Digital camera apparatus and recording method thereof

• US 8,194,143 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2003
• Issued: 06/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Tomita, Yoshinori, Ishizuka, Shigeki, Ueno, Katsuhiko, Ono, Yoshihiro
• Primary Examiner(s): Czekaj, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): Werner, David N
• Application Number:
  US10/713,130
• Publication Number:
  US 20040096114A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,126 Days
• Field of Search: 348/220.1, 386/98, 386/125, 375/240
• US Class Current: 348/220.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/00 Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/772 the recording apparatus and the television camera being placed in the same enclosure
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/781 on disks or drums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/907 using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories H04N5/91 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/7921 for more than one processing mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8042 involving data reduction
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8047 using transform coding
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8063 using time division multiplex of the PCM audio and PCM video signals

Abstract

A camera apparatus for encoding a video signal received from a photographing means in MPEG video format or equivalent format, encoding an audio signal received from an audio inputting means in MPEG audio format or equivalent format, multiplexing the encoded MPEG video signal and the encoded MPEG audio signal, storing the multiplexed data to a memory means is disclosed, that comprises an I picture generating means for encoding the video signal received from the photographing means corresponding to an intra-frame encoding process so as to generate an I picture in the MPEG video format or equivalent format, and a controlling means for controlling a storing process of the multiplexed data to the memory means, wherein said controlling means generates a P picture or a B picture in the MPEG video format or equivalent format in such a manner that moving vectors of all macro blocks thereof are 0 and the chronologically preceding picture is copied as an encoded picture, wherein said controlling means encodes the audio signal received from the audio inputting means in the MPEG audio format or equivalent format so as to generate MPEG audio data, and wherein said controlling means multiplexes the I picture, the P picture or the B picture, and the MPEG audio data so as to generate the multiplexed data.

Claims

1. A camera apparatus for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means, the camera apparatus comprising:

picture encoding means for encoding the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method and generating first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling means for controlling and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected processing mode,

wherein said controlling means controls said picture encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for capturing still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein said controlling means controls said picture encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for capturing (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein for capturing still picture data with the audio data signal, said controlling means (1) generating P or B picture data such that motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame, and (2) copying a chronologically preceding picture as the encoded picture,

wherein for the second encoding method after encoding the picture data, said controlling means encodes the audio data signal, multiplexes encoded I picture signal or the generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and captures the multiplexed signal when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein the multiplexed data is composed of packs with a fixed length, and wherein for multiplexed still picture data and the audio data signal a first pack contains encoded I picture data, encoded P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, a time period of the encoded P or B picture data being the same as a time period of the encoded audio data signal, and a second pack contains the encoded audio data signal and encoded P or B picture data, and

wherein when the mode for capturing still picture data with the audio data signal is selected in the camera apparatus, simultaneously generating the first and second encoded picture data and the encoded audio data signal.

2. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 1,

wherein the first encoding method is an encoding method corresponding to JPEG format or equivalent format, and

wherein the second encoding method is an encoding method corresponding to MPEG video format or equivalent format.

3. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 1,

wherein said controlling means causes a picture signal received from the photographing means to be stored to a first area of a memory means and the first encoded picture data or the multiplexed data of the encoded picture data and the encoded audio data signal to be stored to a second area of the memory means.

4. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 3, further comprising:

recording means for recording the encoded picture data or the multiplexed data to a record medium,

wherein said controlling means writes the multiplexed data to the memory means, reads the multiplexed data from the memory means, causes said recording means to record the multiplexed data that is read from the memory means to the record medium, causes said picture encoding means to encode a picture signal corresponding to the first encoding method, writes the encoded signal as first encoded picture data to the memory means, reads the first encoded picture data from the memory means, and causes the recording means to record the first encoded picture data to the record medium when the mode for recording both picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus.

5. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 1,

wherein said picture encoding means has:

a DCT portion for performing a cosine transform process for an input picture signal;

a quantizing portion for quantizing coefficient data received from the DCT portion; and

a variable length code encoding portion for encoding an output signal of the quantizing portion using a first encoding table or a second encoding table with variable length code, and

wherein the first encoding table or the second encoding table of the variable length code encoding portion is selected corresponding to an encoding method selected by said controlling means.

6. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 5,

wherein said picture encoding means has:

a header adding portion for adding one of a first header or a second header corresponding to the encoding method selected by said controlling means.

7. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 1,

wherein each of the packs contains N picture frames and/or N audio frames (where N is any integer).

8. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

recording means for recording the encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal to a record medium.

9. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

operating means for causing the camera apparatus to perform a capture operation,

wherein said controlling means encodes the audio data signal in a time period of which said operating means is being pressed so as to generate the encoded audio data signal.

10. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

operating means for causing the camera apparatus to perform a capture operation,

wherein said controlling means encodes the audio data signal after said operating means is pressed until a predetermined time period elapses so as to generate the encoded audio data signal.

11. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

reproducing means for reproducing encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal from a record medium;

picture decoding means for decoding the encoded picture data;

displaying means for displaying the picture data; and

audio outputting means for outputting the audio data signal,

wherein said controlling means causes the memory means to store the encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal reproduced from said reproducing means and decodes the encoded audio data signal stored in the memory means,

wherein said picture decoding means decodes the encoded picture data stored in the memory means,

wherein said displaying means displays the decoded picture data, and

wherein said audio outputting means outputs the decoded audio data signal.

12. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 1,

wherein the photographing means outputs a picture signal in XGA or VGA format when a still picture photographing mode has been selected in the camera apparatus, and

wherein the photographing means outputs a picture signal of which the input picture signal received from the photographing means has been thinned out by around 3 when a moving picture photographing mode has been selected in the camera apparatus.

13. A recording method for a camera apparatus for encoding a video signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means and storing the encoded signals to memory means, the recording method comprising the steps of:

encoding the video signal, received from the photographing means, corresponding to a first encoding method and storing a first encoded video data to the memory means when a mode for recording still video data has been selected in the camera apparatus; and

encoding the video signal, received from the photographing means, corresponding to a second encoding method and storing a second encoded video data to the memory means along with the encoded audio data signal when a mode for recording (a) still video data with the audio data signal and (b) moving video data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

when the mode for still video data with the audio data signal is selected, generating P or B picture data such that motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and copying a chronologically preceding picture as the encoded picture, and

for the second encoding method after encoding the video signal, encoding the audio data signal, multiplexing encoded I video signal or generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and storing the multiplexed signal to the memory means when the mode for recording both the video data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein the multiplexed data is composed of packs with a fixed length, and wherein for multiplexed still video data and the audio data signal a first pack contains encoded I video data, encoded P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, a time period of the encoded P or B video data being the same as a time period of the encoded audio data signal, and a second pack contains the encoded audio data signal and encoded P or B picture data, and

wherein when the mode for recording still video data with the audio data signal is selected in the camera apparatus, simultaneously generating the first and second encoded video data and encoded audio data.

14. A camera apparatus for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means and storing the encoded signals to memory means, the camera apparatus comprising:

video encoding means for encoding the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method and generating first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling means for controlling a storing process of data to the memory means and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected record mode,

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for recording still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus, and

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for recording (a) moving picture data with the audio data signal and (b) still picture data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein for recorded still picture data with the audio data signal, said controlling means generating P or B picture data such that motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and copying a chronologically preceding picture as the encoded picture,

wherein for the second encoding method after encoding the picture data, said controlling means encodes the audio data signal, multiplexes I encoded picture signal or the generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and captures the multiplexed signal when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein the multiplexed data is composed of packs with a fixed length, and wherein for multiplexed still picture data and the audio data signal a first pack contains encoded I picture data, encoded P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, a time period of encoded the P or B picture data being the same as a time period of the encoded audio data signal, and a second pack contains the encoded audio data signal and encoded P or B picture data, and

wherein when the mode for recording still picture data with the audio data signal is selected in the camera apparatus, simultaneously generating the first and second encoded picture data and the encoded audio data signal.

