JP6524865B2 - CONTENT MANAGEMENT DEVICE, CONTENT MANAGEMENT METHOD, AND CONTENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content management apparatus, a content management method, and a content management program.

  With the widespread use of electronic devices with imaging functions such as digital cameras and smartphones, a large amount of content data such as still image data or moving image data has come to be recorded on recording media mounted on such electronic devices. There is.

  A content management device is commercialized that enables content data to be captured from this recording medium and recorded on a hard disk and reproduced on an electronic device having a display unit such as a smartphone, a television, and a tablet terminal. It is done.

  In such a content management apparatus, the content data recorded in the hard disk is converted into a format suitable for the electronic device as a reproduction destination of the content data, and the converted content data is recorded in the hard disk in association with the content data before conversion. The thing is done.

  By performing such processing, various electronic devices connected to the content management apparatus can smoothly reproduce content data in a format suitable for the electronic device.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a network connection storage as an example of a content management apparatus. The network connection storage described in Patent Document 1 is configured to be connectable to a plurality of electronic devices via a network.

  The network connection storage converts the content data transferred from any one of the plurality of electronic devices into a format reproducible by each electronic device connectable to the own device, and converts the converted content data into a format It is recorded on the hard disk in association with the previous content data.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an electronic device with an imaging function that generates content data in an Exif (Exchangeable image file format) format and records the content data in a flash memory.

  The electronic device described in Patent Document 2 temporarily stores image data obtained by imaging with an imaging device in a RAM (Random Access Memory), and uses a flash memory as a storage area for storing associated data corresponding to the image data. Reserve.

  Then, the electronic device encodes the image data stored in the RAM, and records the encoded image data from the address following the storage area of the flash memory.

  Furthermore, the electronic device reduces the encoded image data recorded in the flash memory to generate encoded thumbnail data, and records the generated encoded thumbnail data in the storage area, thereby content data in the Exif format. Is generated.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a data processing apparatus that processes content data recorded in a hard disk to generate derived data, associates the generated derived data with content data, and records the data in the hard disk.

JP, 2009-290263, A JP 2005-333437 A JP 2007-199945 A

  As described above, the number of pieces of content data recorded in an electronic device with an imaging function and a recording medium mounted to the electronic device is enormous. Then, when the content management apparatus takes in this huge number of contents data, it is necessary to carry out the taking-in process of the contents data, the conversion process of the taken-in contents data, and the recording process of the contents data after conversion. It takes a lot of time for these processes.

  Therefore, it may be considered that the loading process of a plurality of content data is preferentially performed, and the conversion and recording process of each content data is performed after the loading of a plurality of content data.

  In this method, the maximum number of content data that can be taken into the content management apparatus is determined in advance, and a recording area sufficient to record all converted content data is secured on the hard disk corresponding to the maximum number of content data. You need to keep it.

  Then, when the conversion and recording processing of content data is started, the converted content data is recorded in the recording area secured on the hard disk. However, the data amount of the converted content data may be smaller than the assumed data amount, and in such a case, the recording area is wasted.

  In addition, as the amount of content data increases, the amount of converted content data may also increase. Furthermore, as the types of electronic devices for reproducing content data increase, the total data volume of the converted content data also increases accordingly.

  Under these circumstances, the capacity of the recording area secured in the hard disk needs to be huge, which leads to an increase in the cost of the content management apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 describes that content data before and after conversion is recorded on a hard disk. However, it is not assumed that a large amount of content data is captured at a time, and improvement in the utilization efficiency of the hard disk capacity, shortening of the content data capturing time, and the like are not considered.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a process of generating content data in the Exif format, and although the improvement of the RAM utilization efficiency is considered, the improvement of the utilization efficiency of the flash memory is not considered.

  Further, the encoded thumbnail data generated from the encoded image data is of a format defined by the Exif standard regardless of the electronic device of the reproduction destination of the encoded image data, and is generated by the content management apparatus. Different from converted content data. Further, this encoded thumbnail data is for knowing the outline of the image and is small in size, so it can not be said that it is suitable for display viewing.

  Although the patent document 3 discloses that the content data and the derived data are recorded on the hard disk, the loading process of the content data and the shortening of the processing time are not considered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a content management apparatus, a content management method, and a content management apparatus capable of achieving both improvement in loading speed of content data and improvement in utilization efficiency of a recording medium on which content data is recorded. It aims to provide a content management program.

The content management apparatus according to the present invention is a content management apparatus for recording data including original content data acquired from an external device on a recording medium, and the original content data is recorded after the original content data is recorded on the recording medium. A conforming content generation unit that generates conforming content data that conforms to the usage pattern of the original content data, and a recording control unit that controls the recording of the original content data and the conforming content data on the recording medium, the recording control unit, at a state before recording the original content data to the recording medium, with respect to the original content data, the recording medium necessary for recording the matching content data generated from the original content data upper A reservation recording capacity securing unit to secure about recording capacity, the original content data after recording on the recording medium, the reservation recording the matching content data generated from the original content data, with respect to the original content data After recording on the recording medium using the reserved recording capacity secured by the capacity securing unit, unused capacity other than the capacity used for recording the conforming content data among the reserved recording capacity is released and And a free space updating unit for updating free space of the recording medium.

The content management method of the present invention is a content management method for recording data including original content data acquired from an external device on a recording medium, the original content data being recorded after the original content data is recorded on the recording medium And generating a suitable content data suitable for the usage form of the original content data, and a recording control step for controlling the recording of the original content data and the suitable content data on the recording medium, the recording control step, at a state before recording the original content data to the recording medium, with respect to the original content data, required for recording of the matching content data generated from the original content data A reservation recording capacity reserved step of securing a reservation recording capacity on the recording medium, the original content data after recording on the recording medium, the matching content data generated from the original content data, to the original content data after recording on the recording medium using the reserved recording capacity reserved by the reservation recording capacity securing step for, among the reservation recording capacity, the unused capacity than the capacity that was used to record the matching content data And a free space updating step of releasing and updating the free space of the recording medium.

