Image processing apparatus

An apparatus having an UP and DOWN switches which enable the user to set photographing conditions or parameters of the photographing condition, and which has a reproducing function by itself or by connection to an external device through an adapter. The UP and DOWN switches also enable the user to effect the frame or track feed for allowing a head to make an access to a desired track during reproduction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a image processing apparatus and, more 
particularly, to a image processing apparatus capable of recording and 
reproducing a picture in the form of electric signals. 
2. Related Background Art 
Hitherto, various image processing apparatus have been known which are 
capable of recording a image in a medium and reproducing the image from 
the medium. These apparatus usually have display means for displaying data 
input to the apparatus. In general, there is a tendency that the size of 
the display means becomes large as the number of functions employed by the 
apparatus is increased, which in turn gives a rise to the demand for a 
reduction in the size of the display means. To cope with such a demand, 
the present applicant has proposed a display system in which the same 
display device is used for displaying both the track during the 
photographing operation and the track during reproduction, as in the 
specification of the U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,501. The greater number of data 
input to the display device, however, requires a greater number of input 
control means such as a switch for inputting photographing data, a switch 
for giving a reproduction instruction, and so forth. 
More specifically, a photographing operation for picking up an image of an 
object usually requires determination of many photographing or exposure 
factors such as AE mode, shutter speed, stop value, white balance, 
exposure correction and so forth. If independent operation members are 
provided for the respective factors, the apparatus will have an 
impractically large number of operation members, which in turn will 
encounter a difficulty in finding suitable spaces for installing such 
operation members. This is quite inconvenient from the view point of 
compact design of the apparatus. In addition, provision of many operation 
members will undesirably impair the appearance of the apparatus. 
In order to overcome this problem, it has recently been proposed to use an 
operation system which has a selector switch which enables the user to 
select the condition or factor to be operated, and an up/down switch which 
enables the user to determine the value or state of the selected factor. 
Image processing apparatus, when provided with reproducing function, 
essentially require means for allowing the recording medium to be fed back 
and forth as desired. Such an operation means also requires an independent 
operation member which occupies a considerable portion of the space on the 
external surface of the apparatus. In addition, the production cost is 
raised and the operation is complicated. 
Known image processing apparatus of the kind described also employ 
displaying means which indicates, within a finder, various data for 
enabling the user to confirm the brightness of the object and other 
photographing conditions while aiming at the object through the finder. In 
some cases, such an image processing apparatus has the reproducing 
function in itself or externally so as to be connected thereto through an 
adapter. The displaying means in the finder can indicate only those data 
which are necessary for photographing. Such data are usually unnecessary 
during reproduction. In addition, reproduction of the recorded image 
usually takes longer time than the photographing operation. In 
consequence, during the reproduction of the recorded image, unnecessary 
data are indicated by the display device for a long time, resulting in a 
wasteful use of the battery power and, hence, a shorter life of the 
battery. The life of the display device itself also is reduced as a result 
of continuous operation. 
Some image processing apparatus of the type described have a function for 
allowing an operation generally referred to as "track feed". This 
operation requires a definite time, so that the arrangement is usually 
made such that the feed is effected only by one track each time a track 
feed switch is pressed. Thus, when the user wishes to effect a feed by an 
amount corresponding to three tracks, he presses the switch for the second 
time and confirms that the track feed has been completed by an amount 
corresponding to one track, and then presses the same switch for the 
second time and confirms the next feed by an amount corresponding to one 
track, and finally presses the same switch for the third time followed by 
confirmation of the state of having completed the track feed operation to 
the desired track. The greater the track number, the more times the user 
is required to operate the switch, which is quite troublesome and time 
consuming. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an 
improved image processing apparatus which is capable of eliminating all 
these problems of the prior art. 
More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a image 
processing apparatus which is improved to enable numerous data to be input 
through a minimized number of input means, and particularly an apparatus 
which enables photographing and reproducing data through minimal input 
means. 
To this end, according to a preferred form of the present invention, there 
is provided a image processing apparatus of the type having means for 
picking up the image of an object, means for recording data of the pick-up 
image in a recording medium, and means for reproducing the recorded 
picture data, wherein the improvement comprises first input means for 
inputting either one of a photographing mode and a reproducing mode, and 
an operation member which gives an instruction for starting photographing 
and recording when the photographing mode is being input through the first 
input means and an instruction for starting reproduction when the 
reproducing mode is being input through the first input means. When the 
photographing mode is being input by the first input means, the user can 
shoot the object and record the image of the object by manipulating the 
operation member, whereas, when the reproducing mode is being input by the 
first input means, the user can cause the apparatus to reproduce the 
recorded image by manipulating the operation member. It is thus possible 
to shoot, record and reproduce a image with a reduced number of input 
means. 
According to another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a 
image processing apparatus having a reproducing function in itself or 
externally for connection thereto through an adapter, the apparatus having 
an up/down switch for determining the photographing condition or a 
parameter of the photographing condition, wherein the up/down switch for 
determining the photographing condition also serves as means for giving 
instruction for effecting the track feed, during reproduction. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a image processing 
apparatus which is improved in such a way as to reduce the power 
consumption during reproduction. 
To this end, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided 
an image processing apparatus having both a photographing function and 
recording function, wherein the display of data within the view finder is 
suspended during reproduction of the image, thereby eliminating the 
unnecessary display of data, thus preventing deterioration of the 
displaying elements, while enabling batteries to operate for a longer 
time. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a image 
processing apparatus having a signal input means which is capable of 
promptly and securely inputting signals by means of an up/down signal 
input member. 
It is also an object of the invention to provide a image processing 
apparatus having a signal input means which enables the access positions 
of recording and reproducing means with respect to the recording medium to 
be changed quickly and securely through the operation of an up/down signal 
input means. 
To these ends, according to still another aspect of the present invention, 
there is provided an image processing apparatus having means for storing 
the number of pressing strokes of an up/down switch, and means for 
effecting track feed by an amount corresponding to the stored number of 
strokes of the up/down switch. 
