JP3829713B2 - Recording method, recording apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rewritable recording medium, a recording apparatus and a reproducing apparatus, a recording method for the recording medium, and a computer program for realizing the recording method. In particular, the recording medium is suitable for an optical disc on which a large amount of still image data is recorded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A large-capacity rewritable optical disk recording medium such as DVD-RAM and DVD-RW has appeared, and a technology for recording data such as images and sounds has been actively developed. As moving image data, data encoded by the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) method described in the ISO / IEC11172 standard, the ISO / IEC13818 standard, or the like is generally used. As the still image data, the MPEG encoded intra-frame encoded data (I picture) and the data encoded by the JPEG method described in the ISO / IEC10918-1 standard are generally used.
[0003]
In addition, as an apparatus for recording encoded moving images and still images together with sound, an electronic still using a digital VCR (digital video cassette recorder) using a magnetic tape as a recording medium or a memory such as a flash memory as a recording medium. Cameras (electrical still camera?) Have already been put into practical use.
[0004]
A recording device using an optical disk such as a DVD-RAM as a recording medium is a random access that is difficult to realize when using a magnetic tape as compared with the above-described conventional digital VCR, electronic still camera, etc. It has features such as large capacity that is difficult to realize when using a memory and the like, and low cost per bit. Accordingly, a recording apparatus using an optical disk recording medium can freely define a reproduction order different from the recorded data order, and can handle a large number of still images up to tens of thousands, so that a new AV recording medium can be used. Is expected to spread.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
DVD-RAM can record both moving images and still images. Especially for still images, a huge number of still images can be recorded as compared with a conventional electronic still camera.
[0006]
For example, assuming that the recording capacity of a DVD-RAM is 4.7 GB and the data size of a still image (I picture) encoded in the MPEG format is about 80 KB, about 64,000 still images are required before the disc is full. The image can be recorded.
[0007]
Unlike a recording medium that is played back in the recorded order such as a digital VCR, an optical disk medium such as a DVD-RAM enables random access. In order to realize this, management information such as the address and size of still image data recorded on the optical disc and the reproduction time of audio data recorded accompanying the still image is recorded together.
[0008]
When playing back a still image with a playback device, two steps are required: a step of reading the address of the still image data from the management data recorded on the optical disk medium, and a step of playing back the still image data recorded at the read address. It is. Therefore, when reproducing a plurality of still images, the above two steps are required for each reproduction.
[0009]
Further, when recording still image data or the like on an optical disc with a recording device, two steps are required: a step of recording still image data and a step of recording management information such as the address of the still image. Therefore, even when a plurality of still images are recorded, the above two steps are required every time one sheet is recorded.
[0010]
An optical disk recording or reproducing apparatus has an optical head for recording or reading information, but this optical head is larger and heavier than a magnetic head, so that the access speed is slow. Therefore, if the above two steps are required, it takes time to reproduce or record a plurality of still images, and it is difficult to realize high-speed random access.
[0011]
In order to solve this problem, an optical disk recording device and a reproduction device record management information read from the optical disk in a memory in the device. In the playback device, once management information is recorded in the memory in the device, it is not necessary to read out the management information on the disc every time one still image is played back, and the time for playing back a plurality of still images can be shortened. . In the recording apparatus, if management information of a plurality of still image data is recorded in a memory in the apparatus, and these are collectively recorded on the disk, it is not necessary to record the management information on the disk every time one is recorded. The time for recording a plurality of still images can be shortened.
[0012]
However, a large-capacity recording medium such as a DVD-RAM records tens of thousands of still images, so the amount of information for managing the recorded still image data is enormous, and the information is recorded in the device. The memory is also required to have a large capacity. Although the unit price of memory has been decreasing in recent years, it is difficult to install a megabyte unit of memory as a consumer AV device, and considering the battery backup of the memory in case of emergency, megabyte management information Handling is unrealistic as a consumer AV device.
[0013]
In order to solve this, for example, a technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491 has been proposed by some of the inventors of the present application. According to this, the management information such as the address and size of the still image data and the reproduction time of the audio data is recorded in the management information table having a variable length proportional to the number of still images and the number of sounds. As a result, an increase in the data size of the management information is suppressed.
[0014]
However, in the above technique, the following cases are not considered.
[0015]
The first is management of recording time of still image data. In the above technique, since it is not possible to perform a search using the recording time, there is a problem with respect to a request for searching for a desired still image from among a large number of still images.
[0016]
For example, as shown in Figure 3, record time (RECTM) is year (2 bytes), month (1 byte), day (1 byte), hour (1 byte), minute (1 byte), second (1 byte) If the recording time (RECTM) is added to each of about 64,000 still images and recorded, the management information is about 438 kilobytes in addition to the data size assumed in the above technology. (= 64000 * 7) will also increase.
[0017]
As described above, in order to realize high-speed random access, management information should always be recorded in the memory of the system control unit in the apparatus, but the memory capacity of consumer AV equipment is reduced, that is, In order to reduce costs, it is necessary to suppress the data size of management information as much as possible.
[0018]
A first object of the present invention is to provide a data management structure that realizes a search based on the recording time and suppresses an increase in the data size of management information, and a recording device, a reproducing device mainly for an optical disc, and these It is providing the computer program for implement | achieving.
[0019]
The second is a case where a still image is deleted.
[0020]
FIG. 12 shows a still image management method described in the above technique. First, still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) for managing a plurality of still image data (VOB) (101) as a still image group (VOBG) (102) is provided. Still picture group management information (VOBGI) (103) includes still picture group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104), start and end address information (VOBG_Address) (105) of the still picture group (VOBG) (102), Image management information (V_I_Number) (1015) that represents the number of still images managed in this group and image management information that summarizes only the management information (V_I) (1017) of the image portion of the still image (VOB) (101) Voice management information table that summarizes only the table (V_I_Table) (1016), voice number information (A_I_Number) (1018) indicating the number of voices managed in this group, and voice part management information (A_I) (1020) (A_I_Table) (1019). Image management information (V_I) (1017) is image data size (V_Size) (1021) and audio pointer information (A_I_PTR) that links to audio management information (A_I) (1020) corresponding to audio to be played back in synchronization ) (1022). Audio management information (A_I) (1020) includes audio data address information (A_Address) (1023), audio data size (A_Size) (1024), audio playback time (A_PTM) (1025), and other audio data. It consists of voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1026) that links to management information (A_I) (1020). When there is no voice to be linked, NULL indicating an invalid value is recorded as voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1022) (1026).
[0021]
In the technique, the image management information table (V_I_Table) (1016) and the voice management information table (A_I_Table) (1019) are separately provided, and the voice management information (A_I) (1020) has voice address information (A_Address) (1023). )have.
[0022]
Still image and audio data are recorded in the form of files on a recording medium. At this time, since the addresses in the file are continuous, if the still image and the audio to be played back in synchronization therewith are deleted, the file is reconfigured so that the addresses in the file are continuous except for the deleted portion. Therefore, when the recording position of the audio data is managed by the address information (A_Address) (1023) in the file, all the address information (A_Address) (1023) after the deleted part is replaced with new address information after reconstruction. It is necessary to replace with. Accordingly, when a large amount of still image data of up to several tens of thousands is recorded, the time required for replacing the address information becomes enormous. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13A, the address information (1023) is simply deleted from the management information configuration shown in FIG. 12, and the image and audio data sizes (1021) and (1024) are integrated from the beginning. A method of obtaining address information can be considered.
[0023]
When this method is used, the above-described replacement after reconfiguration is not necessary, but the following problems arise.
