an objective lens to the image being photographed, this objective lens being used by the user as a view finder 2 provided in rear portion IB of camera 1.

A photosensor (not shown) also is provided on the front portion of the camera to sense the quantity of light emitted by the electronic flash. When a proper amount of light is sensed, the flash unit is turned off. A mode switch 14 is located on upper portion 1C of camera 2 and, in one embodiment, is comprised of a rotary switch having several contacts, or detents. Switch 14 is used to select a desired operating mode, such as a power off mode, a single frame photographing mode or a continuous, or successive frame photographing mode. In the power off mode, electrical power is not supplied to the operating components of camera 1, thereby placing the camera in an OFF state. In the single frame photographing mode, only one image or frame is photographed in response to each depression of a shutter release button 18. In the continuous photographing mode, successive images are recorded while the shutter release button is depressed.

Camera 1 also includes a cover 9 detachably mounted to the camera housing on which shutter release button 18 is disposed. The shutter release button includes first and second switches which are actuated sequentially when the button is depressed. When shutter release button 1 is partially depressed, the first switch is operated to supply electrical power to an image sensor and to recording elements (such as a disk drive) included in camera 1. When button 18 is depressed further, the second switch is operated to carry out an image recording operation. Thus, the purpose of the first switch is to establish a stand-by condition immediately before the actual image recording operation is performed. This stand-by condition conserves power, which is particularly helpful when the power source of camera 1 is a battery.

Cover 9 shields a recess which is adapted to receive a rechargeable battery pack or, alternatively, one or more primary batteries for supplying electrical power to the operating components included within camera 1.

Top portion IC of camera 1 also is provided with a self-timer button 15 which cooperates with shutter release button 18 to carry out a time delayed imaging operation. For example, if self-timer button 15 is depressed and then shutter release button 18 also is depressed, a timed picture taking operation is initiated.

Top portion 1C also is provided with a display 10 for displaying various data to the user of camera 1. This display may be similar to many LCD displays commonly found in conventional photographic cameras recently introduced. Display 10 also provides information useful in the audio recording operation which may be effected by the user of camera 1 after a still video picture is recorded or after a previously recorded still picture is displayed. Indications are provided by display 10 when, for example, an audio signal which is in the process of being recorded or, alternatively, which has been recorded, is erased. For example, a display E may be provided to indicate this audio erasure. Still further, LCD display 10 furnishes the user with a warning indication that only a predetermined number of tracks remain on the recording disk (shown in FIG. 2) for recording video or audio signals.

An audible indicator switch 16 is provided on top portion 1C of camera 1 and is manually operable to enable or disable an audible indicator, such as a buzzer. Switch 16 may be thought of as an ON/OFF switch which, when set in its ON state enables the buzzer to issue audible warnings which, as will be described below, indicate both the beginning of an audio recording operation and the expiration of a preset interval during which audio information may be recorded.

A switch 17 is illustrated adjacent ON/OFF switch 16 and is adapted, when operated, to enable the recording of a video signal on the next available (or "blank") track on the record disk of a still video picture.

Rear portion 1B of camera 1 is provided with an insertion port 6, formed as a slit adapted to receive a magnetic disk cassette 7, shown in FIG. 2. Cassette 7 preferably is embodied as a magnetic disk 41 housed within a suitable jacket. The jacket is formed of a synthetic resin and, as illustrated, exhibits a square, box-like shape. Magnetic disk 41 is rotatably supported within the jacket and is adapted to be rotatably driven by a suitable disk drive assembly disposed within camera 1. The jacket includes a pair of apertures, only one of which is illustrated, through which record/playback heads are inserted into magnetic contact with disk 41. These apertures are covered by a slidable shutter which is driven by elements included within camera 1 so as to slide to its opened and closed positions.

An EJECT button 8 is provided on rear portion 1B and is adapted, when operated, to eject cassette 7 from camera 1 through port 6.

A connector 5, such as a multi-pin socket, also is provided on rear portion 1B and is adapted to receive a connector cable for electrically connecting camera 1 to an electronic playback adapter 21, shown in FIG. 3.

The camera also is provided with a built-in microphone 3 for recording audio signals on disk 41 either immediately after a still video picture is recorded or at some later time, such as when that video picture is reproduced and displayed. As will be described, the audio signal which, typically, is used to provide a narrative of a particular still picture on a track, is recorded on a track associated with that in which the still picture signal is recorded For example, a track adjacent a video picture track may be reserved for the audio signal associated with that video picture.

An external microphone jack 4 also is provided on rear portion 1B of camera 1 and is adapted to receive a plug from an external microphone. In one embodiment, microphone jack 4 is mechanically connected to a microphone selector switch such that, when a plug is inserted into this jack, the switch couples audio signals derived from the external microphone to audio signal recording circuitry. In the absence of this plug, the selector switch couples the audio signals derived from built-in microphone 3 to the audio recording circuitry.