A content management program according to the present invention is a content management program for causing a computer to execute a content management method for recording data including original content data acquired from an external device on a recording medium, the content management method comprising: An adapted content generating step of generating adapted content data adapted to a usage form of the original content data from the original content data after the content data is recorded on the recording medium, the original content data and the adapted content data includes a recording control step of controlling recording of the recording medium, wherein the recording control step, at a state before recording the original content data to the recording medium, the original content data Contrast, a reservation recording capacity reserved step of securing a reservation recording capacity on the recording medium necessary for recording the matching content data generated from the original content data, the original content data after recording on the recording medium, the matching content data generated from the original content data, after recording on the recording medium using the reserved recording capacity reserved by the reservation recording capacity reserved step with respect to the original content data, the reservation recording capacity And a free space updating step of updating unused space of the recording medium by releasing unused space other than the space used for recording the conforming content data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a content management apparatus, a content management method, and a content management program capable of achieving both the improvement of the loading speed of content data and the improvement of utilization efficiency of a recording medium on which content data is recorded. .

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of content management system S which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the content management apparatus 1 in the content management system S shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the functional block structure implement | achieved when CPU20 in the content management apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 runs a content management program. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of content file taking-in in the content management system S shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of the compatible file production | generation recording in the content management system S shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content management system S according to an embodiment of the present invention. The content management system S includes a content management device 1, a display unit 2a such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a browsing device 2 which is an electronic device having an imaging function, an imaging device 3 which is an electronic device having an imaging function such as a digital camera, The display device 4 which is an electronic device having the unit 4a and the input instruction device 5 are provided.

  The content management device 1 records content files acquired from the browsing device 2 and the imaging device 3 on a recording medium, and includes electronic data having display data such as the browsing device 2 and the display device 4 included in the content files recorded. Reproduction is possible with the device.

  The display device 4 is connected to the content management device 1 by an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface: registered trademark) cable 8 which is an example of a data transfer cable, as an example. The display screen generation signal output from the content management device 1 is input to the display device 4 via the HDMI cable 8. The display device 4 displays an image on the display unit 4a based on the input display screen generation signal.

  The display device 4 may be connected to the content management device 1 by a cable having an RCA terminal capable of transmitting and receiving a composite video signal and a cable having an S terminal. The display device 4 may be connected to the content management device 1 by a cable having a D terminal capable of transmitting and receiving component video signals. The display device 4 may be connected to the content management device 1 via wireless communication means such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The display device 4 is, for example, a monitor not equipped with a television or a television tuner.

  The display screen generation signal output from the content management device 1 is input to the browsing device 2 via the wireless communication unit. The browsing device 2 displays an image on the display unit 2a based on the input display screen generation signal.

  The input instruction device 5 is a device that issues an input instruction to the content management device 1 and operates as a so-called remote controller. The input instructing device 5 transmits an input signal input when the user operates the input instructing device 5 to the content management device 1 by wired or wireless communication means.

  The content management device 1 and the browsing device 2 are configured to be capable of wireless communication with a wireless access point (AP) 9 via wireless communication means. The wireless access point 9 and the content management device 1 are connected to the LAN 11 via a relay device 10 such as a switching hub.

  The LAN 11 is connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) 13 such as the Internet via the router 12. Thus, the content management device 1 and the browsing device 2 can transmit and receive data to and from the external server 14 existing on the WAN 13.

  The content management device 1 takes in content files stored in the browsing device 2 and the imaging device 3.

  The content file is data including original content data such as still image data or moving image data, and related information associated with the original content data. As the content file, for example, data in a format based on the Exif standard is assumed.

  Related information includes the ID of the original content data, an extension indicating the data type of the original content data, the data amount of the original content data, the thumbnail data of the original content data, and the number of pixels of the original content data (the original content data is still image data Case), imaging date and time of the original content data, information on imaging conditions when the original content data is imaged (for example, aperture value and focal length), and position information (for example, position information indicating the position at which the original content data is imaged) Information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude information obtained by a GPS receiver.

  The content file generated by the browsing device 2 or the imaging device 3 is taken into the content management device 1 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 6 which is an example of a data transfer cable, as an example. Alternatively, the content file generated by the browsing device 2 or the imaging device 3 is taken into the content management device 1 via a wireless communication means such as a wireless LAN.

  Alternatively, the content file generated by the browsing device 2 and the imaging device 3 is stored in the memory card 7, and the memory card 7 is taken into the content management device 1 by being inserted into the content management device 1.

  Alternatively, near-field wireless communication can be performed between the browsing device 2 and the imaging device 3 and the content management device 1, and a content file can be transmitted to the content management device 1 from the browsing device 2 and the imaging device 3 by near-field wireless communication. It can also be imported.

  The content management apparatus 1 can also import content files stored in a computer present on the LAN 11 or the WAN 13 via these networks.

  The browsing device 2, the imaging device 3, the memory card 7, and the computer on the WAN 13 constitute an external device.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the content management device 1 in the content management system S shown in FIG.

  The content management apparatus 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 20, a read only memory (ROM) 21, a random access memory (RAM) 22, an input / output device 23, an HDMI interface (I / F) 24, and a network interface (I / F). 25) an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) unit 26 and a wireless LAN interface (I / F) 27 which are connected to one another by a bus.

  The CPU 20 controls the entire content management apparatus 1 by executing a program such as firmware stored in the ROM 21.

  The CPU 20 also functions as a compatible content generation unit, a recording control unit, a reservation recording capacity securing unit, and a free space updating unit by executing a content management program stored in the ROM 21. These units will be described later.

