Patent Publication Number: US-8971688-B2

Title: Information recording apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/026,983, filed Feb. 6, 2008, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/192,908, filed Jul. 10, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,349,621, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an information recording apparatus and an image recording apparatus for use with a video cassette recorder of camera integral type which is operated in operation modes such as, for example, a recording (Rec) mode, a record temporary stop (Rec-Pause) mode and the like. 
     2. Related Background Art 
     In recent years, a welfare digital recording apparatus of camera integral type (referred to merely as “video cassette recorder (VCR) of camera integral type” hereinafter) has been popularized. Further, since image quality of the welfare VCR of camera integral type has been enhanced, by taking advantage of compactness and easy handling, the welfare VCR has often been used for business applications. 
       FIG. 16  is a block diagram showing a construction of the above-mentioned VCR  800  of camera integral type. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the VCR  800  of camera integral type includes a mechanical chassis  831 , a servo/mechanism drive circuit  833 , a microcomputer  834 , a power source switch  835 , an operation key  836 , a power source circuit (power source supply circuit)  837 , a camera  838  and a video/audio signal processing circuit  839 . 
     The mechanical chassis  831  is provided with a feature to which a magnetic tape  832  as a recording medium is mounted, a rotatable drum (not shown) to which a magnetic head is mounted, a capstan (not shown) for running the magnetic tape  832  and a pinch roller (not shown), and the servo/mechanism drive circuit  833  serves to drive the mechanical chassis  831 . 
     The microcomputer  834  serves to control the servo/mechanism drive circuit  833  and judge or determine the state of the power source switch  835  for selecting power ON/OFF of the entire VCR  800  of camera integral type so that, on the basis of judgement, if the power ON condition is selected, the power source circuit  837  is turned ON to supply an electric power to the entire VCR  800  of camera integral type, and, if the power OFF condition is selected, the power source circuit  837  is turned OFF. 
     The operation key  836  has an operation button for selecting an operation mode such as a recording mode, a record temporary stop mode or the like, with respect to the VCR  800  of camera integral type. 
     The camera  838  is designed to include a microphone, a lens and a camera signal processing circuit so that object photo-taking signals (video signal and audio signal) can be outputted. 
     The video/audio signal processing circuit  839  serves to process or treat the video signal and the audio signal outputted from the camera  838  and convert such signals into an RF signal to be recorded on the magnetic tape via the magnetic head of the mechanical chassis  831 . 
     When the user effects the photo-taking by using the above-mentioned VCR  800  of camera integral type, first of all, the user changes the power source switch from the OFF condition to the ON condition. When the microcomputer  834  detects the ON condition of the power source switch, the microcomputer turns ON the power source circuit  837 . As a result, the electric power is supplied to the entire VCR  800  of camera integral type. 
     Further, the microcomputer  834  detects, via the servo/mechanism drive circuit  833 , whether the recordable magnetic tape  832  is mounted to the mechanical chassis  831  or not. As a result of such detection, if the recordable magnetic tape  832  is mounted to the mechanical chassis  831 , the microcomputer  834  controls the servo/mechanism drive circuit  833  so that the condition of the mechanical chassis  831  is automatically transferred (loaded) from a stop mode to the record temporary stop mode. 
     On the basis of the control of the microcomputer  834 , the servo/mechanism drive circuit  833  controls to rotate a drum motor of the rotatable drum of the mechanical chassis  831  and to urge the capstan and the pinch roller against the magnetic tape  832  so that the magnetic tape  832  is contacted with the rotating magnetic head with moderate tension. In this way, the transferring of the operation mode to the record temporary stop mode is finished. 
     Then, the user catches an object to be photo-taken by his/her camera  838 , and, when a desired photo-taking condition is established, the user manipulates a record start button of the operation key  836 . 
     When the microcomputer  834  detects the manipulation of the record start button, the microcomputer instructs the driving of a capstan motor of the mechanical chassis  831  to the servo/mechanism drive circuit  833 , thereby starting the feeding of the magnetic tape  832 . In this way, the transferring to the record mode is completed and a recording operation is started. 
     When it is desired to temporarily stop the record mode, the user manipulates a record temporary stop button of the operation key  836 . 
     When the microcomputer  834  detects the manipulation of the record temporary stop button of the operation key  836 , the microcomputer instructs stop of the driving of the capstan motor of the mechanical chassis  831  to the servo/mechanism drive circuit  833  and controls the entire VCR  800  of camera integral type so that the record temporary stop mode is continued until the record start button of the operation key  836  is manipulated again. 
     Here, if the record temporary stop mode is continued, first of all, in this case, since the condition of the VCR  800  of the camera integral type is a condition that the running of the magnetic tape  832  is stopped, the same portion of the magnetic tape  832  continues to be traced by the magnetic head rotating at a high speed. 
     If the same portion of the magnetic tape  832  continues to be traced by the magnetic head of the mechanical chassis  831 , a protective film coated on a surface layer of the magnetic tape  832  is damaged, with the result that there may arise a problem that the magnetic head is clogged by magnetic powder. 
     Further, in the record temporary stop mode, since the drum motor of the mechanical chassis  831  is driven by the servo/mechanism drive circuit  833 , the power consumption of the entire VCR  800  of camera integral type becomes great. Particularly when the drum motor is driven by a battery, since continuation of the record temporary stop mode for a long term consumes the battery, careless disposition or let-alone is not preferred. 
