JP2009010839A - Image data reproduction apparatus and image data reproduction method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily retrieve image data of a desired original story by using digest image data even when image data of the original story recorded in a recording medium increase. <P>SOLUTION: The original story image data generated by an original story image data generation section 12 are recorded in the recording medium 10 and when a user indicates a digest reproduction mode through an operation input section 1717, an original story image group generation section 13 groups a plurality of original story image data to generate one or a plurality of groups based upon date and time data of recording of the original story image data. Then a digest image data generation section 14 generates digest image data from one or a plurality of original story image data of the respective groups and records the digest image data in the recording medium 10 group-by-group. When the user indicates a digest reproduction mode, the digest image data are reproduced group-by-group. Consequently, contents of the plurality of the original story image data recorded in the recording medium 10 can be easily and speedily known group-by-group. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image data reproducing apparatus and an image data reproducing method for searching for and reproducing desired main image data from a plurality of main image data recorded on a recording medium.

In order to make it easier to search for the desired video from the main image data such as a plurality of video data recorded on the recording medium, the digest video of the main video is played and selected to add it to the digest video signal. There is a data reproduction method for reproducing a corresponding main video based on a reference mark (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-32288

  However, in the background art described in Patent Document 1 described above, as the number of main image data increases, the number of short digest image data increases accordingly, and desired main image data can be obtained from a large amount of main image data. To search, it is necessary to view the corresponding number of digest image data. Therefore, there is a problem that the advantage is lost when the main image data increases.

  In particular, when image data has a sufficient length of time, such as when a TV program is recorded, the user looks at the digest and guesses the contents of the main part to determine whether the main part data is desired. However, when a user shoots a lot of scenery such as several tens of seconds to several minutes as a travel record with a video camera, not only the main part but also the main part when watching the digest. You do not necessarily want to see only the main part of the selected digest, such as wanting to see all the pictures taken in the day, or seeing a digest summarizing the pictures taken that afternoon.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image data reproducing apparatus and image data reproducing apparatus that can easily search for desired main image data using digest image data even when the main image data recorded on the recording medium increases. It aims to provide a method.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the image data reproducing apparatus and the image data reproducing method of the present invention, the first image data and the second link information having the first link information for switching the reproduction to the first image data. When reproducing the image data, the reproduction is switched to the first image data during the reproduction of the second image data based on the first link information.

  Here, the first link information includes first start time information and first end time information indicating start and end of a period in which the first link information is valid, and the corresponding first image. Data or a first image data identification number which is an identification number of a first image data set in which a plurality of the first image data are collected, and information on buttons to be displayed for selection and determination by a predetermined user interface And displaying the first button based on the first button information, reproducing the second image data, and after the first start time information. The first image corresponding to the first image data identification number of the first button information when the first user selects and determines the first button before the first end time information. Data It may be to switch the reproduction into either the image data of the first image data belonging to the group of the first image data. The first link information further includes the first link information when an operation input unit operation input is not performed within a valid period of the link information indicated by the first start time information and the first end time information. The first image data or the plurality of first image data is grouped with forced information indicating button information to be selected and determined immediately after the end time indicated by the end time information and button information indicated by the forced information. A second image data identification number, which is an identification number of the image data, the second image data, or the image data obtained by combining the plurality of second image data, and a predetermined user interface. Second button information consisting of button information to be displayed, and during the second image data reproduction and before the end time indicated by the first end time information, When the button based on the first button information is selected and not determined, the button based on the second button information is selected and determined without any operation input from the user, and the second button information of the second button information is determined. Playback may be switched to the first image data or the second image data indicated by the image data identification number.

  According to the present invention, when reproducing the first image data and the second image data having the first link information for switching the reproduction to the first image data, the first link information is included in the first link information. Based on this, since the reproduction is switched to the first image data during the reproduction of the second image data, the contents of the plurality of main image data recorded on the recording medium can be easily and quickly known for each group. Can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image data reproducing apparatus and an image data reproducing method according to the present invention will be described. The image data reproducing apparatus described below assumes an image data reproducing apparatus such as a video camera and an image data reproducing method having a main image data recording function and a reproducing function. The main image data may include audio data in addition to the image data. The image data may be not only moving image data but also still image data, and moving image data and still image data may be included. Of course, it may be mixed. Therefore, audio data is included in the digest image data, or the digest image data may be not only moving image data but also still image data.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image data reproducing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an image data reproducing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 reads data from a recording medium 10 or records data on the recording medium 10. The data reading / writing unit 11 functions as a data reading unit and a data writing unit of the present invention. A main image data creation unit 12 that encodes image data such as a moving image or a still image captured by a camera (not shown) to generate main image data and records the data in the recording medium 10 via the data read / write unit 11; A main image group creating unit 13 for grouping a plurality of main image data recorded on a recording medium into groups based on the recording date and time, and one or a plurality of main image data included in each group A digest image data creating unit 14 that creates digest image data from the recording medium 10 and records the digest image data on the recording medium 10 for each group; A data reproduction unit 15 that decodes and reproduces the main image data and digest image data read from the recording medium 10, and starts, stops, and pauses reproduction of the main image data and digest image data for the data reproduction unit 15. A playback control unit 16 that performs control related to playback such as fast forward and fast return, a main image data playback (main playback mode) and a digest image data playback (digest playback mode) switching instruction, and a main image An operation input unit 17 for inputting instructions relating to reproduction of data and digest image data, a monitor 18 for displaying the reproduced main image data or digest image data, and an image signal to an external display device (not shown). And a video signal output unit 19 for transmission.

  The recording medium 10 may be a hard disk or a memory fixed to or removable from the image data reproducing apparatus 10 or a recording medium such as an optical disk such as a DVD or a BD. It suffices to have a recording capacity capable of recording image data. Of course, the main image data and the digest image data may be recorded on different recording media.

  The data read / write unit 11 is a magnetic head if the recording medium 10 is a hard disk, and an optical pickup if the recording medium 10 is an optical disk. The data reading / writing unit 11 includes data modulation necessary for recording a signal. When the recording medium 10 is provided outside the apparatus, it is an interface for transmitting / receiving data to / from the external recording medium 10, and at this time, data is directly read from or recorded on the recording medium 10 The access unit is provided on the medium 10.

  The data reproducing unit 15 may be a single data reproducing unit 15 because the main image data and the digest image data may have the same decoding process if the same encoding method, for example, MPEG2, is used. When a plurality of main image data or a plurality of main image data or digest image data are reproduced and displayed at the same time, the data reproducing unit 15 that is the number of decoders necessary for reproducing and displaying is required.

  The playback control unit 16 operates in response to an input from the operation input unit 17. For example, the main image data or digest image data that starts playback when a playback start is input is acquired via the data read / write unit 11. It is assumed that the data reproducing unit 15 is controlled to perform the decoding process.