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention 
will become clear from the following description of the preferred 
embodiments when the same is read in conjunction with the accompanying 
drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a first embodiment of 
the image processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
The apparatus has an optical system 1 for focusing the image of an object, 
a stop driver 2a, a stop 2b, a shutter driver 3a and a shutter 3b. The 
apparatus also has a image pickup device 4 such as a CCD for converting 
the object image into electric signals, a record signal processing circuit 
5 for converting the signals from the image pickup device 4 into record 
picture signal, a recording/reproducing circuit for recording or 
reproducing the signal in and from a recording medium 6', and a 
reproduction signal processing circuit 7 for reproducing an image signal 
from the recording medium 6'. The reproduction signal processing circuit 
has output terminals 8. Numerals 6" and 6"', respectively, denote a disk 
rotation motor for rotating the medium 6' and a recording/reproduction 
head. A switch for changing-over the operation between recording mode and 
reproducing mode is designated by a numeral 6"". 
The apparatus further has a process control circuit 10 for controlling the 
operation of the whole apparatus, a shutter dial 11 for setting the 
shutter speed, and a release switch 12 for giving a photographing 
instruction. The release switch 12 includes two switches SW1 and SW2 which 
are adapted to operate at different pressing strokes. Namely, when the 
pressing stroke is short, only the switch SW1 is turned on, whereas, when 
the pressing stroke is long, both the switches SW1 and SW2 are turned on. 
The switch SW1 is a switch for giving an instruction for photometry, while 
the switch SW2 is a switch for giving an instruction for recording the 
picked up image. 
A reference numeral 13 designates a switch which is adapted for allowing 
the user to change over the speed of feed of the medium between the single 
shot and the continuous shot. This switch will be referred to as 
continuous photographing switch. A reference numeral 14 denotes a mode 
changing switch for allowing the user to switch the operation mode between 
the photographing (recording) mode and the reproducing mode. Numerals 15 
and 16 denote, respectively, UP and DOWN switches for effect the feeding 
forward and backward, respectively, during operation of the apparatus in 
the reproducing mode. 
The operation of this embodiment will be explained hereinunder with 
reference to the drawings. 
For the purpose of photographing and recording the image of an object, the 
user operates the mode changing switch 14 to the photographing mode so 
that a photographing mode signal is input to a terminal 10h of the process 
control circuit 10, thus setting the apparatus in the photographing mode. 
As the photometry start switch is turned on, the photometry circuit 9 
operates to deliver its output Ev to a terminal 10d of the process control 
circuit 10. The process control circuit 10 also receives a shutter speed 
data (Tv value) from the shutter dial 11 through a terminal 10e. Upon 
receipt of both the signals Ev and Tv, the process control circuit 10 
conducts computations so as to determine the aperture value (Av value) to 
be obtained, in accordance with the formula (1). 
EQU Av=Ev-Tv (1) 
Then, as the release switch 12 is pressed a signal for giving a 
photographing instruction is delivered to a terminal 10f of the process 
control circuit 10 so that the latter delivers, through its terminals 10a 
and 10b, drive signals to the stop driver 2a and the shutter driver 3b 
thereby driving the stop 2b and the shutter 3b. As a result, the image 
pickup device 4 is exposed so as to produce a photoelectric picture signal 
which is delivered to the record signal processing circuit 5 which is 
adapted to convert the photoelectric signal into the record signal. The 
thus obtained record signal is recorded in the recording medium 6' by the 
operation of the recording/reproducing circuit 6. 
When the continuous photographing switch 13 is set for a single 
photographing mode S, the medium is fed only by one frame, even though the 
release switch 12 is kept in the pressed state. In addition to the single 
photographing mode S, the continuous photographing switch S can select 
three different continuous photographing modes L (Low), M (Medium) and H 
(High) of different speeds. The arrangement is such that the apparatus 
repeats the exposure and recording at the selected speed as long as the 
release switch 12 is in the pressed position. 
The reproduction of the recorded signal is conducted in a manner which will 
be explained hereinunder. As the mode changing switch 14 is turned for the 
reproduction mode, the reproduction signal is delivered to the terminal 
10h of the process control circuit 10. At the same time, the 
recording/reproducing circuit 6 reads image signals from the recording 
medium 6' in accordance with the output signal from the terminal 10c of 
the process control circuit 10, and delivers the read signal to the 
reproduction signal processing circuit 7. The circuit 7 converts the image 
signals into signals of a form suitable for reproduction, e.g., NTSC, and 
delivers the converted signals through its terminal 8. 
When the continuous photographing switch 13 selects the single 
photographing mode S, the medium is fed forward and backward by a distance 
corresponding to one frame, in response to each stroking of the UP switch 
15 and the DOWN switch 16, respectively. Namely, the arrangement is made 
such that the medium is fed only once by an amount corresponding to one 
frame, even through the UP or DOWN switch is kept in the pressed position. 
However, if the continuous photographing switch 13 selects one of the 
continuous photographing modes L (Low), M (Medium) and H (High), the head 
is moved forward or backward at the selected speed according to the 
selection of L, M, or H if the UP switch 15 or the DOWN switch 16 is kept 
in the pressed position. The movement of the head is stopped as the switch 
15 or 16 is returned, and the reproduction is completed as the release 
switch 12 is pressed. 
An explanation will be made hereinunder as to the display of the input 
data. FIG. 2A shows an example of the display of input data on the display 
device 21 in the first embodiment. The display device 21 employs three 
display units 100, 102 and 104 each having two digits each consisting of 
seven segments of elements such as liquid crystal elements. These units 
100, 102 and 104 are adapted for displaying variable data such as month, 
day and year. Marks M, D and Y, representing month, day and year, 
respectively, are given in regions 101, 103 and 105. Numerals 106, 107, 
108 and 109 are regions for displaying the continuous photographing mode 
selected by the continuous photographing switch 13, one of the modes S, L, 
M and H. 
FIG. 2B shows an example of the content of the display. This display reads 
as Mar. 5, 1986 and shows that the single photographing mode S has been 
selected. 
FIG. 2C shows an example of the display which is made when the apparatus is 
in the reproducing mode. The display reads as "PLAY" which represents that 
the apparatus is in the reproducing mode. A numeral appearing on the right 
side of the display "PLAY" shows the position of the frame which is being 
reproduced, while a mark M means that the UP or DOWN switch selects the 
continuous feed at the medium speed. Thus, the display device enables the 
user to confirm the input data and the reproduced data. 