  The ROM 21 stores a program such as the above-described firmware and a content management program. The RAM 22 functions as a work memory of the content management apparatus 1 and develops programs, data, etc. which are temporarily used when the content management apparatus 1 including the CPU 20 operates.

  The input / output device 23 includes an input interface (I / F) 230, an input instruction unit 231, a card interface (I / F) 232, and a USB interface (I / F) 233.

  The input instruction unit 231 and the input instruction device 5 are connected to the input interface 230, and the user receives an input signal input by operating the input instruction unit 231 or the input instruction device 5. Examples of the input instruction unit 231 include an image capture instruction button and the like.

  The input instructing device 5 includes a plurality of operation units 5a corresponding to the operation position operated by the user. When at least one operation unit 5a is operated by the user, the input instructing device 5 outputs an input signal corresponding to the operated operation unit 5a. Examples of the input instruction device 5 include a remote control, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. A button etc. are mentioned as the operation part 5a.

  The card interface 232 has a card slot (not shown), and reads and writes data to the memory card 7 inserted in the card slot. There is no limitation on the format of the memory card 7. As an example, an SD memory card including mini, micro and Memory Stick (registered trademark) are preferably mentioned.

  The USB interface 233 has a USB connector (not shown), and the USB device 30 connected to the USB connector directly or via the USB cable 6 can be used to transmit data in accordance with the USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 standard. Read and write. Examples of the USB device 30 include an imaging device 3 provided with a USB flash memory and a USB interface.

  The HDMI interface 24 includes an HDMI connector (not shown), and outputs an AV stream (video signal and audio signal) to the HDMI output device 31 connected to the HDMI connector via the HDMI cable 8. As the HDMI output device 31, for example, the display device 4 can be mentioned.

  The network interface 25 comprises a network connector (not shown). A router 12 is connected to the network connector via a network cable (not shown), and the router 12 is connected to the WAN 13 to transmit / receive data between the content management device 1 and the external network.

  The network interface 25 performs wired communication based on, for example, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 standard.

  The HDD unit 26 includes an HDD 261 and an HDD interface (I / F) 260.

  The HDD 261 includes a hard disk which is a recording medium, a rotating unit which rotates the disk, and a head unit which reads and writes data to the disk (all not shown).

  When the CPU 20 issues a data read or write command to the HDD 261 from the CPU 20, the HDD interface 260 controls the entire HDD 261, performs data read or write control, and outputs the read data to the CPU 20.

  The HDD unit 26 is a recording device using a hard disk as a recording medium, but may be replaced by an SSD (Solid State Drive) which is a recording device using a flash memory as a recording medium.

  Also, the HDD unit 26 may be connected to the WAM 13 or the LAN 11 and replaced with a network storage that can be connected from the content management device 1 by wire or wirelessly. Further, the HDD unit 26 may be an external type accessible from the content management device 1 via the USB interface 233.

  As described above, when the recording device corresponding to the HDD unit 26 is provided outside the content management device 1, the number of recording devices is not limited to one, and may be plural.

  In the HDD 261, the content file 60 acquired by the CPU 20 from an external device such as the viewing device 2 and the imaging device 3, the matching file 61 generated by the CPU 20 based on the content file 60, and the association of the content file 60 and the matching file 61 And an association table 62 for performing. The adaptation file 61 will be described later.

  Although the method of storing the content file 60 in the HDD 261 is optional, as one example, the memory card 7 in which the content file is recorded is inserted into the card slot of the card interface 232, and the memory is operated by operating the input instructing unit 231. There is a method of taking the content file stored in the card 7 into the HDD 261.

  In addition, the USB cable 6 connected to the imaging device 3 is inserted into the USB connector of the USB interface 233, and the input instruction unit 231 is operated, whereby the content file stored in the imaging device 3 is taken into the HDD 261 May be.

  In addition, wireless communication is established between the browsing device 2 and the content management device 1 and the wireless access point 9, and the content file stored in the browsing device 2 in the HDD 261 via wireless communication according to an instruction from the browsing device 2. May be taken into account.

  Furthermore, the content file existing in the WAN 13 may be taken into the HDD 261 via the router 12 and the network interface 25.

  Although only one content file 60 and one matching file 61 are shown in FIG. 2, in reality, a plurality of sets of the content file 60 and the matching file 61 are stored in the HDD 261.

  The wireless LAN interface 27 wirelessly communicates with the wireless access point 9 in accordance with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard. The wireless LAN interface 27 can operate the content management device 1 as a wireless LAN client.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional block configuration realized by the CPU 20 in the content management apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 executing a content management program.

  The CPU 20 functions as a content file acquisition unit 201, a compatible file generation unit 202, a recording control unit 203, and a display control unit 204 by executing a content management program.

  The content file acquisition unit 201 detects an instruction input from the user or that the browsing device 2 or the imaging device 3 is connected to the content management device 1, and acquires a content file from the browsing device 2 or the imaging device 3 .

  From the original content data included in the content file acquired by the content file acquisition unit 201, the adaptation file generation unit 202 generates adaptation content data that conforms to the usage form of the original content data.

  As the usage form of the original content data, for example, reproduction of the original content data by an external electronic device (display of a still image, display of a moving image, etc.), original content data with a network interface 25 or wireless LAN interface The audio / video signal is generated from the original content data according to the resolution and aspect ratio of the display device 4 connected by the HDMI interface 24 and transferred to an external electronic device via the H. 27. The data is transferred to the display device 4 via the interface 24 and reproduced on the display device 4.

  For example, considering reproduction of original content data by an external electronic device, the reproduction environment differs depending on the electronic device.