     To avoid this, the microcomputer  834  judges whether or not the record temporary stop mode continues up to a predetermined time period, and, as a result of such judgement, if the record temporary stop mode continues up to the predetermined time period, the microcomputer controls the servo/mechanism drive circuit  833  so that the condition of the mechanical chassis  831  is automatically transferred from the record temporary stop mode to the stop (Off) mode. 
     When transferred to the stop mode, the servo/mechanism drive circuit  833  releases the urging of the capstan and the pinch roller of the mechanical chassis  831  and stops the drum motor of the rotatable drum, on the basis of the control from the microcomputer  834 . 
     When the transferring of the mechanical chassis  831  to the stop mode is completed, the microcomputer  834  instructs OFF (stop) of power supply to the entire VCR  800  of camera type to the power source circuit  837 . 
     By the way, when the above-mentioned VCR  800  of camera type shown in  FIG. 16  is used for business application such as production of image or picture, for example, there is prepared an equipment in which an image producer and the like other than a cameraman or a photographer can always monitor the object to be photo-taken caught by the camera by photo-taking the object by means of the VCR  800  of camera integral type by the cameraman (or by means of the VCR fixed by a tripot) and by connecting the video output to a TV monitor. 
     With this arrangement, in the photo taking of a wild animal, a limited photo-taking chance (shutter chance) can be obtained while observing the object to be photo-taken by looking at the image outputted to the TV monitor for a long term. 
     However, as mentioned above, the conventional VCR  800  of camera integral type was constituted so that, when the continuation of the record temporary stop mode exceeds the predetermined time period, the power source is automatically turned OFF. 
     Accordingly, in the conventional VCR  800  of camera integral type, for example, when the record temporary stop mode is selected to grasp the photo-taking chance in the photo-taking of the wild animal, since the power source is automatically turned OF after the predetermined time period is elapsed, not only the image outputted to the TV monitor is interrupted, but also the power source may be turned OFF at the same time when the photo-taking chance is reached, thereby missing the photo-taking chance. 
     Particularly, in the production of image, if the power source of the VCR  800  of camera integral type is once turned OFF and the image outputted to the TV monitor is interrupted, since it is required that plural photo-taking stuffs be prepared after the power source of the VCR  800  of camera integral type is turned ON again and layout of the object to be photo-taken is set again, considerable time is lose until the photo-taking can be re-started. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an information recording apparatus capable of effecting an information recording operation suitable for both domestic and business applications. 
     As a preferred embodiment for such objects, the present invention disclose an information recording apparatus for recording information on a recording medium, comprising information acquiring means for acquiring information to be recorded on the recording medium, recording means for recording the information acquired by the information acquiring means on the recording medium, first drive means for driving the recording means, second drive means for driving the recording medium so that the information is recorded on the recording medium by the recording means, output means for outputting the information acquired by the information acquiring means to an external device, and control means for controlling in such a manner that, when a recording operation onto the recording medium is paused, the first drive means and the second drive means are stopped and the output means is continuously operated. 
     Further, the present invention discloses an information recording apparatus for recording information on a recording medium, comprising information acquiring means for acquiring information to be recorded on the recording medium, recording means for recording the information acquired by the information acquiring means on the recording medium, first drive means for driving the recording means, second drive means for driving the recording medium so that the information is recorded on the recording medium by the recording means, output means for outputting the information acquired by the information acquiring means to an external device, and control means for controlling in such a manner that, in a predetermined operation mode, on the basis of a connection condition of other apparatus or system to the output means, the first drive means and the second drive means are stopped and the output means is continuously operated. 
     Further, the present invention discloses an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium by means of a recording head, comprising image processing means for processing a signal of an image, first drive means for driving the recording head, second drive means for driving the recording medium so that the image acquired by the image processing means is recorded at a predetermined position by the recording head, output means for outputting the image acquired by the image processing means to an external device, and control means for controlling in such a manner that, when a recording operation onto the recording medium is paused, the first drive means and the second drive means are stopped, and the image processing means and the output means are continuously operated. 
     Further, the present invention discloses an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium by means of a recording head, comprising image processing means for processing a signal of an image, first drive means for driving the recording head, second drive means for driving the recording medium so that the image acquired by the image processing means is recorded at a predetermined position by the recording head, output means for outputting the image acquired by the image processing means to an external device, and control means for controlling in such a manner that, in a predetermined operation mode, on the basis of a connection condition of other apparatus or system to the output means, the first drive means and the second drive means are stopped, and the image processing means and the output means are continuously operated. 
     Still other objects of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, will become fully apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a constructural view of a VCR of camera integral type to which the present invention is applied in a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart for explaining an operation of the VCR of camera integral type in the first embodiment; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are views for explaining an example of display on a display panel of a VCR of camera integral type to which the present invention is applied in a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart for explaining an operation of the VCR of camera integral type in the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a constructural view of a recording apparatus of camera integral type to which the present invention is applied in a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views for explaining an example of display on a display panel of a VCR of camera integral type to which the present invention is applied in a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart for explaining an operation of the VCR of camera integral type in the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a constructural view of a VCR of camera integral type to which the present invention is applied in a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart for explaining an operation of the VCR of camera integral type in the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart for explaining an operation of the VCR of camera integral type in a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a constructural view of a VCR of camera integral type to which the present invention is applied in a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart for explaining an operation of the VCR of camera integral type in the seventh embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a flow chart for explaining an operation of the VCR of camera integral type in an eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a constructural view of a recording apparatus of camera integral type to which the present invention is applied in a ninth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram showing a construction of a computer for reading out a program for realizing a function of the VCR of camera integral type to which the present invention is applied via the computer from a computer-readable recording medium and for executing such program; and 
         FIG. 16  is a constructural view of a conventional VCR of camera integral type. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
     The present invention is applied to a VCR  100  of camera integral type, for example. 