Returning to top portion 1C of camera, additional switches 11, 12 and 13 are illustrated. Switch 11 functions as a selector switch to establish an audio recording mode of operation. Preferably, switch 11 is formed as a slide switch having three positions adapted to select three respective modes of operation: muting, after-recording and simultaneous recording. When switch 11 is set in the muting mode, audio signals are not recorded on disk 41. When this switch is set to select the after-recording mode, an audio signal may be recorded on disk 41, either by way of microphone 3 or by way of an external microphone, at some time following the recording of a still video picture This after-recording operation is carried out in response to the actuation of switch 12, the latter functioning as a sound recording switch. In a preferred embodiment, a predetermined time duration is reserved for recording an audio signal; and in one example, this time duration is equal to approximately 9.6 seconds. Thus, the audio signal to be recorded may exhibit a time duration of not more than 9.6 seconds. As will be described, the audio signal is time compressed by a factor of 640, thus resulting in the compression of a 9.6 second audio signal to an interval on the order of about 15 milliseconds.

If selector switch 11 is set to its simultaneous recording mode, the aforementioned 9.6 second time duration during which an audio signal may be recorded is initiated promptly following the completion of a video recording operation. As will be described, in both the after-recording and simultaneous recording modes, suitable warning indications are provided to notify the user that an audio signal is about to be recorded, thus suggesting that the user begin to talk.

Recording switch 12 preferably is constructed as a slide switch having a projection 12A adapted to be moved by the user. A slide operation of switch 12 is preferred because it requires conscious, deliberate effort by the user, thus preventing, or at least minimizing, inadvertent or erroneous operation. That is, a sound recording operation is not carried out unless and until the user activates switch 12.

Switch 13 functions as a pushbutton switch and is adapted to initiate an audio repeat operation. During a playback mode, that is, when previously recorded audio information is played back from disk 41, the actuation of switch 13 serves to repeat the playing back of the audio signal. In one embodiment, the audio signal is repeated in response to each actuation of switch 13. In another embodiment, a single actuation of this switch serves to provide repeated reproduction of the audio signal until the switch is pressed once again.

Switch 13 also functions as an auxiliary stand-by switch during a picture-recording operation. That is, when camera 1 is conditioned to record a still video picture, such as when it is not connected to a playback adapter, the actuation of switch 13 performs an operation similar to that of the partial depression of shutter release button 18. Thus, actuation of switch 13 initiates the operation of the disk drive assembly to rotate disk 41, and supplies electrical power to the image sensor and recording elements included in camera 1. In this stand-by state, the camera is conditioned to record a still picture signal immediately upon the operation of shutter release button 18 because there is no need to delay the recording operation so as to permit the rotation of disk 41 to "come up to speed". Consequently, the sudden appearance of a photographic opportunity may be seized immediately.

It should be noted that aforementioned mode switch 14 is operably associate with selector switch 11 to the extent that if the mode switch is operated to select a continuous photographing mode but selector switch 11 is operated to establish a simultaneous audio recording mode, the continuous photographing mode is overridden Rather, when selector switch 11 selects the simultaneous recording mode, a single photographing mode is selected notwithstanding the setting of mode switch 14 to the continuous photographing position.

As mentioned above, camera I is adapted to be connected by way of connector 5 to a playback adapter of the type shown in FIG. 3. When connected to the playback adapter, shutter release button 18 functions as a playback switch which, when actuated, plays back a new frame of previously recorded still video picture signal from disk 41. Thus, successive actuations of button 18 serve to play back successive still pictures.

Turning to FIG. 3, playback adapter 21 is illustrated as generally rectangular having an outer casing which houses signal processing circuitry. Adapter 21 includes a recess 22 adapted to receive a rechargeable battery pack 23 or, alternatively, one or more primary batteries for supplying electrical power to the signal processing circuitry. A slide cover 24 slidably engages a groove formed on the casing of adapter 21 and is adapted to cover recess 22 and battery 23.

A ledge is provided adjacent recess 22 on which are disposed various selector buttons 31-37. These selector buttons include a frame feed selector 31 which, when actuated, reproduces a new still picture signal from disk 41. Thus, successive operation of selector button 31 serves to reproduce successive still video pictures, one picture at a time. Selector 32 functions as a continuous selector button which, when operated, reproduces a given still video picture for a predetermined period of time. For example, when selector 32 is operated, a still video picture is reproduced for five seconds.

Selector 33 functions as a STOP button, selector 34 operates as a REVERSE button, selector 35 operates as a FORWARD button and selector 36 functions as an ERASE button which, when operated, erases one still video picture from disk 41. Hence, I successive actuations of ERASE button 36 serves to erase the still video picture signals, one picture at a time. Finally, selector 37 functions as an AUTOMATIC ERASE button which, when operated, serves to erase all of the signals (both video and audio) which may be recorded on disk 41.

As shown, selector buttons 31-37 are concealed when cover 24 slides to its closed position.

