Video camera system which multiplexes internal, external, and sensing parameters onto the video signal in order to identify individual segments

Claim 2

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameter generation means comprises a signal processor means for generating internal parameters, an operation switch means for generating external parameters, and a sensor circuit means for generating sensor parameters.

Claim 3

A video camera system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising image forming means for forming an image stored in said memory means.

Claim 4

A video camera system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said image forming means is a printer.

Claim 5

A video camera system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said image forming means is a display.

Claim 6

A video camera system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first multiplexing means multiplexes said parameters in a vertical blanking period of said video signal.

Claim 7

A video camera system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said image reducing means reduces the size of said video signal in one frame.

Claim 8

A video camera system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said image reducing means reduces the size of said video signal in one field.

Claim 9

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a lens iris parameter for expressing an F number of said video camera, said lens iris parameter being an integer `a` in the following equation of the F number: F number=2.sup.a/8.

Claim 10

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a lens iris parameter for expressing an F number of said video camera, said lens iris parameter being an integer `a` in the following equation of the F number: F number=2.sup.a/8.

Claim 11

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a gain level parameter for expressing a gain G of an automatic gain control in said video camera, said gain level parameter being an integer `b` in the following equation of the gain G: G=-3+b×3 (dB). 10.

Claim 12

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a gain level parameter for expressing a gain G of an automatic gain control in said video camera, said gain level parameter being an integer `b` in the following equation of the gain G: G=-3+b×3 (dB). 10.

Claim 13

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a shutter speed parameter for expressing a shutter speed Ts of said video camera, said shutter speed parameter being an integer `c` in the following equation of the shutter speed Ts: Ts=c×T.sub.H, (sec) in which T H is a horizontal scanning period.

Claim 14

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a shutter speed parameter for expressing a shutter speed Ts of said video camera, said shutter speed parameter being an integer `c` in the following equation of the shutter speed Ts: Ts=c×T.sub.H, (sec) in which T H is a horizontal scanning period.

Claim 15

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a color temperature parameter for expressing a set color temperature of a white balance of said video camera, said color temperature parameter being an integer `d` expressed in decamired units in the following equation: d=10.sup.5 /T in which T is the color temperature in degrees Kelvin.

Claim 16

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a color temperature parameter for expressing a set color temperature of a white balance of said video camera, said color temperature parameter being an integer `d` expressed in decamired units in the following equation: d=10.sup.5 /T in which T is the color temperature in degrees Kelvin.

Claim 17

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a focal length parameter for expressing a focal length of said video camera, said focal length parameter being converted to a focal length of a 35 mm film camera having the same horizontal field of view as that of said video camera.

Claim 18

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a focal length parameter for expressing a focal length of said video camera, said focal length parameter being converted to a focal length of a 35 mm film camera having the same horizontal field of view as that of said video camera.

Claim 19

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include focal length parameters for expressing a focal length of said video camera, said focal length being converted to a focal length of a 35 mm film camera having the same horizontal field of view as that of said video camera, and said focal length parameters being integers `e` and `f` in the following equation of the focal length: Focal length=e×10.sup.f (mm).

Claim 20

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include focal length parameters for expressing a focal length of said video camera, said focal length being converted to a focal length of a 35 mm film camera having the same horizontal field of view as that of said video camera, and said focal length parameters being integers `e` and `f` in the following equation of the focal length: Focal length=e×10.sup.f (mm).

Claim 21

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include focal length parameters for expressing a focused distance between said video camera and said focused subject, said focused subject distance parameters being integers `g` and `h` in the following equation of the focused subject distance: Focused subject Distance=g×10.sup.h (cm).

Claim 22

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include focal length parameters for expressing a focused distance between said video camera and said focused subject, said focused subject distance parameters being integers `g` and `h` in the following equation of the focused subject distance: Focused subject Distance=g×10.sup.h (cm).

Claim 23

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a hand movement compensation parameter for expressing either one of an on and off state of a hand movement compensation means.

Claim 24

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a hand movement compensation parameter for expressing either one of an on and off state of a hand movement compensation means.

Claim 25

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a hand movement compensation amount parameter for expressing an amount of hand movement.

Claim 26

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a hand movement compensation amount parameter for expressing an amount of hand movement.

Claim 27

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a hand movement compensation amount parameter for expressing an amount of hand movement in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction per unit time.

Claim 28

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a hand movement compensation amount parameter for expressing an amount of hand movement in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction per unit time.

Claim 29

A video camera system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said unit time is one frame period.

Claim 30

A video camera system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said unit time is one field period.

Claim 31

A video camera system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said unit time is one second.

Claim 32

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium: a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a hand movement compensation vector parameter for expressing a direction and an amount of hand movement per unit time.

Claim 33

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium: a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said parameters include a hand movement compensation vector parameter for expressing a direction and an amount of hand movement per unit time.

Claim 34

A video camera system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said unit time is one frame period.

Claim 35

A video camera system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said unit time is one field period.

Claim 36

A video camera system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said unit time is one second.

Claim 37

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said condition detection means produces recording medium position data indicative of a position on said recording medium at the detected moment.

Claim 38

A video camera system comprising: an imaging means for imaging a subject and for generating a video signal; a parameter generation means for generating parameters for imaging said subject; a parameter collection means for collecting said parameters; a first multiplexing means for multiplexing said video signal with said parameters and for generating a first multiplexed signal; a first recording means for recording said first multiplexed signal on a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing said multiplexed signal from said recording medium; a separation means for separating said first multiplexed signal into said video signal and said parameters; a condition detection means for detecting a moment when said parameters are set in a predetermined condition, and for producing a condition detected signal; an image reducing means for reducing the size of said video signal and for generating a reduced video signal; and a memory means for storing said reduced video signal in response to said condition detected signal, whereby said memory means stores at least one reduced video signal; wherein said condition detection means produces recording medium position data indicative of a position on said recording medium at the detected moment.

Claim 39

A video camera system as claimed in claim 25, further comprising a second multiplexing means for multiplexing said recording medium position data with said reduced video signal and for producing a second multiplexed signal.

Claim 40

A video camera system as claimed in claim 26, further comprising a second recording means for recording said second multiplexed signal.