JP2003115161A - Information processor and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a time necessary for dubbing in comparison with a conventional practice when applied to, for example, a magnetic disk drive and an optical disk drive such as a hard disk drive for recording video data about an information processor and an information processing method. SOLUTION: Files are sequentially reproduced and outputted with processing of a recording and reproducing device side corresponding to one command, and thereby, empty files are sequentially detected and writing is made to the files.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method, and can be applied to a magnetic disk device such as a hard disk device for recording video data, and an optical disk device. According to the present invention, the dubbing is performed as compared with the conventional method by sequentially reproducing and outputting the files by the processing on the recording / reproducing apparatus side corresponding to one command, and by sequentially detecting the empty areas and recording the files. To be able to shorten the time required for.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a hard disk device used as a peripheral of a personal computer can be randomly accessed, and in recent years, it has been downsized and its recording density has been increased. Accordingly, various proposals have been made to apply the hard disk device to recording audio data and video data (hereinafter referred to as AV data) and use it in a home server, a vehicle-mounted device, or the like.

In such a hard disk device, the data recorded on the hard disk can be managed by the management data recorded on the hard disk in units of a management unit by a cluster of a plurality of sectors. Is executed by a personal computer or the like which is a host device.

That is, FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a hard disk device. This hard disk device 1
The audio data and the video data (hereinafter referred to as AV data) output from the host device 2 connected to the host device 2 which is various video equipment are recorded in the hard disk 3. Here, the host device 2 is a video device that records and holds AV data including moving images and still images on a large-capacity recording medium such as a hard disk device (HDD) 2C, for example, and an electronic still camera is applied.

Here, as shown in FIG. 16, the hard disk 3 is applied with the format of the MS-DOS compatible file system. That is, the hard disk 33 divides the information recording surface into an inner peripheral side area and an outer peripheral side area, and the outer peripheral side area is assigned to the system entry area. In addition, the inner area is assigned to the data area. Of these, the data area is subdivided into clusters, and AV data and the like are recorded in each cluster in units of the data amount of a predetermined number of frames.

Further, the information recording surface of the hard disk 33 is concentrically divided into a plurality of zones, and the tracks of each zone are divided into a plurality of sectors by dividing the tracks in the circumferential direction by a predetermined length. The hard disk 33 thus sectorized has the surface number of the information recording surface,
A physical address is set by a track number continuously assigned from the outer peripheral side of the information recording surface and a sector number specifying a sector in each track, and further set sequentially from the outer peripheral side of the information recording surface in correspondence with this physical address. The user data is managed by the logical address.

Here, the logical address is represented by a cluster number in which a cluster composed of a set of a plurality of logical sectors is used as a unit. That is, the logical sector is an area corresponding to the recording unit of data set with the head area (the outermost circumference in this case) on the information recording surface as 0 sector,
In this embodiment, one physical sector corresponds to one logical sector, and logical sector number = number of sectors per track × (plane number + number of planes × track number) + sector number−1 Is used to represent the logical sector number. The surface number, track number, and sector number are based on physical addresses.

In this embodiment, the logical sector is
It is configured so that 512 bytes of data can be recorded in one logical sector when converted to user data, and one cluster is configured by a plurality of logical sectors. It should be noted that a cluster of 1 is generally composed of a power of 2 sectors and is specified by a cluster number which is a serial number starting from 2 in a file area in a data area for recording user data. .

In the data area, a cluster number is assigned to each cluster set in this way, and the cluster can be accessed on the basis of this cluster number. In this embodiment, the cluster number is shown in a 4-digit hexadecimal format.

On the other hand, the system entry area further includes a boot area and a FAT (Fail Allocation
ble) area and directory area, and data defining the structure of the disc is recorded in the boot area. On the other hand, in the FAT area and the directory area, address information and the like necessary for accessing the AV data recorded in the data area are recorded.

