JP2002044598A - Recording device and recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording device that generates meta data being information with respect to binary data and can reduce a production time of the binary data with the meta data by repetitively adding the same meta data to a plurality of binary data to be generated. SOLUTION: The meta data having been generated in advance are read in a step S801, and photographed image data are generated in a step S802. The meta data are attached to the photographed image data in a step S803 to generate the image data with the meta data attached to them, and the image data with the meta data generated in a step S804 are stored. Applying a series of the jobs repetitively until the photographing is finished can attach the same meta data to a plurality of the binary data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording method, and a storage medium. The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording method, and a storage medium for adding metadata which is information on binary data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of digital still cameras and digital video cameras, the amount of still image data and moving image data handled in ordinary households is increasing dramatically. In order to use these image data, some search method or management method is required.

When searching and managing image data,
For example, it is efficient if there is auxiliary information describing image data, such as a name of a person, a name of an event, a date, a keyword, etc., that is, so-called metadata, which is shown in the image data.

[0004] The metadata (meta-data) is "data relating to data" and is used as ancillary data describing the contents of binary data such as image data and audio data. By adding this metadata to each piece of binary data, image data, audio data, and the like can be searched using keywords. Also, the more metadata is added to each binary data, the more each keyword can be searched for with more keywords.

[0005]

Therefore, by adding the metadata to the binary data, it is possible to easily search and manage each binary data. However, in practice, it is sometimes observed that one piece of metadata is not added to each binary data, rather than a lot of metadata.

One of the reasons is that it takes time to input metadata to binary data. For example, in order to input appropriate metadata for each binary data, it is necessary to input the contents while confirming the contents of each binary data one by one.

Further, when the same metadata can be used by adding it to binary data, for example, even if metadata is added to binary data generated under almost the same conditions, the number of times each binary data can be changed. Must be added after inputting the same metadata.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide auxiliary information used in advance to represent data information of binary data such as image data, moving image data, and audio data. Is generated as metadata, and the same generated metadata is repeatedly added to a plurality of generated binary data and used, thereby providing a recording apparatus and a recording method capable of easily generating binary data with metadata. That is.

Another object of the present invention is to store and save the same generated metadata in a detachable and portable storage medium, and attach the storage medium to the storage medium when using the stored metadata from the storage medium. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus and a recording method that can easily generate binary data with metadata by repeatedly reading and using the same generated metadata to a plurality of binary data to be generated and using the same repeatedly. .

[0010]

A method for solving the above-mentioned input problem is to repeatedly use binary data such as still image data, moving image data or audio data before photographing or recording. Metadata may be generated in advance, and when the binary data is generated, the generated metadata may be repeatedly used to save the trouble of generating binary data with metadata.

That is, in order to achieve the above object, a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a recording device that adds metadata that is information on the binary data to the binary data, and a metadata generation unit that generates the metadata.
Binary data generating means for generating the binary data to which the metadata is added; and binary data with metadata by adding the same metadata to a plurality of the binary data generated by the binary data generating means. Generating metadata adding means.

For example, the apparatus further comprises storage means for storing the metadata-added binary data output from the metadata adding means.

For example, the apparatus further comprises a binary data writing unit with metadata for writing the binary data with metadata output from the metadata adding unit to a removable storage medium or an external device.

Further, for example, the apparatus further comprises a binary data with metadata writing unit that writes the binary data with metadata stored in the storage unit to a removable storage medium or an external device.

Further, for example, the apparatus further comprises metadata reading means for reading metadata stored in a removable storage medium or an external device in advance, and stores the metadata read by the metadata reading means in the metadata addition Means for generating binary data with metadata in addition to the binary data.

Further, for example, the apparatus further comprises binary data reading means for reading the binary data stored in a removable first storage medium or an external device, wherein the binary data read by the binary data reading means is The metadata adding means generates the binary data with metadata by adding the metadata.

Further, for example, the apparatus further comprises a binary data with metadata writing means for writing the binary data with metadata output from the metadata adding means to the first storage medium from which the binary data is read. Features.

