NL1018959C2 - Device, use thereof and method for storing and playing back video and / or sound recordings, as well as assembly of such a device with a camera. - Google Patents

Description

Title: Device, use thereof and method for storing and playing back video and / or sound recordings, as well as assembly of such a device with a camera.

The invention relates to a device for storing and playing back image and / or sound recordings made with a camera and / or microphone.

When filming an event, it is known to integrally record the entire event and afterwards make a compilation of the most interesting fragments. To this end, the recording is played again, markers are placed around fragments to be retained and the selected fragments are then placed one after the other in a desired order. All this is time-consuming and moreover requires special assembly tools and / or software.

In particular in situations where it is desired to evaluate the images during or immediately after the recording, such as during training sessions or practice competitions, there is often little or no time for such editing activities. In that case, a trainer can quickly accelerate through the recording in search of the conscious educational passages. This saves a lot of search time. Moreover, you can easily lose the chronological overview due to the alternating forward and backward cycles. Even instructive fragments can be inadvertently skipped.

It has already been proposed to run a second recording device in addition to the equipment with which the integral recording is made. This is only initiated when an important event announces itself. Such a solution is used, for example, in football matches. As soon as, for example, a goal is provided, a first mark is given on the tape or such a recording means. After the goal has actually been dropped, a second mark is placed. The fragment thus provided with a start and end mark can then be rewinded and played immediately or after the match. Such a solution has the disadvantage that an additional recording device is required and manpower for operating it. Moreover, the approach only works in those situations in which the special moments can be seen in sufficient time. Missed unexpected moments will have to be cut afterwards from the integral recording.

The object of the invention is to provide a device of the type described in the preamble, wherein the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known devices are eliminated while maintaining the advantages thereof. To that end, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

With a device according to the invention, images taken by a camera 15 can be simultaneously displayed on suitable display means and stored in memory means. During recording and reproduction, any fragment can be marked with the aid of control means connected to a central processing unit. This central processing unit couples the marker to that fragment that was displayed on the display means at the time of the marker. The marked fragment can then be placed with the aid of the operating means in a playlist shown on the display means. Multiple playlists can be kept, in which the marked tracks can be sorted by subject. These lists, or at least the selected clips, can be played immediately after the recording.

Such a device, because interesting fragments can already be marked during recording, yields a large gain in time. The recording does not have to be re-examined afterwards and time-consuming marking and assembly operations can be omitted. The marked clips are available immediately after the recording. The device offers the additional advantage that a certain pre-analysis of the images can already be made during recording, thanks to the possibility of arranging the marked fragments in various playlists.

In a further elaboration, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claims 2.

By providing the device with a timer with which the length of the marked fragments can be set, a user only has to enter a command once for each fragment to be marked. The start and end points of the clip are then determined based on the set timer value. The timer is preferably set prior to recording. This offers the advantage that the fragments are ready for playback immediately after the end of the recordings. The set timer value can of course be adjusted per recording or even per clip to be marked. It is also possible to set the timer only afterwards, that is, after the markings have been applied. As a result, the fragments cannot be played in succession immediately after the end of the recording, but such a setting afterwards does offer the possibility of setting the most optimum length per fragment, precisely tuned to what one wants to show in the fragment.

The timer is preferably arranged such that a time span prior to the moment of marking and a time span thereafter can be set therewith. This allows for a certain delay between the moment that you want to mark and the moment at which a user actually gives the command for this to be taken into account. With such a timer setting, the starting point of the fragment can therefore be placed before the moment of marking, so that even if a 4 marking command is given only after the end of a specific event, this event will still fall within the marked fragment.

In a preferred embodiment, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 4.

The display of the fragments and the marking thereof can be combined in one component by providing the device with a screen of which at least a part is arranged as a touch screen. This not only results in a very compact device, but moreover increases the ease of operation, since for marking the fragments these fragments can simply be touched when they appear on the screen. Therefore, a user does not have to operate complicated keys or switches and can, moreover, keep his eyes on the screen or on the situation to be recorded during marking.

The layout of the display into a display section and a touch section is preferably adjustable. As a result, during recording, whereby the fragments are marked, a relatively large part of the screen can be arranged as a touch screen, for optimum ease of operation, while after completion of the recording, while displaying the marked fragments, the touch part can be minimized such that a as large a part of the screen as possible is available for displaying the fragments. Of course, the display portion and the operating portion can also overlap each other in whole or in part.

In a further advantageous elaboration, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 8.