That is, in the directory area, the file name of each file recorded in the data area, the cluster number of the leading cluster, which is the recording start position of each file, and the like are recorded. On the other hand, in the FAT area, the cluster number and the like of each cluster continuous with the leading cluster of each file are recorded. This allows the hard disk 33
Detects the start cluster number of the desired file name from the directory area, and then sequentially detects the cluster numbers following the start cluster number from the FAT area to detect the addresses of consecutive clusters forming one file. It is done like this.

Thus, in FIG. 16, when file 1 is recorded in the clusters of cluster numbers 1234h to 1240h in the data area, the code indicating the cluster number 1234h of the first cluster of file 1 is the directory area. Further, the cluster numbers subsequent to the cluster number 1234h are sequentially recorded in the corresponding area of the FAT area. In addition, in FIG. 16, EOF (End Of File)
Is identification information indicating the final cluster of one file.

More specifically, in the directory area, file management data for identifying each file recorded in the data area is recorded for each file recorded in the data area with the configuration shown in FIG. That is, in the file management data, the file name is assigned to the first 8 bytes, and the extension of each file is assigned to the subsequent 3 bytes. Data indicating the attribute of the file is further allocated to the subsequent 1 byte, and the subsequent 10 bytes are allocated to the reserve data. Further, the subsequent 2 bytes are assigned to the data of the recording start time, the subsequent 2 bytes are assigned to the data of the recording date and time, and the subsequent 2 bytes are assigned the cluster number which is the leading cluster number. Data of the file length is assigned to the last 4 bytes.

On the other hand, the FAT area (FIG. 16) is
Identification data indicating the relation of each cluster, which is a management unit of the data area, is recorded. That is, in the FAT area, a cluster address is assigned corresponding to the cluster number of the data area, and the cluster number of the cluster following each cluster address is recorded. Also in FIG.
As shown in, among the codes that are not assigned to these cluster numbers, the predetermined codes are empty areas,
It is designed to be assigned to identification information indicating a defective cluster and EOF.

As a result, the hard disk 33 is FAT
The area can be accessed to detect an empty area in the data area. In addition, it has become possible to execute alternative processing based on defective sectors, and during recording,
A defective sector can be registered by a retry process by write and verify. As a result, the hard disk 33 can manage the information recording surface in a predetermined block unit as in the file management system applied to a personal computer.

The servo circuit 4 (FIG. 15) drives the motor (M) 6 under the control of the hard disk control circuit 5, thereby rotating the hard disk 3 at a predetermined rotation speed. Similarly, the servo circuit 4 drives the motor (M) 8 to seek the magnetic head, and further performs tracking control.

Under the control of the hard disk control circuit 5, the read / write data channel section 9 encodes the output data of the hard disk control circuit 5 by a method suitable for the characteristics of the recording / reproducing system to record bit series data. The data is generated and the magnetic head is driven by this data. Further, at the time of reading, the read / write data channel section 9 processes the reproduction signal obtained from the magnetic head to generate reproduction data, and outputs the reproduction data to the hard disk control circuit 5.

The hard disk control circuit 5 is a control circuit that manages data on the hard disk 3 according to an instruction from the interface control circuit 7, and controls the operation of the servo circuit 4 in accordance with AV data input via the buffer memory 10. At the same time, by outputting this AV data to the read / write data channel unit 9, these AV data are recorded in the cluster designated by the interface control circuit 7. Further, at the time of reading, similarly, the operation of the servo circuit 4 is controlled to output the output data of the read / write data channel unit 9 to the buffer memory 10,
As a result, the cluster designated by the interface control circuit 7 is reproduced.