  The operation input unit 17 only needs to allow the device user to input a predetermined operation, and may be provided with buttons corresponding to controls related to playback such as playback start and playback stop, or a GUI (graphical user interface). ) And a button that can be used to input the up / down / left / right directions such as the cross key and the arrow button, and a determination button that determines the operation. A list of main image data or digest image data may be displayed and selected from the selection button and input. Alternatively, input may be performed from key operations on the remote controller using an input device used in a personal computer such as a keyboard and a mouse or an infrared remote controller. In that case, an interface for receiving a signal input from the input device is required.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of grouping by the main image group creation unit 13 and digest image data creation by the digest image data creation unit 14 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 2A shows main image data D1 to D9 created by the main image data creation unit 12 and their grouping. Here, the direction of the arrow marked “reproduction direction” from left to right indicates the reproduction order of the main image data H1 to H9, and the main image data H1 to H9 is H1 → H2 → H3 → ... → H9. In addition, the length of the main image data H1 to H9 in the horizontal direction, that is, the length in the playback direction indicates the playback time. Further, the interval between the main image data H1 to H9 indicates the time interval at which the main image data was captured or recorded. That is, it is assumed that the time from the time when the previous main image data is captured and the time when the next main image data is captured is indicated. In FIG. 2A, for example, grouping is performed based on whether or not the time interval between the main image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. In the main image data H1 to H3, H4 and H5, and H6 to H9, the recording interval between the main image data is less than a predetermined threshold such as one day, five days, one week, etc., and the main image data H3 and H4 The recording interval between H5 and H6 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

  Then, when the recording interval between the main image data is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the main image group creation unit 13 assumes that the main image data is an event such as a trip, an athletic meet, a play shooting, or a different shooting date and time. Grouping is performed depending on whether the recording interval between the main image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Here, as shown in FIG. 2A, main image data H1 to H3 are grouped into group 1, main image data H4 and H5 are grouped into 2, and main image data H6 to H9 are grouped into group 1. By this grouping, the main image data of the same group has almost the same event and shooting date and time such as travel, sports day, play shooting and the like.

  Here, if the predetermined threshold is shortened to 10 minutes or 20 minutes, grouping for each sightseeing spot around the destination or grouping for each event at the athletic meet can be performed. In addition to performing grouping based on whether or not the interval of recorded image data is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, several pieces of image data included in a specific time may be made into one group, or may have a specific length. If the image data is recorded, grouping may be performed based on the recording date and time, such as grouping before and after the image data. Further, the specific threshold value may be set in advance in the image data reproduction apparatus and recorded in the reproduction control unit, and grouping may be performed based on the predetermined threshold value. For example, a GUI displayed on the monitor 18 may be displayed by the user. It may be possible to select from the displayed time options, or to directly set a number.

  FIG. 2B shows a state in which the main image data H1 to H9 grouped as shown in FIG. 2A are grouped into one for each group to form one stream. Yes. Here, when the main image data is joined together for each group, the main image data is re-encoded (re-encoded) in accordance with the encoding method of the main image data so that the main image data is collected. May be.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2C, the digest image data creation unit 14 extracts a part of the main image data of each group and creates one digest image data D1 to D3 for each group. .

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a digest image data creation method by the digest image data creation unit 14 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 3A shows an example in which a part of each main image data is extracted, for example, every 3 seconds from the head of each main image data belonging to each group to create digest image data of each group. Here, a part of the main image data 1 to 20 is extracted from the head of the main image data 1 to 20 belonging to the group 1 every 3 seconds, for example, and the digest image data of the group 1 of 60 seconds is generated. Yes.

  FIG. 3B shows the digest image data of each group by extracting a part of each main image data from an arbitrary position of each main image data belonging to each group according to the length of recording time of each main image data. An example of creating Here, a part of the main image data 1 to 20 is extracted from any position of the main image data 1 to 20 belonging to the group 1 for 3 seconds, 4 seconds, and 5 seconds, for example, and the digest image data of the group 1 is created. It shows that

  As described above, the digest image data created by the digest image data creation unit 14 according to the first embodiment may be a video that summarizes the corresponding main image data, and therefore is constant from all the main image data included in the group. It is not necessary to extract a summary video of time, and a plurality of summary videos may be extracted from one main image data. Also, if the playback time of the main image data is short, a video shorter than 3 seconds is extracted, and if the playback time of the main image data is long, a video longer than 3 seconds is extracted. Digest image data may be created, or all the main image data may not have a fixed time. Even if it is not a video from the beginning, it may be possible to acquire a video for a certain period of time after several seconds, or it may be a fixed length such as main image data of the same time as the time to acquire In this case, the summary video does not have to be acquired from the main image data, and if the main image data is recorded by using compression encoding such as MPEG instead of a unit of time such as seconds. A unit corresponding to the compression method such as several GOPs or a unit used for video such as several frames may be used.

  Also, in the case of recording by compression encoding such as MPEG, if the digest video data of the 20 main image data acquired as described above is set as one digest image data, it is not possible at the joint at the time of reproduction. Since continuous points may occur and images and sounds may not be reproduced correctly, it is preferable to re-encode (re-encode) several GOPs before and after that or the entire digest image data.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of management information recorded on the recording medium 10 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the recording medium 10 includes a main image data recording area 41 in which main image data generated by the main image data generating unit 12 is recorded, and main image data generated by the digest image data generating unit 14. A digest image data recording area 42 to be recorded, and a management information recording area 43 in which management information such as logical block addresses of main image data and digest image data, recording date and time, reproduction time, and image quality are recorded are provided. . In the drawings, hereinafter, the main image data may be abbreviated as main data and the digest image data may be abbreviated as digest data.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of management information managed by the reproduction control unit 16 of the first embodiment for the main image data and the digest image data.

  The reproduction control unit 16 according to the first embodiment reads management information of the main image data and the digest image data from the main image data creation unit 12, the main image group creation unit 13, and the digest image data creation unit 14, and stores them in an internal memory or the like. As shown in FIG. 5, each group is stored and managed in association with or associated with each group.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of the contents of management information stored in the internal memory or the like of the playback control unit 16. Specifically, the recording medium name “A001”, the recording medium medium type “HDD”, the total number of groups “4” when the main image data recorded on the recording medium 10 is grouped, and recorded on the recording medium 10 The main image data and the digest image for each group of the main image data total reproduction time “**; **; **;” and groups 1 to N (here, n = 4 because the total number of groups is 4). Data file name, playback time “***; ***; **;”, logical address “******”; .