FIG. 3 shows the process of the control performed by the process control 
circuit 10 in the first embodiment. This process is programmed and stored 
in a read only memory (ROM) incorporated in the process control circuit 
10. 
Referring to FIG. 3, as the user operates the mode changing switch 14 to 
select the photographing mode, a judgment is made in Step S100 whether the 
input mode is the photographing mode or not. If the answer is NO, the 
process proceeds to Step S120 because the reproducing mode has been 
selected. If the answer is YES, i.e., if the photographing mode has been 
selected, a judgment is made in Step S101 as to whether the switch SW1 of 
the release switch 14 has been pressed or not. If the answer is NO, the 
process is suspended to wait for the operation of the switch SW1. Then, as 
the switch SW1 is pressed, the process control circuit 10 judges that a 
photographing instruction is given, so that the process proceeds to Step 
S102. 
In Step S102, a disk rotation motor 6" is started for driving the recording 
medium in the recording circuit. In Step S103, the process control circuit 
10 gives an instruction to the photometry circuit 9 for starting the 
photometry. In Step S104, the process control circuit 10 computes the stop 
value (Av value) in accordance with the result of the photometry and the 
shutter speed given through the shutter dial 11, and then waits for the 
photographing. Then, as the full pressing of the release switch, i.e., 
turning on of the switches SW1 and SW2, is confirmed in Steps S105 and 
S106, an operation is carried out in Step S107 for raising the finder 
mirror and for reducing the stop 2b, while moving the recording head 6"' 
in the recording circuit 6 to a desired track on the recording medium. In 
Step S105, if the switch SW1 has not been turned on, the process proceeds 
to Step S140 so as to stop the disk rotation motor 6". In Step S106, if 
the switch SW2 has not been turned on, the process returns to Step S103 to 
conduct the photometry once again. 
In Step S108, an instruction is given to the shutter driver 3a so as to 
open the shutter 3b, thereby allowing the apparatus to conduct the 
photographing operation at the given shutter speed. In Step S109, the 
shutter driver 3a receives an instruction for closing the shutter 3b. 
Then, the finder mirror M is set down and the stop 2b is opened in Steps 
S110 and S111. In Step S112, the process control circuit 10 gives an 
instruction for allowing the recording/reproducing circuit 6 to record the 
image signals which have been delivered thereto through the exposure 
device 4 and the record signal processing circuit 5, and proceeds further 
to Step S113 in which a judgment is made as to whether the present mode is 
the single photographing mode or not. 
If the answer is NO, the process control circuit 10 reads the set speed of 
the continuous photographing mode, and computes the interval of the 
continuous photographing in Steps S114 and S115, and then returns the 
process to Step S106 thereby to continue the continuous photographing 
operation. When the judgment in Step S113 has proved that the present mode 
is the single photographing mode, the process control circuit 10 operates 
to stop the disk rotation motor 6" in Step S140 so as to stop the 
photographing operation. 
In Step S120, a judgment is conducted as to whether the present operation 
mode is the reproduction mode. If the answer is NO, the process returns to 
Step S100. Conversely, when the answer is YES, i.e., when the reproduction 
mode has been selected, the process proceeds to Step S121 so as to 
instruct the recording/reproducing circuit 6 to conduct the reproducing 
operation, so that the switch 6"' is turned to the signal processing 
circuit 7 thereby setting the recording head in the predetermined track 
position on the recording medium. Then, in Step S122, a judgment is 
conducted as to whether the reproduction is permitted by the switch SW1. 
If the answer is NO, the process is suspended to wait for the input through 
the switch SW1. If the answer is YES, i.e., if the reproduction is 
permitted by the switch SW1, the disk rotation motor is started and the 
display "PLAY", as shown in FIG. 2C indicative of the reproduction, is 
made on the display device 21, in Steps S123 and S124. In Step S125, a 
judgment is made as to whether the UP switch 15 has been turned on. If 
this switch has been turned on, an operation is conducted to set forward 
one on the frame number K in Step S126 and the process proceeds to Step 
S130. However, if the UP switch has not been turned on, a judgment is made 
in Step S127 as to whether the DOWN switch 16 has been turned on or not. 
If the DOWN switch 16 has been turned on, an operation is conducted to set 
back one from the frame number K in Step S128 and then the process 
proceeds to Step S130. If not, however, the process proceeds to Step S131. 
In Step S130, the recording head is shifted to the position of the track 
in the recording medium in which the image signals corresponding to the 
frame K are stored. In Step S131, the frame number K is displayed on the 
display device 21. 
In the next step, Step S132, a judgment is made again as to whether the 
switch SW1 has been turned on. If the answer is NO, the process proceeds 
to Step S133 in which a judgment is made as to whether the present 
photographing mode is the single photographing mode or not. When the on 
state of the switch SW1 is confirmed in Step S131, the process proceeds to 
Step S140 in which the disk rotation motor 6" is stopped thereby 
completing the series of control processes. If the single photographing 
mode has been selected, the process returns to Step S125, whereas, if not, 
the frame speed read in Step S134 is read and the frame speed is displayed 
on the display device 21 in Step S134. 
In the next step Step S135, a computation is conducted to determine the 
reproduction frame interval from the frame speed, and the process returns 
to Step S125. 
Then, the described procedures are repeated so as to conduct recording and 
reproduction of the image in accordance with the photographing and 
reproducing instructions, respectively. 
FIG. 4 shows the circuitry incorporated in a second embodiment of the 
present invention. This embodiment is materially the same as the first 
embodiment except that the continuous photographing switch 13 is omitted. 
Thus, in the second embodiment, only the single photographing mode is 
available, so that the frame is set forward or backward by one when the UP 
switch 15 or the DOWN switch 16 is pressed for a period shorter than a 
predetermined period. However, if the UP or DOWN switch 15 or 16 is 
pressed for a period longer than the predetermined period, the apparatus 
conducts a frame feed forward or backward at a constant speed. If this 
speed is low, the arrangement may be such that the feed is conducted at 
the constant speed after the pressing of the switch 15 or 16 is commenced, 
as shown in FIG. 5A. In contrast, when the feed speed is so high that 
there is a risk that the feed may be effected by an amount corresponding 
to two frames, the arrangement may be such that the feed by one frame is 
conducted immediately after the pressing of the switch 15 or 16 is 
commenced and then the next feed is effected only when the switch 15 or 16 
is kept pressed for a period longer than a predetermined period. 