Interface control circuit (IF control) 1
1 is formed by, for example, a SCSI controller, an IDE controller, an ATA controller or the like, and constitutes an input / output circuit for data, control commands, etc. transmitted / received to / from the host device 2. That is, the interface control circuit 7
Is a command command input from the host device 2.
d, analyzes the parameters set in this command and controls the operation of the hard disk control circuit 5 and the like. Also, at the time of writing, the AV data input from the host device 2 is output to the hard disk control circuit 5 via the buffer memory 10, and at the time of reading, the hard disk control circuit 5 is output via the buffer memory 10. The output AV data is output to the host device 2.

In response to this, in the host device 2,
By the processing of the central processing unit (CPU) 2A that secures a work area in the memory 2B, various commands and the like are sent to the hard disk device 1 in response to an instruction from the host controller.

In this processing, the central processing unit 2A
When the power is turned on, by executing a predetermined processing procedure, the boot area, FAT area, and directory area data, which are the management data recorded in the system entry area of the hard disk 3, are uploaded to the memory 2B, and this upload is performed. Various commands are sent by setting parameters based on data.

That is, FIG. 19 is a processing procedure showing the uploading of the management data. In the hard disk device 1, for example, when the power supply is started, the process moves from step SP1 to step SP2 to read the system entry area from the host device 2. A command is issued, and in the subsequent step SP3, the data in the system entry area is reproduced from the hard disk 3 and transmitted to the host device 2 in response to this command. As a result, in the conventional system, in the subsequent step SP4, the data in the system entry area is recorded in the memory 2B of the host device 2 so that it can be used for issuing a series of write and read commands, and then the process proceeds to step SP5. Then, this processing procedure ends.

In the host system 2, the management data thus uploaded is used as a reference to set parameters and instruct the hard disk device to access. That is, for example, when reading a desired file, the start address of this file (FA of the directory
(T entry number), a transfer length in cluster units is set as a parameter, and a read command is issued. Also at the time of writing, similarly, a write command is issued and the data to be recorded is sequentially transmitted.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a writing process based on the management data recorded in the memory 2B of the host device 2. In this case, the host device 2 moves from step SP11 to step SP12,
The management data recorded in the host memory 2B is searched to detect the cluster number (free cluster address) in which the code indicating the free area is set.

When the free cluster address is detected in this way, the host device 2 sets a parameter by the free cluster address and the transfer length in the subsequent step SP13, issues a write command, and then records it in the subsequent step SP14. The data to be supplied to the hard disk device 1 is sent to the hard disk device 1 by the transfer length. In the case of the ATA standard, the transfer length per command is a continuous sector of 256 sectors or less. Hard disk device 1
In the next step SP15, the data to be transmitted subsequently in response to the write command is recorded in the buffer memory 10, and in the following step SP16.
The data recorded in the buffer memory 10 is sequentially recorded in the empty cluster designated by the host device 2.

When the recording of the data transmitted from the host device 2 is completed in this way, the hard disk device 1 interrupts the host device 2 in step SP17. In the host device 2, the interrupt causes the process to proceed to step SP18, where it is determined whether or not the transfer of the data for recording has been completed. If a negative result is obtained here, the process returns to step SP12. As a result, the host device 2 can
Issuing write command repeatedly to send data,
In response to this command, the hard disk device 1 sequentially records data in the empty cluster designated by the host device 2.

On the other hand, when the transfer of all the data for recording is completed, a positive result is obtained in step SP18, so the host device 2 moves to step SP19 and writes the contents of the system entry area recorded in the host memory 2B. Is updated to correspond to the recording of this file, and the hard disk device 1 is instructed to update the system entry area to correspond to this update, and the process proceeds to step SP20 to end this processing procedure.

On the other hand, FIG. 21 shows the memory 2B of the host device 2 for the AV data thus recorded.
6 is a flowchart showing a read process based on the management data recorded in FIG. In this case, the host device 2 proceeds from step SP21 to step SP22, searches the management data recorded in the host memory 2B, and detects the leading cluster number of the read target file from the data in the directory area.