15. A camera apparatus for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means and processing the encoded signals, the camera apparatus comprising:

video encoding means for encoding the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method and generating first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling means for controlling a processing process of data and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected processing mode,

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for processing still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus, and

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for processing (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein for processing still picture data with the audio data signal, said controlling means generating P or B picture data such that motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and copying a chronologically preceding picture as the encoded picture,

wherein for the second encoding method after encoding the picture data, said controlling means encodes the audio data signal, multiplexes encoded I picture signal or the generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and captures the multiplexed signal when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein the multiplexed data is composed of packs with a fixed length, and wherein for multiplexed still picture data and the audio data signal a first pack contains encoded I picture data, encoded P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, a time period of the encoded P or B picture data being the same as a time period of the encoded audio data signal, and a second pack contains the encoded audio data signal and encoded P or B picture data, and

wherein when the mode for processing still picture data with the audio data signal is selected in the camera apparatus, simultaneously generating the first and second encoded picture data and encoded audio data signal.

16. A camera apparatus for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means and transmitting the encoded signals, the camera apparatus comprising:

video encoding means for encoding the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method and generating first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling means for controlling a transmitting process of data and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected transmitting mode,

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for transmitting still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus, and

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for transmitting (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein for transmitting still picture data with the audio data signal, said controlling means generating P or B picture data such that motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and copying a chronologically preceding picture as the encoded picture,

wherein for the second encoding method after encoding the picture data, said controlling means encodes the audio data signal, multiplexes encoded I picture signal or the generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and captures the multiplexed signal when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein the multiplexed data is composed of packs with a fixed length, wherein for multiplexed still picture data with the audio data signal a first pack containing encoded I picture data, encoded P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, a time period of the encoded P or B picture data being the same as a time period of the encoded audio data signal, and a second pack containing the encoded audio data signal and encoded P or B picture data, and

wherein when the mode for transmitting still picture data with the audio data signal is selected in the camera apparatus, simultaneously generating the first and second encoded picture data and the encoded audio data signal.

17. A method for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means, the method comprising the steps of:

encoding, by an encoder, the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method to generate first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling by a controller a storing process and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected processing mode,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for capturing still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for capturing (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected,

when capturing still picture data with the audio data signal, generating P or B picture data such that motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and copying a chronologically preceding picture as the encoded picture, and

for the second encoding method after encoding the picture signal, encoding the audio data signal received from the audio input means, multiplexing encoded I video signal or generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and storing the multiplexed signal to the memory means when the mode for recording both the video data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein the multiplexed data is composed of packs with a fixed length, wherein for multiplexed still picture data and the audio data signal a first pack containing encoded I video data, encoded P or B video data and the encoded audio data signal, a time period of the encoded P or B video data being the same as a time period of the encoded audio data signal, and a second pack containing the encoded audio data signal and encoded P or B picture data, and

wherein when the mode for capturing still picture data with the audio data signal is selected, simultaneously generating the first and second encoded picture data and the encoded audio data signal.

18. The method as set forth in claim 17,

wherein the first encoding method is an encoding method corresponding to JPEG format or equivalent format, and

wherein the second encoding method is an encoding method corresponding to MPEG video format or equivalent format.

19. The method as set forth in claim 17,

wherein a picture signal received from the photographing means is stored to a first area of the memory means and the encoded picture data or the multiplexed data of the encoded picture data and the encoded audio data signal is stored to a second area of the memory means.

20. The method as set forth in claim 19, further comprising the steps of:

recording the encoded picture data or the multiplexed data to a record medium,

wherein the multiplexed data is written to the memory means, the multiplexed data is read from the memory means, the recording means is caused to record the multiplexed data that is read from the memory means to the record medium, a picture signal corresponding to the first encoding method is encoded, the encoded signal is written as first encoded picture data to the memory means, the first encoded picture data is read from the memory means, the first encoded picture data is recorded to the record medium when the mode for recording both picture data and the audio data signal has been selected.

21. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

performing a cosine transform process for an input picture signal;

quantizing coefficient data received from the cosine transform process; and

encoding an output signal of the quantizing step using a first encoding table or a second encoding table with variable length code, and

wherein the first encoding table or the second encoding table of the variable length code encoding portion is selected corresponding to a selected encoding method.

22. The method as set forth in claim 21, further comprising the step of:

adding one of a first header or a second header corresponding to the selected encoding method.

23. The method as set forth in claim 17,

wherein each of the packs contains N picture frames and/or N audio frames (where N is any integer).

24. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 17, further comprising the step of:

recording the encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal to a record medium.

25. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

performing a recording operation,

wherein the audio data signal is encoded in a time period during said recording operation so as to generate the encoded audio data signal.

26. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

performing a recording operation,

wherein the audio data signal is encoded after said recording operation is completed so as to generate the encoded audio data signal.

27. The method as set forth in claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

reproducing encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal from a record medium;

decoding the encoded picture data;

displaying the picture data; and

outputting the audio data signal,

storing the encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal reproduced from said reproducing means, and

decoding the encoded audio data signal,

wherein said picture decoding means decodes the stored encoded picture data,

wherein said displaying means displays the decoded picture data, and

wherein said audio outputting means outputs the decoded audio data signal.

28. The method as set forth in claim 17,

wherein the photographing means outputs a picture signal in XGA or VGA format when a still picture photographing mode has been selected, and

wherein the photographing means outputs a picture signal of which the input picture signal received from the photographing means has been thinned out by around 3 when a moving picture photographing mode has been selected.

29. A method for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means, comprising the steps of:

encoding, by an encoder, the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method to generate first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling a processing process and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected processing mode,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for processing still picture data has been selected,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for processing (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected,

when processing still picture data with the audio data signal, generating P or B picture data such that motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and copying a chronologically preceding picture as the encoded picture, and

for the second encoding method after encoding the picture signal, encoding the audio data signal received from the audio inputting means, multiplexing encoded I video signal or generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and storing the multiplexed signal to the memory means when the mode for recording both the video data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein the multiplexed data is composed of packs with a fixed length, for the multiplexed still picture data and the audio data signal a first pack containing encoded I video data, encoded P or B video data and the encoded audio data signal, a time period of the encoded P or B video data being the same as a time period of the encoded audio data signal, and a second pack containing the encoded audio data signal and encoded P or B picture data, and

wherein when the mode for processing still picture data with the audio data signal is selected, simultaneously generating the first and second encoded picture data and the encoded audio data signal.

30. A method for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means, comprising the steps of:

encoding, by an encoder, the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method to generate first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling a transmitting process of data and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected transmitting mode,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for transmitting still picture data has been selected,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for transmitting (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected,

when the mode for still picture data with the audio data signal is selected, generating P or B picture data for still picture data such that motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and copying a chronologically preceding picture as the encoded picture, and

for the second encoding method after encoding the picture signal, encoding the audio data signal received from the audio inputting means, multiplexing encoded I picture signal or generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and storing the multiplexed signal to the memory means when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein the multiplexed data is composed of packs with a fixed length, for the multiplexed still picture data and the audio data signal a first pack containing encoded I video data, encoded P or B video data and the encoded audio data signal, a time period of the encoded P or B video data being the same as a time period of the encoded audio data signal, and a second pack containing the encoded audio data signal and encoded P or B picture data, and

wherein when the mode for transmitting still picture data with the audio data signal is selected, simultaneously generating the first and second encoded picture data and the encoded audio data signal.

31. Encoding apparatus for encoding a picture signal and an audio data signal from an audio input device comprising:

first picture encoder receiving from a photographing device one of a still picture signal and a moving picture signal, and converting the input picture signal into an I picture corresponding to a moving picture format,

second encoder receiving the audio data signal and converting the audio data signal into a signal corresponding to an audio format,

picture generator generating fixed data of P or B data, corresponding to picture size, representing motion vectors of all blocks of one entire frame and representing a predictive code of a preceding frame, wherein for the still picture signal with the audio data signal, the motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and a chronologically preceding picture is copied as the encoded picture, third encoder multiplexing signals from the first encoder, the second encoder and picture generator and supplying the multiplexed signal to an output, wherein for multiplexed still picture signal with the audio data signal a first pack including the audio format, I picture signal data and the P or B data, and a second pack including the audio format and encoded P or B picture data, and

a fourth encoder receiving from the photography device the still picture signal and converting the input picture signal to an encoded picture having a still picture format,

wherein when the still picture signal with the audio data signal is received from the photography device, simultaneously generating the I picture, the encoded picture and the audio format.