FIG. 6 shows an example of the process control performed by the process 
controller 10 incorporated in the second embodiment. 
A judgment is made in Step as to whether the input mode is the 
photographing mode or not. If the answer is NO, the process proceeds to 
Step S220 because the reproducing mode has been selected. If the answer is 
YES, i.e., if the photographing mode has been selected, a judgment is made 
in Step S201 as to whether the switch SW1 of the release switch 14 has 
been pressed or not. If the answer is NO, the process is suspended to wait 
for the operation of the switch SW1. If the switch SW1 has been pressed, 
the process control circuit 10 judges that a photographing instruction is 
given, so that the process proceeds to Step S202. In Step S202, a disk 
rotation motor 6" is started for driving the recording medium 6' in the 
recording circuit 6. 
In Step S203, the process control circuit 10 gives an instruction to the 
photometry circuit 9 for starting the photometry. In Step S204, the 
process control circuit 10 computes the stop value (Av value) in 
accordance with the result, of the photometry and the shutter speed given 
through the shutter dial 11, and then waits for the photographing. Then, 
as the full pressing of the release switch, i.e., turning on of the 
switches SW1 and SW2, is confirmed in Steps S205 and S206, an operation is 
conducted in Step S207 for raising the finder mirror and for reducing the 
stop 2b, while moving the recording head 6"' in the recording circuit 6 to 
the position of a desired track on the recording medium. 
In Step S205, if the switch SW1 has not been turned on, the process 
proceeds to Step S240 so as to stop the disk rotation motor 6". In Step 
S206, if the switch SW2 has not been turned on, the process returns to 
Step S203 to conduct the photometry once again. In Step S208, an 
instruction is given to the shutter driver 3a so as to open the shutter 
3b, thereby allowing the apparatus to conduct the photographing operation 
at the given shutter speed. In Step S209, the shutter driver 3a receives 
an instruction for closing the shutter 3b. Then, the finder mirror M is 
set down and the stop 2b is opened in Steps S210 and S211. In Step S212, 
the process control circuit 10 gives an instruction for allowing the 
recording/reproducing circuit 6 to record the image signals which have 
been delivered thereto through the exposure device 4 and the record signal 
processing circuit 5, and proceeds further to Step 240 in which the disk 
rotation motor is stopped to complete the photographing operation. 
In Step S220, a judgment is made as to whether the present operation mode 
is the reproduction mode. If the answer is NO, the process returns to Step 
S200. Conversely, when the answer is YES, i.e., when the reproduction mode 
has been selected, the process proceeds to Step S221 so as to instruct the 
recording/reproducing circuit 6 to conduct the reproducing operation, 
thereby setting the recording head in the predetermined track position on 
the recording medium. Then, in Step S222, a judgment is made as to whether 
the reproduction is permitted by the switch SW1. If the answer is NO, the 
process is suspended to wait for the input through the switch SW1. If the 
answer is YES, i.e., if the reproduction is permitted by the switch SW1, 
the disk rotation motor is started and the display "PLAY" indicative of 
the reproduction is displayed on the display device 21, in Steps S223 and 
S224. 
In Step S225, a judgment is made as to whether the UP switch 15 has been 
turned on. If this switch has been turned on, an operation is conducted to 
set forward one on the frame number K in Step S226 and the process 
proceeds to Step S230. However, if the UP switch has not been turned on, a 
judgment is made in Step S227 as to whether the DOWN switch 16 has been 
turned on or not. If the DOWN switch 16 has been turned on, an operation 
is conducted to set back one from the frame number K in Step S228 and then 
the process proceeds to Step S230. If not, however, the process proceeds 
to Step S231. In Step S230, the recording head is shifted to the position 
of the track in the recording medium in which the image signals 
corresponding to the frame K are stored. In Step S231, the frame number K 
is displayed on the display device 21. 
In the next step Step S232, a judgment is made again as to whether the 
switch SW1 has been turned on for the second time. If the answer is NO, 
the process proceeds to Step S233 in which a predetermined frame feed time 
is set and then the process returns to Step S225. 
If the judgment is Step S231 has proved that the switch SW1 has been 
pressed for the second time, the process proceeds to Step S240 in which 
the disk rotation motor is stopped to complete the control. The 
above-described operation is then repeated to conduct photographing and 
reproduction of images. 
As will be understood from the foregoing description, in the first and 
second embodiments of the invention, it is possible to effect recording 
and reproduction, particularly the start and stop of the recording and 
reproduction, and they can be conducted by the same operation members. 
In the recording mode, the recording operation is started when the switch 
SW2 is turned on, whereas, in the reproduction mode, the reproduction is 
conducted after the switch SW1 is turned on till the same switch SW1 is 
turned on again. This remarkably facilitates the operation of the 
apparatus. 
A description will be given hereinunder as to an apparatus of the type in 
which photographing conditions are input through an UP/DOWN operation 
means and which has a reproducing function in itself or externally for 
connection through an adapter so as to record and reproduce data in tracks 
of a recording medium by means of recording and reproducing heads. More 
specifically, the description will be given, with specific reference to 
FIG. 7, as to means for allowing selection between the photographing mode 
and the reproduction mode, as well as means for allowing a shift of the 
track position on the recording medium in response to the input through 
the UP/DOWN operation means when the reproduction mode has been selected 
by the first means. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are used to 
denote the same parts as those appearing in FIG. 1, and a detailed 
description of such parts is omitted. 
Referring to FIG. 7, the apparatus embodying the present invention has 
circuits 112 and 113 which are adapted to operate in response to stroking 
of DOWN and UP switches such as to produce a one-shot pulse for each 
stroking of the switch. These circuits, therefore, will be referred to as 
a DOWN switch 112 and an UP switch 113, respectively. 
Numerals 114, 115, 116 and 117 denote AND gates which are adapted to 
deliver outputs C of high level when both the inputs a and b take a high 
level. 
UP/DOWN counters 118 and 119 are adapted for counting, respectively, the 
number of the frames and the shutter speed. Each of these counters is 
adapted for reducing its output by one upon receipt of a positive pulse to 
its terminal D and to increase its output by one upon receipt of a 
positive pulse to its terminal U. 