When the head cluster number is detected, the host device 2 moves to step SP23 and sets a parameter by the head cluster address and the transfer length and issues a read command. Also in this case, in the case of the ATA standard, the transfer length per command is 256 consecutive sectors or less. Specifically, the host device 2 issues a command in the format shown in FIG. That is, a command code is set in the first byte, and each command can be identified by setting this command code. Further, subsequently, each byte of the address by the cluster number is allocated, and finally, the transfer length data is arranged by one byte.

When the read command is issued from the host device 2 in this way, the hard disk device 1 reads the data designated by this command from the hard disk 3 in the following step SP24. Further, in the subsequent step SP25, the read data is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10. When reading is completed,
In the following step SP26, the host device is interrupted. The host device 2 shifts to step SP27 by this interrupt and instructs the hard disk device 1 to transfer the data, and the hard disk device 1 outputs the AV data temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 2 by this instruction. .

When the host device 2 inputs the AV data corresponding to one read command in this way, the host memory 2B is searched in the following step SP28, and the address of the subsequent cluster by the concatenated cluster number is obtained from the data in the FAT area. To detect. Further, in the subsequent step SP29, the host device 2 determines the code based on the address thus detected, and determines whether it is EOF.

When a negative result is obtained here, the host device 2 returns to step SP23 and sets a parameter again by the address detected in step SP28 and issues a read command. As a result, the host device 2 repeatedly issues a read command for a file with a large amount of data, and in the hard disk device 1,
In response to this command, the AV data is sequentially reproduced from the cluster designated by the host device 2.

On the other hand, from the FAT area data, E
When the OF is detected, a positive result is obtained in step SP29, so that the host device 2 has the step SP30.
Move on to. Here, the host device 2 sets a parameter and issues a read command for the remaining AV data up to the cluster in which this EOF is set.

When the read command is issued from the host device 2 in this way, the hard disk device 1 reads the data specified by this command from the hard disk 3 in the following step SP31. Further, in the subsequent step SP32, the read data is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10, and when the reading is completed, the host device 2 is interrupted in the following step SP33.
The host device 2 shifts to step SP34 by this interrupt and instructs the hard disk device 1 to transfer the data, and the hard disk device 1 outputs the AV data temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 2 by this instruction. Then, it moves to step SP35 and this processing procedure is ended.

Thus, conventionally, for a file having a large amount of data, a write command and a read command are issued to access the hard disk 3 every predetermined amount of data and every time the continuity of clusters is interrupted.

On the other hand, in this type of system, two files may be simultaneously processed in parallel. That is, FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure when two files are processed by so-called multi-write in which a plurality of files are simultaneously written in parallel.

In this case, in the host device 2, the process proceeds from step SP31 to step SP32, the management data recorded in the host memory 2B is searched, and a cluster indicating a free area is set for the first file. Detect the number (free cluster address).

When the free cluster address is detected in this way, the host device 2 issues a write command for the first file by setting the parameters by the free cluster address and the transfer length in the following step SP33. Then, in the subsequent step SP34, the data to be recorded is stored in the hard disk device 1 by the transfer length.
Send to. In the hard disk device 1, in the subsequent step SP35, the data of the first file transmitted subsequently in response to the write command is recorded in the buffer memory 10, and in the subsequent step SP36, it is recorded in the buffer memory 10. The data is sequentially recorded in the empty cluster designated by the host device 2.

When the recording of the data transmitted from the host device 2 is completed in this way, the hard disk device 1 interrupts the host device 2 in step SP37. In the host device 2, the interrupt causes the process to proceed to step SP38, and determines whether or not data has been recorded by a predetermined data amount. Here, this data amount is 2
Two files are recorded alternately, and the buffer memory that temporarily holds these two files is set to a data amount that does not cause overflow or underflow. As a result, in the host device 2, the continuity of two consecutive AV data is lost. To avoid

When a negative result is obtained here, the host device 2 moves to step SP39 and judges here whether or not the transfer of the data to be recorded for the first file has all been completed, and here the negative result is obtained. Once obtained, step SP
Return to 32. As a result, in this case, the host device 2 issues a write command repeatedly and sends out the data until the recording of the data forming one file by a predetermined amount of data is completed, and the hard disk device 1 outputs this data. In response to the command, the data is sequentially recorded in the empty cluster designated by the host system 2.