Further, for example, the apparatus further comprises a binary data with metadata writing means for writing the binary data with metadata stored in the storage means to the first storage medium from which the binary data is read. Features.

Also, for example, the metadata adding means includes:
The metadata is embedded at a predetermined position of the binary data.

Further, for example, the metadata adding means includes:
Only a file name of the metadata or information indicating a location of the metadata is added to a predetermined position of the binary data.

In order to achieve the above object, a recording method according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a recording method for adding, to binary data, metadata that is information on the binary data, a metadata generating step of generating the metadata, and a binary data generating the binary data to which the metadata is added. Generating a binary data with metadata by adding the same metadata to the plurality of binary data generated in the binary data generating step. I do.

Further, for example, the apparatus further comprises storage means for storing the binary data with metadata output by the metadata adding step.

For example, the method further comprises a binary data-added metadata writing step of writing the metadata-added binary data output by the metadata adding step to a removable storage medium or an external device.

For example, the method further comprises the step of writing the binary data with metadata stored in the storage means to a removable storage medium or an external device.

Further, for example, the apparatus further comprises a metadata reading step of reading metadata stored in a removable storage medium or an external device in advance, wherein the metadata read in the metadata reading step is added to the metadata added. The method is characterized in that the step is to generate binary data with metadata by adding the binary data to the binary data.

For example, the method further comprises a binary data reading step of reading the binary data stored in a detachable first storage medium or an external device, wherein the binary data read in the binary data reading step is The metadata adding step generates the binary data with metadata by adding the metadata.

For example, the method further comprises a binary data with metadata writing step of writing the binary data with metadata output in the metadata adding step to the first storage medium from which the binary data is read. Features.

[0028] For example, the method further comprises a binary data with metadata writing step of writing the binary data with metadata stored in the storage means to the first storage medium from which the binary data is read. Features.

For example, in the metadata adding step,
The metadata is embedded at a predetermined position of the binary data.

Further, for example, the metadata adding step includes:
Only a file name of the metadata or information indicating a location of the metadata is added to a predetermined position of the binary data.

To achieve the above object, a storage medium according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a storage medium storing a processing program for adding metadata, which is information on the binary data, to the binary data, wherein the processing program includes: a metadata generation step of generating the metadata; A binary data generating step for generating the binary data to be added; and a meta for generating binary data with metadata by adding the same metadata to a plurality of the binary data generated in the binary data generating step. And a data adding step.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the following embodiment, description will be made using still image data as binary data. In the present embodiment, a description will be given using a recording device that embeds all metadata in still image data and a recording device that adds only the metadata file name to the still image data and associates the metadata with the still image data. However, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the described examples.

[Hardware Configuration of Recording Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the recording apparatus 200.

The data input / output unit 100 is for inputting / outputting binary data, metadata, and the like. In the case of a memory card such as a PC card or a PCMCIA card 109 as shown in FIG. In addition, as shown in FIG.
In the case of a memory card such as 1 or smart media 113, the memory card is inserted via the adapter 110 or the card adapter 112. Further, a removable medium (not shown) may be used instead of the memory card.

When the data input / output unit 100 is connected to an external device 107 such as a personal computer, a USB terminal, an SC
They are connected via input terminals such as SI terminals and parallel terminals. In the following description, a USB terminal is used as an input terminal.

Data (binary data, metadata) recorded by the external device 107 can be directly transmitted from the external device 107 via an input terminal or once to the memory card 403.
And then read into the recording device 200 via the memory card 403.

Conversely, data processed by the recording device 200 is written directly to the external device 107 via the input terminal or once stored in the memory card 403 and then via the memory card 403. Further, the data processed by the recording device 200 is stored in the memory card 4.
It is also possible to write to the storage unit 102 other than 03.
It should be noted that the connection between the external device 107 and the data input / output unit 100 can be made by using a wireless line instead of being directly connected as described above. In this case, the external device 107
Is provided in the data input / output unit 100.

The input unit 101 is where the user inputs instructions and data, for example, the operation buttons 206 shown in FIG. 2B. The storage unit 102 stores binary data and metadata. For example, a hard disk, a removable medium, a memory card, or the like is used.