  FIG. 5B shows an example of a tree structure of management information stored in the recording medium 10 by the reproduction control unit 16. Specifically, the playback control unit 16 sets the file names of the main image data and the digest image data, the playback time “for each group of loops 1 to N (here, n = 4 because the total number of groups is 4). **; **; **; "and logical address" ****** "; are recorded on the recording medium 10 and managed.

  Here, the playback control unit 16 is configured to be able to acquire date / time information from a clock for acquiring date / time information or from the outside, thereby recording and managing the recording date / time of the main image data. The attribute information such as the recording date / time may be recorded on the recording medium 10 via the medium access unit together with the main image data instead of in the reproduction control unit 16. In this case, a management area is provided and recorded in an area different from the recording area of the main image data, and which main image data corresponds to the management data, the data name of the main image data, or the recording medium 10 The logical and physical address information may be recorded together.

  Next, the processing procedure of the image data reproducing apparatus will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image data reproducing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  It is assumed that a plurality of main image data is recorded in advance on the recording medium 10 by the main image data creation unit 12. Each main image data is stored and managed in the reproduction control unit 16 with all management information related to the main image data such as the recording date or shooting date, genre, recording or photographer name, recording or shooting location, and reproduction time of the main image data. It is assumed that

  First, when the user of the image data reproduction apparatus 10 inputs a digest reproduction start instruction for instructing the reproduction start of digest image data from the operation input unit 17, and the reproduction control unit 16 receives the digest reproduction start instruction as an event ( Step 600), the reproduction control unit 16 outputs a grouping instruction to the main image group creation unit 13, and the main image group creation unit 13 stores a plurality of information recorded on the recording medium 10 as shown in FIG. The main image data is grouped (S610).

  That is, the digest image data creation unit 16 obtains information such as the number of main image data recorded on the recording medium 10 and the recording date / time from the reproduction control unit 16, and based on the recording interval between the main image data. Perform grouping.

  It should be noted that the digest playback start can be input by providing a playback start button as described above and pressing the button by the user, or without providing a direct input button. As a general-purpose method, a GUI (graphical user interface) button “digest playback” is displayed on the monitor 18, or a selection button for selecting the start of playback of digest image data is displayed on the monitor 18. You may make it make a user select.

  Next, when the grouping of the main image data is completed, the reproduction control unit 16 outputs a digest image creation instruction to the digest image data creation unit 14.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2C, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, the digest image data creation unit 14 generates digest image data for each group of the main image data grouped by the main image group creation unit 13. In addition to the creation (step 620), the management information indicating the reproduction time and logical address of the digest image data, and which main image data group the digest image data belongs to is created (step 630).

  Here, the management information is information indicating which main image data and digest image data are included for each group of main image data as shown in FIG. 5A, for example. For example, the first group includes main data having data names 0001 to 0020, and information indicating that the digest image data is d001. In addition to the data name, information for specifying the logical or physical position on the recording medium 10 on which the main image data and the digest image data are recorded, such as a logical address and a physical address, is also recorded. Also good. In addition, when main image data and digest image data are recorded across a plurality of media, information for specifying the media may be recorded together. The playback time of the main image data and digest image data may also be recorded. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the management information is stored by creating a directory with the group name of each group under the root directory and storing data files belonging to the group under the directory. You may make it equal. In that case, if the extension is changed between the main image data and the digest image data, the main image data and the digest image data can be managed separately.

  Next, the playback control unit 16 records the digest image data created by the digest image data creation unit 14 on the recording medium 10 or the like as described above (step 640), and stores the management information created in step 630 for each group. The main image data and the digest image data are recorded on the recording medium 10 or the like so as to be associated or associated with each other (step 650).

  Even if such management information is not recorded in the recording medium 10 or the reproduction control unit 16 or the like, information indicating group 1 is stored in the header portion of the digest image data, and the main image belonging to group 1 is stored. In the data, information indicating group 1 may be stored in the header portion. For example, if the main image data and the digest image data are MPEG, the header portion may be an area that can be freely used by the user, such as a user data area provided in a GOP layer, a picture layer, or the like. If the watermark information is embedded in the video information, the group information can be stored even in an encoding method having no area other than the video information such as header information and user data area. However, when management information that is group information is recorded in the main image data or digest image data, it is necessary to perform a process of controlling the reproduction by accessing the recorded area every time the reproduction control unit 16 reproduces.

  Next, the reproduction control unit 16 outputs a digest data reproduction instruction to the data reproduction unit 15 and controls to reproduce the digest image data in the group order (step 660). In the group order, for example, the digest image data in the group that is the basis of the digest image data is reproduced in order from the digest image data with the oldest recording date of the main image data. For example, as in the example of the first embodiment, when there are four groups, reproduction is performed in order from the digest data of the group with the oldest recording date and time, and when reproduction of the digest data of all groups is completed, The digest data may be reproduced, or may of course be reproduced again in order from the digest data of the group with the oldest recording date and time.

  When the reproduction of the digest image data is started, the reproduction image of the digest image data is displayed on an external display device (not shown) connected via the monitor 18 or the video signal output unit 19. As a result, the user of this apparatus can view digest image data, which is a summary video of a large number of main image data recorded on the recording medium 10, by displaying the digest image data. You can search for videos recorded during a certain period.

  Here, when a main body playback mode, that is, an instruction to switch to the main image data is input via the operation input unit 17 from the user of the present apparatus (step 665 “YES”), the reproduction control unit 16 displays the main image data group. From the first main image data in the same group as the digest image data reproduced by the data reproduction unit 15 when the switching input is received from the operation input unit 17 based on the management information indicating the correspondence between the image data and the digest image data. Reproduction is performed in order of date and time (step 680). For example, when the main image playback mode switching instruction is input while the digest image data d002 of group 2 is being reproduced, the main image data 0021 at the head of group 2 is reproduced as shown in FIG. become. If the user of the apparatus does not input an instruction to switch to the main image data via the operation input unit 17 (step 665 “no”), the digest data of all groups is reproduced as it is (step 680). Note that the input at the operation input unit 17 may be a button that can directly specify a switching operation, or may be input using a GUI as described in the start of digest data reproduction.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the correspondence between the digest data playback order and the main data group.

  The digest image data is reproduced in order from the old group to the new group in order of the digest image data of the group 1, the digest image data of the group 2, the digest image data of the group 3, and so on. Perform playback. Here, if there is a switching input during digest data reproduction of group 1, information for specifying the main image data included in group 1 is recorded in the management information. The main image data 1 and the main image data 2 are reproduced.