When the recording of the AV data by the first file is completed by the predetermined data amount, a positive result is obtained in step SP38, and the host device 2 moves from step SP38 to step SP40. Here, the host device 2 determines whether or not the transfer of the data to be recorded has been completed for the second file, and if a negative result is obtained here, the process proceeds to step SP41.

Here, the host device 2 has a host memory 2B.
The management data recorded in (2) is searched for a free cluster address in which a code indicating a free area is set in the second file. In the subsequent step SP42, a parameter is set for the second file by the free cluster address and the transfer length, and a write command is issued. Then, in the subsequent step SP43, the data to be recorded is stored in the hard disk device by the transfer length. Send to 1. In the hard disk device 1, in the subsequent step SP44, the data of the second file transmitted subsequently in response to the write command is recorded in the buffer memory 10, and in the subsequent step SP45, it is recorded in the buffer memory 10. The data is sequentially recorded in the empty cluster designated by the host device 2.

When the recording of the data transmitted from the host device 2 is completed in this way, the hard disk device 1 interrupts the host device 2 in step SP46. In the host device 2, the interrupt causes the process to proceed to step SP47, and determines whether or not data has been recorded by a predetermined amount of data. Here, this data amount is set under the same conditions as the conditions used for the determination in step SP38, so that in the host device 2,
The continuity of two consecutive AV data should not be lost.

If a negative result is obtained here, the host device 2 moves to step SP40 and determines here whether or not the transfer of all data to be recorded for the second file has been completed. As a result, with respect to this second file as well, the host device 2 issues repeated write commands and sends out data until the recording of the data forming one file by a predetermined data amount is completed, and the hard disk device is sent. In No. 1, in response to this command, the data is sequentially recorded in the empty cluster designated by the host device 2.

As a result, the host device 2 records the AV data of each file on the hard disk 3 by a predetermined data amount by repeating the command, executes the same processing for the AV data of the remaining other files, and repeats these processings. It is done like this.

When the host device 2 completes the recording of the first file in this way, step SP39
When an affirmative result is obtained in step SP39, the process moves from step SP39 to step SP49 (FIG. 24). Here, the host device 2 searches the management data recorded in the host memory 2B, and detects a free cluster address in which a code indicating a free area is set in the remaining second file. In the subsequent step SP50, parameters are set for the second file by the free cluster address and the transfer length, and a write command is issued. Then, in the subsequent step SP51, the data to be recorded is transferred to the hard disk device by the transfer length. Send to 1.

In the hard disk device 1, in the subsequent step SP52, the data of the second file transmitted subsequently in response to the write command is recorded in the buffer memory 10, and in the following step SP53, the buffer memory 10 is recorded. The data recorded in step 1 is sequentially recorded in the empty cluster designated by the host device 2.

When the recording of the data transmitted from the host device 2 is completed in this way, the hard disk device 1 interrupts the host device 2 in step SP54. In the host device 2, the interrupt causes the process to proceed to step SP55, and it is determined whether or not the recording of the second file remaining here is completed. When a negative result is obtained, the process returns to step SP49.

As a result, the host device 2 repeatedly issues the write command for the remaining second file in the same manner, and when the write is completed for this second file, a positive result is obtained in step SP55. Then, the process proceeds from step SP55 to step SP56, and the data in the system entry area held in the memory 2B is updated so as to correspond to the series of processes.
Further, the system entry area of the hard disk 3 is updated, and the process proceeds to step SP57 to end this processing procedure.