A connecting cable 25 extends from end portion 21B of adapter 21 and terminates in a plug 26 adapted to be inserted into socket 5 of camera 1. Electrical connections between the camera and adapter furnish still video picture signals and audio signals reproduced from disk 41 for display and for audible sound reproduction.

Adapter 21 also includes an output terminal 27 disposed on side portion 21C for supplying to an external monitor or television display picture signals which are produced in response to still video picture signals played back from disk 41 in camera 1. For example, adapter 21 includes signal processing circuitry to supply NTSC signals to the monitor coupled to terminal 27 so that a still image may be reproduced and displayed thereon.

Adapter 21 also includes a DC input terminal 28 adapted to receive a plug 30 of an AC adapter 29. When the AC adapter is connected to AC mains, it produces and supplies DC power to playback adapter 21 by means of plug 30 and DC input terminal 28.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, one embodiment of the electrical circuitry which comprises camera 1 is illustrated. As shown particularly in FIG. 4B, disk 41 is adapted to cooperate with a disk drive including a spindle motor 42 which, when operated, rotates disk 41 to permit video and audio signals to be recorded thereon and reproduced therefrom. A spindle servo 43 is coupled to spindle motor 42 and operates to control the rotation of motor 42 in response to signals supplied to the spindle servo by a system controller 48. Spindle servo 43 forms no part of the present invention per se.

System controller 48 (FIG. 4A) may include a conventional microprocessor and is responsive to the operation of switches 47, which represent the various switches provided on camera 1. It will be seen that switches 47 include selector switch 11, after-recording switch 12, repeat switch 13, mode selector switch 14, self-timer switch 15, ON/OFF switch 16, track searching switch 17 and shutter release button I8. Depending upon which of switches 47 is operated, system controller 48 controls the video and audio recording and playback operation.

System controller 48 also is coupled to liquid crystal display 10 to control the display of various warnings and other information, described generally above. A buzzer 46, or other audible indicator, also is connected to the system controller to provide audible warning indications, as will be described below.

The system controller is coupled to selector switches 61, 63 and 64, all shown in FIG. 4B, which operate as video/audio selectors. More particularly, each of these selector switches is shown with a movable contact adapted to be coupled to a terminal for recording a video signal, or to a terminal b for recording an audio signal. Although electromechanical switches are illustrated, it will be appreciated that switches 61, 63 and 64 may be comprised of other conventional electronic switching devices. In any event, system controller 48 is adapted to produce a "video" select signal to dispose selector switches 61, 63 and 64 in their respective video select modes (i. e. each movable contact engages terminal a), and to produce an "audio" select signal to dispose each of these selector switches in its respective audio select mode (i. e. the movable contact engages terminal b).

The system controller also is coupled to a record/playback selector switch 66 (FIG. 4B) which selectively couples a record/playback head 44 to recording or playback circuitry, respectively. Selector switch 66 may be similar to selector switches 61, 63 and 64 and is illustrated as having a movable contact selectively engageable with a record terminal a or a playback terminal b, depending upon the record/playback select signal produced by system controller 48.

A video recording channel is comprised of a photodetector 49, which may be formed as CCD or MOS devices adapted to generate electrical signals in response to a light image focused thereon by means of a lens 50 and an adjustable aperture 51, and a line sequencing processing circuit 54. Circuit 54 is coupled to photodetector 49 by means of an amplifier 52 and a signal processor 53. The line sequencing processing circuit functions to generate red color difference signals (R-Y) and blue color difference signals (B-Y) in successive (or sequential) horizontal line intervals. In addition, a luminance component Y is produced by circuit 54 for each line interval. The line sequential red and blue color difference signals (R-Y) and (B-Y) are supplied to a frequency modulator 58 by means of a pre-emphasis circuit 57. Similarly, the luminance component Y produced by line sequencing processing circuit 54 is coupled to a frequency modulator 62 via selector switch 61 by means of a pre-emphasis circuit 60. Frequency modulated color difference signals and frequency modulated luminance signals are summed by a summing circuit 59 coupled to frequency modulator 58 and, by way of selector switch 63, to frequency modulator 62. The summed FM color difference and luminance signals are supplied by selector switch 64 and record/playback selector switch 66 to magnetic head 44 by way of recording amplifier 65.

An audio recording channel is comprised of a microphone selector switch 81 which is adapted to couple built-in microphone 3 or an external microphone 83 (which may be connected to microphone jack 4) to a dynamic range compressing circuit 87 (FIG. 4B). Selector switch 81 is schematically illustrated as an electromechanical switch which may be operated by, for example, the insertion of a microphone plug into jack 4. That is, when external microphone 83 is not connected, switch 81 couples the built-in microphone to the dynamic range compressor. However, when the external microphone is coupled to jack 4, switch 81 is changed over to couple external microphone 83 to dynamic range compressor 87. The condition of switch 81 is sensed by a switch detector