A reference numeral 20 designates a head position driver 20 which is 
adapted to operate in accordance with the output of a frame number counter 
10A in the process control circuit 10 during the photographing and in 
accordance with the output from the counter 118 during the reproduction, 
so as to change the position of the recording/reproduction head thereby 
effecting the frame feed, i.e., the track feed. A numeral 12 denotes a 
release switch by means of which the photographing instruction for 
commencing photographing is effected. 
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the control performed by the 
operation control circuit 10. A description will be given hereinunder with 
reference to this Figure. 
(i) Photographing Mode 
The program is started as a power supply switch (not shown) is turned on in 
Step S100. In the photographing mode, the process control circuit 100 
receives a signal indicative of the fact that the present mode is the 
photographing mode, through the operation of the mode changing switch 14, 
in Step S101. 
In this state, the process control circuit 10 delivers a low-level signal 
and a high-level signal at its outputs 10B and 10D, thereby to block 
inputs from AND gates 114 and 115, while permitting signals to be input 
from the AND gates 116 and 117, in Step S102. In consequence, the shutter 
speed setting counter 119 is allowed to operate and the output of the 
counter 119 is increased and decreased by one, respectively, in response 
to each pressing operation of the UP switch 113 and the DOWN switch 112. 
For instance, by setting the counter output in relation to the shutter 
speed in a manner shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to set the shutter speed 
by inputting the output of the counter 119 to the process control circuit 
10 through the terminal 10E. The thus set shutter speed is read in Step 
S102. 
In FIG. 6, the counter output is shown in terms of the Tv value (Time 
value) which is given as follows: 
EQU Tv=log 2(1/shutter speed) 
In this state, the photometry circuit 9 is operative because the photometry 
switch 9a has been turned on as the power supply has been turned on in 
Step S100, so that the output (Ev value) representing the result of the 
photometry is input to the process control circuit 10 through the terminal 
10d in Step S103. 
The process control circuit 10 then computes, in accordance with the 
following formula, the stop condition necessary for effecting optimum 
exposure of the image pickup device (CCD) 4. 
EQU Av=Ev-Tv 
where, Av is given by Av=log 2(FNo).sup.2 
Thereafter, as the release switch 12 is pressed in Step S104, the stop 2b 
and the shutter b are driven by the respective drivers 2a and 3b such as 
to give the stop value and the shutter speed determined as explained 
above. In consequence, the image pickup device 4 is exposed in Step S106, 
and the exposure output is processed by the record signal processing 
circuit 5 into recordable signals. 
Meanwhile, the recording/reproducing circuit 6 has been set in the 
recording mode, in response to a signal derived from the terminal 10c of 
the process control circuit 10 so that the output from the record signal 
processing circuit 5 is written in the recording medium through the 
recording/reproduction head in Step S107. 
After the completion of recording, an increment by one is effected in the 
frame number counter 10A of the process control circuit 10 and the count 
output therefrom is input to the recording/reproduction head position 
driver 20 thereby effecting the frame feed, i.e., the track feed, in Step 
S108. 
(ii) Reproduction Mode 
The operation in the reproduction mode is as follows. 
As the mode changing switch 14 is operated to the reproduction mode, a 
signal representing the reproduction mode is examined in Step S101 and the 
process proceeds to commence the operation in the reproduction mode. 
In this state, the process control circuit 10 delivers a high-level signal 
and a low-level signal at its terminals 10B and 10D, thus allowing the 
signal input from the AND gates 114 and 115, while prohibiting the signal 
input from the AND gates 116 and 117, in Step S115. 
As a result, the frame number counter 18 becomes operative. Then, whether 
the UP switch 113 or the DOWN switch 112 is pressed or not is judged in 
Step S110 or S112 and, in response to each pressing of one of these 
switches, the output of the counter 118 is increased or decreased by one, 
respectively, in Step S111 or S113. 
Meanwhile, the output of the counter 118 is delivered to the process 
control circuit 10 through the terminal 10c, so that the head position 
driver 20 is activated in response to a signal from a terminal 10k, 
thereby driving the recording/reproduction head to a desired frame 
position, i.e., track position. 
In this state, the recording/reproduction circuit 6 has been set in the 
reproduction mode in response to the output delivered through the terminal 
10c of the process control circuit 6, so that it delivers the signals 
picked up through the recording/reproduction head to the reproduction 
signal processing circuit 7 after an amplification to a suitable level by, 
for example, a preamplifier. 
In the reproduction signal processing circuit 7, the signal reproduced from 
the recording/reproduction circuit 6 is delivered through the output 
terminal 8 after processing to a suitable form of image signals such as 
NTSC or RGB. 
In the foregoing description, the UP/DOWN switch is used only for the 
purpose of setting the shutter speed, for the purpose of simplification of 
explanation. This, however, is not exclusive and those skilled in the art 
will readily understand from the foregoing description that the same 
control is applied also to the setting of other factors such as the A/E 
mode, stop control, white balance control and so forth. 
It will be also clear that the described embodiment can be applied to an 
image recording/reproducing apparatus for moving pictures having a 
reproduction facility with a function for still image reproduction 
function. 
From the foregoing description, it will be understood that the present 
invention eliminates problems such as increase in the apparatus size, 
complication in the operation and a rise in the cost which may otherwise 
be caused due to an increase in the number of operation members. In 
addition, the appearance and maneuverability of the apparatus are improved 
by virtue of the reduction in the number of the operation members. 
A description will be given with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15 as to an 
embodiment which is an image recording and reproducing apparatus with a 
display means in a view finder, wherein the display is stopped during 
reproduction so as to inform the user of the fact that the apparatus is in 
the reproducing mode, while saving the power and prolonging the life of 
the display elements. 
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of an image 
recording apparatus of this embodiment. The apparatus has a body 121, a 
view finder 122 for allowing the user to aim at an object, and a lens 123. 
The apparatus also has an external display device 124 which is located, 
for example, on the top deck portion of the body 121, and constituted by 
display elements such as LCDs. A numeral 125 designates a release button 
which, when pressed by a user's finger, triggers the photographing 
operation. 
The apparatus further has a mode changing switch 126 for switching the 
operation between the photographing mode and the reproduction mode, an 
exposure correction member 127, and a stroboscope interface 128. A numeral 
129 denotes a change-over switch for the external display device 129. 
FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the display which is given in the view 
finder so as to be seen by the user who looks into the view finder. The 
sight in the view finder includes a region 131 in which an image of the 
object is formed, a region 132 for the stop value and composed of two 
digits each consisting of seven display segments, and one dot, a region 
133 for displaying the inverse of the shutter time, i.e., the shutter 
speed, including four digits each consisting of seven display elements, 
and a region 134 where a mark indicating that a stroboscope has been 
connected to the stroboscope interface 128. 
FIG. 12 shows an example of the display on the external display device 124. 
The display on the external display includes display sections 100, 102 and 
104 for indicating month, day and year, respectively, constituted by two 
digits each consisting of seven segments. Numerals 101, 103 and 105 are 
marks M, D and Y which represent, respectively, month, date and year. This 
arrangement is similar to that shown in FIG. 2 but the external display 
device 124 employed in this embodiment further includes a section 135 for 
displaying the multiplication factor for the exposure correction. 
FIG. 13 shows the electric circuit employed in the present embodiment. The 
apparatus has an image-forming optical system 200, beam splitters 201, 
203, an image pickup device 202 such as CCD, and a signal processing 
circuit 203 corresponding to the circuits 5 and 7 shown in FIG. 1. A 
recording/reproduction circuit 204 corresponds to the portions of the 
recording/reproduction circuit 6 other than the head 6"' and the medium 
6'. A numeral 209 represents a clock circuit for displaying the year, 
month and day. The apparatus further includes the following circuits. 
A mode change circuit 210 is adapted for generating a mode changing input 
in response to the operation of the mode changing switch 126 shown in FIG. 
10. 
A release circuit 211 is adapted for generating a release signal in 
response to the operation of the release button 125 shown in FIG. 10. 
An interface circuit 212 is adapted for functioning as an interface, 
through the aid of the stroboscope interface 128 shown in FIG. 10, between 
the apparatus and an external stroboscope. 
An exposure correction circuit 213 is adapted for generating an exposure 
correction multiplication factor in response to an input from the exposure 
correction operation member 127. 
The display device in the view finder 122, having the display regions 132 
to 134 as shown in FIG. 11, is denoted by a numeral 214. 
A switch 216 is adapted for turning on and off the supply of power from a 
power supply 220 to the display device 214 in the view finder 214, in 
response to a display control signal from the process control circuit 208. 
A stop 217 and a shutter 218 are disposed in the path of light between the 
optical system 200 and the CCD constituting the image pickup device 202. 
A reference numeral 219 designates a reproduction signal output from the 
signal processing circuit 203. 
A recording/reproduction head 221 is connected to the recording circuit 204 
and is adapted to conduct recording and reproduction of the image signal 
in and from a recording medium 222. 
An external display mode change circuit 223 is adapted for changing the 
mode of display on the external display device 124 in accordance with the 
output from the external display mode change switch 129. 
The circuit explained hereinabove operates in a manner which will be 
explained hereinunder. 
(i) Photographing Mode 
The explanation will be given first of the operation in the photographing 
mode. As the mode change switch 126 shown in FIG. 10 is turned to select 
the photographing mode, a part of the light coming from an object through 
the optical system 200 shown in FIG. 13 is introduced to the photometry 
circuit 207 through the beam splitters 201, 205, and the photometry output 
from the circuit 209 is input to the process control circuit 208. The 
process control circuit 208 then determines the shutter speed and the stop 
value in accordance with the photometry data and the input from the 
stroboscope interface circuit 222, and delivers signals for displaying the 
thus determined shutter speed and the stop value in the display sections 
132 to 134 in the display device 214 within the view finder. 
At the same time, the process control circuit 208 delivers a display 
control signal which acts to turn the switch 216 on thereby allowing the 
electric power to be supplied to the display device 214 from the power 
supply 220, thus enabling the user to see the display as shown, for 
example, in FIG. 11. 
Meanwhile, the external display device 124 displays data as shown, for 
example, in FIG. 12, on the basis of the data given by the exposure 
correction circuit 213 and the clock circuit 209. 
As the release button 125 is pressed in this state, the release signal from 
the release circuit 211 is delivered to the process control circuit 208 so 
that the latter controls the shutter 218 and the stop 217 in accordance 
with the computed shutter speed and the stop value, thereby allowing the 
image pickup device 202 to be exposed. 
The exposure output from the image pickup device 202 is delivered to the 
signal processing circuit 203 so as to be processed suitably. 
It will be understood that the signal processing circuit 203 and the 
recording circuit 204 have been switched for operation in the 
photographing mode, in response to the control signal given by the process 
control circuit 208. 
The processed exposure output is then recorded in the recording medium 222 
through the recording/reproduction head 221 by the operation of the 
recording circuit 204. 
(ii) Reproduction Mode 
The operation in the reproduction mode is as follows. 
In this case, the mode change switch 126 shown in FIG. 10 has been turned 
to select the reproduction mode so that the mode change circuit 210 
delivers a signal to the process control circuit 208 for prohibiting input 
of all the signals from the photometry circuit 207, release circuit 211, 
stroboscope interface circuit 212 and the exposure correction circuit 213, 
while turning off the switch 216, so that the supply of power from the 
power supply 220 to the display device 214 within the view finder is 
stopped to suspend the display of data on the display device 214. 
In addition, the external display device 124 is operated to display the 
fact that the apparatus is in the reproduction mode. For instance, as 
shown in FIG. 14, all the display sections 101, 103, 105 and 135 are put 
off, and a sign "PLAY" is displayed by using four digits (each consisting 
of seven segments) in the display sections 100 and 102, while showing the 
No. of the frame on display by making use of two digits each having seven 
segments in the display section 104 of the external display device of the 
external display device 124. 
Meanwhile, the signal processing circuit 203 and the signal recording 
circuit 204 are switched to the reproducing mode so that the recording 
circuit 204 operates to deliver to the signal processing circuit 203 the 
reproduction signal which is picked up by the head 221 from the recording 
medium 222 The signal processing circuit 203 then converts the 
reproduction signal into image signals of a suitable form such as NTSC or 
RGB and delivers the converted reproduction output signal 214 
Thus, when the apparatus is used in the reproduction mode, no display of 
data, except for the image of the object, is seen in the view finder 122. 