32. Encoding method for encoding a picture signal and an audio data signal from an audio input unit comprising the steps of:

receiving, by an encoder from a photographing device, one of a still picture signal with the audio data signal and a moving picture signal with the audio data signal, and converting the input picture signal into an I picture signal corresponding to a moving picture format,

converting the still picture into an encoded picture having a still picture format,

receiving the audio data signal and converting the audio data signal into a signal corresponding to an audio format,

generating fixed data of P or B data, corresponding to picture size, representing motion vectors of all blocks of one entire frame and representing a predictive code of a preceding frame, wherein for the still picture signal with the audio data signal, the motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and a chronologically preceding picture is copied as the encoded picture,

multiplexing converted picture signal, the converted audio data signal and the fixed data and supplying a multiplexed signal to an output device wherein for multiplexed still picture signal and the audio data signal a first pack containing the audio format, I picture signal data and the P or B data, and a second pack containing the audio format and encoded P or B picture data, and

wherein when the still picture signal with the audio data signal is received from the photography device, simultaneously generating the encoded picture, the I picture signal and the audio format.

33. A camera apparatus for encoding a picture signal received from a photographing device and an audio data signal received from an audio inputting device, the camera apparatus comprising:

picture encoding device encoding the picture signal received from the photographing device corresponding to a still picture encoding method or a moving picture encoding method and generating first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling device controlling and selecting the still picture encoding method or the moving picture encoding method corresponding to a selected processing mode,

wherein said controlling device controls said picture encoding device to encode the picture signal received from the photographing device corresponding to the still picture encoding method when a mode for capturing still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein said controlling device controls said picture encoding device to encode the picture signal received from the photographing device corresponding to the moving picture encoding method when a mode for capturing still picture data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein when a plurality of still picture data with the audio data signal is reproduced as a slide show, each still picture data is placed in a stream at intervals of a predetermined time period in which the audio data signal corresponding thereto is reproduced.

34. A recording method for a camera apparatus for encoding a video signal received from photographing device and an audio data signal received from audio inputting device and storing the encoded signals to a memory device, the recording method comprising the steps of:

encoding the video signal, received from the photographing device, corresponding to a still picture encoding method and storing a first encoded video data to the memory device when a mode for recording still video data has been selected in the camera apparatus; and

encoding the video signal, received from the photographing device, corresponding to a moving picture encoding method and storing a second encoded video data to the memory device along with an encoded audio data signal when a mode for recording still video data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein when a plurality of still picture data with the audio data signal is reproduced as a slide show, each still picture data is placed in a stream at intervals of a predetermined time period in which the audio data signal corresponding thereto is reproduced.

35. A camera apparatus for encoding a picture signal received from photographing device and an audio data signal received from audio inputting device, the camera apparatus comprising:

picture encoding device encoding the picture signal received from the photographing device corresponding to a still picture encoding method or a moving picture encoding method and generating first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling device controlling and selecting the still picture encoding method or the moving picture encoding method corresponding to a selected processing mode,

wherein said controlling device controls said picture encoding device to encode the picture signal received from the photographing device corresponding to the still picture encoding method when a mode for capturing still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein said controlling device controls said picture encoding device to encode the picture signal received from the photographing device corresponding to the moving picture encoding method when a mode for capturing still picture data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein when the picture signal is encoded corresponding to the moving picture encoding method, an inter-frame motion compensation predictive process is not performed, and

wherein the picture encoding device uses a same Discrete Cosine Transfer processor unit for the still and moving picture encoding methods.

