KR20000028935A - Image data recording method, image data recording apparatus, image data reproducing method, image data reproducing apparatus, information recording medium and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method for replaying/recording image data and an apparatus the same are provided to record a high definition image for a recording medium having a sufficient memory capacity in a low cost, to replay the image data recorded in the recording medium, and to read the image data by computer. CONSTITUTION: A method for recording image data comprises the steps of: a first processing step of converting original images into many record images having different resolution; a second processing step of dividing at least some of the record images into different divisors, and generating many divided images having same element numbers of the record images; and a third processing step of recording image data of the record images to an information recording medium as frame units, corresponding to the divided images. The step 2 includes a sub step of dividing the recording images into element blocks including each arranged element, respectively, and generating the divided images by reunifying the elements after combining the elements, obtained by taking more than one element from each element block. An apparatus for replaying the image data converts the original images into replaying images, divides at least some of the replaying images into different divisors, generates divided images having same element numbers, and replays the image data from the information recording medium, having the recorded image data by consecutively recording the image data to the information recording medium as frame units. The apparatus comprises a reading device and an image processor. The reading device selectively reads the divided images of the replay images of requiring resolution. An image processor reunifies/combines the divided images and outputs the replay images.

Description

Image data recording method, image data recording apparatus, image data reproducing method, image data reproducing apparatus, information recording medium and computer-readable recording medium {Image data recording method, image data recording apparatus, image data reproducing method, image data reproducing apparatus , information recording medium and computer-readable recording medium}

<Field of invention>

The present invention provides an image data recording method and an image data recording apparatus adapted to record high resolution image data on an information recording medium, and an image data reproducing method and image data reproducing apparatus adapted to reproduce image data recorded on the information recording medium as high resolution image data. It is about. The present invention also relates to an information recording medium having data recorded by such an image data recording method, a computer-readable recording medium used to operate a computer by such an image data recording method, and a computer operated by the image data reproducing method. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium used to

<Prior Technology>

Recently, digital still cameras designed to record images as digital data have attracted attention as computer prevalence increases day by day. We are currently working to create high quality images recorded by these digital cameras. Recently, so-called mega-pixel cameras using more than one million pixels have been commercially available.

Mega-pixel cameras are replacing silver salt photography cameras, especially those that record construction sites and car accidents, because high-quality still images made with the camera are nearly equivalent to those obtained by silver salt photography cameras. However, mega-pixel cameras usually contain semiconductor memory with a memory capacity of about 16 MB and can store about 40 to 80 images at the same time, and this number is considerably smaller in view of the huge memory capacity of currently available computers.

On the other hand, a digital video camera configured to record moving images as digital data usually includes a magnetic tape as a recording medium, and thus can operate to record moving images for two hours or more.

In such a situation, there is a growing demand for digital video cameras having a large memory capacity and allowing to record still images. The current effective public standards for digital video cameras (e.g., the HD Digital CV Council DV standard) provide a still mode for capturing still images in addition to the video mode for capturing moving images.

However, digital video cameras conforming to these standards are intended to record still images with pixel counts comparable to the image quality of NTSC systems. In other words, they are not intended to record still images comparable to high quality images taken by silver salt photographs.

It is conceivable to use high quality digital video cameras designed to record high resolution moving images to obtain high quality still images as part of the recorded high quality moving images, but this approach would not be particularly suitable in terms of camera cost.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image data recording method and an image data recording apparatus which enable a high quality image to be recorded at low cost on an information recording medium having a sufficient memory capacity. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an image data reproducing method and an image data reproducing apparatus, by which the image data recording method and the image data recording apparatus reproduce the image data recorded on the information recording medium as high quality image data. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an information recording medium for recording high quality image data by such an image data recording method and an image data recording apparatus. Still another object of the present invention is a computer readable recording medium used for operating a computer by such an image data recording method and a computer readable recording medium used for operating a computer by such an image data reproducing method. To provide.

According to the present invention, high quality image data can be recorded at low cost by following standards such as the D-1 standard, the D-2 standard or the DV standard for digital video cameras, which is designed to record lower resolution image data than the high quality image data. have.

The high quality image data can be recorded so as to comply with a standard for recording low resolution image data lower than the high quality image data by dividing the high quality image data of the frame into the image data of a plurality of frames of low resolution and recording the divided images on a frame basis.

The image data recording method according to the present invention is based on the results of the above research, and includes a first processing step of converting an original image into a plurality of recorded images having different resolutions, and dividing at least a portion of the plurality of recorded images into respective divisors different from each other. And a second processing step of generating a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each of the portions of the recorded image, and image data of the plurality of recorded images on an information recording medium in frame units of a frame corresponding to the divided images. And a third processing step of continuously recording.

By the above-described image data recording method according to the present invention, the original image is divided into a plurality of recorded images of different resolutions in the first processing step. Thus, a plurality of recorded images are generated from the original image at different resolutions.

In the data recording method according to the present invention, at least a part of the plurality of recorded images obtained as a result of the first processing step is divided into respective divisors different from each other, and the plurality of divided images have a plurality of pixels having the same number of pixels in the second processing step. Is generated from each of said portions of the recorded image. Thus, for example, a recording image having a pixel twice the predetermined number of pixels is divided into two to generate two divided images, and a recording image having a pixel four times the predetermined number of pixels is divided into four to four. Will generate two split images. Therefore, a plurality of divided images will be generated with the same number of pixels for each recorded image.

With this image data recording method, image data of recording images having different resolutions is continuously recorded on the information recording medium in units of frames that are frames corresponding to the divided images in the third processing step.

Therefore, with the above-described image data recording method, each of the plurality of recorded images is divided into a plurality of divided images and the image data obtained for the recorded images is recorded on the information recording medium in units of frames, which are frames corresponding to the divided images. The net result is that high quality images can be properly recorded to conform to the standards provided for recording image data of low resolution images.

Next, image data of a plurality of recorded images of different resolutions generated from the original image are recorded successively on the information recording medium. Therefore, the original image can be reproduced at the desired resolution by reading the image data of the image recorded at the desired resolution on the information recording medium.

In the above-described image data recording method, preferably, the second processing step divides each of the plurality of recorded images into a plurality of pixel blocks each including a plurality of adjacently disposed pixels, and at least one from each of the pixel blocks. And sub-steps of generating the segmented image by synthesizing and recombining the pixels obtained by taking the pixels.

In the above configuration of creating a split image for each recorded image, if the split image is displayed directly to the user, the displayed image will be close to the original image.

In the above-described image data recording method, preferably, the image data of the plurality of recorded images is continuously recorded based on the number of frames per second causing the original image to be recorded within a few seconds in the third processing step.

With the above configuration of continuously recording a plurality of recorded images on the basis of a plurality of frames per second, within a few seconds, the user can conveniently locate the image data of the recorded image reproduced from a single original image by a user who handles the image data very conveniently. Can be identified.

With the above-described image data preloading method, preferably, at least some of the plurality of recorded images are each divided into divisors of 2 ²ⁿ (n is an integer of 1 or more) in the second step.

With the above configuration in which at least some of the plurality of recorded images are each divided by a divisor of 2 ²ⁿ (n is an integer of 1 or more), the total amount of data of the image data of the plurality of recorded images is determined by the highest resolution reproduced image selected from the plurality of recorded images. It can be maintained within 4/3 of the amount of data.

In the above-described image data recording method, preferably each of the divided images of each of the at least part of the plurality of recorded images is multi-recorded in a plurality of frames in the second processing step.

In the above-described image data recording method, preferably, each of the divided images of each of the plurality of recorded images is recorded in a plurality of frames, thereby improving the reliability of the recorded image data.

In the above-described image data recording method, preferably, the information indicating that the image data of the plurality of recorded images is recorded on the information recording medium for each of the divided images is stored in the third processing step. It is recorded together with the image data.

The configuration for recording information indicating that the image data of the plurality of recorded images has been recorded on the information recording medium for each of the divided images together with the image data of the plurality of recorded images, wherein the recorded image is a divided image Can be easily identified.

Preferably, in the above-described image data recording method, if the pixel arbitrarily selected for the pixel block is the first pixel and the frame for recording the divided image including the first pixel is the first frame, in the third processing step, the The image data of the recorded image is recorded on the information recording medium such that the divided image recorded in the frame adjacent to the first frame includes pixels disposed adjacent to the first pixel.

With the above configuration for recording the image data of the recorded image on the information recording medium, the image recorded on the information recording medium can be reproduced as a moving image without significant fluctuations, thereby not giving the viewer a noticeable embarrassment.

The image data recording apparatus according to the present invention is based on the results of the study, converts the original image into a plurality of recorded images of different resolutions, divides at least a portion of the plurality of recorded images into respective divisors different from each other, and records the An image processor which generates a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each part of the image; And a recording unit which continuously records the image data of the plurality of recorded images on the information recording medium in units of frames of each frame corresponding to the divided images.

In the image data recording apparatus according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the original image is divided into a plurality of recorded images having different resolutions in the image processing section. Thus, a plurality of recorded images have different resolutions and are generated from the original image. Then, at least some of the obtained plurality of recorded images are divided into respective divisors different from each other, and a plurality of divided images are generated from each of said portions of the plurality of recorded images having the same number of pixels. Thus, for example, a recording image having a pixel twice the predetermined number of pixels is divided into two to generate two divided images, and a recording image having a pixel four times the predetermined number of pixels is divided into four to four. Will generate two split images. Therefore, a plurality of divided images will be generated with the same number of pixels for each recorded image.

With such an image data recording apparatus, image data of recording images having different resolutions is continuously recorded on the information recording medium in units of frames of frames corresponding to the divided images.

Thus, with the above-described image data recording apparatus, each of the plurality of recorded images is divided into a plurality of divided images and the image data obtained for the recorded images is recorded on the information recording medium in frame units of frames corresponding to the divided images. The net result is that high quality images can be properly recorded to conform to the standards provided for recording image data of low resolution images.

Next, image data of a plurality of recorded images of different resolutions generated from the original image are recorded successively on the information recording medium. Therefore, the original image can be reproduced at the desired resolution by reading the image data of the image recorded at the desired resolution on the information recording medium.

In the above-described image data recording apparatus, preferably, the image processing unit divides each of the plurality of recorded images into a plurality of pixel blocks each including a plurality of adjacently disposed pixels, and divides one or more pixels from each of the pixel blocks. The divided images are generated by synthesizing and recombining the obtained pixels.

With the above configuration of the image processing section which generates a divided image for each recorded image, if the divided image is displayed directly to the user, the displayed image will be close to the original image.

In the above-described image data recording apparatus, preferably, image data of the plurality of recorded images is continuously recorded based on the number of frames per second causing the original image to be recorded within a few seconds.

With the above configuration of continuously recording a plurality of recorded images on the basis of a plurality of frames per second, within a few seconds, the user can conveniently locate the image data of the recorded image reproduced from a single original image by a user who handles the image data very conveniently. Can be identified.

In the above-described image data recording apparatus, preferably, the image processing unit divides each of at least some of the plurality of recorded images into divisors of 2 ²ⁿ (n is an integer of 1 or more).

With the above configuration of the image processing unit for dividing at least a portion of each of the plurality of recorded images by a divisor of 2 ²ⁿ (n is an integer of 1 or more), the total data amount of the image data of the plurality of recorded images is determined by the highest resolution selected from the plurality of recorded images. It can be maintained within 4/3 of the data amount of the reproduced image.

In the above-described image data recording apparatus, preferably, the recording unit records each of the divided images of each of the plurality of recorded images in a plurality of frames.