  When the main image data is being reproduced, if the user again inputs switching to the digest reproduction mode via the operation input unit 17 (step 685 “YES”), switching from the digest image data to the main image data is performed. In the same manner as described above, the playback control unit 16 refers to the management information, and switches within the digest image data at the beginning of the digest image data in the same group as the main image data group displayed at the time of the digest playback mode switching input or within the digest image data. An instruction is given to the data reproduction unit 15 to reproduce the digest image data in the order of the groups described above from the main image data displayed at the time of input or the image data extracted from the main image data recorded at a later date and time. .

  Thereby, the data reproduction unit 15 resumes the reproduction of the digest image data in the order of the groups described above from the digest image data of the same group as the main image data group displayed when the digest reproduction mode switching is input (step 690). . When the reproduction of the digest image data of the group is finished, the reproduction of the digest image data may be finished there, the reproduction of the digest image data may be repeated, and further, the digest of the next group may be repeated. Of course, the image data may be reproduced sequentially.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment, a plurality of main image data recorded on the recording medium 10 are grouped based on the recording date and time to create a plurality of groups, and one or more included in each group Digest image data is created from each main image data and recorded on a recording medium for each group. When the digest reproduction mode is instructed by the user, the digest image data is reproduced for each group. The contents of a plurality of main image data recorded in the user can be easily and quickly known for each group.

  In particular, in the main image group creation unit 13 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the main image is determined depending on whether or not the interval of the next main image data from the recording end time of the main image data is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. Since the data group is created, the main image data with the same recording date and time are grouped into the same group, so that the same content or images of the same subject recorded or photographed at almost the same time are handled as the same group. Can do. In addition, the grouping may include not only the shooting interval but also the video data including the recording date and time in a certain interval in the same group. For example, if the interval is set as 24 hours, a specific date The recorded moving image data becomes one and the same group, and grouping is performed for each date. Such sections may be further subdivided using the recording time information, and each day may be divided into morning and afternoon, for a total of eight groups, or sections may be set in advance in the device. In addition, the user may select from the time options displayed on the monitor as in the method using the GUI described above, or input a number, or recorded video data The time interval between the oldest recorded data and the newest data is evenly divided in time, or the same group is used if the total playback time of video data included in one group is within a certain time, etc. It may be calculated from the recording date and time of moving image data and the reproduction time of moving image data. In addition, it may be configured such that the number of moving image data recorded in each group is divided from the number of recorded moving image data.

  When the digest image data is designated by the user when the digest image data is reproduced, the main image data belonging to the group is reproduced from the main image data at the head of the group to which the main image data belongs. So, using the digest image data, you can easily search for the main video recorded or recorded at approximately the same time as the video from the recording medium on which multiple main image data was recorded, or the main video with the same attributes Can be played.

  As a result, in particular, when playing back the recording medium 10 on which a lot of pictures taken by individuals such as a video camera are played, the user not only searches for a desired picture but also plays pictures taken before and after that. can do.

  In an image data reproducing apparatus that reproduces and displays main image data from a recording medium on which a large number of main image data is recorded, not only can the user search for desired main image data while viewing digest image data that summarizes the main image.

  Also, when you watch a main video, you can see the digest image data that summarizes the main image data that was taken after a certain amount of time from the main video or the digest image data that summarizes the main image data with different attributes Can do. In addition, when searching for main image data using digest image data that does not necessarily present complete main image data, the main image data that is not the desired main image is accidentally started. However, it is possible to quickly return to the digest image data and search the main image data again.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the image data reproduction apparatus of the first embodiment, the digest image data creation unit 14 creates actual digest image data from each of one or more main image data included in each group, and stores the actual digest image data on a recording medium for each group. In the second embodiment, the actual digest data is not created, but a digest data playlist for creating a part of the main image data as digest image data is created in the second embodiment. It is. In this case, since the actual data of the digest image data is not created, there is an advantage that the consumption of the capacity of the recording medium 10 can be suppressed.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image data reproduction device according to the second embodiment.

  The image data reproducing apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is provided with the digest image data creating unit 14 for creating the actual data of the digest image data, whereas the image data according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. Instead, the playback device does not create actual data of the digest image data, but a digest data playlist for converting a part of the main image data into digest image data, that is, a part of the main image data is set to the section start information and the section. A digest section information creation unit 24 is provided that creates digest section information for extracting digest image data by designating with end information or section length information. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a digest data playlist created by the digest section information creation unit 24 according to the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 9, for example, the digest data playlist of the main data 1 to 20 of the group 1 has a reproduction start time and a reproduction end time in each main data 1 to 20, for example, “00; 00; "00", "00; 00; 03", "00; 01; 20", "00; 01; 25", etc. By specifying a short time from 3 seconds to several seconds, abstract videos are extracted from the main data 1 to 20 respectively, and are reproduced continuously to form digest image data of group 1.

  In FIG. 9, the playback order, the corresponding main image data, and the start and end points of the playback section are indicated by digest section information such as playback start time and playback end time. The digest image data playback unit 14 Based on the digest section information, a part of the main image data is read as digest image data from the recording medium 10 via the data read / write unit 11 and reproduced. Here, if the digest section information of the digest data playlist is in a format that can specify the section of the main data to be reproduced, for example, instead of the start point, the elapsed time from the beginning of the main image data is started instead of the end point. A format in which the elapsed time from a point is specified may be used. Further, instead of time information, any information may be used for designating a specific location such as a PTS for identifying the position of a video in accordance with the main image data encoding method and the number of GOPs from the beginning.

  The digest section information creation unit 24 according to the second embodiment creates digest image data based on such a digest data playlist for all groups of main image data.

  Therefore, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the contents of a plurality of main image data recorded on the recording medium 10 can be easily and quickly known for each group, and the digest image can be obtained. It is possible to easily search and play back a main video shot or recorded at almost the same time as the video from a recording medium on which a plurality of main video data is recorded using data, or a main video having the same attributes. .

  In particular, according to the image data reproducing apparatus of the second embodiment, digest image data is created from digest section information of a digest data playlist that extracts a part of main image data by designating a start point and an end point. Since the actual data of the digest image data is not created, there is no need to store the actual data of the digest image data in the recording medium 10, and there is an advantage that the consumption of the capacity of the recording medium 10 can be suppressed.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the image data reproducing apparatuses of the first and second embodiments, the main program group creating unit 13 refers to the recording date and time and the reproduction time of the main program data recorded on the recording medium 10 and groups them based on the recording interval between the main program data. As described above, the third embodiment performs grouping for each day based on the recording date and time of the main data recorded on the recording medium 10.

  Specifically, the recording medium 10 includes, for example, 20 main image data recorded on April 29, 30 main image data recorded on May 3 of the same year, and May 4 of the same year. It is assumed that 40 main image data recorded on the day and 10 main image data recorded on May 5 of the same year are recorded.