     The VCR  100  of camera integral type according to a first embodiment of the present invention is designed so that, when a record temporary stop (Rec Pause) mode continues up to a predetermined time period, the record temporary stop mode is changed to a mode in which a power source of the VCR  100  of camera integral type is not automatically turned OFF, but only a capstan/pinch roller  103  and a rotatable drum  102  for conveying a recording medium  101  are stopped in accordance with user&#39;s instruction, and a video signal outputted from a camera  106  is continuously outputted externally. 
     With this design, the VCR  100  of camera integral type can be used for both domestic and business applications without inconvenience. 
     Now, an operation and a construction of the VCR  100  of camera integral type according to the illustrated embodiment will be explained concretely. 
     &lt;Construction of VCR  100  of Camera Integral Type&gt; 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the VCR  100  of camera integral type includes a rotatable drum  102 , a capstan/pinch roller  103 , a servo/mechanism drive circuit  104 , a video/audio signal processing circuit  105 , a camera  106 , a microphone  107 , an external output terminal  108  for a video signal, a microcomputer  109 , a display-character generating circuit  110 , an operation key  111  and a display panel  112 . 
     The rotatable drum  102  is provided with a magnetic head. 
     The capstan/pinch roller  103  includes a mechanical mechanism capable of loading and unloading the tape and a tape driving mechanism such as a reel motor and serves to convey the magnetic tape  101 . 
     The servo/mechanism drive circuit  104  serves to drive the rotatable drum  102  and the capstan/pinch roller  103 . Incidentally, the rotatable drum  102  and the capstan/pinch roller  103  are also referred to as “mechanical chassis” collectively. 
     The microcomputer  109  has a CPU and a memory and serves to control the operation of the entire VCR  100  of camera integral type. 
     The operation key  111  includes buttons for effecting various operation instructions to the VCR  100  of camera integral type. 
     The camera  106  includes a lens and a camera signal processing circuit so that a video signal obtained by photo-taking an object is outputted. 
     The video/audio signal processing circuit  105  serves to process the video signal outputted from the camera  106  and an audio signal inputted from the microphone  107  to convert such signals into an RF signal to be recorded by the magnetic head of the rotatable drum  102 . 
     The video signal external output terminal  108  serves to externally output the video signal processed by the video/audio signal processing circuit  105  to a TV monitor and the like. 
     The display-character generating circuit  110  serves to output for example character data corresponding to user&#39;s manipulation of the operation key  111  to the display panel  112  through the video/audio signal processing circuit  105  under the control of the microcomputer  109 . As a result, a character corresponding to the user&#39;s manipulation is displayed on the display panel  112 . 
     &lt;Operation of VCR  100  of Camera Integral Type&gt; 
       FIG. 2  is a flow chart showing main operations of the VCR  100  of camera integral type. 
     For example, the microcomputer  109  reads out and executes a processing program corresponding to the flow chart of  FIG. 2  previously stored in a program memory through the CPU. As a result, the VCR  100  of camera integral type is operated as follows. 
     Step S 201 : 
     The microcomputer  109  judges whether the operation key  111  is manipulated by the user, and, as a result of such judgement, only if the operation key is manipulated (presence of operation key input), processing from a next step S 202  is executed. 
     Step S 202 : 
     As a result of judgement in the step S 201 , if the operation key  111  is manipulated by the user, the microcomputer  109  judges whether a present operation mode of the VCR  100  of camera integral type is a “record temporary stop mode” or not. 
     As a result of such judgement, if the present mode is the “record temporary stop mode”, the program goes to a next step S 203 ; whereas, if otherwise, the program goes to a step S 204  which will be described later. 
     Step S 203 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 202 , if the VCR  100  of camera integral type is in the “record temporary stop mode”, the microcomputer  109  effects control in such a manner that the operation of only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is stopped and an output signal (video signal photo-taken by the camera and processed in the video/audio signal processing circuit  105 ) from the external output terminal  108  is continuously outputted to the TV monitor and the like. 
     As an operation in the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped, concretely, the operations of the rotatable drum  102  and the capstan/pinch roller  103  are stopped, and the camera  106 , microphone  107  and video/audio signal processing circuit  105  continue to be operated while supplying an electric power to them. Further, an operation for releasing (returning to an unloading condition) contact (winding) between the magnetic tape  101  and the rotatable drum  102  may also be included. 
     Step S 204 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 202 , if the VCR of camera integral type is not in the “record temporary stop mode”, the microcomputer  109  changes the operation mode of the VCR  100  of camera integral type to the “record temporary stop mode”. After changed to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped as mentioned above, it is also possible to change to the record temporary stop mode by the user&#39;s re-manipulation. 
     As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, it is designed so that, if the VCR  100  of camera integral type is in the “record temporary stop mode”, such a mode is not changed to the automatic power source OFF mode (i.e., complete operation stop mode) but is changed to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped, and the video signal being photo-taken can be outputted continuously from the external output terminal  108 . Further, the changing to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped can be executed by the user&#39;s key manipulation. 
     In this way, the conventional problem in which the apparatus is automatically changed to the power source OFF mode unintentionally to interrupt the image to the connected monitor can be solved. 