This, however, does not cause any inconvenience because in this state the 
user is not intending to shoot an image Moreover, the elimination of data 
in the view finder 122 informs the user of the fact that the apparatus is 
now in the reproducing mode. 
FIG. 15 shows an example of the process of control of the display performed 
by the process control circuit 208 both in the recording mode and the 
reproduction mode. 
In Step S1, a judgment is made as to whether the mode change switch 126 has 
been set for the photographing mode or the reproduction mode. When the 
reproduction mode has been selected, the process proceeds to Step S2, 
whereas, when the photographing mode has been selected, the process 
proceeds to Step S7. 
In the reproduction mode, in Step S2, the signal processing circuit 202 and 
the recording circuit 203 are changed to reproduction mode and, in Step 
S3, the input to the process control circuit 208 is inhibited for all the 
signals from the photometry circuit 207, release circuit 211, stroboscope 
interface circuit 212 and the exposure correction circuit 213. 
In Step S3, the switch 216 is turned off so as to stop the supply of power 
to the display device 214 in the view finder from the power supply 220, 
thereby stopping the display in the view finder. In Step S4, the display 
on the external display device 124 is changed to the reproduction mode, 
thus allowing the display of the sign "PLAY" in FIG. 14 on the sections 
100 and 102 of the display device 124. At the same time, the No. of the 
frame under reproduction is shown on the section 104 of the display device 
124. Other sections 101, 103, 105 and 135 do not make any display. 
Then, the process proceeds to a sub-routine S6 in which an ordinary 
reproduction is effected. 
On the other hand, when the apparatus is in the photographing mode, the 
process proceeds to Step S7 in which the signal processing circuit 202 and 
the recording circuit 203 are switched for the operation in the 
photographing mode. 
In this state, in Step S8, the photometry circuit 207 is allowed to 
operate, and the process control circuit 208 receives the inputs from the 
release circuit 211, stroboscope interface circuit 212 and the exposure 
correction circuit 213. 
In Step S9, the shutter speed and the stop value are determined in 
accordance with the output from the photometry circuit 207. 
In Step S10, the switch 216 is turned on, thus enabling the display device 
214 in the view finder to operate. In consequence, in Step S11, input data 
is displayed on the display device 214 together with the image of the 
object, as shown in FIG. 11. 
In Step S12, the external display device 124 conducts a display for the 
recording mode as shown in FIG. 3. 
In Step S13, as soon as the pressing of the release button 125 is detected, 
the process proceeds to Step S14 in which a sub-routine is commenced for 
the signal processing operation for the recording of the signals. 
As will be understood from the foregoing description, in this embodiment, 
the display of data is stopped when the apparatus is used in the 
reproducing mode, so as to inform the user of the fact that the apparatus 
is being used in the reproducing mode. In addition, the elimination of the 
data display during the operation in the reproducing mode contributes to 
an economical use of the electric power, as well as to a longer life of 
the display elements. 
In regard to the saving of the electric power in particular, the 
arrangement may be such that the display in the view finder is suspended 
only when the power is being supplied from the battery: that is, the 
display is not stopped when the power is being supplied from an external 
power supply such as commercial A.C. source. This can be realized without 
difficulty by connecting, in parallel with the switch 216 shown in FIG. 
13, a switch which is turned off when the power is being supplied from the 
battery and turned on when the power is being supplied from the commercial 
power supply. 
Although the foregoing description is based on an assumption that the image 
is a still image and that the view finder is an ordinary optical type view 
finder, the described embodiment can be applied also to the processing of 
moving images and also to the case where the view finder is of an 
electronic type, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the 
art. 
A description will be given hereinunder with specific reference to FIG. 16 
as to an apparatus which also is an embodiment of the present invention 
and which has means for storing the number of strokings of the UP/DOWN 
switch so as to effect the track feed by the amount corresponding to the 
stored number. 
Referring to FIG. 16, the apparatus has pulse generating circuits 301U and 
301D having an UP switch and a DOWN switch and adapted for generating 
positive pulses each time the respective switches are pressed. These pulse 
generating circuits, therefore, will be referred to as "UP switch" and 
"DOWN switch", respectively, for the sake of convenience. 
Numerals 302U, 302D and 305 denote counters each having an UP terminal U 
and a DOWN terminal D. Each of these counters produces a digital output 
OUT which is increased by "1" each time a positive pulse is received by 
the terminal U and decreased by "1" each time a positive pulse is received 
by the terminal D thereof. The counters 302U and 302D are adapted to count 
the number of strokings, i.e., the numbers pressing operations, of the UP 
switch 301U and the DOWN switch 301D. The counter 305 is adapted for 
storing data concerning the track position. 
Numerals 3U and 3D represent, respectively, OR gates which receive the 
outputs OUT from the counters 2U and 2D, respectively. Therefore, the OR 
output OROUT delivers a signal of low level when the counter output is 
zero, whereas, when the counter output is not zero, the output OROUT takes 
high level. 
AND gates 4U and 4D are adapted for receiving, at their input terminals a, 
the outputs from the OR gates 3U and 3D, respectively, as well as an 
oscillation output of a later-mentioned oscillator 308 at their input 
terminals b. Each of these AND gates produces an output c which takes high 
level only when both the inputs delivered to the inputs a and b are of 
high level, and low level when either one or both the inputs received at 
the terminals a and b are of low level. 
A reference numeral 306 designates a head position driver for controlling 
the position of a head unit 307 in accordance with the output from the 
head position counter 305. The head position driver 306 receives data 
concerning the absolute track position from a head position detecting 
circuit 316 which makes use of a code plate (not shown) provided in the 
head unit 307. The head position driver 307 is adapted for driving the 
head until the output of the counter 305 becomes equal to the absolute 
track position. 
The pulse oscillator 308 mentioned before is adapted to oscillate at a 
frequency which is of such a level as to enable the head unit 307 to 
conduct the track feed operation. 
A recording medium 309 which may be a disk is adapted to be rotated by a 
motor 310 which operates under the phase and speed control performed by a 
servo circuit 311. 
A reference numeral 312 designates a recording/reproducing circuit which 
operates in accordance with the state of the mode change switch 313. 