With the above configuration of the recording unit that records each of the divided images of each of the plurality of recorded images in a plurality of frames, the reliability of the recorded image data will be improved.

In the above-described image data recording apparatus, preferably, a recording unit includes information indicating that the image data of the plurality of recorded images is recorded on the information recording medium for each of the divided images, and the image data of the plurality of recorded images. Record together.

Wherein the recorded image is configured with the recording unit in which information indicating that the image data of the plurality of recorded images has been recorded on the information recording medium for each of the divided images is recorded together with the image data of the plurality of recorded images. It can be easily identified as a segmented image.

Preferably, in the above-described image data recording apparatus, if the pixel arbitrarily selected for the pixel block is the first pixel and the frame for recording the divided image including the first pixel is the first frame, the recording unit is the image of the recorded image. Data is recorded on the information recording medium such that the divided image recorded in a frame adjacent to the first frame includes a pixel disposed adjacent to the first pixel.

With the configuration of the recording unit for recording the image data of the recorded image on the information recording medium, the image recorded on the information recording medium can be reproduced as a moving image without significant fluctuations, thereby not giving the viewer a noticeable embarrassment.

The image data reproducing method according to the present invention is based on the above research results, converts the original image into a plurality of reproduced images of different resolutions, divides at least a portion of the plurality of reproduced images into respective divisors different from each other, and reproduces the Recorded image data by generating a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each part of the image, and continuously recording the image data of the plurality of reproduced images on the information recording medium in frame units of a frame corresponding to the divided images. A method of reproducing image data from an information recording medium having: a first processing step of selectively reading a plurality of divided images of a reproduced image having a desired resolution; And a second processing step of synthesizing and recombining the plurality of divided images read in the first processing step and outputting the reproduced image having the desired resolution.

In the above-described image data reproduction method according to the present invention, a plurality of divided images of a reproduced image having a desired resolution are read out from an information recording medium having reproduced images having different resolutions in the form of a divided image recorded on a medium in the first processing step. And output.

Subsequently, the read plurality of divided images are recombined by synthesizing the reproduced image having the desired resolution in the second processing step.

With the image data reproduction method described above, the plurality of divided images are combined and recombined so as to output a reproduced image having a desired resolution recorded in the form of a plurality of divided images on the information recording medium. The net result is that a high quality image can be reproduced from the information recording medium on which the reproduced image is recorded, in accordance with the standards provided for recording image data of images having a low resolution.

In the above-described image data reproducing method, the reproduced image is synthesized and recombined by outputting a plurality of reproduced images recorded on the information recording medium at different resolutions, so that the original image can be reproduced at a desired resolution.

In the image data reproduction method described above, preferably, the second processing step takes one or more pixels from each of the plurality of divided images read out in the first processing step, forms a plurality of pixel blocks from the plurality of pixels, and And sub-combining the pixel blocks to generate a reproduced image of a desired resolution.

In the above-described image data reproducing method, preferably, the information indicating that the reproduced image is generated by combining and recombining a plurality of pixel blocks of a desired resolution is obtained from the information recording medium having the plurality of divided images in the first processing step. Is read.

With the above arrangement, the information indicating that the reproduced image is generated by combining and recombining a plurality of pixel blocks of a desired resolution is read out from the information recording medium having the plurality of divided images in the first processing step, It is easy to see that high-quality images are reproduced by combining and recombining a plurality of divided images read.

The image data reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is based on the above research results, and converts an original image into a plurality of reproduced images of different resolutions, divides at least a portion of the plurality of reproduced images into respective divisors different from each other, and reproduces the Recorded image data by generating a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each part of the image, and continuously recording the image data of the plurality of reproduced images on the information recording medium in frame units of a frame corresponding to the divided images. The apparatus for reproducing image data from the information recording medium having: a reading unit for selectively reading a plurality of divided images of a reproduced image having a desired resolution; And an image processing unit for synthesizing and recombining the plurality of divided images read by the reading unit and outputting the reproduced image having the desired resolution.

An image data reproducing apparatus according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, wherein a plurality of divided images of a reproduced image having a desired resolution are recorded by the reader in the form of a divided image recorded on a medium, and having information of a reproduced image having a different resolution. It is read out from the medium and output.

Subsequently, the read plurality of divided images are recombined by synthesizing the reproduced image having the desired resolution by the image processing unit.

In the above-described image data reproducing apparatus, the plurality of divided images are combined and recombined so as to output a reproduced image having a desired resolution recorded in the form of a plurality of divided images on the information recording medium. The net result is that a high quality image can be reproduced from the information recording medium on which the reproduced image is recorded, in accordance with the standards provided for recording image data of images having a low resolution.

With the above-described image data reproducing apparatus, the reproduced image is synthesized and recombined by outputting a plurality of reproduced images recorded on the information recording medium at different resolutions, so that the original image can be reproduced at a desired resolution.

In the above-described image data reproducing method, preferably, the recording unit takes one or more pixels from each of the plurality of divided images read by the reading unit, forms a plurality of pixel blocks from the plurality of pixels, and the plurality of pixel blocks. By synthesizing and recombining, the reproduction image of the desired resolution is generated.

In the above-described image data reproducing apparatus, preferably, the reading unit reads out information from the information recording medium having the plurality of divided images, indicating that the reproduced image is generated by combining and recombining a plurality of pixel blocks of a desired resolution.

With the above arrangement, the information indicating that the reproduced image is generated by combining and recombining a plurality of pixel blocks of a desired resolution is read out from the information recording medium having the plurality of divided images by the reading unit, so that it is read from the information recording medium. It is easy to see that high-quality images are reproduced by combining and recombining a plurality of divided images.

The information recording medium according to the present invention is based on the results of the study, and converts the original image into a plurality of recorded images of different resolutions, divides at least a portion of the plurality of recorded images, and extracts a plurality of divided images of different resolutions. By generating, it is possible to have image data of a plurality of recorded images recorded in units of frames.

With the information recording medium according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, a plurality of recorded images having different resolutions are actually recorded therein in the form of divided images, so that a high quality image can be reproduced by the composite recombination of the plurality of divided images.

With the above-described information recording medium, a plurality of recorded images of different resolutions are obtained by converting the original images and recorded on the information recording medium, so that the original images can be reproduced at a desired resolution by selecting from the plurality of recorded images a recorded image having a desired resolution. Can be.

In the above-described information recording medium, preferably, the divided image recorded on the information recording medium divides each of the plurality of recording images into a plurality of pixel blocks each including a plurality of adjacently arranged pixels, each of Obtained by taking one or more pixels from a pixelblock and combining and recombining the taken pixels.

When the information recording medium according to the present invention having the above-described configuration has a divided image recorded as described above, the divided images appear as recorded images if they are reproduced without being synthesized and re-defected.

A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is based on the results of the above research and has a program recorded thereon, comprising: a first processing step of converting an original image into a plurality of recorded images having different resolutions; A second processing step of dividing at least a portion of the plurality of recorded images into respective divisors different from each other, and generating a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each of the portions of the recorded image; And a third processing step of continuously recording the image data of the plurality of recorded images on the information recording medium in frame units of frames corresponding to the divided images.

Thus, by causing the computer to execute the first, second and third processing steps using a computer-readable recording medium, each of the plurality of recorded images is divided into a plurality of divided images and the image data obtained for the recorded image is The data is recorded on the information recording medium in units of frames that are frames corresponding to the divided images. The net result is that high quality images can be properly recorded to conform to the standards provided for recording image data of low resolution images.

Similarly, by causing the computer to execute the first, second, and third processing steps using a computer-readable recording medium, image data of a plurality of recorded images generated from the original image at different resolutions is continuously stored on the information recording medium. Are recorded. Therefore, the original image can be reproduced at the desired resolution by reading the image data of the image recorded at the desired resolution on the information recording medium.

The computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is based on the results of the above research, in which a program is recorded, converting an original image into a plurality of reproduced images having different resolutions, and at least some of the plurality of reproduced images different from each other. By dividing by a divisor, and generating a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each part of the reproduced image, and continuously recording the image data of the plurality of reproduced images on the information recording medium to carry the recorded image data. Reproducing image data from the information recording medium, wherein the reproducing process includes: a first processing step of selectively reading a plurality of divided images of a reproduced image having a desired resolution; And a second processing step of outputting the reproduced image having the desired resolution by synthesizing and recombining the plurality of divided images read in the first processing step.

Thus, by causing the computer to execute the first and second processing steps using a computer-readable recording medium, the plurality of divided images are synthesized and recombined, so that the desired resolution recorded in the form of a plurality of divided images on the information recording medium. Is played with. The net result is that the playback image is recorded to conform to the standards provided for recording image data of low resolution images.

Similarly, by causing the computer to execute the first and second processing steps using a computer-readable recording medium, the reproduced images are synthesized, recombined, and output from a plurality of reproduced images recorded on the information recording medium at different resolutions. The image of can be played back at the desired resolution.

As described above, in the image data recording method according to the present invention, each of the plurality of recorded images is divided into a plurality of divided images and the image data obtained for the recorded images is stored on the information recording medium in units of frames that are frames corresponding to the divided images. As recorded, high quality images can be suitably recorded to conform to the standards provided for recording image data of low resolution images. Therefore, with the image data recording method according to the present invention, high quality images can be recorded at low cost while ensuring sufficient recording capacity.

Furthermore, with the image data recording method according to the present invention, the original image is converted into a plurality of recorded images having different resolutions, and each of the plurality of recorded images is divided into a plurality of divided images and then recorded on the information recording medium, so that the original image Can be reproduced at a desired resolution by reading image data of an image recorded at a desired resolution on an information recording medium.

In the image data recording apparatus according to the present invention, since each of the plurality of recorded images is divided into a plurality of divided images and the image data obtained for the recorded images is recorded on the information recording medium in units of frames that are frames corresponding to the divided images, High quality images may be suitably recorded to conform to the standards provided for recording image data of low resolution images. Therefore, with the image data recording apparatus according to the present invention, high quality images can be recorded at low cost while ensuring sufficient recording capacity.

Furthermore, with the image data recording apparatus according to the present invention, since the original image is converted into a plurality of recording images having different resolutions and each of the plurality of recording images is divided into a plurality of divided images and then recorded on the information recording medium, the original image is It can be reproduced at a desired resolution by reading the image data of the divided image of the image recorded at the desired resolution on the information recording medium.

In the image data reproducing method according to the present invention, since a plurality of divided images are synthesized and recombined and reproduced at a desired resolution recorded in the form of a plurality of divided images on an information recording medium, a high quality image is used to record image data of low resolution images. The reproduced image can be reproduced from the recorded information recording medium in accordance with the provided standard.

Furthermore, in the image data reproducing method according to the present invention, the reproduced images divided into a plurality of divided images having the above resolutions and recorded on the information recording medium are combined, recombined, and output from the plurality of reproduced images. Can be recycled.

In the image data reproducing method according to the present invention, since a plurality of divided images are synthesized and recombined and reproduced at a desired resolution recorded in the form of a plurality of divided images on an information recording medium, a high quality image is used to record image data of low resolution images. The reproduced image can be reproduced from the recorded information recording medium in accordance with the provided standard.

Furthermore, in the image data reproducing method according to the present invention, the reproduced images divided into a plurality of divided images having different resolutions and recorded on the information recording medium are combined, recombined, and output from the plurality of reproduced images, so that the original image is reproduced at a desired resolution. Can be.