  The reproduction environment includes the display resolution of the display unit, the display screen size of the display unit, the aspect ratio of the display screen of the display unit, and the reproducible file format. Therefore, the suitable file generation unit 202 generates suitable content data adapted to the reproduction environment of the reproduction destination of the original content data.

  In addition, considering reproduction of original content data by an external electronic device, the reproduction method differs depending on the electronic device. For example, if the original content is a plurality of still image data, there is a difference as to whether these are displayed as a list or whether each still image data is individually displayed on the full screen. Therefore, the suitable file generation unit 202 generates suitable content data adapted to the reproduction method of the reproduction destination of the original content data.

  Also, considering that the original content data is transferred and reproduced by an external electronic device, the data transfer path and the data transfer effective speed differ depending on the transfer destination. For example, when the content management apparatus 1 and the electronic device are directly connected by wire, the data amount of the conforming content data may be large. When data transfer is performed from the content management device 1 to a smartphone or the like connected to a mobile telephone network, it is preferable to reduce the data amount of the compatible content data in consideration of communication traffic.

  For this reason, the suitable file generation unit 202 generates suitable content data adapted to the data transfer path to the reproduction destination of the original content data and the effective speed of data transfer.

  As described above, as the suitable content data, at least one of the resolution of the original content data and the image size is converted according to the reproduction environment or the reproduction method of the reproduction destination, the aspect ratio of the original content data is the reproduction environment or the reproduction destination What was converted according to the reproduction method, what converted the file format of the original content data according to the reproduction environment of the reproduction destination, the data volume and transfer rate of the original content data etc. Data transfer path and data transfer path to the reproduction destination What was converted according to the transfer effective speed in

  The content management apparatus 1 is roughly divided into two types of the viewing apparatus 2 and the display apparatus 4 of FIG. 1 as the types of electronic devices that reproduce original content data stored in the HDD 261 of the content management apparatus 1.

  The display device 4 connected by the content management device 1 and the HDMI interface 24 reproduces the content by displaying a screen on the basis of the video and audio signal generated by the content management device 1.

  The browsing device 2 is a device having a relatively small display screen size, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The display device 4 is a device having a relatively large display screen size, such as a television or a monitor. In a plurality of devices having large display screen sizes, the pixel size and the resolution of the required compatible content data are also different.

  For this reason, from the original content data included in the content file acquired by the content file acquisition unit 201, the adaptation file generation unit 202 makes the first adaptation content data for the browsing device 2 and the second adaptation for the display device 4 And generating content data.

  As described above, the first adapted content data and the second adapted content data may be generated not only one each but also two or more. For example, a plurality of pieces of matched content data including matched content data suitable for full screen display and matched content data suitable for list display may be generated for one reproduction destination electronic device.

  Also, the original content data includes thumbnail data for confirming the outline of the original content data. However, this thumbnail data is not optimal for use in, for example, the display device 4 having a large display screen size. Taking the Exif 2.1 standard of JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) data as an example, the image size of the thumbnail data is 160 pixels × 120 pixels, which is not suitable for display on the display device 4 having a large display screen size.

  Therefore, the suitable file generation unit 202 generates suitable thumbnail data as suitable content data from the original content data included in the content file acquired by the content file acquisition unit 201.

  The suitable thumbnail data is data created by reducing the resolution or the image size of the original content data, or reducing the parameter related to the appearance of the content such as the compression ratio when the original content data is JPEG data.

  Such suitable thumbnail data is created from the limitation of the resolution of the display unit of the reproduction destination electronic device, and the like. The suitable thumbnail data has a higher image quality than the thumbnail data included in the original content data.

  The matching file generation unit 202 may generate, from one piece of original content data, a plurality of matching thumbnail data that are adapted to each reproduction destination electronic device.

  As described above, considering transfer of original content data as a usage form of the original content data, considering the data transfer efficiency, the compression format and data amount (resolution and image size) of the original content data are in a format advantageous for data transfer. It is preferable to convert.

  That is, suitable content data includes data obtained by converting the compression format of the original content data according to the reproduction destination, and data obtained by converting the data amount of the original content data according to the reproduction destination. The suitable content data also includes data obtained by converting the data amount of the original content data in accordance with the reproduction method (full screen display or list display).

  As described above, the matching file generation unit 202 can obtain the first matching content data, the second matching content data, the matching thumbnail data, and the matching ID as information for specifying these data from the original content data. And a matching file 61 including:

  The recording control unit 203 controls the recording of the content file acquired by the content file acquisition unit 201 and the compatible file 61 generated by the compatible file generation unit 202 in the HDD 261.

  Specifically, the recording control unit 203 issues an instruction to the HDD interface 260 to record the original content data in the HDD 261 or record the matching file 61 in the HDD 261.

  Also, the recording control unit 203 has a reserved recording capacity securing unit 23A and a free space updating unit 23B.

  For the original content data acquired by the content file acquisition unit 201, the reservation recording capacity securing unit 23A makes a reservation record on the HDD 261 necessary for recording the adaptation file 61 generated by the adaptation file generation unit 202 from the original content data. Secure capacity.

  Specifically, the reservation recording capacity securing unit 23A secures the reservation recording capacity by reducing the free space of the HDD 261 by the reservation recording capacity.

  The reservation recording capacity securing unit 23A associates the ID included in the content file including the original content data for which the reservation recording capacity has been ensured with the value of the reservation recording capacity, and records the association in the association table 62. The reserved recording capacity is predetermined by, for example, the following method.

  Assuming that the original content data is a form that can or can be taken into the content management apparatus 1, check the data amount of the matching file 61 when the matching file 61 is generated from the original content data of all the assumed formats . Of all the adaptation files 61 thus examined, although the data amount is the largest, this data amount is determined as the above-mentioned reserved recording capacity.