[0024]
For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, after recording the image portion (V_Part # 1) (1027) of still image # 1, the audio portion (A_Part # 1) (1028) is recorded with respect to the still image # 1. After dubbing and further recording the image part (V_Part # 2) (1029) of still image # 2, the image part (V_Part # 1) (1030) of still image # 1 as shown in FIG. When the image part (V_Part # 2) (1031) of still image # 2 is recorded and then the audio part (A_Part # 1) (1032) is post-recorded to still image # 1, the data structure in the file is different. Nevertheless, as shown in FIG. 13A, V_I # 1 (1017-1) in the image management information table (V_I_Table) (1016) is the image data of V_Part # 1 (1027) or V_Part # 1 (1030). Consists of size (V_Size # 1) (1021-1) and voice pointer information (A_I_PTR # 1) (1022-1) to link to A_Part # 1 (1028) or A_Part # 1 (1032), and V_I # 2 (1017-2) is the same as the V_Part # 2 (1029) or V_Part # 2 (1031) image data size (V_Size # 2) (1021-2). Consists of audio pointer information (NULL) (1022-2) to indicate that there is no audio to be linked, A_I # 1 (1020) is audio data of A_Part # 1 (1028) or A_Part # 1 (1032) Consists of size (A_Size # 1) (1024), audio playback time (A_PTM # 1) (1025), and audio pointer information (NULL) (1026) to indicate that there is no audio to be linked. There will be a problem that it will not stick.
[0025]
Further, the configurations of the image management information (V_I) (1017) and the audio management information (A_I) (1020) shown in FIG. 12 are redundant, and there is room for further reducing the data size.
[0026]
The second object of the present invention is to manage still image data and audio data to be reproduced in synchronization therewith without any problem, greatly reducing the time required for reconstructing management information when a still image is deleted, and managing information. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical disk recording apparatus and reproducing apparatus having a data management structure capable of suppressing the data size, and a computer program for realizing them.
[0027]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, at least still image data (VOB) is recorded on a recording medium, and N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) still image data (VOB) still image group (VOBG) The still image group management information (VOBGI) to be managed as is recorded, and the first recorded still image data (VOB) in the still image group (VOBG) is recorded in the still image group management information (VOBGI). Record the time (F_RECTM) and the last recorded still image data (VOB) recording time (L_RECTM).
[0028]
In order to solve the above problems, at least still image data (VOB) is recorded on a recording medium, and N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) still image data (VOB) still image group (VOBG) Still image group management information (VOBGI) to be managed as follows, the still image group management information (VOBGI) has a still image management information table (VOBI_Table), and the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) Still image management information (hereinafter referred to as first still image management information (V_I)) that does not have audio (hereinafter referred to as audio) to be played back in synchronization with the audio (hereinafter referred to as first still image management information (V_I)) Hereinafter, still image management information (hereinafter referred to as second still image management information (V_OA_I)) having only original sound) and audio (hereinafter referred to as after-recording) that has been additionally recorded (hereinafter referred to as “recording”). , Still image management information (hereinafter referred to as third still image management information) V_AA_I)) and still image management information (VOBI) classified into one of the still image management information (hereinafter referred to as fourth still image management information (V_OA_AA_I)) having both the original sound and the after-recording sound. The storage order of the still picture management information (VOBI) in the still picture management information table (VOBI_Table) is the same as the recording order of the still pictures (VOB).
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Examples of the present invention for achieving the first object will be described below.
[0030]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of the first embodiment. In the figure, first, N still images (VOB) (1) encoded with the MPEG I picture or the like (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) are grouped into a still image group (VOBG) (2). . Operates from video recording to still image recording when the number N of still images (VOB) (1) in the still image group (VOBG) (2) reaches a certain value (for example, 64) during still image recording When the mode is switched, control is performed so as to generate the next still image group (VOBG) (2). The data (encoded stream data) of the still image (VOB) (1) is recorded on the recording medium as a VOB file (11) described later, and information for defining the still image group (VOBG) (2) is VOB. It records on a recording medium as a management file (12).
[0031]
The VOB management file (VOBGI) (12) includes management information (VOBGI) (3) corresponding to each still image group (VOBG) (2). That is, management information (VOBGI) (3) is provided for each still picture group (VOBG) (2). Information for managing M (where M is an integer of 1 or more) pieces of management information (VOBGI) (3) may be separately stored in the VOB management file (VOBGI) (12). Then, illustration is abbreviate | omitted. Management information (VOBGI) (3) includes still image group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4), VOB number information (5), VOB map (6), first recording time (F_RECTM) (7), last recording time ( L_RECTM) (8). Each item will be described below.
[0032]
The still image group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4) is information for identifying the management information (VOBGI) (3) and the corresponding still image group (VOBG) (2), and is stored in the VOB management file (12). Use a unique value. Note that the serial number from the top in the VOB management file (12) can be substituted, and in this case, the still picture group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4) can be omitted.
[0033]
The VOB number information (5) is information indicating the number of still images (VOB) (1) existing in the still image group (VOBG) (2) (the integer N described above). The data length of the VOB map (6) described below is determined according to the number of VOBs.
[0034]
The VOB map (6) holds the address (9) and attribute (10) information of the still image (VOB) (1) for each still image (VOB). A desired address can be obtained by holding the data size instead of the address (9) and summing the data size from the beginning. Further, as the attribute (10), the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the still image, the display time of the still image, the presence / absence of sound to be reproduced in synchronization with the still image, the sound reproduction time, the address of the sound data, and the like are conceivable.
[0035]
As described above, it is conceivable to store the recording time (RECTM) as management information for each still image (VOB) (1). In this case, however, the data size of the management information becomes too large. The first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) and the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) are one of the characteristic parts of the present invention. Therefore, the data size is maintained by holding the recording time (RECTM) for each still image group (VOBG) (2), which is a group of N still images (VOB) (1). Reduce. Furthermore, among the still image recording times (RECTM) in the still image group (VOBG) (2), both the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) and the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) must be retained. Thus, a search using time as a key becomes possible. That is, the user inputs the recording time (TM) of the still image that the user wants to play back or search, and the recording time (TM) is the corresponding still image group (VOBG) (2), that is, TM is later in time than F_RECTM. Or, select and play back only the still image group (VOBG) (2) that satisfies the same relationship (F_RECTM (7) ≦ TM ≦ L_RECTM (8)). Or it becomes possible to search. According to the present invention, by recording the data management structure shown in FIG. 1 on an optical disc, it is not necessary to manually search for a desired one from a maximum of about 64,000 still images, and a still image group (VOBG). Since it is possible to search from the maximum number of still images (for example, 64), the usability is greatly improved.
[0036]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a directory structure used in the first embodiment of the present invention. In a recording medium such as a DVD-RAM, encoded stream data such as still images, management information data, and the like are recorded as files that are a set of logical data. The recording medium has a directory structure starting from the root directory (13), and generally generates and holds the VOB file (11) and the VOB management file (12) in the subdirectory (14). The VOB file (11) and the VOB management file (12) may be recorded directly under the root directory (13) without using the subdirectory (14). A directory may be provided to record the file (11) and the VOB management file (12).
[0037]
FIG. 3 shows the structure of time information used in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the recording time (RECTM) is 2 bytes for year (15), 1 byte for month (16), 1 byte for day (17), 1 byte for hour (18), 1 byte for minute (19), It is an example of the data structure which represents second (20) by 1 byte. Similarly, the data structure may be used for the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) and the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) described above. In this case, only 14 bytes are added for F_RECTM and L_RECTM per still image group (VOBG), and when 64 still images are grouped, about 64000 still images that fill the disk Only about 14 kilobytes (= (64000 * 14) / (64 * 1024)) of management information increases. As described above, when recording is performed by adding a recording time to each still image, the increase in the management information can be suppressed to about 3% as compared with an increase of about 438 kilobytes.