The display unit 103 displays a GUI, image data, and the like. For example, a liquid crystal panel is used.

A CPU 104 controls the entire recording apparatus 200. The ROM 105 and the RAM 106
The program, data, work area, and the like necessary for the processing of U104 are provided to CPU104.

The control program necessary for the processing in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 9 is stored in the storage unit 102.
Or stored in the ROM 105.
However, when the control program is stored in the storage unit 102, the control program is temporarily read into the RAM 106 and then executed.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a CCD which converts an optical image obtained by photographing into an electric signal to generate image data. In addition, when audio is converted to an electric signal to generate audio data, a microphone (not shown) may be used instead of the CCD 108.

The CCD 1 for generating still image data
In the case where a CCD (not shown) configured to generate moving image data is used instead of 08, a recording tape or a removable medium (not shown) may be used. Although there are various other components in the system configuration other than those described above, they are not the main subject of the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views showing the exterior of the recording apparatus 200. FIG. 2A, a photographing lens 201 is provided on the front surface, and a photographing button 202, which is one of the input units 100, is provided on the upper surface. A memory card slot 203, which is one of the data input units 100, is arranged on the side surface shown in FIG.
Memory card 4 as a storage medium inserted in a slot
03 to the recording device 200
Can be read in. On the side surface, an input terminal (USB terminal 204) which is one of the data input units 100 is provided.
Is attached, and can be connected to the external device 107.
Also, it is connected to the memory card 403 mounted on the camera 07 and can exchange mechanical data and image data.

On the back surface shown in FIG.
05 is attached to display captured image data,
It is possible to display a GUI at the time of adding metadata.

On the back side, operation buttons 20 which are one of the input units 100 used for adjusting at the time of photographing, inputting metadata, or adding metadata to image data.
6 are equipped. By using the operation buttons 206, selection, change, addition, or new data of input data shown in FIG. 4 is input.

In the example shown in FIG. 2A, only the USB terminal 204 is shown as an input terminal.
Even if the input terminal is not 4, any input terminal may be used as long as data can be transmitted and received, such as a parallel terminal and a SCSI terminal.

The external device 107 and the data input / output unit 1
The connection with 00 may be made using a wireless line, instead of being directly connected as described above. In this case, a wireless line interface corresponding to the external device 107 is provided in the data input / output unit 100.

[Input of Metadata] Next, the recording device 20
A series of operations from generating information of still image data as metadata using 0 to storing the information in the memory card 403 or the like will be described in detail. First, an input method for registering metadata will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is an example of a GUI screen used when registering metadata.

On the GUI screen, display input units 301 to 304 for displaying previously registered metadata and newly generated metadata, buttons 3011 to 3041 for displaying a list registered as metadata, When there is no appropriate information in the displayed list and it is desired to add new information, the information input using the operation buttons 206 is added using the additional buttons 305, 307, 308, and input using the operation buttons 206. A change button 306 for changing the shooting date and time of the obtained still image data, and a decision button 309 for confirming the metadata to be registered when the selection, addition, and change of the metadata to be registered are completed.

Next, using the GUI screen shown in FIG. 4, items of "who?", "When?", "Where?", And "what do?" Are registered as metadata information of still image data. How to do it.

Here, "Who?"
o "," when? "," 1999-6-14 ",
"Where?" As "exercise park" and "what to do?" As an example of "athletic meet". Select these metadata from a pre-registered metadata list or enter new metadata. By doing so, the metadata is registered.

First, "who?" Will be described. When the inverted triangle button 3011 at the right end of the display input unit 301 is pressed, the first content of the list registered in the button 3011 is displayed on the display input unit 301. When the inverted triangle button 3011 is pressed twice, the second content of the list registered in advance in the button 3011 is displayed on the display input unit 301. Therefore, by repeatedly pressing the button 3011, “Taro” registered in the list in advance is searched for. If “Taro” is not included in the registered list, the operation buttons 2
06, input “Taro”, and then click the add button 3
By pressing 05, "Tar" is displayed in the "Who?"
o "is added.