36. A recording method for a camera apparatus for encoding a video signal received from a photographing device and an audio data signal received from an audio inputting device and storing the encoded signals to a memory device, the recording method comprising the steps of:

encoding the video signal, received from the photographing device, corresponding to a still picture encoding method and storing a first encoded video data to the memory device when a mode for recording still video data has been selected in the camera apparatus; and

encoding the video signal, received from the photographing device, corresponding to a moving picture encoding method and storing a second encoded video data to the memory device along with an encoded audio data signal when a mode for recording still video data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein when the picture signal is encoded corresponding to the moving picture encoding method, an inter-frame motion compensation predictive process is not performed, and

wherein the picture encoding device uses a same Discrete Cosine Transfer processor unit for the still and moving picture encoding methods.

37. A camera apparatus for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means, the camera apparatus comprising:

picture encoding means for encoding the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method and generating first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling means for controlling and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected processing mode,

wherein said controlling means controls said picture encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for capturing still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein said controlling means controls said picture encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for capturing (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein for the second encoding method after encoding the picture data, said controlling means encodes the audio data signal, multiplexes encoded I picture signal or the generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and captures the multiplexed signal when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus.

38. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 37,

wherein the first encoding method is an encoding method corresponding to JPEG format or equivalent format, and

wherein the second encoding method is an encoding method corresponding to MPEG video format or equivalent format.

39. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 37,

wherein said controlling means causes a picture signal received from the photographing means to be stored to a first area of a memory means and the first encoded picture data or the multiplexed data of the encoded picture data and the encoded audio data signal to be stored to a second area of the memory means.

40. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 39, further comprising:

recording means for recording the encoded picture data or the multiplexed data to a record medium,

wherein said controlling means writes the multiplexed data to the memory means, reads the multiplexed data from the memory means, causes said recording means to record the multiplexed data that is read from the memory means to the record medium, causes said picture encoding means to encode a picture signal corresponding to the first encoding method, writes the encoded signal as first encoded picture data to the memory means, reads the first encoded picture data from the memory means, and causes the recording means to record the first encoded picture data to the record medium when the mode for recording both picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus.

41. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 37,

wherein said picture encoding means has:

a DCT portion for performing a cosine transform process for an input picture signal;

a quantizing portion for quantizing coefficient data received from the DCT portion; and

a variable length code encoding portion for encoding an output signal of the quantizing portion using a first encoding table or a second encoding table with variable length code, and

wherein the first encoding table or the second encoding table of the variable length code encoding portion is selected corresponding to an encoding method selected by said controlling means.

42. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 41,

wherein said picture encoding means has:

a header adding portion for adding one of a first header or a second header corresponding to the encoding method selected by said controlling means.

43. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 37,

wherein each of the packs contains N picture frames and/or N audio frames (where N is any integer).

44. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 37, further comprising:

recording means for recording the encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal to a record medium.

45. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 37, further comprising:

operating means for causing the camera apparatus to perform a capture operation,

wherein said controlling means encodes the audio data signal in a time period of which said operating means is being pressed so as to generate the encoded audio data signal.

46. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 37, further comprising:

operating means for causing the camera apparatus to perform a capture operation,

wherein said controlling means encodes the audio data signal after said operating means is pressed until a predetermined time period elapses so as to generate the encoded audio data signal.

47. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 37, further comprising:

reproducing means for reproducing encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal from a record medium;

picture decoding means for decoding the encoded picture data;

displaying means for displaying the picture data; and

audio outputting means for outputting the audio data signal,

wherein said controlling means causes the memory means to store the encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal reproduced from said reproducing means and decodes the encoded audio data signal stored in the memory means,

wherein said picture decoding means decodes the encoded picture data stored in the memory means,

wherein said displaying means displays the decoded picture data, and

wherein said audio outputting means outputs the decoded audio data signal.

48. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 37,

wherein the photographing means outputs a picture signal in XGA or VGA format when a still picture photographing mode has been selected in the camera apparatus, and

wherein the photographing means outputs a picture signal of which the input picture signal received from the photographing means has been thinned out by around 3 when a moving picture photographing mode has been selected in the camera apparatus.