[0038]
As a result, the amount of management information can be suppressed, and the capacity of the memory in the recording / reproducing apparatus can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize cost reduction while realizing high-speed access.
[0039]
The present invention is not limited to the data structure shown in the figure, and the recording time can also be expressed by bytes other than those described above. The recording time can also be expressed by the total number of seconds from a specific time (for example, January 1, 1990, 0: 0: 0).
[0040]
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention for achieving the first object. This figure shows the structure of management information that can hold the recording time of each still image (VOB) on the optical disc medium as recording information, but can reduce the memory capacity of the system control unit in the device. Indicates. In management information (VOBGI) (3), still image group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4), VOB number information (5), VOB map (6), first recording time (F_RECTM) (7), last recording time Having (L_RECTM) (8) is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. In addition, the management information (VOBGI) (3) has pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21) to the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22). This pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21) indicates the address in the VOB management file (12) of the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22), and further the data of the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22). You may have size. Still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22) may be a separate file from the VOB management file (12), and the file name and the like may be held as pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21).
[0041]
The still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22) holds the recording time (RECTM) (23) of each still image (VOB) (1) for each still image group (VOBG) (2). In the figure, as an example, a case where five still images (VOB) are set as a still image group (VOBG) is illustrated. Each recording time (RECTM) may be represented by the data structure shown in FIG.
[0042]
Here, only the management information (VOBGI) (3) is always stored in the memory of the system control unit, and when the recording time of each still image (VOB) becomes necessary, the still image (VOB) is stored. By reading only the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) corresponding to the still image group (VOBG) to which it belongs, the capacity of the memory can be reduced. For example, the pointer information (RECTMI_P) size is 4 bytes, the maximum number of still images per still image group (VOBG) is 64, the maximum number of still image groups is 1000 (= 64000/64), and the recording time (RECTM) is Assuming 7 bytes, the required increase in memory capacity is 4448 bytes (= 4 * 1000 + 64 * 7), which is combined with the increase in F_RECTM (7) and L_RECTM (8) (about 14 kilobytes). Only about 4% of the increase required for the above-mentioned technology (about 438 kilobytes) is sufficient.
[0043]
FIG. 5 shows a directory structure used in the third embodiment of the present invention to achieve the first object. Still images (VOB) (1) Individual recording times (RECTM) are often used for retrieval. The recording time is generally displayed together with a thumbnail image, which is a reduced still image, and is used for searching. Therefore, in addition to the directory structure shown in FIG. 2, a THM file (24) in which thumbnail images for searching as described later are recorded and a THM management file (25) in which information for managing the files are recorded are added. Then, the recording time (RECTM) of each still image (VOB) (1) is managed in the THM management file (25). In the figure, the THM file (24) and THM management file (25) are placed in the same subdirectory (14) as the VOB file (11) and VOB management file (12). Instead, another subdirectory may be provided and placed there.
[0044]
FIG. 6 shows a configuration diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows a method of holding still images (VOB) (1) individual recording times (RECTM) (32) in a THM management file (25). Thumbnail management information (THMI) (29) for managing thumbnail images (28) is always stored in memory like still image management information (VOBI) (26) for managing still images (VOB) (1). It is not necessary to store the data in the memory, and it may be read into the memory only during the search. Therefore, if the recording time (RECTM) (32) is recorded in the thumbnail management information (THMI) (29), it is not necessary to greatly increase the memory capacity of the system control unit, and still images (VOB) (1) and Thumbnail image (28) and thumbnail management information (THMI) (29) have a one-to-one correspondence as shown in the figure, so they hold the recording time (RECTM) (32) of each still image (VOB) (1) can do. In the figure, the thumbnail identifier (THM_ID) (27) (30) is identification information for associating the VOB management information (VOBI) (26) with the thumbnail management information (THMI) (29). 12) A unique value in the THM management file (25).
[0045]
Note that the thumbnail identifier (THM_ID) (27) can be substituted with the serial number from the beginning in the VOB management file (12). In this case, the thumbnail identifier (THM_ID) (30) can be omitted. Also, the thumbnail management information (THMI) (29) and the thumbnail image (THM) (28) should be associated with each other by the address information (31) in the THM file held in the thumbnail management information (THMI) (29). Can do. In the method shown in the figure, it is necessary to have still image management information (VOBI) (26) for each still image (VOB) (1), and the VOB management file (12) that should always be stored in the memory. The capacity of will increase. Next, a method for improving this will be described.
[0046]
FIG. 7 shows a configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention for achieving the first object. First, as in the method shown in FIG. 1, N still images (VOB) (1) (where N is an integer of 1 or more) are grouped into a still image group (VOBG) (2), and each still image group ( It is managed by still picture group management information (VOBGI) (3) corresponding to (VOBG) (2). In addition to the data structure shown in FIG. 1, the still picture group management information (VOBGI) (3) has pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) to thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) described later. .
[0047]
This pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) indicates the address in the THM management file (25) of the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34), and further the data size and THM management of the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34). You may have the address name of the file (25).
[0048]
Thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) is a collection of L (THM) (28) thumbnail images (THM) (28) in a THM file (24). ) As information for management. If this L is matched with the number N of still images (VOB) (1) in the still image group (VOBG) (2), the classification of both groups will be the same, and management will be easy. All the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) is collected and recorded as a THM management file (25).
[0049]
The thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) includes THM number information (35) and a THM map (36). THM number information (35) indicates the above-mentioned integer L, and when it matches the integer N as described above, the VOB number information (5) in the still picture group management information (VOBGI) (3) is substituted. Since it is possible, it may be omitted. The THM map (36) holds the address (37), attribute (38), and recording time (RECTM) (39) information of the thumbnail image (THM) (28) for each thumbnail image (THM). . A desired address can be obtained by holding the data size of the thumbnail image (THM) instead of the address (37) and integrating the data size from the head. Further, as the attribute (38), the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the thumbnail image (THM) (28), the encoding method, and the like can be considered, but these can be omitted by fixing them in the system.
[0050]
By using this method, when searching based on the time, first the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) for each group recorded in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) A desired still image group (VOBG) is obtained using the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8). Next, only the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) corresponding to the still picture group (VOBG) is read into the memory. Thereby, an increase in the memory capacity of the system control unit can be suppressed. For example, if the pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) is assumed to be 4 bytes and the maximum number of still picture groups (VOBG) is assumed to be 1000 (= 64000/64), the number of VOB management files will increase compared to the method of FIG. The minute is 4000 bytes. Also, assuming that the maximum number of thumbnail images (THM) (28) per thumbnail group (THMG) (40) is 64, the THM number information (35) is omitted as L = N, and the address (37) Is 4 bytes, the attribute (38) is omitted, and the recording time (RECTM) (39) is 7 bytes, the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) is 704 bytes per group (= 64 * (4+ 7)). Therefore, the search using the time information (RECTM) (39) for each still image (VOB) (1) can be performed with only 4704 bytes of memory increase compared to the method shown in FIG. 1, and the F_RECTM (7 ) And L_RECTM (8) increase (approximately 14 kilobytes), it is only about 4.3% of the memory increase (approximately 438 kilobytes) required for recording the recording time for each still image.
[0051]
The thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) shown in FIG. 7 can also be considered as information for collectively managing the recording time (RECTM) (39) of each still image (VOB) (1). Therefore, it can be considered that the function of the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22) shown in FIG. 4 is included. Therefore, the pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) shown in FIG. 7 also includes the function of the pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21) shown in FIG.
[0052]
FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.