On the contrary, if the recording of the second file is completed first, an affirmative result is obtained in step SP40 (FIG. 23).
To Step SP58 (FIG. 24). Here, the host device 2 searches the management data recorded in the host memory 2B, and detects a free cluster address in which a code indicating a free area is set in the remaining first file. In the subsequent step SP59, parameters are set for the first file by the free cluster address and the transfer length, and a write command is issued. Then, in step SP60, the data to be recorded is transferred to the hard disk device by the transfer length. Send to 1.

In the hard disk device 1, in the subsequent step SP61, the data of the first file transmitted subsequently in response to the write command is recorded in the buffer memory 10, and in the following step SP62. The data recorded in step 1 is sequentially recorded in the empty cluster designated by the host device 2.

When the recording of the data transmitted from the host device 2 is completed in this way, the hard disk device 1 interrupts the host device 2 in step SP63. In the host device 2, the interrupt causes the process to proceed to step SP64, where it is determined whether or not the recording of the first file remaining here is completed. When a negative result is obtained, the process returns to step SP58.

As a result, the host device 2 repeatedly issues the write command for the remaining first file in the same manner, and when the writing is completed for this first file, a positive result is obtained in step SP64. Then, the process proceeds from step SP64 to step SP56, and the data of the system entry area held in the memory 2B is updated so as to correspond to the series of processes,
Further, the system entry area of the hard disk 3 is updated, and the process proceeds to step SP57 to end this processing procedure.

On the other hand, FIGS. 25 to 28 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure when two files are processed by so-called multi-read, which reads a plurality of files simultaneously in parallel. In this case, the host device 2 moves from step SP71 to step SP72,
The management data recorded in the host memory 2B is searched, and the first read target from the data in the directory area is searched.
The first cluster number is detected for each of the first and second files.

When the head cluster number is detected, the host device 2 moves to step SP73 and sets a parameter for this first file by the head cluster address and the transfer length and issues a read command.

When the read command is issued from the host device 2 in this way, the hard disk device 1 reads the data designated by this command from the hard disk 3 in the following step SP74. Further, in the subsequent step SP75, the read data is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10. When reading is completed,
In the following step SP76, the host device is interrupted. The host device 2 moves to step SP77 by this interrupt and instructs the hard disk device 1 to transfer the data, and the hard disk device 1 outputs the AV data temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 2 by this instruction. .

When the AV data corresponding to one read command is thus input, the host device 2 determines in step SP78 whether or not a predetermined amount of data has been read. Here, this data amount is
As in the case of writing, the two files are read alternately, and the buffer memory on the host device side that temporarily holds these two files is set to an amount of data that will not cause underflow or overflow. The continuity of the two AV data is not lost.

If a negative result is obtained here, the host device 2 proceeds to step SP79 to search the host memory 2B and detect the address of the subsequent cluster by the concatenated cluster number of the first file from the data in the FAT area. To do. Further, in the subsequent step SP80, the host device 2 determines the code based on the address thus detected, and determines whether it is EOF.

When a negative result is obtained here, the host device 2 returns to step SP73 and sets a parameter again by the address detected in step SP78 and issues a read command. As a result, the host device 2 repeatedly issues a repetitive read command for a predetermined amount of data, and in the hard disk device 1, in response to this command, the AV data sequentially from the cluster designated by the host device 2 by the first file. Is reproduced by a predetermined amount of data.

As a result, when the host device 2 reads the AV data of the first file by the predetermined data amount, a positive result is obtained in step SP78, and the process proceeds from step SP78 to step SP81 (FIG. 26). Here, the host device 2 searches the host memory 2B and detects the address of the subsequent cluster by the concatenated cluster number of the remaining second file from the data of the FAT area. It should be noted that the host device 2 omits the process of step SP81 when the read command has not yet been issued for the second file. Further, in the subsequent step SP82, the host device 2 judges the code based on the address thus detected, and judges whether it is EOF.