Next, "when?" Will be described. GU
When the I-screen is activated, the display input unit 302 displays the current date and time. If the date is different from the shooting date, the user inputs “1999-06-14” as the shooting date using the wireless keyboard 204 and then presses the change button 306 to obtain the “when?” Item. "199
9-06-14 "is added.

Next, "where?" Will be described. When the inverted triangle button 3031 on the right end of the display input unit 303 is pressed, the first content of the list registered in advance in the button 3031 is displayed on the display input unit 301.
When the inverted triangle button 3011 is pressed twice, the button 30
The second content of the list registered in advance in 31 is displayed on the display input unit 301. So, button 30
By repeatedly pressing 31, “exercise park” registered in the list in advance is searched for. If “exercise park” is not included in the registered list, “exercise park” is input using the operation buttons 206, and then the add button 307 is pressed, so that “who is?” "Exercise park" is added to the item.

Next, "what?" Will be described. When the inverted triangle button 3041 at the right end of the display input unit 304 is pressed, the first content of the list registered in advance in the button 3041 is displayed on the display input unit 304. When the inverted triangle button 3041 is pressed twice, the button 304
The second content of the list registered in advance in No. 1 is displayed on the display input unit 304. So button 304
By repeatedly pressing 1, a “athletic meeting” registered in the list in advance is searched for. If there is no “athletic meet” in the registered list, the operation buttons 2
06, enter "athletic meet" and then add button 30
By pressing 7, “athletic meet” is added to the item of “Who?”.

The above “when?” “Where?” “Who?”
After the input for all items of "What do you want to do?" Is completed, by pressing the enter button 309, the setting items are determined, and the registration of metadata is completed.

In the above description, the registration of metadata
Only the display, selection, and input methods of "when?", "Where?", "Who?", And "what to do" items have been described. However, items other than the above can be displayed or selected on the screen in the same way. Or it is possible to add a method of input.

[Generation and Storage of Metadata File] Next, a series of operations from generation of the metadata by the recording device 200 to storage of the metadata in the memory card 403 and the storage unit 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described in detail.

FIG. 5 shows a case where metadata is generated by the recording device 200 and the generated metadata is stored in the memory card 40.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a process until data is stored in the storage unit 3 or the storage unit 102.

First, in step S401, "who is?"
Button 3 for “when?” “Where?” “What to do”
01 to 3041, and the display input units 301 to 30
4 is read into the RAM 106.

Next, in step S402, the read list is displayed on the GUI screen of FIG.

Next, in step S403, the user selects “who?” “When?” “Where?”
Is input to the display input units 301 to 304 in FIG. Note that the input method is as described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, and the description is omitted here.

Next, in step S404, when the enter button 309 in FIG. 4 is pressed, for example, X, which is a markup language shown in FIG.
A metadata file is generated using a data description language such as ML. The example of FIG. 8 indicates that the input metadata is registered as a metadata file having a file name: “CardInfo.xml”. The description of the metadata at this time is XML, which is a markup language.
Is used. In addition, instead of XML, SGML, H
It is also possible to use TML or the like.

Next, the generated metadata file is
In step S405, the data is written to the memory card 403 or the storage unit 102 via the data input / output unit 100, and is stored as a file name: "CardInfo.xml". The memory card 403 or the storage unit 102
The process of writing data into such as will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 7, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the above description, an example of generating one metadata file has been described. However, a plurality of metadata files may be generated. In such a case, the generation of the metadata file is repeated. , Can generate multiple metadata files.

[Generation of Metadata File] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the generation of a metadata file performed by the recording apparatus 200 in step S404 based on the metadata input value input by the user in step S403.

First, in step S501, 301
It is checked whether there is a button input of 1 to 3041, and if there is no input, it waits until there is an input. Also, 3011
If there is any button input of ~ 3041
The process advances to step S502, and if any of the buttons 305 to 308 has been input, the process advances to step S503.
If there is a button input of step S309, step S504 is executed.
Proceed to.

Next, when step S502 is selected, the contents of the list file corresponding to the list display buttons 3011 to 3041 are displayed, and the flow advances to step S505. In step S505, when a list file displayed corresponding to the list display buttons 3011 to 3041 is selected, the process proceeds to step S506, where the selected item is copied to the input area, and then returns to step S501. If the displayed list file is not selected in step S505, the process returns to step S501 without doing anything.