With the information recording medium according to the present invention, since a plurality of recorded images of different resolutions are actually recorded in the form of divided images, a high quality image can be reproduced by combining and recombining the plurality of divided images. Moreover, since a plurality of recorded images of different resolutions are obtained by converting the original images and recorded on the information recording medium, the original images can be reproduced at a desired resolution by selecting a recorded image having a desired resolution from the plurality of recorded images.

In the case of a computer-readable recording medium according to an aspect of the present invention, the computer performs a processing operation of recording an image to be recorded on the information recording medium by using the computer-readable recording medium, whereby the plurality of divided images are synthesized. The high quality image can be reproduced from the information recording medium on which the reproduced image is recorded so as to comply with a standard provided for recording images of low resolution images since it is recombined and reproduced at a desired resolution recorded in the form of a plurality of divided images on the information recording medium. Thus, by causing the computer to perform a processing operation for recording an image to be recorded on the information recording medium using the computer-readable recording medium, the high quality image can be reproduced at a low cost with a desired resolution.

Similarly, by causing the computer to perform a processing operation for recording an image to be recorded on the information recording medium using a computer-readable recording medium, a plurality of recorded images having different resolutions are obtained by converting the original image and recording on the information recording medium. Therefore, the original image can be reproduced at a desired resolution by selecting a recorded image having a desired resolution from a plurality of recorded images.

In the case of a computer-readable recording medium according to another aspect of the present invention, the computer executes a processing operation for recording an image to be recorded on the information recording medium using the computer-readable recording medium, whereby each of the plurality of recorded images is executed. Is divided into a plurality of divided images and the image data obtained for the recorded images is recorded on the information recording medium in units of frames, which are frames corresponding to the divided images, so that high quality images conform to the standards provided for recording image data of low resolution images. May be appropriately recorded.

Similarly, by causing the computer to execute a processing operation for recording an image to be recorded on the information recording medium using the computer-readable recording medium, a plurality of recording images generated from the original image at different resolutions divided into respective divided images. Since the image data of is recorded on the information recording medium, the original image can be reproduced at a desired resolution by selectively reading out the image data of the divided images of the reproduced image and synthesizing and recombining the reproduced image data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a view schematically showing the flow of a processing operation of an image data recording method according to the present invention.

2 schematically illustrates an image of a frame according to a conventional set of digital video standards.

3 is a schematic diagram of a recording dividing a recording image.

4 is a schematic diagram of another technique for dividing a recorded image.

5 is a schematic diagram of another technique for dividing a recorded image.

6 is a schematic diagram of the basic principle of a technique for recording a divided image on a recording medium.

7 is a schematic diagram of a technique for recording a plurality of divided images as a plurality of frames.

8 is a schematic diagram of a specific technique for creating a segmented image on a record carrier.

9 is an image diagram that may be displayed on a display screen of a digital video set.

10 is a schematic diagram of another technique for recording a segmented image on a recording medium.

11 is a schematic diagram of another particular technique for recording a segmented image on a recording medium.

12 is a schematic diagram of another particular technique for recording a segmented image on a recording medium.

13 is a schematic diagram of the flow of processing operations of the image data reproducing method according to the present invention;

14 is a schematic diagram of a technique for synthesizing and recombining image data for a reproduced image for the purposes of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an image data recording apparatus according to the present invention.

16 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an image data recording apparatus according to the present invention;

Fig. 17 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an image data reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

18 is a schematic block diagram of an image data recording / reproducing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

Fig. 19 is a schematic block diagram of another image data recording / reproducing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

<Description of the code | symbol about the principal part of drawing>

5: First segmented image 11: Recording medium

20, 21, 22: Playback image 30: Image data recording device

31, 69: image input unit 32, 53: still image signal processing unit

33, 54: moving image signal processing unit 34: recording signal processing unit

35: signal recorder 40: image data recording device

50: image data reproducing apparatus 51: signal reading unit

52: recording signal processing unit 55: image output unit

56, 57: Still image output unit 60, 80: Image data recording / reproducing device

61: image pickup section 62: image section

63: pickup image signal processing unit 70: still image input unit

71: Image input unit 77: Digital signal input / output unit

78: still image output unit 79: moving image output unit

82: CPU 83: cache memory

85: system controller 87: PCI bus

88: video controller

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. Embodiments described herein are described in Rec. ITU-R BT. 601-5 and Rec. ITU-R BT. It is designed to comply with the provisions of 656-3 and will be specifically described for digital video set to 525 lines, 60 fields / s. Therefore, in the following description, the number of pixels of the frame is equal to 720 x 486 and the aspect ratio of the entire screen is 4: 3.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, but the digital video set according to 625 lines, 50 fields / s and / or Rec. ITU-R BT. It can be applied to digital video sets complying with the 1120 standard and can be adapted to the aspect ratio of the 16: 9 full screen.

In the following description, the original image to be recorded will be referred to as a pickup image, and a plurality of images obtained by converting the pickup image to represent a predetermined number of pixels will be referred to as a recording image, and an image obtained by dividing the recording image will be referred to as a split image. The image obtained by combining and recombining the divided images will be referred to as a reproduced image. The image obtained by converting the reproduced image to represent a predetermined number of pixels will be referred to as a print image.

1. Image data recording method

First, the image data recording method according to the present invention is described.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a processing operation of the image data recording method according to the present invention. In Fig. 1, an image conversion operation is performed on a pickup image 1 taken by a solid state electronic image pickup apparatus, such as a CCD, in order to generate a plurality of recorded images of various different resolutions. Each recorded image has the number of pixels equal to an integer multiple of the number of pixels of the image (hereinafter referred to as unit image) of the digital video set frame to which the present invention is applied.

In the case of Fig. 1, the recording image 2 of the first resolution having 4 times the number of pixels of the unit image, the recording image 3 of the second resolution having 9 times the number of pixels of the unit image, and the 16 times of the unit image. There is a recording image 4 of a third resolution having a pixel number of. However, it will be appreciated that the number of recorded images and the number of pixels of each of the recorded images to be used in the application of the present invention are not limited to the above examples.

The recorded image 2 is obtained by converting the pickup image 1 to exhibit the first resolution and has four times the number of pixels of the unit image. For example, if the unit image has 486 pixels vertically and 720 pixels horizontally, the recording image 2 has 972 pixels to be arranged vertically, which is twice the number of vertically arranged pixels of the unit image, It has 1440 pixels arranged horizontally, which is twice the number of pixels arranged horizontally.

The recorded image 3 is obtained by converting the pickup image 1 to exhibit the second resolution and has a pixel number nine times that of the unit image. For example, if the unit image has 486 pixels vertically and 720 pixels horizontally, the recording image 3 has 1458 pixels vertically arranged which is three times the number of vertically arranged pixels of the unit image, It has 2160 pixels arranged horizontally, which is three times the number of pixels arranged horizontally.

The recorded image 4 is obtained by converting the picked-up image 1 to exhibit a third resolution and has a pixel number of 16 times the unit image. For example, if the unit image has 486 pixels vertically and 720 pixels horizontally, the recording image 4 has 1944 pixels to be vertically arranged which is four times the number of vertically arranged pixels of the unit image, It has 2880 pixels arranged horizontally which is four times the number of pixels arranged horizontally.

The ratio of the number of vertically arranged pixels to the number of horizontally arranged pixels is not 1: 1 for the existing set of digital video standards (e.g. D-1 standard, D-2 standard, DV standard), but the pickup image Since the ratio of the number of vertically arranged pixels to the number of horizontally arranged pixels of 1 is 1: 1, when the pickup image is converted into a plurality of recording images of a plurality of different resolutions, the number of vertically arranged pixels is horizontally arranged. Pay close attention to the ratio of pixel counts.

Specifically, Rec. ITU-R BT. 601-5 and Rec, ITU-R BT. The ratio of the number of vertically arranged pixels to the number of pixels to be horizontally arranged in the digital video set according to 656-3 is 1: 0.9, as shown in FIG. 2, so that, for example, the vertical arrangement of the pickup image 1 is performed. When the ratio of the number of pixels arranged to the number of horizontally arranged pixels is 1: 1, the pickup image 1 is converted into a plurality of recording images in consideration of the difference in the ratio of the number of vertically arranged pixels to the number of pixels to be arranged horizontally. Should be.

Moreover, the pickup image 1 must be converted into a plurality of recorded images 1d such that the aspect ratio of each of the recorded images is equal to the aspect ratio of the entire unit image.

Specifically, Rec. ITU-R BT. 601-5 and Rec, ITU-R BT. In the digital video set according to 656-3, the whole unit image shows an aspect ratio of 3: 4. Therefore, the picked-up image 1 must be converted into a plurality of recorded images so that each recorded image shows an aspect ratio of 3: 4 as a whole image.

As described above, when each of the plurality of recorded images is viewed as a whole, the same aspect ratio as that of the entire unit image is shown, so that generation of a distorted image can be minimized when the divided image is reproduced by the digital video set as a moving image.

Moreover, the occurrence of the distorted image can be further reduced when the divided image is reproduced by the digital video set as a moving picture if the aspect ratio of the whole picked-up image 1 is equal to the aspect ratio of the whole unit image.

It will be appreciated that the reproduced image will be of high quality when the size ratio of the number of pixels of each of the recorded images is larger than that of the unit image. The size ratio of the number of vertically arranged pixels of the recording image to the size ratio of the number of vertically arranged pixels of the unit image is the pixel to be arranged horizontally of the recording image relative to the size ratio of the number of horizontally arranged pixels of the unit image. It may differ from the size ratio of the numbers.

When a plurality of recorded images are reproduced at a different pixel count than the pickup image 1, a resolution conversion technique must be used for the images. Known techniques that can be used for resolution conversion include zero-time hold, linear interpolation, spline interpolation, and digital filter users, among which spatially performing linear or nonlinear interpolation operations from surrounding pixel values by zero-time hold techniques. The technique is the preferred choice.

However, not all of the plurality of recorded images need linear or nonlinear interpolation. For example, when reproducing the recording image 2 of the first resolution with the help of linear or nonlinear interpolation, the recording image 4 of the third resolution is linear by using the pixel data of the recording image 2 of the first resolution. Or it can be reproduced without the help of nonlinear interpolation. More precisely, a group of four adjacently located pixels in the recording image 4 of the third resolution correspond to the pixels of the recording image 2 of the first resolution, so that the recording image 4 of the third resolution is the first. By using the pixel data of the recording image 2 of resolution, it can be reproduced without interpolation. That is, a recording image that requires a large amount of data to generate the recording image can be suitably prepared with a relatively small amount of arithmetic operations.

Then, each of the plurality of recorded images is divided into many divided images equal to the size ratio of the number of pixels with respect to the unit image. Specifically, since the number of pixels of the recording image 20 having the first resolution is four times the unit image, the recording image 2 having the first resolution is divided into four divided images (hereinafter referred to as the first divided image 5). . Similarly, since the number of pixels of the recording image 3 of the second resolution is nine times that of the unit image, the recording image 3 of the second resolution is divided into a nine-segmented image (hereinafter referred to as a second divided image 6). Similarly, since the number of pixels of the recording image 4 of the third resolution is 16 times the unit image, the recording image 4 of the third resolution is divided into 16 divided images (hereinafter referred to as the third divided image 7).

Therefore, the divided image is generated by dividing each of the plurality of recorded images by the same number as the size ratio of the number of pixels of the recorded image with respect to the unit image. That is, all the divided images have the same number of pixels as the unit image.

If the recording image generated by converting the pickup image 10 has the same number of pixels as the unit image, the recording image having the same number of pixels as the unit image will be used as the divided image without the division process.