  As described above, the reserved recording capacity securing unit 23A is a fixed value (the amount of data obtained by the above method is determined in advance on the HDD 261 as the reserved recording capacity sufficient to record the matching file 61 for any original content data. Secure as).

  The free space updating unit 23B is secured after the compatible file 61 generated from the original content data is recorded in the HDD 261 by the recording control unit 203 using the reserved recording capacity secured by the reserved recording capacity securing unit 23A. Among the reserved recording capacities, unused capacity other than the capacity used for recording of the compatible file 61 is released to update the free capacity of the HDD 261.

  The display control unit 204 browses the first compatible content data, the second compatible content data, or the compatible thumbnail data included in the compatible file 61 recorded in the HDD 261 in accordance with the instruction information input from the input instruction device 5 Send to device 2

  In addition, the display control unit 204 controls the first compatible content data, the second compatible content data, or the compatible thumbnail data included in the compatible file 61 recorded in the HDD 261 in accordance with the instruction information input from the input instruction device 5. To generate a video and audio signal, and the video and audio signal is transmitted to the display device 4.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of content file fetching in the content management system S shown in FIG.

  When detecting that the memory card 7 is inserted into the card interface 232 of the content management apparatus 1, the CPU 20 confirms the information recorded in the memory card 7 via the card interface 232, and the content not recorded in the HDD 261 Determine whether there is a file (content file to be imported).

  Then, when determining that there is a content file to be captured, the CPU 20 starts the content file capturing process shown in FIG.

  Here, although an example of content file loading from the memory card 7 is described, content files can be loaded from the browsing device 2 or the imaging device 3 as well.

  When the content file is taken in from the browsing device 2, for example, the user may be able to select which of the plurality of content files stored in the browsing device 2 should be transferred in the browsing device 2.

  Then, when the browsing device 2 is connected to the content management device 1 and the reading of the content file is instructed from the browsing device 2, the CPU 20 selects one of the content files selected by the user that is not recorded in the HDD 261. As a loading target, the content file loading process shown in FIG. 4 is started.

  First, the CPU 20 reads one content file from the memory card 7 via the card interface 232, and temporarily stores the content file in the RAM 22, thereby acquiring the content file (step S1).

  Next, the CPU 20 secures a reserved recording capacity, which is a capacity determined in advance for the content file, to the HDD 261 (step S2). By the process of step S2, the free capacity of the HDD 261 is reduced by the reserved recording capacity.

  Next, the CPU 20 controls the HDD interface 260 to acquire information on the free space of the HDD 261, and determines whether the free space is equal to or more than a threshold (step S3). As the threshold value, for example, a value obtained by adding the above-mentioned reserved recording capacity to the maximum amount of data assumed as a content file or the amount of data assumed as a content file is set.

  If the determination in step S3 is NO, the content file acquired in step S1 can not be recorded in the HDD 261, or the content file can be recorded in the HDD 261, but the compatible file 61 generated from the content file is recorded in the HDD 261 Since the CPU 20 can not do this, the CPU 20 ends the content file import process.

  If the determination in step S3 is YES, the CPU 20 records the content file acquired in step S1 and stored in the RAM 22 in the HDD 261 (step S4). Also, the CPU 20 records the ID of the recorded content file in the association table 62.

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 determines again whether or not there is a content file to be captured in the memory card 7 (step S5), and if there is a content file to be captured (step S5: YES), the process returns to step S1 and If there is no target content file (step S5: NO), the loading process is ended.

  The predetermined timing after the end of the content file import processing of FIG. 4 (for example, the timing at which the power management operation of the content management device 1 is performed, the operation after the content file import processing is not performed on the content management device 1) When the period has reached a predetermined time), the CPU 20 starts the matching file generation and recording process shown in FIG.

  First, among the content files recorded in the HDD 261, the CPU 20 does not associate a matching ID with an ID in the association table 62 (a content file whose loading has been completed but the matching file 61 has not been generated). And one of the specified content files is read from the HDD 261 and temporarily stored in the RAM 22 (step S10).

  Next, the CPU 20 generates an adaptation file 61 from the original content data included in the content file temporarily stored in the RAM 22 (step S11).

  Next, the CPU 20 records the generated compatible file 61 in the HDD 261 using the reservation recording capacity associated with the ID of the original content data of the generation source of the compatible file 61 in the association table 62 (step S12) ).

  Further, the CPU 20 associates the adaptation ID included in the adaptation file 61 with the ID of the original content data of the generation source of the adaptation file 61 and records the association in the association table 62.

  Next, the CPU 20 releases unused capacity other than the capacity used for recording the compatible file 61 among the reserved recording capacity, and updates the free capacity of the HDD 261 (step S13).

  For example, if the reserved recording capacity secured for a certain original content data is 4 megabytes and the data amount of the conforming file 61 generated from this original content data is 3 megabytes, then 1 megabyte is an unused capacity It becomes.

  The CPU 20 releases the 1 megabyte, that is, changes the recorded capacity in the HDD 261 to the recordable capacity, thereby increasing the free space by 1 megabyte.

  After step S13, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there is a content file not associated with the matching ID in the association table 62 (step S14), and if there is a content file not associated with the matching ID (step S14) : YES) The process returns to step S10, and if there is no content file to which the adaptation ID is not associated (step S14: NO), the process ends.

  The operation after the content file loading process and the generation and recording process of the matching file 61 are completed is as follows.

  When an operation such as launching an application for browsing a content file is performed in the browsing device 2, the display control unit 204 of the content management device 1 displays the initial screen on the display unit 2 a of the browsing device 2. A screen generation signal is generated, and the display screen generation signal is transmitted to the browsing device 2. Then, the viewing device 2 receives the display screen generation signal, and displays an initial screen on the display unit 2a based on the display screen generation signal.

  Next, the viewing device 2 waits for the user to input viewing conditions by the user, and when the viewing conditions are input by the user, transmits a content file browsing request to the content management device 1 together with the input viewing conditions. .