On the other hand, if the step S503 is selected, it is checked whether the add button 305, 307 or 308 has been pressed or the change button 306 has been pressed. As a result, if the add button 305, 307 or 308 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S507, where the content of the input display unit added by the user is added to the corresponding list file, and then the process proceeds to step S50.
Proceed to 8. If the change button 306 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S508 without doing anything. Next, in step S508, the date and time in the list file are changed to the contents of the input display unit, and the process returns to step S501.

On the other hand, step S504 is selected.
When the decision button is pressed, a series of operations are completed after the generation of the metadata file.

Thus, the metadata file shown in FIG. 8 is generated.

In the above description, an example in which the user makes an input using the operation buttons 206 has been described. However, as another input method, a voice input from a remote controller using a G code (registered trademark) or the like may be used. Input using recognition is also possible. Further, the recording device 200 is connected to the data input / output unit 10.
It is also possible to connect to the external device 107 via an input terminal of “0” and input using an input unit such as a keyboard of the external device 107.

Referring to FIG. 8, XML is used to describe the metadata. XML (Extensible M
arkup Language) is the current Hypertext Markup Langu
World Wide Marking language for use in applications that require functionality beyond age (HTML)
It was developed by the Web Consortium and mainly has the following features. 1. The information provider can define new tags and attribute names at will. 2. Document structures can be nested in any complexity. 3. A grammar description can be embedded as an option in the XML document, and the grammar can be used by the application to verify the validity of the structure.

The XML description shown in FIG. 8 can be written using a general-purpose text editor program. To do
It is convenient to use an editor program for XML.

[Writing of Metadata to Storage Unit and Memory Card] FIG. 7 shows the process of writing the metadata file shown in FIG. 8 to the storage unit 102 and the memory card 403 executed in step S405 in FIG. It is a flowchart explained.

First, in step S 601, when the writing process to the memory card 403 is performed, the data input / output unit 100 transmits the data to the memory card 4 such as a PC card.
03 is attached. Alternatively, it may be connected to the external device 107 via the input terminal of the data input / output unit 100.

Next, after the connection is completed, step S60
In step 2, the metadata generated in step S404 is written to the storage unit 102 or the memory car 403.
finish.

[Process of Associating Metadata with Plural Binary Data] Next, a process of associating the generated metadata with binary data will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, a case where the binary data is still image data will be described as an example. Note that, as a method of associating metadata with binary data, 1) an example in which all metadata is embedded in still image data (FIG. 10A), and 2) an example in which only metadata information is added to still image data (FIG. 10B) will be described as an example.

FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure when the metadata generated by the recording device 200 is embedded in image data and associated therewith. In the example of FIG. 10A, the generated metadata is embedded after the image data. The position where the metadata is embedded is
The metadata is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10A, and may be embedded in the header of the image data.

In FIG. 10A, reference numeral 901 denotes image data, for example, data in JPEG compression format. 90
2, 903 and 904 are metadata blocks,
Is a metadata block header, 903 is a metadata body, 904 is a metadata footer, and the metadata header 902 and the metadata footer 904 are used to correctly recognize whether or not metadata is linked to image data. The identification information and the size of the block are recorded. The metadata body 903 is the Card shown in FIG.
Info.XML is recorded.

As described above, at the end of the binary data, X
By connecting the metadata described in the ML data, the metadata can be registered without affecting other applications. That is, since the information of the header portion of the binary data does not change before the connection of the metadata, for example, when the binary data is image data, the image can be reproduced by a general browser. However, in that case, the connected metadata is ignored.

Further, since the metadata is described in XML, many devices that can read the XML format can read the information of the metadata.
If there is a tool that understands L data, it is possible to add, change, and refer to metadata, and it is very versatile. As described above, information that is known in advance is prepared as a template for metadata, and is linked to image data at the time of shooting, thereby reducing the trouble of inputting metadata.

FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a data structure before and after the metadata is associated with the image data by adding the information of the metadata generated by the recording device 200 to the image data. In the example of FIG.
In this example, only the metadata file name is added as metadata information generated after the image data, and the metadata file exists separately and independently. The position where the metadata is added is not limited to the example of FIG. 10B, and the metadata may be added to the header of the image data. Further, in the example of FIG. 10B, an example in which the file name of the generated metadata is added after the image data has been described, but the information to be added may be information indicating the location of the metadata file. good.

As a method of recording metadata in such image data, a URL (Uniform Resource Location) for specifying a physical position of data on the Web or a unique name is used to store data. URN (Uniform Resour
A standard called ce Name), or a standard URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) currently under consideration, which includes these standards, can be used. If URIs will spread in the future,
By using this, it is most suitable for specifying data on the Web, for example. When JPEG is used as the image compression method as a method for recording the metadata, an APP marker defined by the JPEG standard may be used.

As described above, since the URI for specifying the attached information is recorded as the metadata, it is easy to handle the image data and the attached information separately. In particular, the present invention is widely used, for example, by storing auxiliary information on a network and reading the information using a URI. In addition, by providing a certain relationship between the URI of metadata and the URI of image data, it is easy to understand the correspondence between image data and metadata,
For example, there is an effect that correspondence can be understood by looking at the file name.

Next, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the same metadata generated by the recording device 200 is repeatedly associated with a plurality of image data generated or input by photographing, and A method for generating the image will be described.

FIG. 11 shows the metadata (file name: Card
Info.xml) Multiple still image data (file name: Aut 001.JPG Aut 002.
JPGAut 003.JPG ...) is a schematic diagram showing an example of repeatedly copying and embedding.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11 (before association), the image data (file name: AUT_001.JPG) and the metadata file (file name: CardInfo.xml) which exist independently of each other are stored in the recording device. When the association process is performed by 200, as shown in (after association) in FIG. 11, all information of the metadata is copied and embedded after the image data (file name: AUT_001.JPG).

Further, the second image data (file name:
AUT_002.JPG) and a metadata file (file name: Card)
Info.xml) is similarly processed by the recording apparatus 200, and as shown in (after association) in FIG. 11, metadata is added after the image data (file name: AUT_002.JPG). All information is copied and embedded. In this way, the same metadata generated by the recording device 200 is repeatedly associated with a plurality of image data.

On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows a plurality of pieces of still image data (file name: Aut 00) generated or input only by capturing information of metadata (file name: CardInfo.xml).
1. JPG, Aut 002.JPG, Aut 003.JPG,...).

That is, as shown in FIG. 12 (before association), the image data (file name: AUT_001.JPG) and the metadata file (file name: CardInfo.xml) which exist independently of each other are stored in the recording device. When the association process is performed by 200, information indicating the file name of the metadata (CardInfo.xml) is added to the end of the image data as shown in (after association) in FIG. Associated with the file (CardInfo.xml).

Further, the second image data (file name:
AUT_002.JPG) and a metadata file (file name: Card)
Info.xml) is similarly processed by the recording device 200, and as shown in (after association) in FIG. 12, metadata is added after the image data (file name: AUT_002.JPG). Information indicating the file name (CardInfo.xml) is added. Thus, the recording device 200
Generates the same metadata as a set of image data (file names: AUT_001.JPG, AUT_002.JPG, AUT_003.JPG ...
・) Is repeatedly associated with

In FIG. 12, instead of embedding the metadata itself in the image data, an associating process of adding only the file name of the metadata is performed, but instead of the file name of the metadata, the metadata is added to the image data. Information indicating the storage location where the file is stored can also be added.

[Generation of Image Data with Metadata] Next, image data with metadata is generated by associating the metadata described with reference to FIG. 11 or FIG. The process of storing image data with data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. However, in the following description,
A description will be given using an example in which the same metadata is repeatedly added to each piece of image data that has been captured and converted into image data.