Namely, when the apparatus is in the recording mode, the circuit 312 
operates to enable the head unit 307 to record in the recording medium 309 
the output signal which has been delivered through the input terminal 316 
and then processed by the record signal processing circuit 314. 
Conversely, during operation in the reproducing mode, the 
recording/reproducing circuit 312 operates to enable the head unit 307 to 
read signals from the recording medium 309 and to allow the reproduction 
signal processing circuit 315 to process and deliver the read signal 
through an output terminal 317. A reference numeral 313A represents a 
one-shot circuit which generates a single pulse when the operation mode is 
changed from the recording mode to the reproducing mode. The output from 
the one-shot circuit 13A is received by the terminal D of the counter 305. 
The apparatus further includes a decoder 320 for decoding the counting 
output of the head position counter 305, a driver 321 for producing a 
driving output in response to the decoder output, and a track display 
device 322 which is adapted to be driven by the driver 321 so as to 
display the No. of the track under reproduction. Namely, the output OUT 
from the head position counter 305 is decoded by the decoder 320 for the 
purpose of display of the track No., and the thus decoded output activates 
the driver 321 which in turn drives the track display device 322 thereby 
displaying the No. of the decoded track. For instance, the track display 
device 322 may be constituted by two-digit LED or LCD display unit, each 
digit being composed of seven segments of display segments. A timer HST is 
adapted to produce a single pulse when a time T, which is long enough to 
ensure the completion of the image photographing sequence and the 
recording sequence, has elapsed after pressing of a release button (not 
shown) for triggering the photographing and recording operation. 
The operation of this embodiment will be explained hereinunder. It is 
assumed here that the apparatus has been switched to the reproducing mode 
and the UP switch 310 has been pressed 10 times. Since the present mode is 
the reproducing mode, the recording circuit 312 has been switched for 
operation in this mode by the mode change switch 313. Thus, the signals 
picked up from the recording medium 309 from the head unit 307 are output 
from the terminal 317 through the reproduction signal processing circuit 
315. 
As the UP switch 310 is pressed 10 times, 10 pulses are delivered to the 
counter 2U so that the output OUT from the latter takes a value 10 (ten) 
which causes the output OROUT from the OR gate 3U to take the high level. 
In consequence, the AND gate 4U operates to pass the pulse input from the 
oscillator 308 to pass therethrough. Namely, the pulse from the oscillator 
308 is delivered to the U terminal of the head position counter 305 
through the AND gate 4U and also to the terminal D of the counter 2U. In 
consequence, the content of the counter 305 and the content of the counter 
2U are increased and decreased by one, respectively, by the single pulse 
delivered from the oscillator 308. 
Thus, when 10 pulses have been input through the switch 1U, the output from 
the counter 2U is reduced to zero, so that the output OROUT from the OR 
gate 3U also is changed to low level, thereby inhibiting the input of 
signal to the AND gate 4U. 
In consequence, only 10 pulses are received by the U terminal of the 
counter 305, so that the head unit 307 is fed by an amount corresponding 
to 10 (ten) tracks. 
It will be understood that the head shift operation is conducted without 
fail because the head driver 306 continues to drive the head unit 307 
until the absolute track position of the head unit 307 becomes equal to 
the value output from the counter 305. 
Similarly, when the DOWN switch 1D has been pressed ten times, 10 pulses 
are received by the counter 305 so that the head unit 307 is returned by 
an amount corresponding to 10 tracks. 
At the same time, the decoder 320 operates to decode the count output "10" 
of the head position counter 305 into a form suitable for the display on 
the display device 322, thus allowing the display device 322 to display 
"10" which is the No. of the track now on display. 
Thus, in this embodiment, the output of the head position counter 305 
representing the No. of the track presently selected, i.e., tracked by the 
head, is displayed on the track display device 322 regardless of whether 
the present operation mode is the photographing mode or the reproducing 
mode. Thus, the No. displayed on the track display device during operation 
in the photographing mode represents the No. of the track in which the 
picture data obtained by the next photographing operation is to be 
recorded. Meanwhile, the timer HST produces a single pulse after a delay 
time T upon each receipt of the release signal, the time T being long 
enough to ensure the completion of one photographing and recording cycle, 
as explained before. The pulse from the timer HST serves to count up the 
content of the counter 305 by one, so that the track display device 322 
displays the track No. which has been increased by "1" upon completion of 
each photographing and recording cycle. 
The display on the track display device 322 in the reproducing mode 
represents the No. of the track which is now under reproduction, thus 
enabling the user to easily recognize the track No. from which the image 
is being reproduced. It is to be understood also that, in the described 
embodiment, the content of the head position counter 305 is reduced by "1" 
each time the operation is switched from the photographing mode to the 
reproducing mode, so that the head immediately after the switching of 
operation mode is disposed on the track which was tracked by the head 
immediately before the switching of the operation mode. Needless to say, 
the user can select other tracks for reproduction by suitably operating 
the UP and DOWN switches so as to appoint the desired track. 
Although the embodiment has been described on an assumption that the UP or 
DOWN switch has been pressed 10 times, this is only illustrative and the 
described operation can be attained regardless of the number n of cycles 
of pressing of the respective switches. 
It will also be clear to those skilled in the art that the described 
operation and functions are attainable without difficulty even when a 
combination of a computer and a software is used in place of the described 
hardware which includes the counters, gates and so forth. 
The record signal processing circuit 314 and its input terminal 316 may be 
constructed as an electronic camera. It is possible even to construct the 
whole system shown in FIG. 1 as a single apparatus which has both the 
photographing (recording) and reproducing functions. 
It is also to be noted that the data input means constituted by the UP and 
DOWN switches may be provided only for the recording or reproducing 
purpose or, alternatively, the input means may be used commonly both for 
the recording and reproducing purposes. 
As will be understood from the foregoing description, the described 
embodiment of the recording/reproducing apparatus offers an advantage that 
the track feed of the head is effected without fail and without requiring 
confirmation of the track upon each operation of the track shifting 
operation member such as UP/DOWN buttons. Namely, the user is required 
only to press the UP/DOWN buttons by a number which is necessary for 
appointing the desired track. 
In addition, the control employed in the described embodiment for storing 
the number of pressing cycles of operation members such as UP/DOWN buttons 
and driving the head carriage as the load can be applied for the purpose 
of controlling other types of loads than the head carriage.