A method of generating a segmented image is described in detail below.

When dividing the recording image to generate the divided image, the recording image is first divided into a plurality of pixel blocks, each of which includes a plurality of adjacently located pixels.

Specifically, when dividing the recording image 2 of the first resolution having the number of pixels four times the unit image into four first divided images 5, it will first be divided into 486 x 720 pixel blocks 8, each of which is As shown in FIG. 3, the display device includes four pixels arranged vertically and horizontally.

Similarly, when dividing the recording image 3 of the second resolution having the number of pixels nine times the unit image into nine second divided images 6, it will first be divided into 486 x 720 pixel blocks 8, each of which is shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 4, it includes a total of 16 pixels arranged vertically and horizontally by four.

Similarly, when dividing the recording image 4 of the third resolution having the number of pixels 16 times into the unit image into 16 third divided images 7, it will first be divided into 486 x 720 pixel blocks 8, each of which is shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 5, the display device includes a total of 16 pixels arranged vertically and horizontally by four.

Subsequently, a pixel is taken from each of the 486 x 720 pixels obtained by dividing the relevant recording image, and these taken pixels are combined and recombined to produce a segmented image.

For example, when generating the first divided image 5 from the recording image 2 of the first resolution, pixels are taken from a 486 x 720 pixel block each including four pixels, and the taken pixels are divided into four images. It is synthesized and recombined to produce one segmented image 5. Any two adjacently located pixels in any first divided image 5 are separated by two pixels vertically or horizontally in the recording image 2 of the first resolution.

Similarly, when generating the second divided image 6 from the recording image 3 of the second resolution, pixels are taken from each of the 486 x 720 pixel blocks each containing nine pixels, and the taken pixels are the nine second ones. It is synthesized and recombined to produce a segmented image 6. Any two adjacently located pixels in any second divided image 6 are separated by three pixels vertically or horizontally in the recording image 3 of the second resolution.

Similarly, when generating the third segmented image 7 from the recorded image 4 of the third resolution, pixels are taken from a 486 x 720 pixel block each comprising 16 pixels, and the pixels taken are 16 third segmented. It is synthesized and recombined to produce an image 7. Any two adjacently located pixels in any third segmented image 7 are separated by four pixels vertically or horizontally in the recorded image 4 of the third resolution.

As described above, only a pixel is taken from each of the plurality of pixel blocks obtained by dividing the recording image, and a divided image is generated by synthesizing and recombining the taken pixels, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and alternatively, It can be configured for the purposes of the present invention to take a plurality of pixels from each of the plurality of pixels obtained and synthesize the pixels taken and recombine to produce a segmented image. In this case, the number of pixels included in each pixel block will be larger than the number of divided images generated by recombining the taken pixels.

The image data of each of the divided images generated by dividing a plurality of recorded images having different resolutions from each other is successively recorded on a recording medium 11, which may be a digital video tape or a digital video disk so that a frame of a digital video set is assigned to the divided image. It is recorded along the time direction.

Specifically, the image data of the four first divided images 5, the image data of the nine second divided images 6, and the image data of the sixteen third divided images 7 are as shown in FIG. 6. It is continuously recorded along the time direction on the recording medium 11 so as to be allocated to the image data of the divided images as well.

In the above description, one frame is allocated to one image data of the divided images formed by dividing the recording images having different resolutions. Alternatively, the plurality of frames may be divided into recording images having different resolutions as shown in FIG. Image data of one of the formed divided images may be allocated. It will be appreciated that the reliability of the recorded data can be improved by assigning a plurality of frames to one of the plurality of divided images.

When continuously recording the divided images along the time direction, the divided images are preferably recorded in the order of pixels arranged vertically, horizontally or inclined of the recording image in which the images are generated. By recording the divided images continuously in the time direction in the arrangement order of the pixels of the recorded image, the images can be displayed in a good form when reproduced as a moving image by the digital video set. A plurality of divided images continuously recorded along the time direction are prepared by taking different pixels of the corresponding recorded image, combining them, and recombining them. Therefore, when a plurality of divided images continuously recorded along the time direction are reproduced as moving pictures by the digital video set, they appear as if they oscillate. However, this apparent oscillation can be suppressed to an unknown degree and the displayed image can be smoothly moved by recording the divided images continuously in the time direction in the arrangement order of the pixels of the recording image.

Moreover, when recording the divided images continuously in the time direction, the divided images are mutually vertically, horizontally or inclined with the pixels included in the first recorded divided image and the pixels included in the last recorded divided image. More preferably, it is recorded so as to be positioned adjacent to. The movement of the segmented images will then appear smoother than when they are played back.

As described above, in the image data recording method according to the present invention, since the pick-up image 1 is converted into a plurality of recording images having different resolutions, each of the plurality of recording images is divided into a plurality of divided images and for the recording image. The obtained image data is recorded frame by frame on the information recording medium 11, each frame corresponds to a divided image, and a high quality image can be suitably recorded by a digital video set conforming to existing standards.

Furthermore, in the data recording method according to the present invention, since each of the plurality of recorded images is divided into a plurality of pixel blocks each including adjacently arranged pixels, one or more pixels are taken from each pixel block and the taken pixels are By combining and recombining to generate a plurality of divided images, any of the divided images can be displayed as a moving picture which is not particularly discriminated from the corresponding recorded image.

Further, in the image data recording method according to the present invention, since each of the plurality of recorded images having different resolutions is divided into a plurality of divided images before being recorded on the information recording medium 11, the original image has a desired resolution on the information recording medium. By reading the image data of the divided image of the recorded image, it can be reproduced at a desired resolution.

On the other hand, with the image data recording method according to the present invention, preferably, the image data of each of the plurality of divided images generated from each of the plurality of recorded images having different resolutions prepared from the pickup images is recorded within a few seconds. 11) are continuously recorded over frames of one second. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a technique for recording image data of each of a plurality of divided images generated from each of a plurality of recorded images having different resolutions prepared from a pickup image over a one second frame.

In the case of FIG. 8, image data of each of the plurality of divided images generated from each of the plurality of recorded images having different resolutions is recorded on the recording medium 110 conforming to the digital video standard in which the number of frames per second is set to 30. FIG. Image data of four first divided images 5 obtained by dividing the recording image 2 having the first resolution, and images of nine second divided images 6 obtained by dividing the recording image 3 having the second resolution. Data and image data of the sixteen first divided images 7 obtained by dividing the recorded image 4 of the third resolution are continuously recorded on the recording medium 11 along the time direction. In this case, the image data was obtained as a conversion result for making each of the recorded images the same number of pixels as the unit image (hereinafter referred to as the unit recording image 12) in the process of converting the pickup image 1, It was recorded on the recording medium 11 as image data.

Four first divided images 5 obtained by dividing the recording image 2 of the first resolution, nine second divided images 6 obtained by dividing the recording image 3 of the second resolution, and the third resolution As a result of continuously recording the sixteen third divided images 7 obtained by dividing the recording image 4 on the recording medium 11 as described above along the time direction, a single pickup image and a unit recording image 12 The image data (hereinafter collectively referred to as image data reproduced from the pick-up image) of the divided images 5, 6, and 7 generated from the image is recorded over 30 frames, which is the number of frames per second of the recording medium 11.

Preferably, image data obtained from a single pick-up image is recorded on the recording medium 11 from the zeroth frame of the second of the time code.

As described above, as a result of continuously recording the image data obtained from the single pickup image on the recording medium 11 from the zeroth frame of the second of the time code to the frames per second, the user wants to record the desired image recorded on the recording medium 1. Can be easily found based on time signs.

In the case of a digital video set that conforms to the DV standard, the time code can be displayed on the screen with the recorded video image as shown in FIG. Therefore, the user can easily know the correspondence of the time code and the image displayed on the screen of the digital video set. Similarly, digital video sets that conform to the D1 or D2 standard or any other existing set of standards are provided with a feature that displays a time code so that the user can easily see the correspondence of the time code with the image displayed on the screen.

The technique of continuously recording image data obtained from a single pickup image over frames of unit time is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate another example of a technique of continuously recording image data obtained from a single pick-up image over frames of unit time.

In the example of FIG. 10, the image data of the first divided image 5 obtained by dividing the recording image 2 of the first resolution, and the second divided image 6 obtained by dividing the recording image 3 of the second resolution Is obtained by dividing the image data of the third divided image 7 obtained by dividing the recorded image 4 of the third resolution, the recorded image of the fourth resolution, and having the number of pixels of 25 times the unit image. The image data of the four-segmented image 13 is obtained by dividing the recorded image of the fifth resolution and the fifth-sized image 14 having 36 times the number of pixels of the unit image. It is continuously recorded on the recording medium 11.

Specifically, four first segmented images 5 are recorded over four frames, a second segmented image 6 is recorded over nine frames, and sixteen third segmented images 7 are recorded over 16 frames. And twenty-five fourth segmented images 13 and thirty-sixth segmented images 14 are recorded over 25 frames and 36 frames, respectively, to make the total number of frames equal to 90 for a single pickup image.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the image data of the first divided image 5 obtained by dividing the recording image 2 having the first resolution, and the second divided image obtained by dividing the recording image 3 having the second resolution ( Obtained by dividing the image data of 6), the image data of the third divided image 5 obtained by dividing the recording image 4 of the third resolution, and the recording image of the fourth resolution, and the number of pixels of 25 times the unit image. The image data of the fourth divided image 13 having the image data obtained by dividing the recorded image with the fifth resolution and the fifth divided image 14 having 36 times the number of pixels of the unit image is 120 frames which is the number of frames of 4 seconds. Are continuously recorded on the recording medium 11 over the recording medium.

In this example, the first divided image 5, the second divided image 6 and the third divided image 7 are recorded in two frames in duplicate. That is, the unit recording image 12 is recorded in one frame, and four first divided images 5 and nine second divided images 6 are recorded over eight frames and eighteen frames, respectively, and sixteen fourth divided images. The image 7 and the 36th fifth divided images 8 are recorded over 25 frames and 36 frames, respectively, so that the total number of frames is 120.

By recording a plurality of image data of part or all of the divided images in this way, even if a part of the image data of the divided image is damaged, any divided image can be reliably reproduced, thereby improving the overall reliability of the recorded image data.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the image data of the first divided image 5 obtained by dividing the recording image 2 having the first resolution, and the third divided image obtained by dividing the recording image 4 having the third resolution ( The image data of the sixth divided image 15 obtained by dividing the image data of (7) and the recorded image of the sixth resolution and having the number of pixels 64 times the unit image is recorded on the recording medium 11 over 90 frames, which is the number of frames of 3 seconds. Are recorded continuously).

In this example, each of the first divided image 5 and the unit recorded image 12 is recorded in two frames in duplicate. That is, the unit recording image 12 is recorded in two frames, four first divided images 5 are recorded over eight frames, sixteen third divided images 7 and sixty sixth divided images 15. ) Are recorded over 16 frames and 64 frames, respectively, so that the total number of frames is 90.

Moreover, in this example, each side of each recording image is divided by 2 ⁿ (n is an integer of 1 or more) and thus each recording image is divided by 2 ²ⁿ to generate a plurality of divided images, which are then recorded on the recording medium 11. Is recorded. Specifically, each side of the recording image 20 of the first resolution is divided into two and thus the image is divided into four to produce the first divided image 5 and each side of the recording image 4 of the third resolution is divided into four. The image is divided into sixteen to produce a third divided image 7, and each side of the sixth resolution recorded image is divided into eight, so the image is divided into 64 to produce a sixth divided image and all divided images are recorded media. Recorded in (11).