     Second Embodiment 
     In a second embodiment of the present invention, an example that information regarding the operation modes is displayed on the display panel  112  in the VCR  100  of camera integral type of  FIG. 1  will be explained. 
     For example, in a condition after the power source of the VCR  100  of camera integral type was turned ON and the mode of the VCR has automatically been changed to the record temporary stop mode, when it is desired to change to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is stopped by the user&#39;s manipulation of the operation key  111 , a character “DRUM STOP” as shown in  FIG. 3A  is displayed on the display panel  112  in accordance with the user&#39;s manipulation. Such display mat be displayed during when the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped is continued. 
     Further, when the user tries to change the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped to the record temporary stop mode by the manipulation of the operation key  111 , on the basis of the user&#39;s manipulation, a character “Rec Pause” as shown in  FIG. 3B  is displayed on the display panel  112 . 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing the operation of the VCR  100  of camera integral type according to the illustrated embodiment. 
     For example, the microcomputer  109  reads out and executes a processing program corresponding to the flow chart of  FIG. 4  previously stored in a program memory through the CPU. As a result, the VCR  100  of camera integral type is operated as follows. 
     Step S 211 : 
     The microcomputer  109  judges whether the operation key  111  is manipulated by the user, and, as a result of such judgement, only if the operation key is manipulated (presence of operation key input), processing from a next step S 212  is executed. 
     Step S 212 : 
     As a result of judgement in the step S 211 , if the operation key  111  is manipulated by the user, the microcomputer  109  judges whether a present operation mode of the VCR  100  of camera integral type is a “record temporary stop mode” or not. 
     As a result of such judgement, if the present mode is the “record temporary stop mode”, the program goes to processing from a next step S 213 ; whereas, if otherwise, the program goes to processing from a step S 217  which will be described later. 
     Step S 213 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 212 , if the VCR  100  of camera integral type is in the “record temporary stop mode”, the microcomputer  109  instructs the display-character generating circuit  110  to output the character “DRUM STOP” as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     Step S 214 : 
     The microcomputer  109  counts a timer for a predetermined time period. Here, the predetermined time period includes a time period to the extent during which the user can ascertain the operation mode to which the VCR  100  of camera integral type is next transferred. During the predetermined time period for counting the timer, the character “DRUM STOP” as shown in  FIG. 3A  is displayed on the display panel  112 . Incidentally, when the setting of the displaying time is changed, the character “DRUM STOP” can be displayed during when the subsequent mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped is continued. 
     Step S 215 : 
     The microcomputer  109  again judges whether the operation key  111  is manipulated by the user, and, as a result of such judgement, only if the operation key is manipulated (presence of operation key input), processing in a next step S 216  is executed; whereas, if there is no manipulation (for example, if the user recognizes the error operation by looking at the “DRUM STOP” display and releases the operation key  111  during the predetermined time period timer-counted), the program is ended. 
     Step S 216 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 215 , if the operation key  111  is continuously manipulated by the user, the microcomputer  109  controls to operate the VCR in the mode in which only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is stopped and to continuously output the output signal (video signal photo-taken by the camera  106  and processed in the video/audio signal processing circuit  105 ) from the external output terminal  108  to the TV monitor and the like. 
     As an operation in the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped, concretely, the operations of the rotatable drum  102  and the capstan/pinch roller  103  are stopped, and the camera  106 , microphone  107  and video/audio signal processing circuit  105  continue to be operated while supplying an electric power to them. Further, an operation for releasing (returning to an unloading condition) contact (winding) between the magnetic tape  101  and the rotatable drum  102  may also be included. 
     Step S 217 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 212 , if the VCR  100  of camera integral type is not in the “record temporary stop mode”, the microcomputer  109  instructs the display-character generating circuit  110  to output the character “Rec Pause” shown in  FIG. 3B  to the display panel  112 . 
     Step S 218 : 
     The microcomputer  109  counts a timer for a predetermined time period. Here, the predetermined time period includes a time period to the extent during which the user can ascertain the operation mode to which the VCR  100  of camera integral type is next transferred. During the predetermined time period, the character “Rec Pause” as shown in  FIG. 3B  is displayed on the display panel  112 . 
     Step S 219 : 
     The microcomputer  109  again judges whether the operation key  111  is manipulated by the user, and, as a result of such judgement, only if the operation key is manipulated (presence of operation key input), processing in a next step S 220  is executed; whereas, if there is no manipulation (for example, if the user recognizes the error operation by looking at the “Rec Pause” display and releases the operation key  111  during the predetermined time period timer-counted), the program is ended. 
     Step S 220 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 219 , if the operation key  111  is continuously manipulated by the user, the microcomputer  109  transfers the operation mode of the VCR  100  of camera integral type to the “record temporary stop mode” 
     As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, since it is designed so that the mode to which the VCR  100  of camera integral type is changed is display, operability and reliability of operation can be more enhanced. 
     Third Embodiment 
     The present invention is applied to a recording apparatus  300  of camera integral type as shown in FIG.  5 , for example. 
     The recording apparatus  300  of camera integral type according to a third embodiment of the present invention is designed to effect recording on a disk-shaped recording medium  314 , different from the fact that the VCR  100  of camera integral type of  FIG. 1  effects the recording on the magnetic tape  101 . 
     Incidentally, in the recording apparatus  300  of camera integral type shown in  FIG. 5 , elements having the same functions as those in the VCR  100  of camera integral type of  FIG. 1  are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. 