  Here, the viewing condition is a condition of the content file to be displayed on the display unit 2a of the viewing device 2, and as one example, a condition for specifying a content file including a specific date in related information.

  When receiving the browsing request, the CPU 20 of the content management device 1 searches the content file stored in the HDD 261, extracts the content file matching the browsing condition, and browses the compatible thumbnail data associated with the extracted content file Send to device 2

  When there is a plurality of conforming thumbnail data in the conforming file 61, the CPU 20 selects the conforming thumbnail data corresponding to the type of the browsing device 2 and transmits the selected thumbnail data to the browsing device 2.

  The browsing device 2 displays a list of thumbnail images based on the received matching thumbnail data on the display unit 2a. In the browsing device 2, when one is selected from the displayed thumbnail images, a transmission request for the matching content data in the matching file 61 including the matching thumbnail data which is the source of the selected thumbnail image is transmitted to the content management device 1 Be done.

  When the display control unit 204 of the content management device 1 receives the transmission request, the suitable content data according to the type of the browsing device 2 or the type of the browsing device 2 is obtained from the suitable file 61 including the selected suitable thumbnail data. The matching content data corresponding to the reproduction method of the content in the browsing device 2 is read, and the read matching content data is transmitted to the browsing device 2. In the viewing device 2, an image based on the received matching content data is displayed on the display unit 2a.

  As a method of confirming the image based on the suitable content data in the browsing device 2, there are, for example, a method of displaying an image using a web browser and a method of displaying an image using a dedicated application.

  When displaying an image using a web browser, the content management device 1 transmits, for example, data in HTML format to the browsing device 2. The data in the HTML format is the same regardless of the electronic device of the transmission destination, and an image based on the compatible content data corresponding to the own device may be displayed on the side of the viewing device 2 that has received the data.

  Alternatively, the data in the HTML format is different for each model of the electronic device of the transmission destination, and the content management apparatus 1 receives the request for transmitting the data in the HTML format, the model of the electronic device of the request source. It is sufficient to transmit the data of the HTML format corresponding to the determined and determined model.

  When displaying an image using a dedicated application, when the viewing device 2 connects to the content management device 1, the content management device 1 delivers information related to display, such as the model or resolution of the viewing device 2, The management apparatus 1 may select and transmit the matching content data corresponding to the browsing apparatus 2.

  Further, in the content management system S, the display device 4 can also check an image based on the matching content data. In this case, the content management device 1 acquires information on the resolution of the display device 4 in the Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) information, and conforms to the acquired resolution data (data for full screen display or list display) Data) is generated, and a video and audio signal is generated from the selected matching content data and transmitted to the display device 4.

  As described above, when the content management device 1 acquires a content file from an external device such as the browsing device 2, the imaging device 3, and the memory card 7, the content management device 1 secures a predetermined reservation recording capacity for the content file.

  Then, the content management device 1 generates the compatible file 61 from the content file recorded in the HDD 261 at a predetermined timing after recording the content file in the HDD 261, and generates the generated compatible file 61 as the content file. The reserved recording capacity reserved for recording is used to record on the HDD 261, and then the unused portion of the reserved recording capacity is released to update the free capacity of the HDD 261.

  With this configuration, even if a large number of content files are fetched from the external device into the HDD 261, it is possible to repeat at high speed a series of processes of acquisition of content files, securing of reserved recording capacity, and recording of content files on the HDD 261. Thus, it is possible to load a large number of content files into the HDD 261 at high speed.

  Also, after the content file is recorded in the HDD 261, the adaptation file 61 is generated from the recorded content file, but the adaptation file 61 generated here is recorded in the HDD 261 using the reservation recording capacity and reserved Unused storage capacity is released and counted as free space.

  For this reason, in comparison with a configuration in which a recording area sufficient to record all the compatible files 61 for the maximum data amount is reserved in the HDD 261 in advance, that is, a configuration dedicated to the compatible file 61 is provided in the HDD 261, The capacity of the HDD 261 can be efficiently used.

  As a result, even when the number of content files and the amount of data become enormous, the capacity of the HDD 261 can be reduced, and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the content management apparatus 1 can be prevented.

  In addition, the unused portion of the reserved recording capacity is released and counted as a free space, so that more content files can be fetched, and content files can be efficiently managed with a limited capacity of the HDD 261. It becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, modifications of the content management apparatus 1 will be described.

(Modification 1)
The reservation recording capacity securing unit 23A may determine the reservation recording capacity secured for the content file based on the data amount of the original content data included in the content file.

  For example, the reserved recording capacity securing unit 23A secures the first reserved recording capacity if the data amount of the original content data exceeds the data threshold, and the second if the data amount of the original content data is equal to or less than the data threshold. Ensure reserved recording capacity of The first reserved recording capacity is larger than the second reserved recording capacity.

  When the data amount of the original content data is large, the data amount of the matching file 61 generated from the original content data is also likely to be large. For this reason, by securing a large reservation recording capacity as the data amount of the original content data is large, it is possible to prevent the situation where the reservation recording capacity is insufficient.

  A plurality of data thresholds may be set, and the reserved recording capacity may be changed in a plurality of steps. Alternatively, the reservation recording capacity may be changed linearly in accordance with the data amount of the original content data.

(Modification 2)
The reservation recording capacity securing unit 23A may determine the reservation recording capacity secured for the content file based on the type of original content data included in the content file.

  For example, the reserved recording capacity securing unit 23A determines the type of the original content data by the extension, and if the determined type is moving image data, the first reserved recording capacity is secured, and the determined type is still image data. If there is a second reserved recording capacity is secured. The first reserved recording capacity is larger than the second reserved recording capacity.