[0053]
The recording / reproducing apparatus may be configured as dedicated hardware, or may be configured to control general-purpose hardware such as a personal computer by a control procedure (hereinafter referred to as a program) described later. In either case, the control unit (41) operates based on the program stored in the memory (101) in which the program is stored. The memory (101) in which the program is stored may be the same recording medium as the memory (102) in which management information described later is recorded, or the memory (101) may be used as a read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory. Recording medium that is not suitable for frequent data rewriting such as memory, and memory (102) that is suitable for frequent data rewriting such as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) For example, both may be configured separately. The contents (program) of the memory (101) in which the program is stored may be preset by the apparatus manufacturer before the apparatus is shipped, or another recording medium storing the program before the apparatus operation as shown in FIG. You may comprise so that it may read from (computer-readable recording medium).
[0054]
FIG. 20 shows an example in which the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention is configured by a computer. In the figure, a recording / reproducing apparatus includes a computer main body (101003), a monitor (101001) for displaying images, a speaker (101002) for outputting sound, a mouse (101004) for inputting operation instructions from a user, and a keyboard (101005). And a drive (101006) for recording and reproducing data on the recording medium (101007). The recording medium (101007) stores a program for controlling the computer (101003), and loads it into the memory (10101) in the computer via the drive (101006) (installation) before operating as a recording / reproducing device. ). As a computer-readable recording medium (101007), a playback-only disc such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM flexible Discs are considered. The recording medium (101007) may be a rewritable medium such as a DVD-RAM, and the program and data such as images and audio described below may be mixedly recorded on the same medium.
[0055]
The recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 8 first receives an operation instruction from the user through the operation unit (42), and then performs operation control from the control unit (41) to each unit described later. At the time of recording, a signal such as an image or sound is input from the input unit (43), and encoding such as an MPEG system is performed by the encoder (44). Encoded data such as moving images, still images, and audio are input to the drive (46) via the track buffer (45) and recorded on the recording medium (47). At this time, the management information generated by the method shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, and FIG.
[0056]
Since it is difficult to record the management information at the same time during the period when the encoded data is recorded in real time, the recording medium is once recorded in the memory (102) in which the management information is recorded and then recorded on the recording medium (47) Control to record above. It is one of the objects of the present invention to reduce the capacity of the memory (102).
[0057]
On the other hand, at the time of reproduction, management information is once read from the recording medium (47) by the drive to the memory (102), and then encoded data is read based on the information and input to the track buffer (45). The encoded data from the track buffer (45) is decoded by the decoder (48) and output from the output unit (49).
[0058]
Hereinafter, a computer-readable recording medium for realizing the still image recording method and the still image reproduction method of the present invention will be described focusing on the operation of the control unit (41) (that is, the contents of the program).
[0059]
FIG. 9 shows an example of a still image recording method used in the present invention. Recording is started from step (50). First, in step (51), the encoded stream data of the still image (VOB) (1) shown in FIG. 1 is recorded as a VOB file (11) on a recording medium. Proceed to (52).
[0060]
In step (52), it is determined whether the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) corresponding to the still image group (VOBG) (2) including the still image (VOB) (1) already exists. If it exists, go to step (53), and if not, go to step (58).
[0061]
In step (53), the number of still images (VOB) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) is increased by 1, and the address (9) of the still image (VOB) (1) recorded in step (51) is increased. ) And attribute (10) are added to the VOB map (6), and the process proceeds to step (54).
[0062]
In step (54), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is compared with the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) in the still image group. If it is past (RECTM &# 60 F_RECTM), the process proceeds to step (55). Otherwise, the process proceeds to step (56). In normal operation, RECTM is never past F_RECTM, but when using a common recording medium between different recording devices and there is an error in each internal clock, (RECTM &# 60 F_RECTM) This comparison is necessary.
[0063]
In step (55), the value of F_RECTM is replaced with the value of RECTM. That is, the most recent time in the still picture group is set as the value of F_RECTM. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step (56).
[0064]
In step (56), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is compared with the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) in the still image group, and RECTM is more time-related than L_RECTM. If it is the future (RECTM &# 62 L_RECTM), go to step (57), otherwise go to step (61). Normally, RECTM is in the future than L_RECTM. However, this is necessary because (RECTM &# 60 L_RECTM) may occur when a common recording medium is used by different recording apparatuses and each internal clock has an error.
[0065]
In step (57), the value of L_RECTM is replaced with the value of RECTM. That is, as the value of L_RECTM, the future time is set most temporally in this still picture group. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step (61).
[0066]
In step (58), a new still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) is generated, the number of VOBs (5) = 1, and the address of the still image (VOB) (1) recorded in step (51) Register (9) and attribute (10) in the VOB map (6), and proceed to step (59).
[0067]
In step (59), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is set in the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) in the still image group, and the process proceeds to step (60).
[0068]
In step (60), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is set in the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) in the still image group, and the process proceeds to step (61).
[0069]
In step (61), the still picture group management information (VOBGI) (3) generated or updated as described above is recorded on the recording medium as a VOB management file (12), and the recording operation is performed in step (62). Exit.
[0070]
FIG. 10 shows an example of a still image reproduction method used in the present invention. In this figure, a method of inputting a desired time (TM) from the operation unit (42) shown in FIG. 8 and selectively reproducing only a still image (VOB) (1) at a recording time (RECTM) close thereto. Show.
[0071]
First, playback is started from step (63), a desired time (TM) is input at step (64), and the process proceeds to step (65).
[0072]
In step (65), the first still picture group management information (VOBGI) (3) is set as a processing target. Here, the first still image group management information (VOBGI) may be, for example, the first registered still image group management information (VOBGI) when viewed from the beginning to the end of the VOB management file (12). . Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step (66).
[0073]
In step (66), the time (TM) input in step (64), the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) to be processed, and the last Compared to the recording time (L_RECTM) (8), TM is temporally or equal in time than F_RECTM, and TM is past or equal in time than L_RECTM, that is, (F_RECTM ≤ TM ≤ L_RECTM) If yes, go to step (67), otherwise go to step (68).
[0074]
In step (67), the still image (VOB) (1) belonging to the still image group (VOBG) (2) managed in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) to be processed is played back, and step Proceed to (68).
[0075]
In step (68), it is determined whether or not the next still picture group management information (VOBGI) exists. If it exists, the process proceeds to step (69), and if not, the process proceeds to step (70). Here, the next still image group management information (VOBGI) is, for example, registered next to the still image group management information (VOBGI) that is currently processed when viewed from the beginning to the end of the VOB management file (12). Still image group management information (VOBGI).
[0076]
In step (69), the next still image group management information (VOBGI) is set as the next processing target, and the process proceeds to step (66).
[0077]
In step (70), the reproduction operation is terminated.
[0078]
With the above operation, only the still image (VOB) (1) belonging to the still image group (VOBG) in the relationship of (F_RECTM ≤ TM ≤ L_RECTM) can be selectively played back at the desired time (TM). Can do.
[0079]
In the above embodiment, the DVD-RAM has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is obvious that the present invention can be used in other recording media as well.
[0080]
As described above, the first object of the present application can be achieved. That is, a search using a still image recording time (RECTM) can be realized for an enormous number of still images recorded on a large-capacity optical disk medium, and an increase in the data size of management information can be suppressed.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention for achieving the second object will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0081]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, and a method for recording the recording order and attributes of still images in the management information will be described. In the figure, first, N still images (VOB) (101) encoded with the MPEG I picture or the like are grouped together (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) to form a still image group (VOBG) (102). . Operates from video recording to still image recording when the number N of still images (VOB) (101) in the still image group (VOBG) (102) reaches a certain value (for example, 1064) during still image recording When the mode is switched, control is performed so as to generate the next still image group (VOBG) (102). The data (encoded stream data) of the still image (VOB) (101) is recorded on the recording medium as a VOB file (1013) described later, and information for defining the still image group (VOBG) (102) is VOB. Recorded on the recording medium as a management file (1014).