By the above-described configuration of dividing the recording image by a divisor of 2 ²ⁿ and recording the obtained divided image on the recording medium 11, if the maximum amount of the recording image is V, the total data amount of the image data of the recording image is (V + V). / 4 + V / 4 ² + V / 4 ³ + ...) / V = 1 + 1/4 ² +1/4 ³ + ... or may be maintained within 4/3 of V.

2. Image data playback method

The image data reproduction method according to the present invention will be described below.

13 is a schematic diagram of the flow of processing operations of the image data reproducing method according to the present invention. In Fig. 13, the image data is the image data of four first divided images 5 obtained by dividing the recording image 2 of the first resolution, and the nine second divided images obtained by dividing the recording image 3 of the second resolution. The image data of (6) and the image data of the 16 third divided images 7 obtained by dividing the recording image 4 of the third resolution are reproduced from the recorded recording medium 11.

In Fig. 13, in the image data reproducing method according to the present invention, first, the first divided image 5, the second divided image 6 or the third divided image 7 are read out from the recording medium 11, which is digital. It may be a video tape or a digital video disc.

If a divided image is recorded in plural over a plurality of frames, one of the plurality can be read out from the corresponding one of the plurality of frames. However, preferably, all or part of the image data of the plurality of recorded divided images is read from all or part of the frame and averaged in pixels. Techniques that can be used for averaging operations include techniques for calculating weighted mean values, techniques for calculating medians, and selecting the most frequently occurring values. By this averaging operation for reading a single segmented image, image loss that may occur in the recording medium 11 during a storage or image data reproduction operation can be compensated.

Then, the reproduced image is obtained by combining and recombining a plurality of divided images read out from the recording medium 11. Specifically, when the first divided image 5 is read out from the recording medium 11, the reproduced image 20 showing the same resolution as the recorded image 2 of the first resolution is read out of the first divided image 5. Is obtained by synthesizing and re-assembling the image data. Similarly, when the second divided image 6 is read from the recording medium 11, the reproduced image 21 showing the same resolution as the recorded image 3 of the second resolution is the image data of the read second divided image. It is obtained by synthesizing and recombining. Similarly, when reading the third divided image 7 from the recording medium 11, the reproduced image 22 having the same resolution as the recorded image 4 of the third resolution is used to read the image data of the read third divided image. Obtained by synthesis and recombination.

The operation of combining and recombining the reproduced images is the inverse of the operation of dividing the recorded image by the above-described image data recording method.

14 is a schematic diagram of a technique for synthesizing and recombining image data for a reproduced image for the purposes of the present invention. In FIG. 14, when obtaining the reproduced image 20 from the plurality of first divided images 5, first one or more pixels are taken from each of the first divided images 5, and the pixel block 8 is of the first resolution. It is formed from a plurality of taken pixels as in the case described above of dividing the recording image 2 into the first divided image 5. Subsequently, the plurality of pixel blocks generated in this manner are combined in the same order as used in the recording operation obtained by synthesizing the first reproduced image 20.

Therefore, the image data reproduction method according to the present invention outputs a reproduction image of a desired resolution recorded in the form of a plurality of divided images on an information recording medium by combining and recombining a plurality of divided images, so that a high quality image can be used for digital video recording. The reproduced image can be reproduced from the recorded information recording medium so as to comply with any existing standard provided for the purpose.

Furthermore, in the image data reproducing method according to the present invention, since the reproduced images divided into a plurality of divided images of different resolutions and recorded on the information recording medium are combined, recombined, and output from the plurality of reproduced images, the original images are reproduced at a desired resolution. Can be.

In the image data reproducing method according to the present invention, an image of the same high resolution as the pickup image (hereinafter referred to as print image 23) can be obtained by preparing a reproduced image and then performing an image conversion operation on the reproduced image.

3. Image data recording device

In the image data recording apparatus according to the present invention, the pickup image 1 is converted into a first divided image 5, a second divided image 6, and a third divided image 7, and these divided images are converted into a recording medium 11. An embodiment for recording in the following description will be described.

Fig. 15 is a schematic block diagram of this embodiment of the image data recording apparatus according to the present invention. The image data recording device 30 receives the high resolution still image signal S1, the high resolution moving image signal S2 or the low resolution moving image signal S3 as an input, and inputs the input high resolution still image signal S1 and the high resolution moving image signal S2. Or low-resolution moving image signal S3 in the form of image data D1 of still images formed by a plurality of divided images. Further, the input high resolution moving picture signal S2 or the low resolution moving picture signal S3 is recorded on the recording medium 11 as the image data D2 of the low resolution moving picture. In the following description, high resolution refers to a resolution higher than that of an image recorded according to the digital video standard followed by the data recording apparatus 30, and low resolution refers to an image higher than an image recorded according to the digital video standard followed by the image data recording apparatus 30. Low resolution.

The image data recording device 30 is a still image formed from a plurality of divided images by the image input unit 31, the high resolution still image signal S1 or the high resolution moving image signal S2 transmitted from the image input unit 31. Still image signal processing unit 32 for converting image data D1 to high resolution dynamic image signal S2 or low resolution dynamic image signal S3 transmitted from image input unit 31 to a low resolution dynamic image A predetermined signal processing operation is performed on the image data D1 of the still image supplied from the processing unit 33, the still image signal processing unit 32, or the image data D2 of the low resolution moving image supplied from the moving image signal processing unit 33. Image data D3 supplied from the recording signal processing unit 34 and the recording signal processing unit 34 to generate the image data D3 having a format conforming to the DV standard. ) Is recorded on the recording medium 11.

The image input unit 31 includes a still image input unit 36 and a moving image input unit 37. The image input unit 31 has a functional feature of selecting a required signal from a plurality of input signals.

The still image input unit 36 receives a high resolution still image signal S1 or a high resolution moving image signal S2 as an input and supplies a necessary image to the still image signal processing unit 32. That is, the input image is supplied to the still image signal processing unit 32 as the pickup image 1. Meanwhile, the moving image input unit 37 receives a high resolution moving image signal S2 or a low resolution moving image signal S3 as an input and supplies the necessary image to the moving image processing unit 33.

The still image signal processing unit 32 converts the pickup image 1 into the first divided image 5 by the first recorded image 2 and into the second divided image 6 by the second recorded image 3. The third image 4 is converted into the third divided image 7. That is, the still image signal processing unit 32 corresponds to the pickup image 1, for example, image data of a format corresponding to the data format of the first recorded image 2, and a data format of the second recorded image 3. In order to convert the image data of the format to be converted into image data of a format corresponding to the data format of the third recording image 4, the still image input unit ( A conversion operation is performed on the pickup image 1 (high resolution still image signal S1 or high resolution moving image signal S2) supplied from 36.

Thereafter, the still image signal processing unit 32 converts the image data of the first recording image 2 into the image data D1 in a form corresponding to the data format of the first divided image 5, and the second recording image 3. The image data of the third divided image 7 into the image data D1 of a format corresponding to the data format of the second divided image 6 and the image data of the third recorded image 4 as described above. Conversion is made to image data D1 in a format corresponding to the data format. The image data D1 of the still image used to generate the plurality of divided images is then supplied to the recording signal processing unit 34.

The moving image signal processing unit 33 converts the high resolution moving image signal S2 or the low resolution moving image signal S3 into a signal having a format in which it is recorded as the image data D2 of the low resolution moving image, and then records it. Conversion of the moving image signal (high resolution moving image signal S2 or low resolution moving image signal S3) supplied from the moving image input unit 37 with respect to the frame frequency, the number of pixels and the color representation of the image for transmission to Execute the action.

The recording signal processing unit 34 converts the high resolution moving image signal S2 or the low resolution moving image signal S3 into a signal having a format in which the low resolution moving image signal is recorded as the image data D2 of the image of the low resolution moving image. With respect to the number of pixels and the color expression, a conversion operation is performed on the moving image signal (high resolution moving image signal S2 or low resolution moving image signal S3) supplied from the moving image input unit 37.

The recording signal processing unit 34 is configured to shuffle image data D1 of the still image supplied from the still image signal processing unit 32 or image data D2 of the low resolution moving image supplied from the moving image signal processing unit 33; A digital video standard in which the image data recording apparatus 30 carries out predetermined processing operations including encoding, error correction, and recording channel encoding, and which follows the image data D1 of the still image or the image data D2 of the same image. The image data D3 is converted into image data D3 in accordance with the format. Furthermore, the recording signal processing section 34 includes sound signals, date and time and accessory information such as copyright and information indicating that the image data of the recording image has been converted into image data D1 of a format corresponding to the data format of the divided image. Supplied.

The signal recording section 35 converts the image data D1 of the still image or the image data D2 of the same image, the image data D3 of the format according to the digital video standard according to the image data recording apparatus, the sound signal, The digital video tape which operates in synchronism with the recording signal processing unit 34 with respect to the clock for the accessory information and information indicating that the image data of the recording image is converted into the image data D1 of a format corresponding to the data format of the divided image. Or on a recording medium 11, which may be a digital video disc. At this time, the signal recording unit 35 records on the recording medium 11 the image data D3 of the format according to the digital video standard, which is obtained by converting the image data D1 of the still image. The image data of the first divided image 5, the image data of the second divided image 6 and the image data of the third divided image 7 are recorded so as to be continuously recorded over frames per second.

In the image data recording apparatus 30 according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the pickup image 1 (high resolution still image signal S1 or high resolution moving image signal S2) is transferred by the still image signal processor 32, The data is converted into image data D1 in a format corresponding to the data format of the plurality of divided images by the recorded image. The image data D1 is then converted by the recording signal processor 34 into image data D3 in a format corresponding to the data format according to the digital video standard followed by the image data recording apparatus 30. Thereafter, the image data D3 is recorded on the recording medium 11 by assigning a frame to each divided image by the signal recording unit 35. Therefore, the image data recording apparatus 30 according to the present invention can suitably record high quality images according to the existing set of digital video standards.

In the image data recording apparatus 30 according to the present invention, each recorded image is divided into pixel blocks including each of a plurality of adjacently arranged pixels, and each pixel block by the still image signal processor 32. Since one or more pixels are taken from the synthesized pixels and recombined to generate a plurality of divided images, the divided images displayed from the same image can be almost recognized as a recording image.

Furthermore, with the image data recording apparatus 30 according to the present invention, the pickup image 1 is converted into a plurality of recording images having different resolutions, and each of the recording images is divided into a plurality of divided images by the still image signal processing unit 32. Divided into. Then, the image data of the generated divided image is continuously recorded on the recording medium 11, so that the original image can be reproduced as an image having a desired resolution by continuously reading the divided images of the image recorded at the desired resolution.

As described above, the high resolution still image signal S1, the high resolution moving image signal S2, or the low resolution moving image signal S3 is externally input and the input high resolution still image signal S1 or the high resolution moving image signal S2 is as described above. Although recorded on the recording medium 11 as image data D1 of still images formed by a plurality of divided images, the image data recording apparatus according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the image pickup unit may further include an image pickup unit, and the high resolution still image signal S1 or the high resolution moving image signal S2 generated by the image pickup unit may include image data of a still image formed from a plurality of divided images. D1) can be recorded on the recording medium 11.

16 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an image data recording apparatus according to the present invention including an image pickup section. The embodiment of the image data recording apparatus 40 shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the image data recording apparatus 30 described above except that the image input section 31 is replaced by the image pickup section 41, so the image data recording apparatus The same or similar components as in (30) are denoted by the same reference numerals and are not described further.