  Then, the main group creating unit 13 of the third embodiment, based on the recording date / time of the main data recorded on the recording medium 10, includes a group of 20 main image data recorded on April 29, 2007. 1. Group 2 consisting of 30 main image data recorded on May 3 of the same year, Group 3 consisting of 40 main image data recorded on May 4 of the same year, recorded on May 5 of the same year Further, grouping is performed such as a group 4 composed of 10 main image data.

  Then, the digest image data creation unit 14 of the third embodiment performs digest image data that becomes a summary video from the 20 main image data recorded on April 29, 2007, as in the first embodiment. 1 digest image data from 30 main image data recorded on May 3, the same year, one digest image data from 40 main image data recorded on May 4, the same year, A total of four digest image data are created for each group 1 to 4 such as one digest image data from the ten main image data recorded on May 5 of the same year.

  Therefore, according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the contents of the plurality of main image data recorded on the recording medium 10 can be easily and quickly known for each group, and the digest image can be obtained. It is possible to easily search and play back a main video shot or recorded at almost the same time as the video from a recording medium on which a plurality of main video data is recorded using data, or a main video having the same attributes. .

  In particular, according to the third embodiment, the main program group creating unit 13 does not perform grouping based on the recording interval between the main program data with reference to the recording date and reproduction time of the main program data recorded on the recording medium 10. Since the main data recorded on the recording medium 10 is grouped by day based on the recording date and time of the main data, digest data for each day can be created.

  In the description of the first to third embodiments, the digest image data creation unit 14 or the digest section information creation unit 24 creates digest image data from each of one or a plurality of main image data included in each group, and each group. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the internal memory of the digest image data creating unit 14 or the digest section information creating unit 24 is different from the recording medium 10. Of course, the data may be stored in a memory such as an internal memory of the reproduction control unit 16 or the like.

  In the description of the first to third embodiments, the data read / write unit 11 writes the main image data and the digest image data to the recording medium 10. However, the main image data and the digest image are written to the recording medium 10. When it is not necessary to write data, for example, when main image data or digest image data has already been written on the recording medium 10, the writing function of the data reading / writing unit 11 is omitted, and the configuration is simply a data reading unit. Of course.

  In the description of the first to third embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, when the digest reproduction start input from the user is accepted, the main image data is divided into groups, and the digest image data for each group. However, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), from the grouping of the main image data to the creation of the digest image data for each group, steps 610 to 650 are performed. The processing and the processing from step 660 to 690 such as digest image data reproduction processing as shown in FIG. 10B are separated, and reception of different event inputs, that is, digest creation start input reception (step 605). And the digest reproduction start input reception (step 600). For example, the digest creation start event in step 605 shown in FIG. 10A may be a digest creation start input by the operation input unit 17 by the user, or the charging start of the apparatus may be a digest creation start input event. Of course, recording a predetermined volume of the main image data on the recording medium 10 may be used as a digest creation start input event.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the above description of the first to third embodiments, an image playback device such as a video camera that records and plays back main image data such as video data has been described as an example. The main image data before being grouped together or the main image data grouped into one is an example of the first image data, and the digest image data is an example of the second image data. An explanation will be given taking a media player such as a DVD player or a BD player to be reproduced as an example. The relationship between the first data and the second data of the present invention may be a master-slave relationship of main image data and digest image data extracted from the main image data as a summary video. The present invention is not limited to this, and the main image data and commercial video created independently of the main image data may be used.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an image data reproducing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 11, the image data reproducing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment includes a data reading unit 41 that reads data from a detachable recording medium 40 such as a DVD, BD, HDD, or memory, and a main part read from the recording medium 40. Data reproduction unit 15 that decodes and reproduces image data and digest image data, and reproduction such as reproduction start, reproduction stop, pause, fast forward, and fast return of main image data and digest image data with respect to data reproduction unit 15 A playback control unit 46 that performs control, an instruction to switch playback of the main image data (main playback mode) or digest image data (digest playback mode) by user operation, playback of the main image data and digest image data, and the like An operation input unit 17 for inputting an instruction and the reproduced main image data or digi A monitor 18 for displaying the list image data, and a video signal output unit 19 for outputting a video signal to an external display device (not shown).

  In other words, in FIG. 11, the image data reproduction device of the fourth embodiment is different from the image data reproduction device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in the main image data creation unit 12, the main image group creation unit 13, and the digest image data creation. The unit 14 is omitted, and a data reading unit 41 is provided instead of the data reading / writing unit 11, and a reproduction control unit 46 is provided instead of the reproduction control unit 16.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing main image data recorded on the recording medium 40 of the fourth embodiment, its grouping, digest image data for each group, and a structural example thereof.

  That is, FIG. 12A shows the main image data H1 to H9 divided into groups or the main image data H1 to H9. The direction of the arrow marked “reproduction direction” from left to right indicates the reproduction order of the main image data H1 to H9, and the main image data H1 to H9 is H1 → H2 → H3 →. It shows that there is. In addition, the length of the main image data H1 to H9 in the horizontal direction, that is, the length in the playback direction indicates the playback time. Further, the interval between the main image data H1 to H9 indicates the interval of time when the moving image data is shot or recorded. That is, it is assumed that the time until the time when the previous moving image data is shot and the next moving image data is shot is shown. In FIG. 12A, as in the first embodiment, for example, grouping is performed based on whether or not the time interval between the main image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Then, in FIG. 12A, as in FIG. 2A, group 1 is composed of main image data H1, H2, and H3, group 2 is composed of main image data H4 and H5, and group 3 is main image data. There are three groups such as H6, H7, H8, and H9.

  FIG. 12B shows a state in which the main image data H1 to H9 divided into groups as shown in FIG. 12A are grouped into one stream for each group. Here, when the main image data is joined together for each group, the main image data is re-encoded (re-encoded) in accordance with the encoding method of the main image data so that the main image data is collected. May be. Here, as in the second embodiment, the main image data is not recorded as actual data, and H1, H2, and H3 of the first main image data are in group 1, and the first main image is in group 2. The data H4 and H5 are information indicating that the group 3 includes the first main image data H6, H7, H8 and H9, and the main image data name (H1, H1) of the first main image data. H2 etc.) and a playlist as shown in FIG. 9 using position information such as a logical address indicating the position where the data is recorded as digest section information may be created and recorded on the recording medium 40. However, when the playlist is used, the first main image data is substantially reproduced. Here, as described in the first and second embodiments, the recording date and time and the reproduction time of the main data recorded on the recording medium 10 are referred to, and the grouping is not performed based on the recording interval between the main data. As in the third embodiment, grouping may be performed on a daily basis based on the recording date and time of the main data recorded on the recording medium 10.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12C, the digest image data is configured by collecting a plurality of main image data of a certain section for each group so as to be a summary video from each group of the main image data. . The digest image data may be obtained by simply collecting and connecting the main image data of a certain section, or may re-encode the main image data of the collected section to generate actual data, or the main image Information specifying the file name and position information of the data may be virtual data recorded in the digest section information and the playlist.