[0082]
The VOB management file (1014) includes management information (VOBGI) (103) corresponding to each still image group (VOBG) (102). That is, management information (VOBGI) (103) is provided for each still picture group (VOBG) (102). Information for managing M (where M is an integer of 1 or more) pieces of management information (VOBGI) (103) may be separately stored in the VOB management file (1014). Since it is not directly related, illustration is omitted here. Management information (VOBGI) (103) includes still picture group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104), still picture group address information (VOBG_Address) (105), still picture number information (VOBI_Number) (106), still picture management information table ( VOBI_Table) (107). Each item will be described below.
[0083]
The still image group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104) is information for identifying the management information (VOBGI) (103) and the corresponding still image group (VOBG) (102), and is stored in the VOB management file (1014). And a unique value. Note that the serial number from the top in the VOB management file (1014) can be substituted, and in this case, the still picture group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104) can be omitted.
[0084]
Still picture group address information (VOBG_Address) (105) has the start address of the encoded stream data belonging to this still picture group (VOBG) (102) in the VOB file. In addition to this, an end address may be provided.
[0085]
The still picture number information (VOBI_Number) (106) has the number of still pictures (VOB) (101) belonging to the still picture group (VOBG) (102).
[0086]
The still picture management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) includes still picture management information (VOBI) (108) corresponding to each still picture (VOB) (101) in the still picture group (VOBG) (102). At this time, the storage order of the still picture management information (VOBI) (108) in the still picture management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) is stored so as to be the same as the recording order of the still picture (VOB) (101). For example, the still picture management information (VOBI) (108-1) shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the still picture (VOB) (101-1).
[0087]
Still image management information (VOBI) (108) is management information for still images that do not have audio (hereinafter referred to as audio) to be played in synchronization with the still image according to the attributes of the corresponding still image (VOB) (101). (First still image management information (V_I)) (109), still image management information (second still image management) having only sound (hereinafter referred to as original sound) recorded at substantially the same time as the still image recording time. Information (V_OA_I)) (1010), still image management information (third still image management information) having only audio (hereinafter referred to as after-recording audio) that has been additionally recorded (hereinafter referred to as after-recording) with respect to the already recorded still image. (V_AA_I)) (1011), and still picture management information (fourth still picture management information (V_OA_AA_I)) (1012) having both original voice and post-recording voice.
[0088]
By configuring the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) in this way, the recording order and attributes of still images (VOB) (101) can be stored in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103). Can do. When the still image (VOB) (101) is deleted in the middle, the corresponding still image management information (VOBI) (108) is also deleted at the same time.
[0089]
Next, a detailed configuration of the still image management information (VOBI) (108) will be described with reference to FIG. 14, and a method for suppressing the data size of the management information will be described.
[0090]
FIG. 14 (a) shows the configuration of still image management information (first still image management information (V_I)) (109) having no sound. V_I (109) includes identification information (V_I_ID) (1033) for identifying the first still image management information as still image identification information (VOBI_ID), and image data size (V_Size) (1034). . This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image having no sound, and the data size of management information is made as small as possible by eliminating redundant portions. A method for obtaining the address of the image part (V_Part) will be described later.
[0091]
FIG. 14B shows a configuration of still image management information (second still image management information (V_OA_I)) (1010) having only the original sound. V_OA_I (1010) includes identification information (V_OA_I_ID) (1035) for identifying the second still image management information as still image identification information (VOBI_ID), image data size (V_Size) (1036), It consists of an original audio data size (OA_Size) (1037) and an original audio playback time (OA_PTM) (1038). This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image having only original sound, and the data size of management information is made as small as possible by eliminating redundant portions. A method for obtaining the addresses of the image part (V_Part) and the original sound part (OA_Part) will be described later.
[0092]
FIG. 14C shows the configuration of still image management information (third still image management information (V_AA_I)) (1011) having only after-recording sound. V_AA_I (1011) includes identification information (V_AA_I_ID) (1039) for identifying the third still image management information as still image identification information (VOBI_ID), image data size (V_Size) (1040), It consists of post-recording voice pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041) which will be described later. This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image having only after-recording sound, and the data size of management information is made as small as possible by eliminating redundant portions. A method for obtaining addresses of the image part (V_Part) and the after-recording sound part (AA_Part) will be described later.
[0093]
FIG. 14D shows a configuration of still picture management information (fourth still picture management information (V_OA_AA_I)) (1012) having both original voice and post-recording voice. V_OA_AA_I (1012) is identification information (V_OA_AA_I_ID) (1042) for identifying the fourth still image management information as still image identification information (VOBI_ID), image data size (V_Size) (1043), It consists of an original audio data size (OA_Size) (1044), an original audio playback time (OA_PTM) (1045), and after-recording audio pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1046) described later.
[0094]
This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image having both original sound and after-recording sound, and the data size of management information is made as small as possible by eliminating redundant portions. A method for obtaining addresses of the image part (V_Part), the original sound part (OA_Part), and the after-recording sound part (AA_Part) will be described later. FIG. 14E shows a detailed configuration of the above-described still image identification information (VOBI_ID) (1047). Still image identification information (VOBI_ID) (1047) includes V_I_ID (1033), V_OA_I_ID (1035), V_AA_I_ID (1039), TY (Type) for identifying any of V_OA_AA_ID (1042), and this still image identification It consists of PP (Playback Permission) indicating whether or not to reproduce the still image (VOB) (101) corresponding to the information (VOBI_ID) (1047). This PP is a flag indicating that 0 can be reproduced normally, and 1 is prohibited to reproduce, and has the same function as that described in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.
[0095]
As shown in FIGS. 14 (a) to 14 (d), VOB management is performed by classifying still image attributes into four types and providing each image with still image management information (VOBI) (108) having a necessary and sufficient data size. It becomes possible to suppress the data size of the file (1014) as much as possible. For example, in the above technique, (a) a still image without sound, (b) a still image with only original sound, (c) a still image with only after-recording sound, (d) a still image with both original sound and after-recording sound Image management information (V_I) (1017) and audio management information (A_I) (1020) total data sizes are (a) 2 bytes, (b) 11 bytes, (c) 11 bytes, In contrast to (d) 20 bytes, the data size of the still picture management information (VOBI) (108) is (a) 2 bytes, (b) 6 bytes, and (c) 4 in the method shown in FIG. Bytes, (d) can be reduced to 8 bytes. As for (c) and (d), management information of the after-recording audio part (AA_Part) is required separately, which will be described later.
[0096]
Also, by placing still image identification information (VOBI_ID) (1047) for identifying attributes at the head of each still image management information (VOBI) (108), the data of the still image management information (VOBI) (108) The size can be determined. For example, when the TY of VOBI_ID (1047) is 00, it can be seen that the VOBI_ID (1047) is V_I (109), and that the data size is 2 bytes in total. Therefore, for example, when obtaining the recording position of VOBI # 3 (108-3) in VOBI_Table (107) shown in FIG. 11, VOBI # 2 (108-2) is calculated from the data size of VOBI # 1 (108-1). ) And the recording position of VOBI # 3 (108-3) can be obtained from the data size of VOBI # 2 (108-2).
[0097]
FIG. 15A shows an example of a file structure used in one embodiment of the present invention. In a recording medium such as a DVD-RAM, encoded stream data such as still images, management information data, and the like are recorded as logical files. The recording medium has a directory structure starting from the root directory (1048), and generally generates and holds the VOB file (1013) and the VOB management file (1014) described above in the subdirectory (1049). Note that the VOB file (1013) and VOB management file (1014) may be recorded directly under the root directory (1048) without using the subdirectory (1049). A directory may be provided to record the file (1013) and the VOB management file (1014).