If a negative result is obtained here, the host device 2 moves to step SP83, and for the remaining second file, the cluster address detected in step SP81 (the read command has not yet been issued for the second file). If not, the parameter is set by the head cluster number detected in step SP72) and the transfer length, and the read command is issued.

When the read command is issued from the host device 2 in this way, the hard disk device 1 reads the data specified by this command from the hard disk 3 in the following step SP84. Further, in the subsequent step SP85, the read data is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10. When reading is completed,
In the following step SP86, the host device is interrupted. The host device 2 moves to step SP87 by this interrupt and instructs the hard disk device 1 to transfer the data, and the hard disk device 1 outputs the AV data temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 2 by this instruction. .

When the AV data corresponding to one read command is input in this way, the host device 2 determines in a subsequent step SP88 whether or not the predetermined amount of data has been read. Here, this data amount is
It is set similarly to step SP78.

When a negative result is obtained here, the host device 2 moves to step SP81, searches the host memory 2B, and detects the address of the subsequent cluster by the concatenated cluster number of the second file from the data of the FAT area. To do. Further, in the subsequent step SP82, the host device 2 judges the code based on the address thus detected, and judges whether it is EOF.

As a result, the host device 2 repeatedly issues a read command for the second file as much as the predetermined data amount, and in the hard disk device 1,
In response to this command, the AV data of the first file is reproduced from the cluster designated by the host device 2 by a predetermined data amount.

As a result, when the host device 2 reads the AV data of each file from the hard disk 3 by a predetermined amount of data by repeating the command, the host device 2 executes the same processing for the AV data of the other remaining files, and repeats these processings. It is done like this.

When the EOF is detected for the first file by repeating such processing, the host device 2 obtains a positive result in step SP80 (FIG. 25), and moves from step SP80 to step SP90. . Here, the host device 2 sets parameters for the remaining AV data up to the cluster where this EOF is detected and issues a read command.

When the read command is issued from the host device 2 in this way, the hard disk device 1 reads the data designated by this command from the hard disk 3 in the following step SP91 (FIG. 27).
In the subsequent step SP92, the read data is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10, and when the reading is completed, the host device 2 is interrupted in the following step SP93. The host device 2 moves to step SP94 by this interrupt and instructs the hard disk device 1 to transfer the data. In the hard disk device 1, this instruction outputs the AV data temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 2. After that, step SP
Move to 95.

As a result, the host system 2 completes the reading of the first file, and detects the subsequent concatenated clusters of the remaining second file in step SP95. Further, the host device 2 performs the following step SP.
At 96, the code based on the address thus detected is determined to determine whether it is EOF.

If a negative result is obtained here, the host device 2 moves to step SP97 and sets a parameter for the remaining second file by the cluster address and transfer length detected in step SP95 and issues a read command. To do. The hard disk device 1 is a host device 2
When a read command is issued from
In the following step SP98, the data designated by this command is read from the hard disk 3. In the subsequent step SP99, the read data is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10, and in the subsequent step SP100,
Interrupt the host device. The host device 2 moves to step SP101 by this interrupt and instructs the hard disk device 1 to transfer the data, and the hard disk device 1 outputs the AV data temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 2 by this instruction. .

When the host device 2 thus receives the AV data corresponding to one read command, the host device 2 proceeds to step SP95 to search the host memory 2B,
From the data in the FAT area, the address of the subsequent cluster according to the concatenated cluster number of the second file is detected. Further, the host device 2, in the subsequent step SP96,
The code based on the address thus detected is determined to determine whether it is EOF.

As a result, the host device 2 repeatedly issues a command for the remaining second file to read the AV data from the hard disk 3, and when the EOF is reached,
When a positive result is obtained in step SP96, the process proceeds to step SP102 (FIG. 29). Here, the host device 2 sets parameters for the remaining AV data up to the cluster where this EOF is detected and issues a read command.