A wireless remote control as an operating means for marking fragments offers the advantage that a user does not necessarily have to be in the vicinity of the device during the recording, but can, for example, also be at the location where the recordings are made. made, so for the camera. This can, for example, be advantageous in training sessions, in which the trainer can actively participate in the training, but at the same time can also mark those fragments that he wants to evaluate afterwards.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 9.

Instead of having the fragments manually marked, the operating means can be provided with an algorithm with which the marking takes place more or less automatically. Such an algorithm can, for example, compare the recorded images with a preset image or threshold value and, in the event of a discrepancy (or similarity), mark the relevant fragment. Such an algorithm makes the device suitable, for example, for observation and monitoring purposes, wherein a certain situation is recorded over a longer period of time and abnormal images are detected and marked. These marked fragments can then be studied by an invigilator afterwards.

In a further elaboration, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 14.

By providing the device with an exchangeable storage medium, images and playlists of marked fragments stored with the device can be easily stored and / or copied on this storage medium, after which the medium can be played in another device.

The invention furthermore relates to an assembly of a device according to the invention and at least one camera. Of course, a plurality of cameras can also be connected to the device, for example in order to be able to analyze a specific situation from different points of view. In that case a screen 30 is preferably used, the screen of which can be split into as many sub-screens 6 as cameras are connected. As a result, the recorded signal from a camera can be displayed per sub-scheme, and repeatable fragments can be marked in the same way and processed in playlists as described above.

The invention also relates to a method as well as the use of a device according to the invention for evaluating a training session or for surveillance purposes.

To clarify the invention, an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention as well as the operation and use thereof will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. Therein, the single figure schematically shows an overview of a device for storing and playing back video and sound recordings made with a camera and / or microphone.

The device 1 comprises a central processing unit 2, for example a computer, which is connected via a control cable 12 to an audio-video conversion card 3. This audio-video conversion card 3 is provided with a connection 14 for a camera 4 and a microphone 5 and serves to convert image and audio signals from this camera 4 and microphone 5 into a format that is accepted by the other components of the device 1 connected to the card 3. These other components comprise, for example, memory means 6 for storing the image and / or sound material, display means 7 for making them visible and / or audible to a user and any external display means, such as for example a projector, a monitor, a large-screen projector or a sound amplifier (not shown) which can be connected via a connection 24 to the audio-video conversion card 3.

The memory means 6 comprise a first, (semi) permanent storage medium 15, for example a hard disk or a chip, and a second, interchangeable storage medium 16, for example a CD, mini-disc or DVD with 7 associated recorder. Both storage media 15, 16 are preferably suitable for storing both image and sound and other data. Compression means 17 are included in the audio-video conversion card 3, with which the signals transmitted to the memory means 6 / signals supplied by the audio-video 5 conversion card 3 can be compressed into a signal requiring less storage capacity. As compression means 17, compression programs known per se such as Motion JPEG, MPEG1 or 2 and the like can be used. Preferably, a program such as Motion JPEG is used. Such a program offers the advantage that 10 individual images can be selected and accurate marking and editing is possible.

The display means 7 comprise a screen 18, a part of which is arranged as a display screen 20 and a part is arranged as a touch screen 21. The screen 18 is furthermore provided with a built-in speaker 19. The connection between the audio-video conversion card 3 and the screen 18, in particular the display screen 20, proceeds via a processing card 23, which can convert a signal coming from the audio-video conversion card 3 into a format suitable for display on the display screen 20.

The computer 2 is provided with an internal memory 26, a control program 27 and a timer 28. Furthermore, operating means 8 are provided, with which a user can enter commands to the computer 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the operating means 8 comprise a keyboard 30, a mouse 31, a wireless remote control 32 and the aforementioned touch screen 21 of the screen 18. It should be noted that for a proper operation of the device, embodiments are also possible which only comprise a part of said operating means 8, for example only a touch screen 21. It should further be noted that the selection of operating means 8 shown is not exhaustive. For example, as operating means 8, use can also be made of a joystick, a speech-controlled operating member or another operating means known from practice. The computer 2 can furthermore communicate via a direct connection with the processing card 23 and the second storage medium 16.