[0098]
FIG. 15B shows an example of the VOB file (1013), and shows a method for obtaining an address from the data size information shown in FIG. First, as shown in the figure, in one still picture group (VOBG) (102), only the image part (V_Part) and the original audio part (OA_Part) of the still picture (VOB) (101) are consecutive. Record in the VOB file (1013). That is, when other data such as moving image data is recorded in the VOB file (1013) in the middle, control is performed to generate another still image group (VOBG) (102) as described above. As an example, the image part of still image # 1 (VOB # 1) (V_Part # 1) (1050), the image part of still image # 2 (VOB # 2) (V_Part # 2) (1051), and Original audio part (OA_Part # 2) (1052), image part of still image # 3 (VOB # 3) (V_Part # 3) (1053), image part of still image # 4 (VOB # 4) recorded almost simultaneously This shows the contents of the VOB file when V_Part # 4) (1054) and the original audio part (OA_Part # 4) (1055) recorded almost simultaneously are recorded in order. At this time, for example, to obtain the start address of the image portion (V_Part # 3) (1053) of still image # 3 (VOB # 3), the data size (V_Size # 1) of V_Part # 1 (1050), V_Part # 2 (1051) data size (V_Size # 2), OA_Part # 2 (1052) data size (OA_Size # 2) are accumulated in order, and V_Part recorded in the above-mentioned still image group address information (VOBG_Address) (105) It can be seen that it should be added to the start address of # 1 (1050). In this way, if you have a method to find the address by integrating the data size, for example, even if you delete still image # 3 (VOB # 3), still image # 4 (VOB # 4) after that It is not necessary to update the contents of the management information, and the time required for reconfiguration of the management information can be greatly reduced.
[0099]
The post-recording audio part (AA_Part) is additionally recorded regardless of the recording order of the image part (V_Part), and is expected to be significantly less than the image part (V_Part) and the original audio part (OA_Part). Therefore, the data structure is different from V_Part and OA_Part. For example, voice management information (A_I) (1020) is provided as in the voice management information table (A_I_Table) (1019) shown in FIG. 12, address information (A_Address) (1023) of the after-recording voice part (AA_Part), voice data The size (A_Size) (1024) and the audio playback time (A_PTM) (1025) may be recorded. If the post-recording voice pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041) (1046) shown in FIG. 14 indicates the number (# 1 etc.) of the voice management information (A_I) (1020), the still picture management information ( The address, data size, and playback time of the after-recording audio part (AA_Part) corresponding to (VOBI) can be obtained. At this time, since the number of post-recording voices is limited to one, voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1026) for linking to other voice data is not necessary, and voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1026) can be omitted.
[0100]
In addition, if the data structure includes only the after-recording audio part (AA_Part), the address can be obtained by integrating the audio data size (A_Size) (1024) from the beginning, so the address information (A_Address) (1023) Can also be omitted.
[0101]
FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention. The recording / reproducing apparatus may be configured as dedicated hardware, or may be configured to control general-purpose hardware such as a personal computer by a control procedure (hereinafter referred to as a program) described later. In either case, the control unit (1056) operates based on the program stored in the memory (10101) in which the program is stored. The memory (10101) in which the program is stored may be the same recording medium as the memory (10102) in which management information described later is recorded, or the memory (10101) may be used as a read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory. Recording medium that is not suitable for frequent data rewriting such as memory, and memory (10102) that is suitable for frequent data rewriting such as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) For example, both may be configured separately. The contents (program) of the memory (10101) in which the program is stored may be preset by the apparatus manufacturer before the apparatus is shipped, or another recording medium storing the program before the apparatus operation as shown in FIG. You may comprise so that it may read from (computer-readable recording medium).
[0102]
FIG. 20 shows an example in which the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention is configured by a computer. In the figure, a recording / reproducing apparatus includes a computer main body (101003), a monitor (101001) for displaying images, a speaker (101002) for outputting sound, a mouse (101004) for inputting operation instructions from a user, and a keyboard (101005). And a drive (101006) for recording and reproducing data on the recording medium (101007). The recording medium (101007) stores a program for controlling the computer (101003), and loads it into the memory (1010101) in the computer via the drive (101006) (installation) before operating as a recording / reproducing device. ). As a computer-readable recording medium (101007), a playback-only disc such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM flexible Discs are considered. The recording medium (101007) may be a rewritable medium such as a DVD-RAM, and the program and data such as images and audio described below may be mixedly recorded on the same medium.
[0103]
The recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 16 first receives an operation instruction from the user through the operation unit (1057), and then performs operation control from the control unit (1056) to each unit described later. At the time of recording, a signal such as an image or a sound is input from the input unit (1058), and encoding such as an MPEG system is performed by the encoder (1059). Encoded data such as moving images, still images, and audio are input to the drive (1061) via the track buffer (1060) and recorded on the recording medium (1062). At this time, the management information generated by the method shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 by the control unit (1056) is also recorded. Since it is difficult to simultaneously record management information during a period in which the encoded data is recorded in real time, the recording medium is temporarily recorded in the memory (10102) in which the management information is recorded, and then the recording medium is recorded after the encoded data is recorded. (1062) Control to record on. It is one of the objects of the present invention to reduce the capacity of the memory (10102).
[0104]
On the other hand, at the time of reproduction, management information is once read from the recording medium (1062) by the drive (1061) to the memory (10102), and then encoded data is read based on the information and input to the track buffer (1060). The encoded data from the track buffer (1060) is decoded by the decoder (1063) and output from the output unit (1064). The detailed operation of each part is described in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491 and the detailed configuration can be realized by a known technology, and is not particularly shown here. Hereinafter, the recording method and the reproducing method of the present invention will be described focusing on the operation (that is, the contents of the program) of the control unit (1056).
[0105]
FIG. 17 shows an example of the original recording method used in the present invention. Recording starts from step (1065), and the still image group (VOBG) (102) to record the still image (VOB) (101) in step (1066) and the corresponding still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) is determined, and the process proceeds to step (1067). At this time, for example, immediately after recording a still image (VOB) (101), the same still image group (VOBG) (102) and still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) may be used. Also, when the number of still images in the still image group (VOBG) (102) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 1064) or after recording other data such as a movie, a new still image is created. The image group (VOBG) (102) and the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) may be generated.
[0106]
In step (1067), the encoded stream data of the image portion (V_Part) of the still image (VOB) (101) is recorded on the recording medium (1062) as a VOB file (1013), and the process proceeds to step (1068).
[0107]
In step (1068), it is determined whether or not the original sound is to be recorded. If not, the process proceeds to step (1069), and if it is to be recorded, the process proceeds to step (1070). At this time, before recording a still image, the user decides an operation mode indicating whether or not to record the original sound, stores the result in a mode switch or mode memory provided in the recording device, and stores the storage state. The determination may be made based on the above.
[0108]
In step (1069), the management information of the still image having no sound (first information) is added at the end of the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) shown in FIG. 1 still image management information (V_I)) (109) and identification information for identifying the first still image management information in (V_I) (109) as shown in FIG. (V_I_ID) and image data size (V_Size) (1034) are recorded, and the process proceeds to step (1072). In step (1070), the encoded stream data of the original audio part (OA_Part) to be reproduced in synchronization with the still image (VOB) (101) is additionally recorded in the VOB file (1013), and the process proceeds to step (1071).
[0109]
In step (1071), at the end of the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103), management information (second still image having only the original sound) is added. Management information (V_OA_I)) (1010) and identification information (V_OA_I_ID) for identifying the second still image management information in (V_OA_I) (1010) as shown in FIG. The image data size (V_Size) (1036), the original audio data size (1037), and the original audio reproduction time (OA_PTM) (1038) are recorded, and the process proceeds to Step (1072).