  When the original content data is moving image data, the data amount of the matching file 61 generated from the original content data is also likely to be large. Therefore, securing reservation recording capacity according to the type of original content data can prevent the situation where reservation recording capacity runs out.

  Modification 1 and Modification 2 may be combined.

  That is, the reservation recording capacity securing unit 23A may determine the reservation recording capacity secured for the content file based on the data amount and type of the original content data included in the content file.

  In this case, a table in which the reserved recording capacity is defined for each combination of data amount and extension is recorded in the HDD 261 of the content management device 1. The reservation recording capacity securing unit 23A reads and reserves the reservation recording capacity corresponding to the combination of the data amount and the type of the original content data determined from the content file from the above table. According to this configuration, the reserved recording capacity can be secured more accurately.

  The processing capacity of the CPU 20 can be reduced according to the configuration in which the reservation recording capacity is ensured with a uniform value for all the original content data, as in the reservation recording capacity ensuring unit 23A of the content management device 1 of FIG. Thus, the content file can be taken in faster than in the first and second modifications.

(Modification 3)
The reserved recording capacity securing unit 23A may secure the reserved recording capacity by securing a recording area for the reserved recording capacity by address designation from the final end side of the address of the HDD 261.

  In this case, the CPU 20 secures the recording area by address designation from the final end of the address of the HDD 261. Then, when writing the conforming content data, the CPU 20 releases the recording area finally secured and then writes the conforming content data from the top of the free space of the HDD 261.

  The CPU 20 may secure the recording area by writing a dummy file to the HDD 261. Also in this case, when writing the conforming content data, the CPU 20 deletes the dummy file written last, and then writes the conforming content data from the top of the free space of the HDD 261.

  According to the third modification described above, even when the HDD 261 is shared with another device, it is determined from another device that the free space of the HDD 261 is small, so that the compatible content data can be reliably recorded. .

(Modification 4)
In the above description, the process flow of FIG. 5 is started at a predetermined timing after the process flow of FIG. 4 is finished. As a modification, after the processing of steps S1 to S4 of FIG. 4 is performed once, the CPU 20 performs the processing of steps S1 to S5 of FIG. 4 and the processing of steps S10 to S14 of FIG. You may go in parallel.

  According to the fourth modification, the time until the conforming file 61 is recorded in the HDD 261 can be shortened. Therefore, even if the user makes a reproduction request of the recorded content file during the content file import process, it becomes possible to respond to the reproduction request, and the usability can be improved.

  Note that, as described above, according to the configuration in which the processing flow of FIG. 5 is started at a predetermined timing after the processing flow of FIG. 4 ends, it is not necessary to use a CPU 20 that performs advanced processing. Therefore, an inexpensive CPU 20 can be used, and the manufacturing cost of the content management apparatus 1 can be reduced. In addition, since acquisition and recording of content files are performed with the highest priority, it is easy to speed up the loading speed of content files.

  In the above description, an example in which the original content data is still image data or moving image data has been described. However, data that can be fetched by the content management apparatus 1 is not limited to still image data and moving image data. Recorded data of the program is also included.

  When the original content data is music data, for example, the CPU 20 can change the compression format, sampling rate, bit rate, or number of channels (for example, from 5.1 ch to 2 ch) according to the music reproduction performance of the electronic device of reproduction destination. By creating at least one of the above, conformable content data is created.

  When the original content data is recorded data, for example, the CPU 20 changes at least the conversion of the compression format, the change of the aspect ratio, the change of the copyright protection method, or the conversion to a format maintaining reproduction compatibility and security between devices. By performing one, conformed content data is created.

  Further, when the original content data is RAW data in which the image processing is not performed on the captured image signal output from the imaging device, the CPU 20 determines that the content file including the original content data is not to be captured. You may

  In the case where a content file including RAW data is to be read, it is preferable to omit the processing of step S2 of FIG. 4 and the processing of step S10 to step S13 of FIG. 5 for this content file.

  Among imaging devices that generate and record RAW data, there is one that records JPEG data obtained by image processing the RAW data in association with the RAW data. In this case, the content management apparatus 1 preferably takes in a content file including JPEG data and RAW data, associates the JPEG data with the RAW data, and records them in the HDD 261 without generating the conforming content data. For example, by handling JPEG data as compatible content data, it becomes possible to save a content file including RAW data and to confirm the content of the content file.

  The content management program stored in the ROM 21 of the content management apparatus 1 is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium in which the program can be read by a computer. Such "computer-readable recording medium" includes, for example, an optical medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM) and a magnetic recording medium such as a memory card. Also, such a program can be provided by downloading via a network.

  As described above, the following matters are disclosed in the present specification.

  The disclosed content management apparatus is a content management apparatus for recording data including original content data acquired from an external device on a recording medium, and from the original content data, adapted content data adapted to the usage form of the original content data And a recording control unit for controlling the recording of the original content data and the adaptation content data on the recording medium, the recording control unit for the original content data A reservation recording capacity securing unit for securing a reservation recording capacity on the recording medium necessary for recording adaptation content data generated from original content data; adaptation content data generated from the original content data; Secure After recording on the recording medium using the reserved recording capacity secured by the control unit, releasing unused capacity other than the capacity used for recording the conforming content data among the reserved recording capacities, thereby releasing the recording medium And a free space updating unit for updating the free space.

  In the disclosed content management apparatus, the reservation recording capacity securing unit secures the reservation recording capacity for the original content data as a predetermined capacity.

  In the disclosed content management apparatus, the reservation recording capacity securing unit determines the reservation recording capacity for the original content data based on at least one of the data amount and the type of the original content data.

  In the disclosed content management apparatus, the reservation recording capacity securing unit secures the reservation recording capacity by reducing the free space of the recording medium by the reservation recording capacity.