A device 1 as described can work as follows. Image and sound signals recorded by the camera 4 and microphone 5 are played back via the audio-video conversion card 3 and the processing card 23 on the display screen 20 and stored substantially simultaneously on the first storage medium 15. If desired, the image and sound material can also be simultaneously 10 on a beamer, large screen projector or sound amplifier connected to the output 24 are played for a larger audience. As soon as a user observes a memorable moment, he can enter a command with one of the operating means 8 to the computer 2 to mark the relevant moment, at least a fragment corresponding to this moment. This activates the control program 27 and the timer 28. The control program identifies the correct image and sound fragment, namely that fragment which was shown on the display screen 20 and stored on the first storage medium 15 at the time the marking command was entered. The timer 28 determines the length of the relevant fragment. Preferably, the timer 28 can be used to specify both a time interval before and after the marking time over which the relevant fragment is to be considered. As a result, it can be achieved that the moment at which the user is concerned always falls within the selected fragment, even when the user passes his command to computer 2 too late, that is to say after the relevant moment. Said timer intervals can be set by the user prior to recording, for example with the aid of the operating means 8. In this case suitable time intervals can be set per application area. However, it is also possible to enter the timer intervals only during the marking process or even afterwards when requesting the fragments, so that with the knowledge then available an optimum length can be set for each fragment.

The fragment data thus determined by the control program 27 and the timer 28, on the basis of which the fragment can be retrieved and retrieved at a later stage on the first storage medium 15, is stored in the internal memory 26 of the computer 2. the screen 18 displays a number, a time, a name, one frame moment from the fragment or such an identification label 10 with which the marked fragment can be manipulated and activated. The user can thus classify the fragment in a specific playlist 34 displayed on the screen 18. By selecting this playlist 34 after the recording, all tracks in it can be played one after the other. Preferably, a plurality of playlists 34 are kept, so that a certain order can be arranged in the selected fragments already during recording, which can be advantageous when analyzed afterwards.

If desired, the user can, after marking a fragment, enter additional information, again with the aid of the operating means 8, for instance a brief description of the content or information about the background and origin of the fragment. Such information can be co-projected on the screen 18 during playback of the relevant fragment, or be briefly displayed prior to the fragment by way of announcement.

At the end of the recording, when all the relevant fragments are marked and possibly classified in playlists, a user can use the operating means to select the marked fragments or playlists that he wishes to see again. The control program 27 will then, on the basis of the fragment data stored in the internal memory 26, request the or each relevant fragment of the first storage medium 15 and play it via the audio-video conversion card 3 and the processing card 23 on the display screen 20 and / or the loudspeaker 19 and / or other reproduction means connected to the output 24 of the audio-5 video conversion card 3. The selected fragments or the entire recording can also be copied from the first storage medium 15 to the second, interchangeable storage medium 16, after which this second storage medium 16, for example a CD, DVD or flop, can be transferred to another device, for example a laptop. played.

The layout of the display 18 can preferably be switched with a single command of one of the operating means 8 between a layout suitable for recording, wherein the display 18 is split into an operating section 21 and a relative terminal 15 display section 20 as shown in Fig. 1, and a format suitable for displaying marked fragments, wherein the display screen 20 covers a larger surface of the display screen 18 so that the selected fragments can be displayed at optimum size.

As screen 18, a 'flat screen' touch screen is preferably used. Such a screen 18 is compact in size and moreover combines a display function with a control function, so that in principle no other control means 8 are required. A very compact, portable device can hereby be constructed. Moreover, such a screen is easy to operate.

Said compact construction and simple operation as well as the possibility of marking interesting fragments already during recording and playing back immediately after recording make a device according to the invention very suitable for use in training purposes, such as for example presentation courses, role-playing and sports competitions. In addition, during the session the trainer can mark those fragments that he wants to analyze with the participants after the session. These clips are available immediately after the session and can also be played in any desired order. The trainer does not have to take notes during the session; the selected fragments act, as it were, as notes. This allows the trainer to keep all his attention on the session. Moreover, by arranging the fragments in different playlists 34, he can already prepare part of the analysis 10 during recording. The wireless remote control 32 also offers the trainer the freedom to mark interesting fragments remotely. As a result, he does not have to be close to the device 1 during recording, but he can actively move between the participants and from that point of view mark moments, at least fragments that appear to him to be of interest at that moment.

The device can furthermore be used, for example, for observation and monitoring purposes. With such an application it can be advantageous to extend the operating means 8 with an algorithm implemented in the computer 2. This algorithm can compare the recorded images with a pre-programmed image or a preset threshold value and, based on this comparison, mark a fragment, for example when this fragment shows large deviations from the pre-programmed image or when the threshold value is lowered or exceeded . A guard then only has to study the marked fragments afterwards.

Furthermore, the computer 2 can be provided with a user profile, in which application-specific settings and information can be stored, such as for example the setting values of the timer 28, a specific layout of the screen 18 and background information for 30 fragments. By providing such user profiles, the device can be optimally adjusted to the wishes of the user, without the user having to set all these values himself each time.