[0110]
In step (1072), the original recording operation is terminated.
[0111]
FIG. 18 shows an example of the after-recording method used in the present invention. Recording is started from step (1073) .In step (1074), the user selects a still image (VOB) (101) to record post-recording audio, and the control unit (1056) of the recording apparatus selects the still image. Determine the still image group (VOBG) (102) to which (VOB) (101) belongs, and the corresponding still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) and still image management information (VOBI) (108) Proceed to (1075).
[0112]
In step (1075), the type of the still picture management information (VOBI) (108) selected in step (1074) is V_I (109), V_OA_I (1010), V_AA_I (1011), or V_OA_AA_I (1012). Judging by VOBI_ID (1047) shown in FIG. 14, if V_I (109), go to step (1076), if V_OA_I (1010) go to step (1077), if V_AA_I (1011) or V_OA_AA_I (1012), go to step (1012). Go to 1078).
[0113]
In Step (1076), V_I (109) is changed to V_AA_I (1011), and the process proceeds to Step (1079). That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the TY value of VOBI_ID (1047) is changed from 00 to 1010, and management information after this VOBI_ID (1047) is copied with a shift of 2 bytes on the memory. Thus, an area (2 bytes) for storing the post-recording voice pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041) is made free.
[0114]
In Step (1077), V_OA_I (1010) is changed to V_OA_AA_I (1012), and the process proceeds to Step (1079). That is, the TY value of VOBI_ID (1047) is changed from 01 to 11, and the management information behind this VOBI_ID (1047) is copied by shifting by 2 bytes on the memory, so that the after-recording voice pointer information ( An area (2 bytes) for storing (AA_I_PTR) (1046) is made free.
[0115]
In step (1078), using the AA_I_PTR (1041) recorded in the V_AA_I (1011) or the AA_I_PTR (1046) recorded in the V_OA_AA_I (1012), the after-recording audio portion ( Search for AA_Part) and delete it, and go to step (1079).
[0116]
In step (1079), the encoded stream data of the after-recording audio part (AA_Part) is recorded on the recording medium (1062), and the process proceeds to step (1080).
[0117]
In step (1080), pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041 or 1046) for linking to the after-recording audio part (AA_Part) recorded in step (1079) is set in VOBI_ID (1047), and in step (1081) To end the dubbing.
[0118]
FIG. 19 shows an example of a still image reproduction method used in the present invention. First, playback is started from step (1082) .In step (1083), it is determined which still picture group (VOBG) (102) to play back, and corresponding still picture group management information (VOBGI) (103). And proceed to step (1084). At this time, the user may directly select and decide, the order in which the still image group (VOBG) (102) is actually recorded, or the still image group management information (VOBGI) in the VOB management file (1014). Still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) may be selected in order according to the order in which (103) is recorded or the reproduction order predetermined by the user. Note that the reproduction order predetermined by the user may be recorded as CellI in the PGCI in the PGCI table described in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.
[0119]
In step (1084), according to the order of the still image management information (VOBI) (108) in the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) recorded in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103). Play the still image (VOB) (101). The procedure is shown in steps (1085) to (1092).
[0120]
In step (1085), the still image management information (VOBI) (108) corresponding to the still image (VOB) (101) to be displayed first is selected as a processing target, and the process proceeds to step (1086). At this time, the first VOBI (108) (VOBI # 1 (108-1) in the case of FIG. 11) recorded in the VOBI_Table (107) may be a processing target, or a VOBI ( 108) may be the processing target. The VOBI (108) determined in advance by the user may be recorded as Cell_Start_Video in CellI described in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.
[0121]
In step (1086), V_Size (1034, 1036, 1040) recorded in VOBI (108) from VOBI (108) recorded at the beginning of VOBI_Table (107) to immediately before VOBI (108) to be processed. , 1043) and OA_Size (any of 1037, 1044), and add the integrated value to the start address in the still image group address information (VOBG_Address) (105) to obtain the desired image part (V_Part ) And the V_Part data size recorded in the VOBI (108) determined in step (1085) is determined from the recording medium (1062). V_Part is read, the decoder (1063) performs processing such as decoding, reproduces the image from the output unit (1064), and proceeds to step (1087).
[0122]
In step (1087), VOBI_ID (1047) determines which type of VOBI (108) to be processed is V_I (109), V_OA_I (1010), V_AA_I (1011), or V_OA_AA_I (1012), and V_I (1047) 109), go to step (1091), if V_OA_I (1010), go to step (1088), go to step (1089) if V_AA_I (1011), go to step (1090) if V_OA_AA_I (1012).
[0123]
In step (1088), the data size of the original audio part (OA_Part) is obtained from OA_Size (1037) recorded in V_OA_I (1010), and the data of V_Part is obtained at the address of V_Part obtained in step (1086). The size is added to obtain the address of OA_Part, OA_Part is read from the recording medium (1062), decoding is performed by the decoder (1063), audio is reproduced from the output unit (1064), and the process proceeds to step (1091). In Step (1089), the AA_I_PTR (1041) recorded in the V_AA_I (1011) is used to search for a post-recording audio part (AA_Part) corresponding to the still image, and after reading from the recording medium (1062), the decoder ( In 1063), processing such as decoding is performed to reproduce audio from the output unit (1064), and the process proceeds to step (1091).
[0124]
In step (1090), it is determined by the user's selection whether to play the original audio part (OA_Part) or the after-recording audio part (AA_Part), and when playing OA_Part, the same procedure as in step (1088) above When OA_Part is read and played back using OA_Size (1044) recorded in V_OA_AA_I (1012), and AA_Part is played back, it is recorded in V_OA_AA_I (1012) in the same procedure as step (1089). The AA_Part is read and reproduced using the AA_I_PTR (1046), and the process proceeds to Step (1091).
[0125]
In step (1091), it is determined whether or not the VOBI to be processed is the last VOBI. If it is the last, the process proceeds to step (1093), and if not, the process proceeds to step (1092). At this time, the last VOBI (108) (VOBI # 5 (108-5 in the case of FIG. 11)) recorded in the VOBI_Table (107) may be used as the last VOBI. The defined VOBI (108) may be used. The VOBI (108) determined in advance by the user may be recorded as Cell_End_Video in CellI described in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.
[0126]
In step (1092), the next VOBI (108) recorded in VOBI_Table (107) is set as a processing target, and the process proceeds to step (1086).
[0127]
In step (1093), the reproduction operation is terminated.
[0128]
With the above operation, the still image (VOB) (101) can be reproduced according to the order of the still image management information (VOBI) (108) in the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107).
[0129]
In the above, DVD-RAM and DVD-R have been described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is obvious that other recording media can be used as well. Further, the data size (1 byte or the like) of each unit shown in FIG. 14 is an example for explaining the operation, and is not limited to this data size.
[0130]
As described above, the second object of the present invention can be achieved. That is, even when a large number of still image data and audio data to be reproduced in synchronization with the large-capacity optical disk medium are recorded and some still images are deleted, the time required for reconstructing the management information The data size of management information can be greatly reduced.
[0131]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, it is possible to search for a huge number of still images recorded on a large-capacity optical disc medium using a still image recording time (RECTM) and to suppress an increase in the data size of management information. .
[0132]
In addition, even when a large number of still image data and audio data to be reproduced in synchronization therewith are recorded on a large-capacity optical disk medium and some still images are deleted, the time required for reconstructing management information and the The data size of management information can be greatly reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a directory structure used in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of time information used in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a directory structure used in a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an example of a still image recording method used in the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an example of a still image reproduction method used in the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a technique related to the proposal of the present inventors.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a technique related to the proposal of the present inventors.