In this image data recording apparatus 40, the image pickup section 41 includes an imaging section 42 and a pickup image signal processing section 43. Therefore, the image data recording apparatus 40 is configured to capture a subject and output a high resolution still image signal S1 or a high resolution moving image signal S2 as an image signal.

The imaging unit 42 is an image pickup device such as an optical system and a CCD, and supplies a signal obtained from the picked-up image to the picked-up image signal processing unit 43. The pickup image signal processing unit 43 converts the signal supplied from the imaging unit 42 into a high resolution still image signal S1, a high resolution moving image signal S2, or a low resolution moving image signal S3. Next, the pickup image processing unit transmits the high resolution still image signal S1, the high resolution moving image signal S2, or the low resolution moving image signal S3 to the moving image signal processing unit 33.

As in the case of the image data recording apparatus 30, the high resolution still image signal S1 or the high resolution moving image signal S2 (pickup image 1) supplied from the pickup image processing unit 43 is then subjected to the still image signal processing unit 42. ) By the first recorded image 2, the first divided image 5 by the second recorded image 3, by the second divided image 6 by the third recorded image 4, by the third The divided image 7 is converted.

Subsequently, the recording signal processing unit 34 performs a predetermined processing operation on the image data D1 of the still image formed by the plurality of divided images and transfers them to the existing set of digital video standards followed by the image data recording apparatus 40. The data is converted into image data D3 in the corresponding format.

Thus, the image data recording device 40 according to the present invention can suitably record high quality images according to the existing set of digital video standards as in the case of the image data recording device 30 as described above.

As in the case of the image data recording apparatus 30 described above, by the image data recording apparatus 40 according to the present invention, each recorded image is divided into pixel blocks each comprising a plurality of adjacently arranged pixels. One or more pixels may be recognized by the still image signal processor 32 to generate a plurality of divided images by synthesizing and recombining the pixels taken from each pixel block, so that the divided images displayed from the same image can be almost recognized as a recording image. have.

Furthermore, like the image data recording apparatus 30 described above, with the image data recording apparatus 40 according to the present invention, the pickup image 1 is converted into a plurality of recording images having different resolutions, and each of the recording images is The still image signal processor 32 divides the image into a plurality of divided images. Then, the image data of the generated divided image is continuously recorded on the recording medium 11, so that the original image can be reproduced as an image having a desired resolution by continuously reading the divided images of the image recorded at the desired resolution.

4. Image data playback device

The image data reproducing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the first divided image 5, the second divided image 6 and the third divided image of the pickup image obtained by converting the pickup image 1 and recorded as described above. It is to obtain a reproduced image from the recording medium 11 having 7).

17 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of image data according to the present invention. In Fig. 7, the image data reproducing apparatus 50 is a high resolution still image signal S1 or a low resolution moving image signal S3 from image data D3 recorded on a recording medium 11 which may be digital video data or a digital video disk. Play).

The image data reproducing apparatus 50 includes a signal reading unit 51 for reading the image data D3 from the recording medium 11, a still image of a low resolution dynamic image or image data D1 of the image data D2, and a sound. An image of the still image supplied from the recording signal processing unit 52 and the recording signal processing unit 52 which performs a predetermined processing operation on the image data D3 read by the signal reading unit 41 to generate the signal and the accessory information. Converts the image data D2 of the moving image supplied from the still image signal processing unit 53 and the recording signal processing unit 52 which converts the data D1 into the high resolution still image signal S1 into the low resolution moving image signal S3. Outputs a high resolution dynamic image signal S3 supplied from the still image signal processing unit 54 and a low resolution dynamic image signal S3 supplied from the dynamic image signal processing unit 54 It includes an image output unit (55).

The image signal reading section 51 reads the image data D3 from the recording medium 11, which may be a digital video tape or a digital video disk which operates in synchronization with the recording signal processing section 34 with respect to the clock. At this time, the signal reading section 51 selectively reads the image data of the divided image obtained by dividing the recording image having a desired resolution from the image data D3 recorded on the recording medium 11.

Along with the image data D3, the image signal reading unit 51 is a sound signal, date and time and accessory information such as date and copyright, and image data D1 of a format in which the image data of the recorded image corresponds to the data format of the divided image. It also reads information indicating that it has been converted to.

The recording signal processing unit 52 performs a predetermined processing operation including shuffling, encoding, error correction, and recording channel encoding on the image data D3 selectively read by the signal reading unit 51, thereby performing a still image. To generate image data D1 or image data D3 of a low resolution dynamic image.

The still image signal processing unit 53 converts the image data D1 (of the divided image read out selectively) of the still image generated by the recording signal processing unit 52. Specifically, the still image signal processing unit 53 is configured to digitally follow the image data reproducing apparatus 50 with the image data D1 (of a plurality of divided images each consisting of a plurality of frames) supplied from the recording signal processing unit 52. Convert to image data in a format that complies with the video standard. The still image signal processing unit 53 then supplies the image output unit 55 with image data of a reproduced image (high resolution still image signal S1).

The moving image signal processing unit 54 converts the image data D2 of the low resolution moving image into a signal that is to be output from the image output unit 55 (low resolution moving image signal S3). Regarding the number and color representation of the image, a conversion operation is performed on the image data D2 of the low resolution dynamic image supplied from the recording signal processing unit 52 and the signal is transmitted to the image output unit 55.

The image output unit 55 includes a still image output unit 56 and a still image output unit 57. The image output unit 55 operates to output the high resolution still image signal S1 supplied from the still image signal processing unit 53 or the low resolution dynamic image signal S3 supplied from the moving image signal processing unit 54 to the outside of the apparatus. . Specifically, when the high resolution still image signal S1 is received from the still image signal processing unit 53, in the image output unit 55, the still image output unit 56 outputs a high resolution still image signal S1, When the low resolution moving image signal S3 is received from the moving image signal processing unit 54, the moving image output unit 57 outputs the low resolution moving image signal S3 to the outside.

By the image data reproducing apparatus 50 according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the still image processing section 53 for obtaining a reproduced image in which the plurality of divided images are recorded in the form of a plurality of divided images on the information recording medium 11. Are combined and recombined, and because the images are output to the outside by the still image output unit 56, the high-quality image is an information recording in which the reproduced image is recorded so as to comply with existing DV standards provided for recording image data of the image. Can be played back from the medium.

In addition, by the image data reproducing apparatus 50 according to the present invention, an image to be reproduced which is divided into a plurality of divided images having different resolutions and recorded on the information recording medium 11 is synthesized and recombined from a plurality of reproduced images. Because of the output, the original image can be played back at the desired resolution.

5. Image data recording / playback device

An image data recording / reproducing apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described below.

Fig. 18 is a schematic block diagram of an image data recording / reproducing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, showing its configuration in detail. The image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 is designed to combine the functional features of the image data recording apparatus 30, the image data recording apparatus 40, and the image data reproducing apparatus 50 described above.

Specifically, the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 stores the high resolution still image signal S1 or the high resolution moving image signal S2 obtained by capturing the subject by the image pickup unit on the recording medium 11, and the plurality of divided images. The recording medium 11 may be recorded as an image signal of a still image including a high resolution still image signal S1 or a high resolution moving image signal S2 input through an image input unit as an image signal of a still image composed of a plurality of divided images. The high resolution moving image signal S2 or the low resolution moving image signal S3 obtained by photographing a subject by the image pickup unit as a low resolution moving image signal, or the high resolution moving image signal input through the image input unit. (S2) or the low resolution moving image signal S3 to record as an image signal of the low resolution moving image Will.

The image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 additionally has a function of reproducing a high resolution still image signal S1 or a low resolution moving image signal S3 from an image signal recorded on the recording medium 11.

Although an image data recording / reproducing apparatus has been described with respect to a method of recording / reproducing a low resolution moving image signal according to the above-described DV standard, it is not limited thereto and may be compatible with any other standard described above.

In the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60, the image pickup section 61 includes an imaging section 62 and a pickup image signal processing section 63. Therefore, the subject is photographed and the high resolution still image signal S1, the high resolution moving image signal S2, or the low resolution moving image signal S3 is output as an image signal.

The imaging unit 62 has a zoom lens 64 and an iris, an optical system mechanism control unit 66, an image pickup means 67 such as a CCD, and a sensor unit 68 for detecting focus and exposure. The imaging unit 62 supplies a signal obtained by photographing a subject with the image pickup means 67 to the pickup image signal processing unit 63.

The pickup image signal processing unit 63 converts the signal supplied from the imaging unit 62 into a high resolution still image signal S1, a high resolution moving image signal S2, or a low resolution moving image signal S3. Subsequently, the pickup image processing unit 63 transmits the high resolution still image signal S1, the high resolution moving image signal S2, or the low resolution moving image signal S3 to the image input unit 69.

The image input unit 69 includes a still image input unit 70 and a moving image input unit 71. The image input unit 69 has a functional feature of selecting a required signal from a plurality of input signals.

The still image input unit 70 receives a high resolution still image signal S1 or a high resolution moving image signal S2 as an input, and supplies a necessary image to the still image signal processing unit 72. That is, the input image is supplied to the still image signal processing unit 72 as the pickup image 1. On the other hand, the moving image input unit 71 receives a high resolution moving image signal S2 or a low resolution moving image signal S3 as an input and supplies the necessary image to the moving image processing unit 73.

In image data recording, the still image signal processing unit 72 converts the pickup image 1 into a first divided image 5 by the first recorded image 2, and a second division by the second recorded image 3. The image 6 is converted into a third segmented image 7 by the third recorded image 4. That is, the still image processing unit 72 selects the pickup image 1, for example, image data of a format corresponding to the data format of the first recorded image 2, and a data format of the second recorded image 3. Pick-up supplied from the still image input unit 70 with respect to the data format and the number of pixels and color representation of the image, in order to convert the image data of the format and the image data of the format corresponding to the data format of the third recorded image 4. A conversion operation is performed on the image 1 (high resolution still image signal S1 or high resolution moving image signal S2).

Thereafter, the still image signal processing unit 72 converts the image data of the first recording image 2 into the image data D1 of a format corresponding to the data format of the first divided image 5, and the second recording image 3. Image data of the format corresponding to the data format of the second divided image 6, and image data of the third recorded image 4 corresponding to the data format of the third divided image 7 The image data D1 in the format is converted in the above-described manner.

In the image data reproduction, the still image signal processing unit 72 converts the image data D1 (of the divided image read out selectively) of the still image generated by the recording signal processing unit 74. Specifically, the still image signal processing unit 72 stores the image data D1 (of a plurality of divided images each consisting of a plurality of frames) supplied from the recording signal processing unit 74, the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60. Converts image data into a format according to the Digital Video Standard. The still image signal processing unit 72 then supplies the image data (high resolution still image signal S1) of the reproduced image to the image output unit 75.

In image data recording, the moving image signal processing unit 73 converts the high resolution moving image signal S2 or the low resolution moving image signal S3 into a signal in a format that is intended to be recorded as the image data D2 of the low resolution moving image. In order to transmit to the recording signal processing unit 74, a moving image signal (high resolution moving image signal S2 or a low resolution moving image signal) supplied from the moving image input unit 71 with respect to the frame frequency, the number of pixels and the color representation of the image. The conversion operation is performed for S3)).