49. A recording method for a camera apparatus for encoding a video signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means and storing the encoded signals to memory means, the recording method comprising the steps of:

encoding the video signal, received from the photographing means, corresponding to a first encoding method and storing a first encoded video data to the memory means when a mode for recording still video data has been selected in the camera apparatus; and

encoding the video signal, received from the photographing means, corresponding to a second encoding method and storing a second encoded video data to the memory means along with the encoded audio data signal when a mode for recording (a) still video data with the audio data signal and (b) moving video data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus, and

for the second encoding method after encoding the video signal, encoding the audio data signal, multiplexing encoded I video signal or generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and storing the multiplexed signal to the memory means when the mode for recording both the video data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus.

50. A camera apparatus for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means and storing the encoded signals to memory means, the camera apparatus comprising:

video encoding means for encoding the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method and generating first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling means for controlling a storing process of data to the memory means and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected record mode,

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for recording still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus, and

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for recording (a) moving picture data with the audio data signal and (b) still picture data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein for the second encoding method after encoding the picture data, said controlling means encodes the audio data signal, multiplexes I encoded picture signal or the generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and captures the multiplexed signal when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus.

51. A camera apparatus for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means and processing the encoded signals, the camera apparatus comprising:

video encoding means for encoding the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method and generating first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling means for controlling a processing process of data and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected processing mode,

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for processing still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus, and

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for processing (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein for the second encoding method after encoding the picture data, said controlling means encodes the audio data signal, multiplexes encoded I picture signal or the generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and captures the multiplexed signal when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus.

52. A camera apparatus for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means and transmitting the encoded signals, the camera apparatus comprising:

video encoding means for encoding the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method and generating first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling means for controlling a transmitting process of data and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected transmitting mode,

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for transmitting still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus, and

wherein said controlling means controls said video encoding means to encode the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for transmitting (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving data with the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus,

wherein for the second encoding method after encoing the picture data, said controlling means encodes the audio data signal, multiplexes encoded I picture signal or the generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and captures the multiplexed signal when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus.

53. A method for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means, the method comprising the steps of:

encoding, by an encoder, the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method to generate first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling by a controller a storing process and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected processing mode,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for capturing still picture data has been selected in the camera apparatus,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for capturing (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected,

for the second encoding method after encoding the picture signal, encoding the audio data signal received from the audio input means, multiplexing encoded I picture signal or generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and storing the multiplexed signal to a memory means when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus.

54. The method as set forth in claim 53,

wherein the first encoding method is an encoding method corresponding to JPEG format or equivalent format, and

wherein the second encoding method is an encoding method corresponding to MPEG video format or equivalent format.

55. The method as set forth in claim 53,

wherein a picture signal received from the photographing means is stored to a first area of the memory means and the encoded picture data or the multiplexed data of the encoded picture data and the encoded audio data signal is stored to a second area of the memory means.

56. The method as set forth in claim 55, further comprising the steps of:

recording the encoded picture data or the multiplexed data to a record medium,

wherein the multiplexed data is written to the memory means, the multiplexed data is read from the memory means, the recording means is caused to record the multiplexed data that is read from the memory means to the record medium, a picture signal corresponding to the first encoding method is encoded, the encoded signal is written as first encoded picture data to the memory means, the first encoded picture data is read from the memory means, the first encoded picture data is recorded to the record medium when the mode for recording both picture data and the audio data signal has been selected.

57. The method as set forth in claim 53, further comprising the steps of:

performing a cosine transform process for an input picture signal;

quantizing coefficient data received from the cosine transform process; and

encoding an output signal of the quantizing step using a first encoding table or a second encoding table with variable length code, and

wherein the first encoding table or the second encoding table of the variable length code encoding portion is selected corresponding to a selected encoding method.

58. The method as set forth in claim 57, further comprising the step of:

adding one of a first header or a second header corresponding to the selected encoding method.

59. The method as set forth in claim 53,

wherein each of the packs contains N picture frames and/or N audio frames (where N is any integer).

60. The camera apparatus as set forth in claim 53, further comprising the step of:

recording the encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal to a record medium.