     Concretely, the recording apparatus  300  of camera integral type includes a disk motor  315  for rotatingly driving the disk recording medium  314 , a recording head  316  for recording a signal on the disk recording medium  314 , and an actuator  317  for shifting the recording head  316 . Accordingly, the servo/mechanism drive circuit  104  controls the driving of the disk motor  315  and the actuator  317 . 
     Further, the recording apparatus  300  of camera integral type is provided with a digital signal processing circuit  313  for converting the signal outputted from the video/audio signal processing circuit  105  into digital codes. 
     In the recording apparatus  300  of camera integral type as mentioned above, in the record temporary stop mode, the microcomputer  109  controls the driving of the disk motor  315  via the servo/mechanism drive circuit  104  and controls a shifting movement of the recording head  316  to a recording start position via the actuator  317 . 
     Further, in the mode in which only the servo/mechanism is stopped, the microcomputer  109  controls the stopping of the disk motor  315  via the servo/mechanism drive circuit  104  and controls a shifting movement of the recording head  316  to a waiting position via the actuator  317 . Alternatively, in the mode in which only the servo/mechanism is stopped, the microcomputer  109  may control the stopping of the disk motor  315  and may control the waiting of the recording head  316  while maintaining the present position (or the waiting at the recording start position). 
     Also in the illustrated embodiment, by operating the recording apparatus  300  of camera integral type in accordance with the program such as shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 2  or  FIG. 4 , the same effect as those in the first and second embodiments can be achieved. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the VCR  100  of camera integral type, particularly when the record temporary stop mode is continued for a predetermined time period, the user can appropriately select whether control (referred to also as “shut-off control” hereinafter) in which the mode is automatically changed to the stop mode and the power source of the entire VCR  100  of camera integral type is turned OFF is executed or control (referred to also as “VCR stop control” hereinafter) in which the mode is changed to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is stopped and the image is continuously outputted from the external output terminal  108  for the video signal is executed. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show an example of menu display on the display panel  112  when the above-mentioned selection is effected. 
       FIG. 6A  shows the display when the user selects the “shut-off control”, and  FIG. 6B  shows the display when user selects the “VCR stop control” 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing the operation of the VCR  100  of camera integral type. For example, the microcomputer  109  reads out and executes a processing program corresponding to the flow chart of  FIG. 7  previously stored in a program memory through the CPU. As a result, the VCR  100  of camera integral type is operated as follows. 
     Step S 401 : 
     The microcomputer  109  judges whether the operation mode to which the VCR  100  of camera integral type is to be changed is the “record temporary stop mode” or not. 
     As a result of such judgement, only if the VCR  100  of camera integral type is changed to the record temporary stop mode, the program goes to processing from a next step S 402 ; whereas, if otherwise, the program is ended. 
     Step S 402 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 401 , when the VCR  100  of camera integral type is changed to the record temporary stop mode, the microcomputer  109  initializes a timer for counting a continuation time of the record temporary stop mode and newly start the counting. 
     Step S 403 : 
     The microcomputer  109  judges whether manipulation regarding the changing to a new operation mode is effected by the user by using the operation key  111 . 
     As a result of such judgement, if there is the manipulation (presence of the changing to the mode), such changing to the mode is effected, and the program is returned to the step S 401  again and the processing is repeated; whereas, if no manipulation, the program goes to processing from a next step S 404 . 
     Step S 404 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 403 , if there is no changing to the new mode, the microcomputer  109  continues the counting of the timer initialized in the step S 402 . 
     Step S 405 : 
     The microcomputer  109  checks the counted value of the timer to judge whether the record temporary stop mode continues up to a predetermined time period (five minutes in  FIG. 7 ). 
     As a result of such judgement, if the record temporary stop mode does not continue up to the predetermined time period, the program is returned to the step S 403  again and the processing is repeated; whereas, if the record temporary stop mode continues up to the predetermined time period, the program goes to a next step S 406 . 
     Step S 406 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 405 , if the record temporary stop mode continues up to the predetermined time period, the microcomputer  109  judges whether the “shut-off control is selected or the “VCR stop control” is selected on the basis of the user&#39;s selection in the menu screens shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
     As a result of such judgement, if the “shut-off control is selected, the program goes to a step S 408 ; whereas, if the “VCR stop control” is selected, the program goes to a step S 407 . 
     Step S 407 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 406 , if the “VCR stop control” is selected, the microcomputer  109  effects control in such a manner that the changing to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is stopped is effected and the image being photo-taken is continuously outputted from the external output terminal  108  for the video signal. 
     As an operation in the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped, concretely, the operations of the rotatable drum  102  and the capstan/pinch roller  103  are stopped, and the camera  106 , microphone  107  and video/audio signal processing circuit  105  continue to be operated while supplying an electric power to them. Further, an operation for releasing (returning to an unloading condition) contact (winding) between the magnetic tape  101  and the rotatable drum  102  may also be included. 
     Step S 408 : 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 406 , if the “shut-off control is selected, the microcomputer  109  effects control in such a manner that the operation mode is automatically changed to the stop mode and the power source of the entire VCR  100  of camera integral type is turned OFF. 