Incidentally, a device 1 according to the invention can, if desired, also be applied in a traditional manner, wherein the recordings made with a camera 4 are first stored on the first or a second storage medium 15, 16 and then displayed on the display means 7 and markings are displayed. provided with the aid of the operating means 8. The marked fragments can be accommodated in a playlist 34 as described above and then played again.

The invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and the drawing. Many variations thereof are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

For instance, multiple cameras can be connected to one device, for instance to be able to record the same event from different camera positions or to be able to make a separate recording of each participant for several participants in a training session. In that case, at least during the storage and marking of the fragments, the screen is preferably subdivided into a number of display screens corresponding to the number of connected cameras. A user or trainer can then mark moments of the different display screens in the same way as described above. After recording, the layout of the screen can be reduced to one display screen on which the marked fragments of the 25 different cameras can be played one after the other.

Instead of or in addition to camera (s), one or more microphones may or may also be used, whereby sound fragments can be recorded and marked, in addition to or instead of images.

The device may comprise operating means with which graphic information can be projected on the display screen, for example arrows, boundary lines or circles, which information can help simplify the analysis and interpretation of the fragments. Furthermore, provisions can be built in with which marked fragments can be removed from a playlist and markings can be undone. The playback part of the device can be equipped with playback techniques known per se, with which the marked fragments can be played, for example, in slow motion, frame by frame or rearwards. Other storage media can be used, such as chips or other, possibly still to be developed, memory means.

These and comparable variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims (21)

Device for storing and playing back image and / or sound material, comprising connection means (14) for a camera (4) and / or a microphone (5), memory means (6) and display means (7) for storing and displaying , preferably substantially simultaneously, of signals recorded by a connected camera (4) and / or microphone (5), a central processing unit (2) and operating means (8) connected thereto for recording and / or reproducing marking the signals of fragments and subsequently dividing them into a playlist, preferably to be displayed on the display means (7), such that during or after the storage and / or reproduction of the signals one or each fragment from the playlist can be played on the display means (7). 2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a timer (28) is provided, with which the length of each fragment to be marked is adjustable, preferably prior to marking thereof. Device according to claim 2, wherein a time interval for the moment of marking and / or a time interval thereafter is adjustable with the timer (28), which time intervals together determine the length of the fragment. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the display means (7) comprise at least one screen (18), of which, at least during the marking of fragments, a part is arranged as a display screen (20) and a part is arranged as touch screen (21), whereby overlap between the parts is possible. The device of claim 4, wherein the touch screen (21) forms part of the operating means (8). Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the operating means (8) comprise a keyboard (30). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating means (8) comprise a mouse (31). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating means (8) comprise a wireless remote control (32). 9. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the operating means (8) comprise an algorithm for comparing signals transmitted by the camera (4) and / or the microphone (5) with a preset signal or threshold value and the highlighting fragments based on this comparison. 10. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the operating means (8) are adapted to input additional information with marked fragments, all such that such information can be played together with the relevant fragments on the display means (7). and / or stored on the memory means (6). 11. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the central processing unit (2) comprises at least one user profile, in which all settings related to a specific user and / or application are included. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the image and sound signals are digital. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the memory means comprise a hard disk. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the memory means comprise an exchangeable storage medium, such as for instance CD, DVD or an exchangeable hard disk, suitable for use in another device. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein connections are provided for coupling the device to external peripheral equipment, such as a computer or audio-visual equipment. 16. An assembly of a device according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one camera or microphone. 17. Method in which recordings are made with a camera, which recordings are stored in suitable memory means and preferably are displayed substantially simultaneously via suitable display means, wherein during recording and / or playback fragments can be marked, which marked fragments can then be displayed again during or after the recording. 18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the marked fragments are sorted into one or more playlists, which playlists can be played. A method according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the length of a marked fragment is determined by a timer, with which timer a first duration before and / or a second duration after the moment of marking is set, the first duration being a starting point and the second duration determines an end point of the marked fragment. 20. Use of a device according to any of claims 1-15, an assembly according to claim 16 or a method according to any of claims 17-19 for evaluation of a training session, wherein the training session is recorded and a trainer during this recording 25 fragments marks and accommodates in at least one playlist, and wherein the playlist is played after the training session to evaluate the training. 21. Use of a device according to any of claims 1-15, an assembly according to claim 16 or a method according to any of claims 17-19 for surveillance or surveillance purposes, wherein recordings are made during a certain period of time on a surveillance to be surveillance location and where striking clips are marked during recording, so that they can be repeated at a later time. 5