In the image data reproduction, the moving image signal processing unit 73 converts the image data D2 of the low resolution moving image into a signal (low resolution moving image signal S3) which is output from the image output unit 75. Regarding the format, the frame frequency, the number of pixels, and the color representation of the image, a conversion operation is performed on the image data D2 of the low resolution moving image supplied from the recording signal processing unit 72 to transfer the signal to the image output unit 75. send.

In image data recording, the recording signal processing unit 74 is the image data D1 of the still image supplied from the still image signal processing unit 72 or the image data D2 of the low resolution moving image supplied from the moving image signal processing unit 73. The image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 follows the image data D1 of the image data D2 of the same image by performing predetermined processing operations including shuffling, encoding, error correction, and recording channel encoding. The image data is converted into image data D3 in the format according to the digital video standard. In addition, the recording signal processing unit 74 indicates that the sound signal, date and time and accessory information such as copyright and image data of the recording image are converted into image data D1 of a format corresponding to the data format of the divided image. Information is provided.

In image data reproduction, the recording signal processing unit 72 performs predetermined processing operations including shuffling, encoding, error correction, and recording channel encoding on the image data D3 read by the signal writing / reading unit 76. To generate the image data D1 of the still image or the image data D3 of the low resolution dynamic image.

In the image data recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the digital signal input / output unit 77 is connected to the recording signal processing unit 74 so that the digital signal can be input or output by the digital signal input / output unit 77. Can be.

In the image data recording, the signal writing / reading unit 76 is obtained by converting the image data D1 of the still image or the image data D2 of the same image, and is an image of a format conforming to the DV standard followed by the image data recording apparatus. The recording signal processor 74 provides information indicating that the image data of the recording image is recorded in the data D3, the sound signal, the accessory information, and the image data D1 in a format corresponding to the data format of the divided image. Recording on the recording medium 11, which may be a digital video tape or a digital video disk which operates in synchronism with the recording medium. At this time, the signal writing / reading unit 76 converts the image data D3 of the format according to the digital video standard followed by the image data recording apparatus obtained by converting the image data D1 of the still image. The image data of the first divided image 5, the image data of the second divided image and the image data of the second divided image 7 are recorded so as to be continuously recorded over frames of one second.

In the reproduction of image data, the signal writing / reading unit 76 is provided with the image data D3 from the recording medium 11, which may be a digital video tape or a digital video disc operating in synchronization with the recording signal processing unit 74 with respect to the clock. Read At this time, the signal writing / reading unit 76 selectively reads out the image data of the divided image obtained by dividing the recording image having the desired resolution from the image data D3 recorded on the recording medium 11.

In the reproduction of image data, the image signal recording / reading unit 76 also includes image data of a format corresponding to the data format of the divided image together with the sound signal, date and time and accessory information such as copyright and image data D3. Information indicating that the image data of the recorded image has been converted is read into D1).

The image output unit 75 includes a still image output unit 78 and a moving image output unit 79. The image output unit 75 operates to output the high resolution still image signal S1 supplied from the still image signal processing unit 72 or the low resolution dynamic image signal S3 supplied from the moving image signal processing unit 73 to the outside of the apparatus. . Specifically, when the image output unit 75 receives the high resolution still image signal S1 from the still image signal processing unit 72, the still image output unit 78 outputs the high resolution still image signal S1 to the outside. When the low resolution dynamic image signal S3 is received from the dynamic image signal processor 73, the dynamic image output unit 79 outputs the low resolution dynamic image signal S3 to the outside.

In the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the pickup image 1 (high resolution still image signal S1 or high resolution moving image signal S2) is a still image signal processing unit 72. This converts the image data D1 into a format corresponding to the data format of the plurality of divided images by the recorded image. The image data D1 is then converted by the recording signal processing unit 74 into image data D3 in a format corresponding to the data format according to the digital video standard followed by the signal writing / reading device 30. Then, the image data D3 is recorded on the recording medium 11 by assigning a frame to each divided image by the signal recording unit 75. Thus, the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 according to the present invention can suitably record high quality images conforming to the existing set of digital video standards.

In the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 according to the present invention, each recorded image is divided into pixel blocks including each of a plurality of adjacently arranged pixels, and one or more pixels are stored in the still image signal processor 72. By this, the divided images displayed as the moving image can be almost recognized as a recording image since the plurality of divided images are generated by synthesizing and recombining the taken pixels to form a plurality of divided images.

In addition, with the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 according to the present invention, the pickup image 1 is converted into a plurality of images having different resolutions, and each recorded image is divided into a plurality of segments by the still image processing unit 72. It is divided into images. Subsequently, the image data of the reproduced divided image is continuously recorded on the recording medium 11 by the signal writing / reading unit 76, so that the original image is continuously read from the divided image of the image recorded at the desired resolution. Can be reproduced as an image.

In the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, a plurality of divided images are combined and recombined by the still image signal processing unit 72 to form a plurality of divided images on the information recording medium 11. Since an image to be reproduced is obtained and output to the output side by the still image output unit 78, a high quality image is recorded on which the reproduced image is recorded so as to comply with existing DV standards provided for recording image data of images. Can be played back from the medium.

In addition, with the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 according to the present invention, a plurality of divided images having different resolutions are synthesized and recombined and reproduced from the plurality of reproduced images. The output allows the original image to be played back at the desired resolution.

The image data recording / reproducing apparatus to which the present invention is applied can be realized by a general-purpose computer.

Fig. 19 is a schematic block diagram of still another image data recording / reproducing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, showing its configuration in detail. In Fig. 19, the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 80 is designed to combine the functional features of the image data recording apparatus 30, the image data recording apparatus 40, and the image data reproducing apparatus 50 described above.

Specifically, the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 80 stores a plurality of divided images of the high resolution still image signal S1 or the high resolution moving image signal S2 obtained by photographing the subject by the image pickup unit on the recording medium 11. The recording medium 11 may be recorded as an image signal of a still image composed of a plurality of divided images or a high resolution still image signal S1 or a high resolution moving image signal S2 input to the computer 81 may be used as an image signal of a still image composed of a plurality of divided images. The high resolution moving image signal S2 or the low resolution moving image signal S3 input to the computer 81 as an image signal of the low resolution moving image, or the high resolution moving image signal S2 input through the image input unit. Or the low resolution dynamic image signal S3 as an image signal of the low resolution dynamic image.

In the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 80, the functions of the image input section 31 and the still image signal processing section 32 of the image data recording apparatus 30 described above and the still image signal of the image data reproducing apparatus 50 described above. The functions of the processing unit 53 and the image output unit 55 are assigned to the computer 81.

In the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 80, the CPU 82 of the computer 81 controls the overall operation of the apparatus, performs arithmetic operations, and can suitably use a Pentium (trade name) available from Intel. . The CPU 82 is configured to perform arithmetic operations for various image processing operations including converting a pickup image, a recorded image or a reproduced image.

The cache memory 83 operates as a high speed memory that stores information of a memory that the CPU 82 frequently accesses. By directly exchanging information with the CPU 82, the system operates at high speed.

The system controller 85 adjusts the operation timing of the CPU 82, the cache memory 83, the memory 84, and the computer bus including the host bus 86 and the PCI bus 87. For example, the TRITON (430FX) trade name available from Intel can be used for this purpose.

The memory 84 stores or reproduces information according to the instructions of the CPU 82 or the system controller 85, and may be a normal DRAM (operation random access memory). The memory 84 is connected to various resources on the CPU 82 and the PCI bus 87 and is configured to store information by the system controller 85. Thus, memory 84 may store image data.

The host bus 86 is directly connected to the CPU 82 and operates as an information transfer means. This is to exchange information with the cache memory 83 and the system controller 85 at high speed.

The PCI bus 87 is separate from the host bus and also operates as an information transmission means. It is connected to the system controller 85. The CPU 82 can access various resources connected to the PCI bus 87 by the system controller 85.

The video controller 88 is connected between the PCI bus 87 and the monitor 89 to operate to record various information, including images, graphics and characters, in the video memory in the video controller 88 and store the stored information in the CPU 82. Output to the monitor 89 according to the command of &quot; Video memory in video controller 88 may also store image data. In addition, it may exchange information, including the characteristics of the various devices in the monitor 89, with the latter by part of the signal line, which typically conforms to the VESA DDC (Display Data Channel) standard.

The monitor 89 is an image display unit which may include a CRT, a PDP, a liquid crystal display or a projector, and is configured to display information including images, graphics, and characters such as images of a high resolution still image signal and a low resolution moving image signal.

The external memory control unit 90 is connected between the PCI bus 87 and the external memory unit 91 to control an operation of writing / reading information in a predetermined area of the external memory unit 91. The connection is usually based on SCSI or IEEE1394.

The external memory section 91 typically includes a magnetic disk section including a hard disk or floppy disk, an optical disk section including a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk section including a MD-DATA, and a semiconductor memory section including a flash memory. Or an information recording medium portion and a driver portion, such as a magnetic tape portion including a DAT. This is to store and reproduce information such as images, graphics, characters and programs including the high resolution still image signal S1 and the low resolution moving image signal S3.

The still image input / output processing unit 92 is connected to the PCI bus 87 and outputs or inputs a high resolution still image signal S1 or a high resolution moving image signal S2 according to a command of the CPU 82. The still image input / output processing unit 92 receives image data obtained by the digital still camera and stores the memory 84 or an external memory unit 91 by an interface such as SCSI and a parallel signal compatible with RS-232C or Centronics. ). The still image input / output processing unit 92 outputs image data stored in the memory 84 or the external memory unit 91 to any other computer or printer.

The moving image input / output processing unit 93 is connected to the PCI bus 87 and outputs or inputs a high resolution moving image signal S2 or a low resolution moving image signal S3 according to a command of the CPU 82. The moving image input / output processing unit 93 selects and stores an S video signal and a component video signal including a composite video signal compatible with an NTSC system, a PAL system, and / or a SECAM system, a luminance signal and a color difference signal separated from each other. An input / output processing operation such as an operation and an operation of adjusting a video signal level are performed. The moving image input / output processing unit 93 receives and digitizes the video signals and stores them in the memory 84 or the external memory unit 91. It also outputs the video signal stored in the memory 84 or the external memory section 91 to some other computer or printer.

The transmission / reception control unit 94 is connected to the signal input / output unit 95 and the computer 81 external to the PCI bus 87, and receives information from a request for information access from the inside of the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 80 or a communication counterpart. It is to control the operation of transmitting and receiving information according to the information access request. The connection is usually based on SCSI or IEEE1394.

In image data recording, the moving image signal processing unit 96 converts the high resolution moving image signal S2 or the low resolution moving image signal S3 into a signal having a format that is intended to be recorded as the image data D2 of the low resolution moving image and converts it into a signal. In order to transmit to the recording signal processing unit 97, the moving image signal (high resolution moving image signal S2 or low resolution moving image signal S3) supplied from the computer 81 with respect to the frame frequency, the number of pixels and the color representation of the image. ) Performs the conversion operation.

In the image data reproduction, a conversion operation is performed on the image data D2 of the low resolution moving image supplied from the recording signal processing unit 97 with respect to the data format, the frame frequency, the number of pixels and the color representation of the image. The image is transmitted to the image input / output unit 93.

In image data recording, the recording signal processing unit 97 is configured to include a predetermined channel including shuffling, encoding, error correction, and recording channel encoding on the image data D2 of the low resolution dynamic image supplied from the moving image signal processing unit 96. A processing operation is performed to convert the image data D1 of the still image or the image data D2 of the same image into image data D3 of a format conforming to the digital video standard followed by the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 80. In addition, the recording signal processing section 97 is supplied with accessory information such as sound signals, date and time and data concerning copyright.