61. The method as set forth in claim 53, further comprising the steps of:

performing a recording operation,

wherein the audio data signal is encoded in a time period during said recording operation so as to generate the encoded audio data signal.

62. The method as set forth in claim 53, further comprising the steps of:

performing a recording operation,

wherein the audio data signal is encoded after said recording operation is completed so as to generate the encoded audio data signal.

63. The method as set forth in claim 53, further comprising the steps of:

reproducing encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal from a record medium;

decoding the encoded picture data;

displaying the picture data; and

outputting the audio data signal,

storing the encoded picture data or the encoded audio data signal reproduced from said reproducing means, and

decoding the encoded audio data signal,

wherein said picture decoding means decodes the stored encoded picture data,

wherein said displaying means displays the decoded picture data, and

wherein said audio outputting means outputs the decoded audio data signal.

64. The method as set forth in claim 53,

wherein the photographing means outputs a picture signal in XGA or VGA format when a still picture photographing mode has been selected, and

wherein the photographing means outputs a picture signal of which the input picture signal received from the photographing means has been thinned out by around 3 when a moving picture photographing mode has been selected.

65. A method for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means, comprising the steps of:

encoding, by an encoder, the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method to generate first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling a processing process and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected processing mode,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for processing still picture data has been selected,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for processing (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected,

for the second encoding method after encoding the picture signal, encoding the audio data signal received from the audio inputting means, multiplexing encoded I picture signal or generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and storing the multiplexed signal to a memory means when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus.

66. A method for encoding a picture signal received from photographing means and an audio data signal received from audio inputting means, comprising the steps of:

encoding, by an encoder, the picture signal received from the photographing means corresponding to a first encoding method or a second encoding method to generate first encoded picture data or second encoded picture data, respectively;

controlling a transmitting process of data and selecting the first encoding method or the second encoding method corresponding to a selected transmitting mode,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the first encoding method when a mode for transmitting still picture data has been selected,

encoding the picture signal corresponding to the second encoding method when a mode for transmitting (a) still picture data with the audio data signal and (b) moving picture data with the audio data signal has been selected,

for the second encoding method after encoding the picture signal, encoding the audio data signal received from the audio inputting means, multiplexing encoded I picture signal or generated P or B picture data and the encoded audio data signal, and storing the multiplexed signal to a memory means when the mode for recording both the picture data and the audio data signal has been selected in the camera apparatus.

67. Encoding apparatus for encoding a picture signal and an audio data signal from an audio input device comprising:

first picture encoder receiving from a photographing device one of a still picture signal and a moving picture signal, and converting the input picture signal into an I picture corresponding to a moving picture format,

second encoder receiving the audio data signal and converting the audio data signal into a signal corresponding to an audio format,

picture generator generating fixed data of P or B data, corresponding to picture size, representing motion vectors of all blocks of one entire frame and representing a predictive code of a preceding frame, wherein for the still picture signal with the audio data signal, the motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and a chronologically preceding picture is copied as the encoded picture,

third encoder multiplexing signals from the first encoder, the second encoder and picture generator and supplying the multiplexed signal to an output, and

a fourth encoder receiving from the photography device the still picture signal and converting the input picture signal to an encoded picture having a still picture format.

68. Encoding method for encoding a picture signal and an audio data signal from an audio input unit comprising the steps of:

receiving, by an encoder from a photographing device, one of a still picture signal with the audio data signal and a moving picture signal with the audio data signal, and converting the input picture signal into an I picture signal corresponding to a moving picture format,

converting the still picture into an encoded picture having a still picture format,

receiving the audio data signal and converting the audio data signal into a signal corresponding to an audio format,

generating fixed data of P or B data, corresponding to picture size, representing motion vectors of all blocks of one entire frame and representing a predictive code of a preceding frame, wherein for the still picture signal with the audio data signal, the motion vectors are 0 for an entire frame and a chronologically preceding picture is copied as the encoded picture, and

multiplexing converted picture signal, the converted audio data signal and the fixed data and supplying a multiplexed signal to an output device.