  In FIG. 12C, the digest image data is real data obtained by collecting and re-encoding a plurality of main image data of a section for each group, and the reproduction order is reproduced from left to right as in the first main image data. And In addition, S1, E1,..., E3 are time stamps for synchronization when the digest image data is decoded by the reproduction unit, and information indicating timings necessary for display.

  In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the data shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C is recorded on the recording medium 40 in any one of the following four patterns.

(1) The main image data shown in FIG. 12A is recorded as the first image data, and the digest image data shown in FIG. 12C is recorded as the second image data.
(2) The main image data after grouping shown in FIG. 12B is recorded as the first image data, and the digest image data shown in FIG. 12C is recorded as the second image data.
(3) Main image data before grouping shown in FIG. 12 (a) as the first image data, main image data after grouping shown in FIG. 12 (b), and FIG. 12 (c) as the second image data. Digest image data shown in FIG.
(4) Main image data before grouping shown in FIG. 12 (a), main image data after grouping shown in FIG. 12 (b) as first image data, and FIG. 12 (c) as second image data. Digest image data shown in FIG.

  Note that the data structure when the digest image data as the second image data is recorded on the recording medium 40 is as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12D shows an example of the data structure of digest image data.

  In FIG. 12D, the digest image data D includes a data unit 120 composed of video, audio, and sub-video, which are real data obtained by collecting and re-encoding a plurality of main image data of a section for each group, and will be described later. The header section 121 stores link information and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 12 (d), the header portion 121 starts to indicate a period during which link information 121 a including first and second button information 126 and 127 described later stored in the header portion 121 is valid. Time information of time 122 and end time 123, button number 124 indicating the number of button information included in link information 121a, forced information 125, and reproduction of main image data that is first image data of a group designated in advance Is stored, and second button information 127 for designating reproduction of digest image data, which is second image data of another group designated in advance, is stored.

  First, in the start time 122 and the end time 123 which are information indicating the valid period, the times of S1 and E1 are recorded in the case of the group 1, respectively. That is, the button information 126 and 127 of the link information 121a becomes valid while the digest image data of the group 1 is reproduced.

  Here, the start time 122 and the end time 123 describe the elapsed time from the reproduction start time of the video, audio, and sub-video data constituting the actual data of the digest image data of the data portion 120 following the link information 121a. Thus, the valid times of the first button information 126 and the second button information 127 are indicated. When the link information 121a is validated from the start of reproduction of the digest image data, the start time 122 is “0”. The unit for representing the time may be any of hour, minute, second, the number of frames from the beginning, the number of GOPs, the number of bytes, or PTM. The same applies to the end time 123. In order to make all the playback periods of video, audio, and sub-video the effective period of the link information 121a, the time representing the end of the main image data of video and audio, that is, the playback time may be used. .

  In the button number 124, the number of button information following the forced information 125 is recorded. In the example of FIG. 12D, there are two button information, and “2” is recorded as the number of buttons 124. Therefore, when the number of buttons 124 is fixed, the number of buttons is self-explanatory, so this area may not be provided. It should be noted that the button information 126 and 127 may be two or more of these or any one of them.

  The forced information 125 is selected when an operation relating to reproduction such as selection of arbitrary button information or stop of the digest image itself is not performed within the validity period of the link information from the start time 122 to the end time 123. The number of the button information 126, 127 is recorded. Here, the selection of the arbitrary button information 126, 127 may be either selection of the button information 126, 127. Here, the selection of the first button information 126 will be described.

  The first button information 126 and the second button information 127 include information about button display such as button color, shape, and button position on the monitor 18 to be displayed, and when the button information is selected. The number of the image data to be linked to the main image data or the digest image data to be switched, or the group number of the grouped image data is recorded. Here, in the first button information 126, the image data number of the main image data in the same group as the digest image data or the group number of the main image data in the same group is set in advance, and the second button information 126 In the information 127, the image data number of the digest image data of the next group or the group number of the digest image data of the next group is set in advance. For example, in the case of the link information 121a of the digest image data D1, the first button information 126 includes any one of the image data numbers H1, H2, and H3 corresponding to the same group in FIG. 12A, or FIG. ), The group number 1 which is the same group is recorded, and the second button information 127 records the image data number of D2 which is the digest image of the next group or the group number of D2.

  Next, the operation of the image data reproducing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image data reproducing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

  First, when the user of the image data reproduction apparatus inputs the digest image data reproduction start operation as the second image data from the operation input unit 17, the reproduction control unit 46 inputs the digest image data reproduction start operation from the user. Is received (step 1300), and an instruction to read the digest image data D1 is sent to the data reading unit 41 in accordance with the reproduction order.

  A button that allows direct input of numbers corresponding to the group number is provided on the outside of the device or on the remote controller of the device, or a group that can be selected on the monitor 18 by using the GUI, and a user interface that can specify the up / down / left / right direction such as a cross key, By selecting and determining from among them, it may be possible to reproduce from a digest image of an arbitrary group. In addition, the playback control unit 46 and the like can specify a resume point, that is, information indicating a specific stop position such as the digest image data group number, the second on the digest image, the number of GOPs, and the number of frames as position information at which playback was stopped at the previous playback. May be recorded, and playback may be started from there.

  Then, the data reading unit 41 reads the digest image data D1 of group 1 from the recording medium 40, and outputs the header unit 121 including the link information 121a to the reproduction control unit 46, while the data unit 120 is sent to the data reproduction unit 15. Output.

  The reproduction control unit 46 receives the header portion 121 of the digest image data D1 from the data reading unit 41, and controls the reproduction of the digest image data D1 in the data reproduction unit 15. The data reproduction unit 15 also decodes the sub-video in addition to the decoding of the video data and audio data of the data unit 120, and an external display device (not shown) connected via the monitor 18 or the video signal output unit 19. Video and audio are output and reproduced by a speaker (not shown) (step 1310). Here, since the digest image data that is the second image data is a summary video of the main image data that is the first image data, the user of this apparatus can record it by displaying and outputting the digest image data. The contents of a large number of main image data recorded on the medium 40 can be easily confirmed, and a desired main image data video or a main image data video recorded during a specific period can be searched. .

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a digest image data screen displayed on the external display device connected via the monitor 18 or the video signal output unit 19 according to the fourth embodiment.