In addition to the description below, for example,
It is also possible to prepare a plurality of metadata in advance so as to be able to explain corresponding to a plurality of image data to be photographed, and to select and add different metadata repeatedly according to the image data to be photographed. First, in step S800, the above-described metadata stored in the storage unit 102
(CardInfo.xml) is read into the RAM 106. Or,
The above-mentioned metadata (CardInfo.xml) stored in the memory card 403 is read into the RAM 106 from the memory card 403 directly connected to the memory card slot 203 of the data input / output unit 100. In the above example, an example in which one piece of metadata stored in the storage unit 102 or the memory card 403 is read and used has been described. However, there are a plurality of pieces of stored metadata. May be used.

Next, in step S801, it is checked whether or not the read metadata is described in XML in a proper format. If not, the flow advances to step S806 to display an XML error and perform the work. If the process has been properly described, the process proceeds to step S802.

Next, in step S802, the CCD
The image photographed via 108 is read into the RAM 106.

Next, in step S803, metadata is associated with the image data to generate image data with metadata. That is, when a command for associating metadata with image data (a selected one of the above two) is issued, metadata is added to the image data to generate image data with metadata. For example, the image data with metadata shown in FIG. 10A or 10B is generated.

Next, in step S804, the generated image data with metadata is stored in the memory card 403 or the storage unit 102. The image data with metadata may be stored in both the memory card 403 and the storage unit 102.

Next, if photographing is to be continued in step S805, the flow returns to step S802, and the above-described processing is continuously performed to generate new image data with metadata shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. For example, in the case of FIG. 11, by repeatedly adding the same metadata to a plurality of image data, the image data with metadata (file names: AUT_002.jpg, AUT_003.jpg)
...) is obtained. On the other hand, if the photographing is to be ended in step S805, a series of operations is ended.

As described above, the image data with metadata can be generated by repeatedly adding the metadata to the image data obtained by photographing only by once generating the metadata in advance. Can be easily performed. Also, the generated metadata can be repeatedly added to a plurality of different image data input from the memory card 403 instead of shooting to generate image data with metadata.

A plurality of metadata may be generated in advance, and different types of metadata may be added to a plurality of image data by selecting them as needed. Also,
In the present embodiment, still image data has been described as an example of binary data, but audio data, moving image data, or the like may be used as binary data.

In step S 804, the image data to which the metadata has been added is stored in, for example, the storage unit 102.
Alternatively, the example in which the data is stored in the memory card 403 attached to the data input / output unit 100 has been described.
Reference numeral 03 denotes, for example, a memory card 4 which is a first storage medium storing image data before adding metadata.
03 may be used, or may be stored in a memory card which is another second storage medium.

The image data to which the metadata has been added is directly or once stored in the memory card 403 or the storage unit 102 via the input terminal of the recording device 200, and then is stored in the memory card 403 or the storage unit 102. It may be written in the external device 107.

Further, the connection between the external device 107 and the data input / output unit 100 is not directly connected as described above.
It is also possible to connect using a wireless line. In this case, a wireless line interface corresponding to the external device 107 is provided in the data input / output unit 100.

The metadata may be generated in advance as described above, or may be prepared in advance in a memory card. FIG. 13 shows an example.
In this example, for example, a travel memory card is sold, and travel metadata stored in the memory card in advance is used. A memory card prepared in advance such as metadata for moving images, metadata for audio data, and metadata for still images may be used according to the binary data.

[0110]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), a device including one device (for example, Copy machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. Or a CPU or MPU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium,
Needless to say, this is achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instructions of the program code,
The operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. , The CPU provided in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts (shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 9). become.

[0114]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Auxiliary information used in advance to represent data information of binary data such as image data and audio data is generated as metadata, and the same generated metadata is repeatedly added to a plurality of binary data to be generated and used. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus and a recording method that can easily generate binary data with metadata.