  In the disclosed content management apparatus, when a plurality of pieces of original content data are acquired from the external device, the plurality of pieces of original content data are secured after the reserved recording capacity securing unit secures the reserved recording capacity for the plurality of pieces of original content data. An adapted content generation unit generates adapted content data from each of the plurality of original content data.

  In the disclosed content management apparatus, when a plurality of pieces of original content data are acquired from the external device, a reserved recording capacity for any original content data among the plurality of pieces of original content data by the reserved recording capacity securing unit And the generation of the conforming content from the original content data of which reservation recording capacity has been secured among the plurality of pieces of original content data by the conforming content generation unit.

  The disclosed content management method is a content management method for recording data including original content data acquired from an external device on a recording medium, and from the original content data, adapted content data adapted to the usage form of the original content data And a recording control step of controlling recording of the original content data and the adaptation content data on the recording medium, wherein the recording control step is performed on the original content data. A reservation recording capacity securing step for securing a reservation recording capacity on the recording medium necessary for recording adaptation content data generated from the original content data; adaptation content data generated from the original content data After recording on the recording medium using the reserved recording capacity secured in the reserved recording capacity securing step, releasing unused capacity other than the capacity used for recording the conforming content data among the reserved recording capacities. And a free space updating step of updating the free space of the recording medium.

  The disclosed content management program is a content management program for causing a computer to execute a content management method for recording data including original content data acquired from an external device on a recording medium, the content management method comprising: An adapted content generation step of generating adapted content data adapted to a usage form of original content data from content data, and a recording control step of controlling recording of the original content data and the adapted content data on the recording medium The recording control step is a reservation for securing a reservation recording capacity on the recording medium, which is necessary for recording the adapted content data generated from the original content data, with respect to the original content data. A recording capacity securing step, and recording of the conforming content data generated from the original content data on the recording medium using the reservation recording capacity secured by the reservation recording capacity securing step, of the reservation recording capacities, And a free space updating step of releasing unused capacity other than the capacity used for recording the conforming content data and updating the free capacity of the recording medium.

S Content Management System 1 Content Management Device 2 Reading Device (External Device)
3 Imaging device 4 Display device (external device)
7 Memory card (external device)
20 CPU
202 compatible file generation unit 203 recording control unit 23A reserved recording capacity securing unit 23B free space updating unit 261 HDD (recording medium)

Claims (8)

A content management apparatus for recording data including original content data acquired from an external device on a recording medium, comprising:
An adapted content generation unit for generating adapted content data adapted to a usage form of the original content data from the original content data after the original content data is recorded on the recording medium ;
A recording control unit configured to control recording of the original content data and the matching content data on the recording medium;
The recording control unit, at a state before recording the original content data to the recording medium, with respect to the original content data, the recording medium necessary for recording the matching content data generated from the original content data A reserved recording capacity securing unit for securing the above reserved recording capacity;
The original content data after recording on the recording medium, the matching content data generated from the original content data, using the reserved recording capacity allocated by the reservation recording capacity securing unit with respect to the original content data And a free space updating unit which releases unused capacity other than the capacity used for recording the conforming content data among the reserved recording capacity after recording on the recording medium, and updates the free capacity of the recording medium And a content management device. The content management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The reservation recording capacity securing unit, the content management device to secure a predetermined volume of the reserved recording capacity. The content management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The content management device, wherein the reservation recording capacity securing unit determines the reservation recording capacity based on at least one of a data amount and a type of the original content data. The content management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
The content management apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reservation recording capacity securing unit secures the reservation recording capacity by reducing the free space of the recording medium by the reservation recording capacity. The content management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
Wherein when a plurality of original content data from the external device is acquired, the reserved after recording capacity securing unit has performed to secure the reservation recording capacity for the plurality of original content data, the matching content generating unit said plurality A content management device for generating conforming content data from each of the original content data of The content management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
Wherein when the external device from the plurality of original content data is acquired, the securing of the reserved recording capacity for any of the original content data of the plurality of original content data by the reserved recording capacity securing unit, the matching content the reservation recording capacity content management apparatus performed in parallel, and generation of matching content from already secured the original content data of the plurality of original content data by the generating unit. A content management method for recording data including original content data acquired from an external device on a recording medium, comprising:
An adapted content generation step of generating adapted content data adapted to a usage form of the original content data from the original content data after the original content data is recorded on the recording medium ;
A recording control step of controlling recording of the original content data and the matching content data on the recording medium;
The recording control step, at a state before recording the original content data to the recording medium, with respect to the original content data, the recording medium necessary for recording the matching content data generated from the original content data A reserved recording capacity securing step for securing the above reserved recording capacity;
The original content data after recording on the recording medium, the matching content data generated from the original content data, using the reserved recording capacity reserved by the reservation recording capacity reserved step with respect to the original content data A free space updating step of releasing unused capacity of the reserved recording capacity other than the capacity used for recording the conforming content data after the recording on the recording medium and updating the free capacity of the recording medium; Content management method. A content management program for causing a computer to execute a content management method for recording data including original content data acquired from an external device on a recording medium,
The content management method is
An adapted content generation step of generating adapted content data adapted to a usage form of the original content data from the original content data after the original content data is recorded on the recording medium ;
A recording control step of controlling recording of the original content data and the matching content data on the recording medium;
The recording control step, at a state before recording the original content data to the recording medium, with respect to the original content data, the recording medium necessary for recording the matching content data generated from the original content data A reserved recording capacity securing step for securing the above reserved recording capacity;
The original content data after recording on the recording medium, the matching content data generated from the original content data, using the reserved recording capacity reserved by the reservation recording capacity reserved step with respect to the original content data A free space updating step of releasing unused capacity of the reserved recording capacity other than the capacity used for recording the conforming content data after the recording on the recording medium and updating the free capacity of the recording medium; Content management program.

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