     As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, it is designed so that, when the record temporary stop mode is continued for the predetermined time period, the user can appropriately select whether the control (shut-off control) in which the operation mode is automatically changed to the stop mode and the power source of the entire VCR  100  of camera integral type is turned OFF is executed or the control (VCR stop control) in which the operation mode is changed to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is stopped and the image being photo-taken is continuously outputted from the external output terminal  108  for the video signal is executed. With this design, the conventional problem in which the apparatus is automatically changed to the power source OFF mode unintentionally to interrupt the image to the connected monitor can be solved. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     The present invention is applied to a VCR  500  of camera integral type as shown in  FIG. 8 , for example. 
     In the VCR  500  of camera integral type according to this embodiment, a TV monitor  515  can be connected to the VCR  100  of camera integral type of  FIG. 1  via a video cable  514 . 
     For this purpose, the VCR  500  of camera integral type is provided with a switch  513  for detecting whether or not the video cable  514  is connected to the external output terminal  108  for the video signal. 
     Incidentally, in the VCR  500  of camera integral type of  FIG. 8 , elements having the same functions as those in the VCR  100  of camera integral type of  FIG. 1  are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing an operation of the VCR  500  of camera integral type. 
     For example, the microcomputer  109  reads out and executes a processing program corresponding to the flow chart of  FIG. 9  previously stored in a program memory through the CPU. As a result, the VCR  100  of camera integral type is operated as follows. 
     Incidentally, in the flow chart shown in  FIG. 9 , steps executing the same processing operations as those in the flow chart shown in  FIG. 7  are designated by the same step numbers and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. 
     That is to say, in the operation (fourth embodiment) shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 7 , in the step S 406 , while it was judged whether the user selects the “shut-off control” or the “VCR stop control”, in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 9 , in a step S 406 ′, the microcomputer  109  judges whether the video cable  514  is connected to the external output terminal  108  for the video signal, on the basis of detection result of the switch  513 . 
     As a result of judgement in the step S 406 ′, if the video cable  514  is connected to the external output terminal  108 , the microcomputer  109  executes the VCR stop control to change the operation mode to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped (step S 407 ). On the other hand, if the video cable  514  is not connected to the external output terminal  108 , the microcomputer  109  executes the shut-off control to change the operation mode to the stop mode (power source OFF condition) (step S 408 ). 
     As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, it is designed so that, when the record temporary stop mode continues for the predetermined time period, on the basis of the connection/disconnection of the TV monitor  515 , it is automatically selected whether the control (shut-off control) in which the operation mode is automatically changed to the stop mode and the power source of the entire VCR  100  of camera integral type is turned OFF is executed or the control (VCR stop control) in which the operation mode is changed to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is stopped and the image being photo-taken is continuously outputted from the external output terminal  108  for the video signal is executed. With this design, the conventional problem in which the apparatus is automatically changed to the power source OFF mode unintentionally to interrupt the image to the connected monitor (TV monitor  515 ) can be solved. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the VCR  500  of camera integral type is operated in accordance with a flow chart shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Incidentally, in the flow chart shown in  FIG. 10 , steps executing the same processing operations as those in the flow charts shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9  are designated by the same step numbers and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. 
     That is to say, in the sixth embodiment, on the basis of the judgement whether the “shut-off control” is selected or the “VCR stop control” is selected by the user and on the basis of the judgement whether or not the TV monitor  515  is connected, the VCR stop control is executed or the shut-off control is executed. 
     Concretely, as shown in  FIG. 10 , first of all, in the step S 406 , the microcomputer  109  judges whether the “shut-off control” is selected or the “VCR stop control” is selected by the user. 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 406 , if the “shut-off control” is selected, the microcomputer  109  judges whether the video cable  514  is connected to the external output terminal  108  for the video signal, on the basis of the detection result of the switch  513  (step S 406 ′). 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 406 ′, if the video cable  514  is connected to the external output terminal  108 , or, as a result of the judgement in the step S 406 , the “VCR stop control” is selected, the microcomputer  109  executes the VCR stop control to change the operation mode to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped (step S 407 ). 
     On the other hand, as a result of the judgement in the step S 406 ′, if the video cable  514  is not connected to the external output terminal  108 , the microcomputer  109  executes the shut-off control to change the operation mode to the stop mode (power source OFF condition) (step S 408 ). 
     As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, it is designed so that, when the record temporary stop mode continues for the predetermined time period, on the basis of the user&#39;s selection and the connection/disconnection of the TV monitor  515 , it is automatically selected whether the control (shut-off control) in which the operation mode is automatically changed to the stop mode and the power source of the entire VCR  100  of camera integral type is turned OFF is executed or the control (VCR stop control) in which the operation mode is changed to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is stopped and the image being photo-taken is continuously outputted from the external output terminal  108  for the video signal is executed. With this design, the conventional problem in which the apparatus is automatically changed to the power source OFF mode unintentionally to interrupt the image to the connected monitor (TV monitor  515 ) can be solved. 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     The present invention is applied to a VCR  600  of camera integral type as shown in  FIG. 11 , for example. 
     In the VCR  600  of camera integral type according to this embodiment, an external device such as a digital recording apparatus  620  can be connected to the VCR  100  of camera integral type of  FIG. 1 . 
     Incidentally, in the VCR  600  of camera integral type of  FIG. 11 , elements having the same functions as those in the VCR  100  of camera integral type of  FIG. 1  are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. 
     Concretely, for this purpose, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the VCR  600  of camera integral type is further provided with a digital interface terminal  618 , a digital interface circuit  617  and a digital signal processing circuit  616 , as well as the elements in the VCR  100  of camera integral type of  FIG. 1 . 