It is also possible to store and save the same generated metadata in a detachable and portable storage medium, and to read out the stored metadata from the storage medium and use it when the storage medium is used. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus and a recording method capable of easily generating binary data with metadata by repeatedly adding the generated same metadata to a plurality of generated binary data and using the same.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an exterior view of a recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 2B is an exterior view of the back surface of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory card according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a GUI for registering metadata according to the embodiment;
Screen.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of generation and storage of metadata according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of generating a metadata file according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for storing generated metadata in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a metadata file according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating generation and storage of image data with metadata in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of two types of image data with metadata in the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of generating image data with metadata in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a generation process of image data with metadata in the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a metadata file according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 data input / output unit 101 input unit 102 storage unit 103 display unit 104 CPU 105 ROM 106 RAM 107 external device 108 CCD 200 recording device 403 memory card 404 reading unit 406 recording unit 407 metadata generation unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued from the front page F term (reference) KA26 LA01 LA11 LA15

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus for adding metadata, which is information on the binary data, to the binary data, comprising: a metadata generating unit for generating the metadata; and generating the binary data for adding the metadata. Binary data generating means, and metadata adding means for adding the same metadata to the plurality of binary data generated by the binary data generating means to generate binary data with metadata A recording device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing the binary data with metadata output from the metadata adding means. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a binary data writing unit with metadata for writing the binary data with metadata output from the metadata adding unit to a removable storage medium or an external device. The recording device according to claim 2. 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a binary data with metadata writing unit that writes the binary data with metadata stored in the storage unit to a removable storage medium or an external device. The recording device according to any one of the preceding claims. 5. Metadata reading means for reading metadata pre-stored in a removable storage medium or an external device, wherein the metadata read by the metadata reading means is used as the metadata adding means. Generating binary data with metadata by adding the binary data to the binary data.
The recording device according to claim 1. 6. A binary data reading means for reading the binary data stored in a detachable first storage medium or an external device, wherein the binary data read by the binary data reading means is
6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the metadata adding unit generates the binary data with metadata by adding the metadata. 7. A binary data-added metadata writing means for writing the binary data with metadata output from the metadata adding means to the first storage medium from which the binary data is read. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: 8. A binary data-added metadata-writing means for writing the binary data with metadata stored in the storage means to the first storage medium from which the binary data is read. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the metadata adding unit embeds the metadata at a predetermined position of the binary data. 10. The metadata adding means adds only information indicating a file name of the metadata or a location of the metadata to a predetermined position of the binary data. 9. The recording device according to any one of items 8. 11. A recording method for adding, to binary data, metadata that is information on the binary data, a metadata generating step of generating the metadata, and generating the binary data to be added with the metadata. A binary data generating step of generating the binary data, and a metadata adding step of adding the same metadata to the plurality of binary data generated in the binary data generating step to generate binary data with metadata. Recording method characterized by the above-mentioned. 12. The recording method according to claim 11, further comprising storage means for storing the binary data with metadata output in the metadata adding step. 13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of writing the binary data with metadata output from the metadata adding step to a removable storage medium or an external device.
Or the recording method according to claim 12. 14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of writing the binary data with metadata stored in the storage means to a removable storage medium or an external device. The recording device according to any one of the preceding claims. 15. A metadata reading step of reading metadata stored in a removable storage medium or an external device in advance, wherein the metadata read in the metadata reading step is added to the metadata adding step. The recording method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising generating binary data with metadata by adding the binary data to the binary data. 16. A binary data reading step for reading the binary data stored in a removable first storage medium or an external device, wherein the binary data read in the binary data reading step includes The recording method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the metadata adding step generates the metadata-added binary data by adding the metadata. 17. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of writing the binary data with metadata output from the metadata adding step to the first storage medium from which the binary data is read. The recording method according to claim 16, wherein 18. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of writing the binary data with metadata stored in the storage means to the first storage medium from which the binary data is read. The recording method according to claim 16, wherein 19. The recording method according to claim 11, wherein the metadata adding step embeds the metadata at a predetermined position of the binary data. 20. The metadata addition step, wherein only a file name of the metadata or information indicating a location of the metadata is added to a predetermined position of the binary data. 19. The recording method according to any one of 18. 21. A storage medium storing a processing program for adding metadata, which is information about the binary data, to binary data, wherein the processing program includes: a metadata generation step of generating the metadata; A binary data generating step of generating the binary data to which metadata is added; and adding the same metadata to the plurality of binary data generated by the binary data generating step to generate binary data with metadata. And a soot metadata adding step.