  In FIG. 14, a digest image 1410 is reproduced at the center of a digest image reproduction screen 1400 on which digest image data is reproduced, and “lower part of the digest image reproduction screen 1400 shows“ main image data of this group ”. The first button 1420 based on the first button information 126 “To” and the second button based on the second button information 127 “To the digest data of the next group” for reproducing the digest image data of the next group 1430 is displayed. Then, in the upper part of the digest image playback screen 1400, a sub-video 1440 “Digest playback of group 1” is displayed.

  The first button 1420 has the color, shape, and position information on the screen specified by the first button information 126 as shown in FIG. 12D, and the second button 1430 has the first button 1430. The button information 127 of 2 specifies the color, shape, and position information on the screen. In addition, in order to make it easy to understand that the first button 1420 and the second button 1430 have been selected or determined, the first button 1420 and the second button 1430 are switched to the buttons that are switched at the time of selection and determination. Color and shape information may also be included. The first button 1420 and the second button 1430 displayed in this way are selected by the operation input unit 17 which is a user interface capable of inputting the up / down / left / right directions such as the cross keys described above, or inputting the decision or cancellation. Make a decision.

  Therefore, the user selects and determines the first button 1420 or the second link button 1430 displayed on the digest image playback screen 1400 via the operation input unit 17, thereby changing the main image data of the same group. Alternatively, the reproduction can be switched to the digest image data of the next group.

  Then, returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, the playback control unit 46 according to the fourth embodiment performs the valid period of the link information, that is, after the start time 122 recorded in the link information 121a and before the end time 123. It is determined whether or not the first button 1420 is selected on the digest image reproduction screen 1400 displayed on the monitor 18 (step 1320). At this time, the clock necessary for this determination may be in the reproduction control unit 46 or may be configured to use a clock used for decoding the main image data in the data reproduction unit 15.

  When the first button 1420 is selected within the validity period of the link information (step 1320 “YES” → step 1330 “YES”), the reproduction control unit 46 sends a switching instruction to the data reproduction unit 15, A process of switching to the reproduction of the main image data in the same group as the digest image data reproduced so far indicated by the first button 1420 is performed (step 1340). Here, the playback control unit 46 etc. records the resume time, that is, the elapsed time from the head of the main image data, the number of frames, the number of GOPs, the number of bytes, etc. as position information at which playback was stopped at the previous playback. Playback may be started from the beginning.

  Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 13, after the determination 1320 whether or not it is within the effective period, it is shown that the determination 1330 whether or not the first button is selected and determined is performed. After the first button is selected and determined 1330, it may be determined 1320 whether it was within the validity period. The same applies to the case where the second button 1360 is selected and determined, and after the button is selected and determined, it may be determined 1320 whether or not it is within the valid period.

  Then, in response to the instruction to switch to the main image data from the reproduction control unit 46, the data reproduction unit 15 stops reproduction of the currently reproduced digest image data and performs the current reproduction described in the first button information. The main image data in the same group as the digest image data being played is reproduced (step 1350). At that time, as in the first to third embodiments, reproduction is performed from the main image data at the head of the same group.

  Also, if the image data identification number of the first button information describes not the group number but the number of the first image data among the main image data of the same group, the same as when the group number is described As described above, the main image of the group corresponding to the digest image is reproduced.

  As a result, the user of this apparatus can easily link from the digest image data to the original group of original main image data and view the original main image data of the group. As in the second embodiment, when the main image data is not actual data but is constituted by digest section information indicating a part of the main image data, the main image data indicated by the digest section information is changed. Reproduce.

  On the other hand, when the first button 1420 is not selected and the second button 1430 is selected within the effective period between the start time 122 and the end time 123 (step 1320 “YES” → step 1330). “NO”), the playback control unit 46 sends an instruction to switch to the next group of digest image data indicated by the second button information 127 to the data playback unit 15 (step 1360).

  In response to the instruction from the reproduction control unit 46 to switch to the next group of digest image data, the data reproduction unit 15 stops reproduction of the currently reproduced digest image data, and is described in the second button. The digest image data of the next group of the currently reproduced digest image data is reproduced (step 1370).

  If the image data identification number of the second button is not the group number but the digest image data number of the next group or the image data number of the first digest image data of the next group is described, the above group The digest image of the next group is reproduced in the same manner as when the number is described.

  On the other hand, when neither the first button 1420 nor the second button 1430 is selected within the effective period between the start time 122 and the end time 123 (step 1320 “NO”), the forced information 125 is described. Since the number of the button information, here, the second button 1430 is described, the reproduction control unit 46 sends the second reproduction button 15 to the data reproduction unit 15 in the same manner as when the second link button 1430 is selected. An instruction to switch to the image data indicated by the number of the first digest image data of the group of the next digest image described in the button information 127 or the group number of the group of the next digest image is sent (step 1380). Then, in response to the instruction to switch to the next group of digest image data from the playback control unit 46, the data playback unit 15 stops the playback of the digest image data currently being played back, and the digest image data currently being played back. The digest image data of the next group is reproduced (step 1390). In this way, when neither the first button 1420 nor the second button 1430 is selected within the effective period (step 1320 “NO”), the digest image data is automatically converted into the group 1 → group 2 →. Will be switched.

  The switching from the digest image data to the main image data in the same group has been described above. The group number of another group or another group is included in the first button information 126 and the second button information 127 of the link information 121a. If the image data number is recorded, it is possible to switch to reproduction to main image data or digest image data of another group.

  Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, the main image data that is the original video grouped as shown in FIG. 12 (a) or the main video that is grouped into one stream as shown in FIG. 12 (b). By linking the image data and the digest image data that is the summary video shown in FIG. 12C in units of groups, the user of this apparatus can easily link the digest image data to the main image data of a desired group. can do.

  In particular, in the fourth embodiment, the digest image data recorded on the recording medium 40 includes the first button information 126 indicating switching to the main image data of the same group and the digest image data of the next group. The second button information 127 indicating the playback switching is set, and the first button 1420 based on the first button information 126 and the second button 1430 based on the second button information 127 are displayed on the digest image playback screen 1400. Is displayed, and the user can select it, so that it is possible to easily switch from the digest image playback screen 1400 to playback of the main image data of the same group or the digest image data of the next group.

  Further, the digest image data recorded on the recording medium 40 is selected by the start time 122 and the end time 123 indicating the valid period of the link information 121a, and the first and second button information 126 and 127 within the valid period. If not, the forced information 125 for specifying the second button information 127 to be forcibly executed is set. Therefore, even if the first and second button information 126 and 127 are not selected within the effective period, It is possible to automatically switch to reproduction of digest image data of the next group.

  In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the main image data creation unit 12, the main image group creation unit 13, and the digest image data creation unit from the image data reproduction device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is omitted. However, as shown in FIG. 15, only the main image data creation unit 12 is created, and the main image group creation unit 13 and the digest image data creation unit 14 are configured. Of course, the main image group and the digest image data may be recorded in another apparatus as in the first to third embodiments.