FIG. 14 is a more detailed configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a file used in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is an example of a recording method used in the present invention.
FIG. 18 is another example of a recording method used in the present invention.
FIG. 19 is an example of a reproduction method used in the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Still image (VOB); 2 ... Still image group (VOBG); 3 ... Still image group management information (VOBGI); 4 ... Still image group identifier (VOBG_ID); 5 ... VOB number information; 6 ... VOB map; ... first recording time (F_RECTM); 8 ... last recording time (L_RECTM); 9,31,37 ... address; 10,38 ... attribute; 11 ... VOB file; 12 ... VOB management file; 13 ... root directory; 14 ... subdirectory; 15 ... year; 16 ... month; 17 ... day; 18 ... hour; 19 ... minute; 20 ... second; 21 ... pointer information (RECTMI_P) to still image recording time management information (RECTMI_P); 22 ... still Image recording time management information (RECTMI); 23 ... Recording time (RECTM); 24 ... THM file; 25 ... THM management file; 26 ... Still image management information (VOBI); 27, 30 ... Thumbnail identifier (THM_ID); Thumbnail image data (THM); 29 ... Thumbnail management information (THMI); 32, 39 ... Recording time (RECTM); 33 ... Pointer information (THMGI_P) to thumbnail group management information (THMGI); 34 ... Thumbnail Loop management information (THMGI); 35 ... THM number information; 36 ... THM map; 40 ... Thumbnail group; 41 ... Control part; 42 ... Operation part; 43 ... Input part; 44 ... Encoder; 45 ... Track buffer; 46 ... Drive 47 ... Recording medium; 48 ... Decoder; 49 ... Output part; 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 , 68, 69, 70 ... step; 101 ... memory for storing programs; 102 ... memory for storing management information; 101 ... still image (VOB); 102 ... still image group (VOBG); 103 ... still image group Management information (VOBGI); 104 ... Still picture group identification information (VOBG_ID); 105 ... Still picture group address information (VOBG_Address); 106 ... Still picture number information (VOBI_Number); 107 ... Still picture management information table (VOBI_Table); Still picture management information (VOBI); 109 ... Still picture management information without sound (first still picture management information (V_I)); 1010 ... Still picture management information with only original voice (second still picture) tube Information (V_OA_I)); 1011... Still image management information having only after-recording audio (third still image management information (V_AA_I)); 1012... Still image management information having both original and after-recording audio (fourth) Still image management information (V_OA_AA_I)); 1013 ... VOB file; 1014 ... VOB management file; 1015 ... image number information (V_I_Number); 1016 ... image management information table (V_I_Table); 1017 ... image management information (V_I); ... Voice number information (A_I_Number); 1019 ... Voice management information table (A_I_Table); 1020 ... Voice management information (A_I); 1021, 1034, 1036, 1040, 1043 ... Image data size (V_Size); 1022, 1026 ... Voice pointer Information (A_I_PTR); 1023 ... Audio address information; 1024 ... Audio data size (A_Size); 1025 ... Audio playback time (A_PTM); 1027,1029,1030,1031,1050,1051,1053,1054 ... Image part (V_Part) ; 1028, 1032 ... audio part (A_Part); 1033 ... identification information (V_I_ID) for identifying the first still picture management information; 1035 ... second Identification information (V_OA_I_ID) for identifying the still image management information of the image; 1037, 1044 ... Original audio data size (OA_Size); 1038, 1045 ... Original audio playback time (OA_PTM); 1039 ... Third still image Identification information (V_AA_I_ID) for identifying management information; 1041, 1046... Post-recording audio pointer information (AA_I_PTR); 1042... Identification information for identifying the fourth still image management information (V_OA_AA_I_ID) 1047 ... Still image identification information (VOBI_ID); 1048 ... Root directory; 1049 ... Subdirectory; 1052, 1055 ... Original audio part (OA_Part); 1056 ... Control part; 1057 ... Operation part; 1058 ... Input part; 1060 ... Track buffer; 1061 ... Drive; 1062 ... Recording medium; 1063 ... Decoder; 1064 ... Output unit; 1065, 1066, 1067, 1068, 1069, 1070, 1071, 1072, 1073, 1074, 1075, 1076, 1077, 1078,1079,1080,1081,1082,1083,1084,1085,1086, 1087,1088,1089,1090,1091,1092,1093 ... step; 10101: Memory for storing program; 10102: Memory for recording management information; 101001 ... Monitor; 101002 Speaker; 101003 ... Computer; 101004 ... Mouse; 101005 ... Keyboard; 101006 ... Drive;

Claims (5)

Still image group management information (VOBGI) for managing still image data (VOB) and N (where N is an integer greater than 1) still image data (VOB) as a still image group (VOBG) is recorded on a recording medium. A recording method,
In the still picture group management information (VOBGI), the recording time (F_RECTM) of the still picture data (VOB) recorded first in the still picture group (VOBG) in time and the last recorded still picture data ( A recording method of recording a recording time (L_RECTM) of VOB). Record still image data (VOB) and record still image group management information (VOBGI) that manages N (where N is an integer greater than 1) still image data (VOB) as a still image group (VOBG) A recording method for recording,
The still image group management information includes the recording time (F_RECTM) of the still image data (VOB) recorded first in time and the recording of the last recorded still image data (VOB) in the still image group (VOBG). Has time (L_RECTM),
The still image data (VOB) is recorded, the still image group management information (VOBGI) for managing the still image data is generated, and the recording time (RECTM) of the still image data is recorded first in the time. A recording method comprising: recording as a still picture data (VOB) recording time (F_RECTM) and a last recorded still picture data (VOB) recording time (L_RECTM). Still image group management information (VOBGI) for managing still image data (VOB) and N (where N is an integer greater than 1) still image data (VOB) as a still image group (VOBG) is recorded on a recording medium. A recording device,
In the previous still image group management information (VOBGI), the recording time (F_RECTM) of the first recorded still image data (VOB) in the still image group (VOBG) and the last recorded still image A recording apparatus comprising means for recording a recording time (L_RECTM) of data (VOB). Still image group management information (VOBGI) for managing still image data (VOB) and N (where N is an integer greater than 1) still image data (VOB) as a still image group (VOBG) is recorded on a recording medium. A recording device,
The still picture group management information (VOBGI) includes the recording time (F_RECTM) of the first recorded still picture data (VOB) in the still picture group (VOBG) and the last recorded still picture data (VOBGI). ) Recording time (L_RECTM)
Means for recording the still image data (VOB);
Means for generating the still image management information (VOBGI) for managing the still image data (VOB);
Set the recording time of the still image data as the recording time (F_RECTM) of the first recorded still image data (VOB) and the recording time (L_RECTM) of the last recorded still image data (VOB). Means,
Means for recording the still picture management information (VOBGI). Still image group management information (VOBGI) for managing still image data (VOB) and N (where N is an integer greater than 1) still image data (VOB) as a still image group (VOBG) is recorded on a recording medium. In a computer-readable recording medium storing a procedure for controlling the computer as described above,
In the previous period still picture group management information (VOBGI), the recording time (F_RECTM) of the first recorded still picture data (VOB) in the still picture group (VOBG) and the last recorded still picture data (VOB) recording time (L_RECTM)
The procedure is as follows:
Recording the still image data (VOB);
Generating the still image management information (VOBGI) for managing the still image data (VOB);
The recording time (RECTM) of the still image data is the recording time (F_RECTM) of the first recorded still image data (VOB) and the recording time (L_RECTM) of the last recorded still image data (VOB). As a step to record as
And a step of recording the still image management information (VOBGI).

Images