     The digital signal processing circuit  616  serves to convert the signal outputted from the video/audio signal processing circuit into a digital code (digital data). Such digital data is recorded on the magnetic tape  101 . 
     The digital signal interface circuit  617  serves to detect whether the external device such as the digital recording apparatus  620  is connected to the VCR  600  of camera integral type via the digital interfaces  618 ,  621  and a digital cable  619  and to convert the digital data obtained by the digital signal processing circuit  616  into data for communication (digital communication data). As the digital interfaces and the digital cable, IEEE 1394 serial bus and/or USB are typically used. 
     Incidentally, as a concrete method for detecting whether the external device such as the digital recording apparatus  620  is connected to the VCR  600  of camera integral type, for example, there is a method for detecting whether DC bias voltage from the external device is applied to the digital interface terminal  618  or whether communication data packet is inputted to the digital interface terminal  618 . 
       FIG. 12  is a flow chart showing an operation of the VCR  600  of camera integral type. 
     For example, the microcomputer  109  reads out and executes a processing program corresponding to the flow chart of  FIG. 12  previously stored in a program memory through the CPU. 
     As a result, the VCR  600  of camera integral type is operated as follows. 
     Incidentally, in the flow chart shown in  FIG. 12 , steps executing the same processing operations as those in the flow chart shown in  FIG. 7  are designated by the same step numbers and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. 
     That is to say, in the operation (fourth embodiment) shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 7 , in the step S 406 , while it was judged whether the user selects the “shut-off control” or the “VCR stop control”, in a seventh embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 12 , in a step S 406 ″, the microcomputer  109  judges whether the external device such as the digital recording apparatus  620  is connected to the digital interface terminal  618  via the digital interface circuit  617 , on the basis of bias detection or signal detection. 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 406 ″, if the external device is connected to the digital interface terminal  618 , the microcomputer  109  executes the VCR stop control to change the operation mode to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped (step S 407 ). On the other hand, if the external device is not connected, the microcomputer  109  executes the shut-off control to change the operation mode to the stop mode (power source OFF condition) (step S 408 ). 
     Incidentally, in the VCR stop control according to the illustrated embodiment, only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is changed to the stop mode, and the image is continuously outputted from the video signal external output terminal  108  and the digital interface terminal  618 . Accordingly, in the digital recording apparatus  620  connected to the digital interface terminal  618 , the image obtained from the VCR  600  of camera integral type can continuously be recorded. 
     As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, it is designed so that, when the record temporary stop mode continues for the predetermined time period, on the basis of the connection/disconnection of the external device such as the digital recording apparatus  620 , it is automatically selected whether the control (shut-off control) in which the operation mode is automatically changed to the stop mode and the power source of the entire VCR  100  of camera integral type is turned OFF is executed or the control (VCR stop control) in which the operation mode is changed to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is stopped and the image being photo-taken is continuously outputted from the video signal external output terminal  108  and the digital interface terminal  618  is executed. With this design, the conventional problem in which the apparatus is automatically changed to the power source OFF mode unintentionally to interrupt the image of the external device can be solved. 
     Eighth Embodiment 
     In an eighth embodiment of the present invention, the VCR  600  of camera integral type is operated in accordance with a flow chart shown in  FIG. 13 , for example. 
     Incidentally, in the flow chart shown in  FIG. 13 , steps executing the same processing operations as those in the flow charts shown in  FIGS. 7 and 12  are designated by the same step numbers and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. 
     That is to say, in this embodiment, on the basis of the result of the judgement whether the “shut-off control” is selected or the “VCR stop control” is selected by the user and result of the judgement whether the external device such as the digital recording apparatus  620  is connected or not, the VCR stop control is effected or the shut-off control is effected. 
     Concretely, as shown in  FIG. 13 , first of all, in the step S 406 , the microcomputer  109  judges whether the “shut-off control is selected or the “VCR stop control” is selected by the user. 
     As a result of the judgement in the step S 406 , if the “shut-off control is selected, the microcomputer  109  judges, via the digital interface circuit  617 , whether the external device such as the digital recording apparatus  620  is connected to the digital interface terminal  618  on the basis of bias detection or signal detection (step S 406 ′). 
     As a result of the step S 406 ″, if the external device is connected to the digital interface terminal  618 , or, as a result of the judgement in the step S 406 , if the “VCR stop control” is selected, the microcomputer  109  executes the VCR stop control to change the operation mode to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped (step S 407 ). 
     On the other hand, as a result of the step S 406 ″, if the external device is not connected, the microcomputer  109  executes the shut-off control to change the operation mode to the stop mode (power source OFF condition) (step S 408 ). 
     As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiment, it is designed so that, when the record temporary stop mode continues for the predetermined time period, on the basis of the user&#39;s selection and the connection/disconnection of the external device such as the digital recording apparatus  620  to the digital interface terminal  618 , it is automatically selected whether the control (shut-off control) in which the operation mode is automatically changed to the stop mode and the power source of the entire VCR  100  of camera integral type is turned OFF is executed or the control (VCR stop control) in which the operation mode is changed to the mode in which only the mechanical chassis (rotatable drum  102  and capstan/pinch roller  103 ) is stopped and the image being photo-taken is continuously outputted from the video signal external output terminal  108  and the digital interface terminal  618  is executed. With this design, the conventional problem in which the apparatus is automatically changed to the power source OFF mode unintentionally to interrupt the image of the external device can be solved. 