  In the fourth embodiment, the operation has been described with the digest image playback screen 1400 as shown in FIG. 14 and the flowchart as shown in FIG. 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, digest image playback. The first button 1420 is displayed on the screen 1400, but the second button 1430 is not displayed. As shown in FIG. 16, the first button 1420 is displayed within the effective period of the link information determined by the start time 122 and the end time 123. If the link button 1420 is not selected (step 1620 “NO”), it is of course possible to always automatically switch to reproduction of the next group of digest image data indicated by the second link information 127.

  In addition, the image data being reproduced as the sub-video is visually indicated as information 1440 for the user of the apparatus, but information on the color, shape, and display position on the screen for displaying the button on the sub-video is recorded, In the button information 126 and 127 in the link information 121a, the same position information and image data number as the position of the button displayed by the sub-video are recorded, so that the device user who operates the monitor 18 by watching the monitor 18 can operate the sub-information. You may comprise so that it may seem that it switched by operating the button displayed by video information.

  The main image is described as the first image data and the digest image is described as the second image data. However, both are image data, the first image data is the digest image, and the second image data is the main image. By replacing the main image with the link information similar to the above-mentioned digest image data link information in the header portion, the operation can be performed before the playback switching from the main image to the digest image of the corresponding group and the end time. If no input is made, the main group image of the next group can be reproduced.

  In addition, in the switching from the digest image to the main image, it has been described that the reproduction of the digest image being reproduced is stopped and the reproduction to the designated main image is started. If the image data can be read out, both the digest image and the main image will be displayed at the same time, such as by splitting the screen horizontally or vertically, or displaying the other screen as part of one screen without stopping the playback of the digest image. You may make it reproduce | regenerate.

  In the above description of the first to fourth embodiments, the image data reproducing apparatus is configured as hardware. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be configured as software by a program.

It is a block diagram which shows the image data reproduction apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of grouping by a main image group creation unit 13 and digest image data creation by a digest image data creation unit 14 according to the first embodiment; It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the production method of the digest image data by the digest image data creation part 14 of this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of the management information recorded on the recording medium 10 of this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data structure of the management information which the reproduction | regeneration control part 4616 of this Embodiment 1 manages main image data and digest image data. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image data reproduction device according to the first embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram showing the correspondence between the digest data playback order and the main data group. It is a block diagram which shows the image data reproduction apparatus of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the digest data play list which the digest area information preparation part 24 of Embodiment 2 produces. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement at the time of performing the process from grouping of main image data to the production | generation of the digest image data for every group, and processes, such as a reproduction process of digest image data, according to a separate event. It is a block diagram which shows the image data reproduction apparatus of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the main image data recorded on the recording medium 40 of Embodiment 4, its grouping, the digest image data for every group, and its structural example. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image data reproduction device of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a digest image reproduction screen displayed on an external display device connected via a monitor 18 or a video signal output unit 19 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the image data reproduction device according to the fourth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another operation of the image data reproduction device according to the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Recording medium 11 Data reading / writing part 12 Main image data creation part 13 Main image group creation part 14 Digest image data creation part 15 Data data reproduction part 16 Reproduction control part 46
17 Operation input unit 17
18 Monitor 19 Video signal output section

Claims (6)

First image data;
In an image data reproduction device for reproducing the second image data having first link information for switching reproduction to the first image data,
An image data reproducing unit for reproducing the first or second image data;
An image data reproduction apparatus comprising: a reproduction control unit that switches reproduction to the first image data during reproduction of the second image data based on the first link information. The image data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The first link information is:
First start time information and first end time information indicating the start and end of a period in which the first link information is valid;
The first image data identification number, which is the identification number of the first image data set in which the corresponding first image data or a plurality of the first image data is collected, and a predetermined user interface for selection and determination First button information consisting of button information to be displayed on
Consists of
A display unit for displaying a first button based on the first button information;
An operation input unit for selecting and determining the displayed first button;
The apparatus user selects and determines the first button from the operation input unit during the reproduction of the second image data and after the first start time information and before the first end time information. When
Reproduction to one of the image data of the first image data corresponding to the first image data identification number of the first button information or the first image data belonging to the group of the first image data. A playback control unit for switching,
An image data reproducing apparatus comprising: The image data reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
The first link information further includes
Immediately after the end time indicated by the first end time information when no operation input unit operation input is made within the validity period of the link information indicated by the first start time information and the first end time information. Forced information indicating button information to select and determine;
In the button information indicated in the forced information, the first image data or a plurality of first image data is collected, or the second image data or a plurality of second image data is collected. Second button information consisting of a second image data identification number which is any identification number of data and button information to be displayed for selection and determination by a predetermined user interface,
When the second image data is being reproduced and the button according to the first button information is selected and not determined from the operation input unit by the end time indicated by the first end time information, the operation input Even if there is no operation input from the unit, the button based on the second button information is selected and determined, and the first image data or the second image data indicated by the second image data identification number of the second button information is selected. A playback control unit that switches playback to the image data of
An image data reproducing apparatus comprising: First image data;
In the image data reproduction method of reproducing the second image data having the first link information for switching the reproduction to the first image data,
Replaying the first or second image data;
A step of switching reproduction to the first image data during reproduction of the second image data based on the first link information. The image data reproducing method according to claim 4, wherein
The first link information is:
First start time information and first end time information indicating the start and end of a period in which the first link information is valid;
The first image data identification number, which is the identification number of the first image data set in which the corresponding first image data or a plurality of the first image data is collected, and a predetermined user interface for selection and determination First button information consisting of button information to be displayed on
Consists of
Displaying a first button based on the first button information;
When the first button is selected and determined by the device user during the reproduction of the second image data and after the first start time information and before the first end time information,
Reproduction to one of the image data of the first image data corresponding to the first image data identification number of the first button information or the first image data belonging to the group of the first image data. Switching step;
A method for reproducing image data, comprising: The image data reproducing method according to claim 4, wherein
The first link information further includes
Immediately after the end time indicated by the first end time information when no operation input unit operation input is made within the validity period of the link information indicated by the first start time information and the first end time information. Forced information indicating button information to select and determine;
In the button information indicated in the forced information, the first image data or a plurality of first image data is collected, or the second image data or a plurality of second image data is collected. Second button information consisting of a second image data identification number which is any identification number of data and button information to be displayed for selection and determination by a predetermined user interface,
When a button based on the first button information is selected and not determined by the end time indicated by the first end time information during the reproduction of the second image data, there is no operation input from the user. A step of selecting and determining a button based on the second button information, and switching the reproduction to the first image data or the second image data indicated by the second image data identification number of the second button information. When,
A method for reproducing image data, comprising:

Images