In image data reproduction, the recording signal processing unit 97 performs predetermined processing operations including shuffling, encoding, error correction, and recording channel encoding on the image data D3 read by the signal writing / reading unit 98. To generate the image data D1 of the still image or the image data D3 of the low resolution dynamic image.

In the image data recording, the signal writing / reading part 98 is obtained by converting the image data D2 of the moving image, and the image data D3, the sound signal, and the accessory in the format according to the DV standard followed by the image data recording apparatus. A digital video tape operating in synchronization with the recording signal processing unit 97 with respect to the clock and the information indicating that the image data of the recording image has been converted into image data D1 having a format corresponding to the data format of the divided image. Records on a record carrier 11, which may be a digital video disc.

In reproducing the image data, the signal writing / reading part 98 is the image data D3 from the recording medium 11, which may be a digital video tape or a digital video disc operating in synchronization with the recording signal processing part 97 with respect to the clock. Read

In the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 80 according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, a processing operation and a recording medium for converting the pickup image 1 into a divided image by the recording image and recording them on the recording medium 11 ( 11) The process of generating the reproduced image and outputting the reproduced image by reading the divided images from them, synthesizing and recombining them, usually causes the computer 81 to read a program for the process operation recorded on the recording medium and operates according to the program. Is performed by driving the CPU 82.

A program that causes the computer 81 to perform the above processing operation is written in the external memory section 91. The program written in the external memory section 91 is then read from it by the external memory control section 90 and supplied to the system controller 85 via the PCI bus 87. The system controller 85 drives the CPU 82 and converts the pickup image 1 into a divided image by the recorded image according to the program supplied thereto, and from the recording medium and the processing operation for recording them on the recording medium 11. The divided images are read, synthesized, and recombined, thereby reproducing the reproduced image and outputting the reproduced image.

In the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 80, the functions of the image input section 31 and the still image signal processing section 32 of the image data recording apparatus 30 described above and the still image signal of the image data reproducing apparatus 50 described above. The functions of the processing unit 53 and the image output unit 55 are assigned to the computer 81. Thus, the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 80 can suitably record high-quality images in accordance with the existing DV standard and record according to the existing DV standard, as in the case of the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 60 described above. A reproduced image recorded as a high quality image on the medium 11 can be reproduced.

In addition, since the main function is assigned to the computer 81, the image data recording / reproducing apparatus 80 can have a simplified configuration.

Claims (35)

In the image data recording method, A first processing step of converting an original image into a plurality of recorded images of different resolutions; A second processing step of dividing at least a portion of the plurality of recorded images into respective divisors different from each other, and generating a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each of the portions of the recorded image; And And a third processing step of continuously recording the image data of the plurality of recorded images on an information recording medium in units of frames that are frames corresponding to the divided images. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second processing step is obtained by dividing each of the plurality of recorded images into a plurality of pixelblocks each including a plurality of adjacently disposed pixels, and taking one or more pixels from each of the pixelblocks. And a substep of synthesizing and recombining pixels to generate the divided image. The image data recording method according to claim 1, wherein the image data of the plurality of recorded images is continuously recorded based on the number of frames per second causing the original image to be recorded within a few seconds in the third processing step. 4. The image data recording method according to claim 3, wherein the image data of the plurality of recorded images obtained by converting the original image is recorded from the zeroth frame of the second of the time code. The image data recording method according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of recorded images is divided by a divisor of 2 ²ⁿ (n is an integer of 1 or more) in the second step. The image data recording method according to claim 1, wherein each of the divided images of each of the plurality of recorded images is recorded in a plurality of frames in the second processing step. 2. The information according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating that the image data of the plurality of recorded images is recorded on the information recording medium for each of the divided images together with the image data of the plurality of recorded images in the third processing step. Image data recording method to be recorded. The image processing method according to claim 2, wherein if the pixel arbitrarily selected for the pixelblock is a first pixel and the frame for recording the divided image including the first pixel is a first frame, in the third processing step, the image of the recorded image And data is recorded on the information recording medium such that the divided image recorded in a frame adjacent to the first frame includes a pixel disposed adjacent to the first pixel. In the image data recording apparatus, Convert the original image into a plurality of recorded images of different resolutions, divide at least a portion of the plurality of recorded images into respective divisors different from each other, and generate a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each of the portions of the recorded image An image processing unit; And a recording unit for continuously recording the image data of the plurality of recorded images on the information recording medium in frame units corresponding to the divided images. The pixel processing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the image processing unit divides each of the plurality of recording images into a plurality of pixel blocks each including a plurality of adjacently disposed pixels, and takes a pixel obtained by taking one or more pixels from each of the pixel blocks. And an image data recording apparatus for generating the divided image by combining and recombining. 10. The image data recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recording unit continuously records image data of the plurality of recorded images based on the number of frames per second causing the original image to be recorded within a few seconds. 12. The image data recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the recording unit records image data of the plurality of recorded images obtained by converting the original image from the zeroth frame of the second of the time code. 10. The image data recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing section divides each of the at least some of the plurality of recorded images into divisors of 2 ²ⁿ (n is an integer of 1 or more). 10. The image data recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recording unit records each of the divided images of each of the at least part of the plurality of recorded images in a plurality of frames. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the recording unit records an image indicating that the image data of the plurality of recorded images is recorded on the information recording medium for each of the divided images together with the image data of the plurality of recorded images. Data logger. The recording unit of claim 10, wherein if the pixel arbitrarily selected for the pixelblock is a first pixel and the frame for recording the divided image including the first pixel is a first frame, the recording unit is recorded in a frame adjacent to the first frame. And the image data of the recording image is recorded on the information recording medium such that the divided image includes pixels arranged adjacent to the first pixel. Convert the original image into a plurality of reproduced images of different resolutions, divide at least a portion of the plurality of reproduced images into respective divisors different from each other, and generate a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each portion of the reproduced image And reproducing image data from the information recording medium having the recorded image data by continuously recording the image data of the plurality of reproduced images in frame units of frames corresponding to the divided images. In the method, A first processing step of selectively reading a plurality of divided images of a reproduced image having a desired resolution; And And a second processing step of synthesizing and recombining the plurality of divided images read in the first processing step to output a reproduced image having the desired resolution. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the second processing step takes one or more pixels from each of the plurality of divided images read out in the first processing step, forms a plurality of pixel blocks from the plurality of pixels, and divides the plurality of pixel blocks. And a substep of synthesizing and recombining to generate a reproduced image having a desired resolution. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of divided images of the plurality of recorded images is recorded in plurality in a plurality of frames; At least one of the plurality of images of each of the plurality of divided images of the plurality of recorded images is selected, and the reproduced image is obtained by combining and recombining the divided images selected in the second step. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of divided images of the plurality of recorded images is recorded in plurality in a plurality of frames; And a reproduction image is obtained by averaging the plurality of images of each of the plurality of divided images of the plurality of recorded images and recombining the images obtained by the averaging process in the second step. 18. The image data according to claim 17, wherein the information indicating that the reproduced image is generated by combining and recombining a plurality of pixel blocks of a desired resolution is image data read out from the information recording medium having the plurality of divided images in the first processing step. How to play. 18. The reproduction image according to claim 17, wherein if one of the plurality of divided images recorded on a randomly selected frame is a first frame and the divided image recorded in a frame adjacent to the first divided image is a second divided image, And recombining the combined images such that the pixels included in the first divided image and the pixels included in the second divided image are disposed adjacent to the pixel block in the second step. Convert the original image into a plurality of reproduced images of different resolutions, divide at least a portion of the plurality of reproduced images into respective divisors different from each other, and generate a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each portion of the reproduced image And reproducing image data from the information recording medium having the recorded image data by continuously recording the image data of the plurality of reproduced images in frame units of frames corresponding to the divided images. In the apparatus, A reading unit for selectively reading a plurality of divided images of a reproduced image having a desired resolution; And And an image processing unit for synthesizing and recombining the plurality of divided images read by the reading unit and outputting the reproduced image having the desired resolution. The method according to claim 23, wherein the image processing unit takes one or more pixels from each of the plurality of divided images read by the reading unit, forms a plurality of pixel blocks from the plurality of pixels, and combines and recombines the plurality of pixel blocks. An image data reproducing apparatus for generating a reproduced image of a desired resolution. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein each of the plurality of divided images of each of the plurality of recorded images is recorded in plurality in a plurality of frames; And the image processing unit obtains the reproduced image by selecting at least one of the plurality of images of each of the plurality of divided images of the plurality of recorded images and combining and recombining the selected divided images. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein each of the plurality of divided images of each of the plurality of recorded images is recorded in plurality in a plurality of frames; And the image processing unit obtains the reproduced image by averaging the plurality of images of each of the plurality of divided images of the plurality of recorded images, synthesizing and recombining the images obtained by the averaging process. The image data reproducing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the reading unit reads out information from the information recording medium having the plurality of divided images, indicating that the reproduced image is generated by combining and recombining a plurality of pixel blocks having a desired resolution. . The image processing unit according to claim 23, wherein if one of the plurality of divided images recorded on a randomly selected frame is a first frame and a divided image recorded in a frame adjacent to the first divided image is a second divided image, the image processing unit is further configured. And the reconstructed image is obtained by synthesizing and recombining the divided images such that the pixels included in the first divided image and the pixels included in the second divided image are disposed adjacent to the pixel block. Image data of a plurality of recorded images recorded in units of frames by converting an original image into a plurality of recorded images having different resolutions, dividing at least a portion of the plurality of recorded images, and generating a plurality of divided images having different resolutions from each other. Information recording medium intended to carry. 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the divided image recorded on the information recording medium is divided into a plurality of pixel blocks each including a plurality of adjacently arranged pixels, each of the plurality of recorded images being one from each pixel block. An information recording medium obtained by taking the above pixels and combining and recombining the taken pixels. 30. The information recording medium of claim 29, wherein each of the divided images of the plurality of recorded images is recorded in plurality in a plurality of frames. The information recording medium according to claim 29, wherein the information indicating that the image data of the plurality of recorded images is recorded as the divided image is recorded together with the image data of the plurality of recorded images. The image data of the recording image according to claim 30, wherein the image data of the recording image is adjacent to the first frame if the pixel arbitrarily selected for the pixel block is the first pixel and the frame for recording the divided image including the first pixel is the first frame. An information recording medium recorded on the information recording medium such that the divided image recorded in the frame includes a pixel disposed adjacent to the first pixel. As the program is recorded, A first processing step of converting an original image into a plurality of recorded images having different resolutions; A second processing step of dividing at least a portion of the plurality of recorded images into respective divisors different from each other, and generating a plurality of divided images having the same number of pixels for each of the portions of the recorded image; And A computer-readable recording medium having a computer executing a third processing step of continuously recording the image data of the plurality of recorded images on an information recording medium in frame units, which are frames corresponding to the divided images. The program is recorded, converts the original image into a plurality of reproduced images having different resolutions, divides at least a portion of the plurality of reproduced images into respective divisors different from each other, and sets the same number of pixels for each portion of the reproduced image. A computer-readable recording medium for generating image data from the information recording medium having recorded image data by generating a plurality of divided images having the plurality of divided images and continuously recording the image data of the plurality of reproduced images on the information recording medium. In the regeneration process, A first processing step of selectively reading a plurality of divided images of a reproduced image having a desired resolution; And And a second processing step of synthesizing and recombining the plurality of divided images read in the first processing step to output the reproduced image having the desired resolution.