     Ninth Embodiment 
     The present invention is applied to a recording apparatus  700  of camera integral type as shown in  FIG. 14 , for example. 
     While the VCR  600  of camera integral type of  FIG. 11  was designed to effect the recording on the magnetic tape  101 , the recording apparatus  700  of camera integral type according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention is designed to effect recording on a disk-shaped recording medium  722 . 
     Incidentally, in the recording apparatus  700  of camera integral type of  FIG. 14 , elements having the same functions as those in the VCR  600  of camera integral type of  FIG. 11  are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. Further, the VCR  500  of camera integral type of  FIG. 8  may be designed similar to the construction of  FIG. 14  to permit recording on the disk-recording medium  722 . 
     Concretely, the recording apparatus  700  of camera integral type includes a disk motor  723  for rotatingly driving the disk recording medium  722 , a recording head  724  for recording a signal on the disk recording medium  722 , and an actuator  725  for shifting the recording head  724 . Accordingly, the servo/mechanism drive circuit  104  controls the driving of the disk motor  723  and the actuator  725 . 
     In the recording apparatus  700  of camera integral type as mentioned above, in the record temporary stop mode, the microcomputer  109  controls the driving of the disk motor  723  through the servo/mechanism drive circuit  104  and controls the shifting movement of the recording head  724  to a recording start position via the actuator  725 . 
     Further, in the stop mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped, the microcomputer  109  controls the driving of the disk motor  723  through the servo/mechanism drive circuit  104  and controls the shifting movement of the recording head  724  to a waiting position via the actuator  725 . 
     Alternatively, in the stop mode in which only the mechanical chassis is stopped, the stopping of the disk motor  723  may be controlled and the recording head  724  may be waited while maintaining the present position (or waiting at the recording start position). 
     Also in the illustrated embodiment, by operating the recording apparatus  700  of camera integral type in accordance with the flow chart shown in  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 10 , the same effect as those in the seventh and eighth embodiments can be obtained. 
     Incidentally, in the first to ninth embodiments, while an example that the magnetic tape or the disk recording medium is used as the recording medium to be recorded was explained, the present invention is not limited to such an example. 
     Further, it should be noted that the objects of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a storing medium storing a program code of software for realizing functions of hosts and terminals of the first to ninth embodiments to a system or an apparatus and by reading out and executing the program code stored in the storing medium by means of a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus. 
     In this case, the program code itself read out from the storing medium realizes the functions of the first to ninth embodiment, and the storing medium storing such program code and the program code are included in the present invention. 
     As the storing medium for supplying the program code, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a photo-magnetic disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape or a non-volatile memory card may be used. 
     Further, it should be noted that the present invention includes a concept that not only the functions of the first to ninth embodiments are realized by executing the program code read out by means of the computer, but also OS (operating system) running on the computer executes the actual processing partially or totally on the basis of instruction of the program code to realize the functions of the first to ninth embodiments. 
     Further, it should be noted that the present invention includes a concept that, after the program code read out from the storing medium is written in a memory of a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, a CPU of the function expansion board or of the function expansion unit executes the actual processing partially or totally on the basis of instruction of the program code to realize the functions of the first to ninth embodiments. 
       FIG. 15  shows a function  900  of the computer. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the computer function  900  includes a CPU  901 , a ROM  902 , a RAM  903 , a keyboard controller (KBC)  905  for a keyboard (KB)  909 , a CRT controller (CRTC)  906  for a CRT display (CRT)  910  as a display unit, a disk controller (DKC)  907  for a hard disk (BD)  911  and a flexible disk (FD)  912 , and a network interface controller (NIC)  908  for connection to a network  920 , which elements are interconnected via a system bus  904  to permit communication. 
     The CPU  901  collectively controls the elements connected by the system bus  904  by executing software stored in the ROM  902  or the HD  911  or software supplied from the FD  912 . 
     That is to say, the CPU  901  reads out and executes a processing program in accordance with predetermined sequence from the ROM  902 , HD  911  or FD  912  to effect control for realizing the operations of the first to ninth embodiments. 
     The RAM  903  acts as a main memory or a work area for the CPU  901 . 
     The KBC  905  serves to control instruction input from the KB  909  or a pointing device (not shown). 
     The CRTC  906  serves to control display of the CRT  910 . 
     The DKC  907  serves to control access to the HD  911  and the FD  912  for storing boot program, various applications, edition files, user files, network managing program and predetermined processing program in the first to ninth embodiments. 
     The NIC  908  serves to send/receive data with respect to devices or systems on the network  920  in a bi-direction. 
     As mentioned above, in the present invention, in case of the predetermined operation mode, since it is designed to control at least one of the first drive means, second drive means and output means on the basis of the external instruction, for example, when the record temporary stop mode in which the second drive means for the recording medium is in the stopped condition and the first drive means for the recording head is in the operative condition is established, on the basis of the user&#39;s instruction, the first drive means can be changed to the stop condition and the output means can continuously be maintained in the operative condition. 
     Consequently, for example, in a case where the apparatus or the system according to the present invention is used for business application such as image production to photo-take a wild animal, even when the record temporary stop mode is continued in order to catch the limited photo-taking chance while observing the object to be photo-taken through the monitor for a long term, since the power source is not automatically turned OFF and the video signal is continuously outputted to the monitor as it is, the photo-taking can be continued without inconvenience. 
     Therefore, according to the present invention, an apparatus or a system in which an information recording operation can be effected without inconvenience for both domestic and business applications can be provided.