When the read command is issued from the host device 2 in this way, the hard disk device 1 reads the data designated by this command from the hard disk 3 in the following step SP103. Further, in the subsequent step SP104, the read data is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10, and when the reading is completed, the host device 2 is interrupted in the following step SP105. In the host device 2, the interrupt causes the process to proceed to step SP106, instructing the hard disk device 1 to transfer the data, and in the hard disk device 1,
The AV temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10 by this instruction
After outputting the data to the host device 2, step SP10
The procedure moves to 7 to end this processing procedure.

On the other hand, the second file is E
Upon reaching OF, the host device 2 obtains an affirmative result in step SP82 (FIG. 26), so that step SP
It moves from 82 to step SP109. Here, the host device 2 sets parameters for the remaining AV data up to the cluster where this EOF is detected and issues a read command.

When the read command is issued from the host device 2 in this way, the hard disk device 1 reads the data designated by this command from the hard disk 3 in the following step SP110 (FIG. 28). Further, in the subsequent step SP111, the read data is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10, and when the reading is completed, the host device 2 is interrupted in the following step SP112. In the host device 2, the interrupt causes the process to proceed to step SP113, where the hard disk device 1 is instructed to transfer the data, and the hard disk device 1
In this case, the AV data temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10 is output to the host device 2 by this instruction, and then the process proceeds to step SP115.

As a result, the host device 2 completes the reading of the second file, and in step SP115, detects the subsequent concatenated cluster of the remaining first file. Further, the host device 2 performs the following step S
In P116, the code based on the address thus detected is determined to determine whether it is EOF.

When a negative result is obtained here, the host device 2 moves to step SP117 and sets a parameter for the remaining first file by the cluster address and transfer length detected in step SP115 and issues a read command. To do. When the read command is issued from the host device 2 in this way, the hard disk device 1 reads the data specified by this command from the hard disk 3 in the following step SP118. In the subsequent step SP119, the read data is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10, and the subsequent step SP1
At 20, the host device is interrupted. Host device 2
In this case, this interrupt causes the processing to proceed to step SP121, instructing the hard disk device 1 to transfer data,
In the hard disk device 1, the AV data temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10 is output to the host device 2 according to this instruction.

When the host device 2 thus inputs the AV data corresponding to one read command, the host device 2 proceeds to step SP115 to search the host memory 2B and, based on the data in the FAT area, connect the first file to the concatenated cluster. Find the address of the following cluster by number. Further, in the subsequent step SP116, the host device 2 determines the code based on the address thus detected, and determines whether it is EOF.

As a result, the host device 2 issues a command repeatedly for the remaining first file to read the AV data from the hard disk 3, and when the EOF is reached,
By obtaining a positive result in step SP116,
The process moves to step SP122 (FIG. 29). Here, the host device 2 sets parameters for the remaining AV data up to the cluster where this EOF is detected and issues a read command.

When the read command is issued from the host device 2 in this way, the hard disk device 1 reads the data specified by this command from the hard disk 3 in the following step SP123. In the subsequent step SP124, the read data is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10, and when the reading is completed, the host device 2 is interrupted in the subsequent step SP125. In the host device 2, this interrupt causes the process to proceed to step SP126, instructing the hard disk device 1 to transfer the data, and in the hard disk device 1,
The AV temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 10 by this instruction
After outputting the data to the host device 2, step SP12
The procedure moves to 7 to end this processing procedure.

[0081]

By the way, in this kind of recording / reproducing apparatus, a high data transfer rate is required. That is, when the data transfer rate is high, the present invention can be applied to recording AV data and can be applied to recording high resolution AV data.

Also, the time required for dubbing can be shortened. That is, for example, in audio equipment,
The data transfer speed required for playback is about several hundreds “Kbps”, but if you can secure a data transfer speed of several tens of “Mbps” or more during recording, you can dubb multiple music files instantly. You can As a result, for example, when dubbing AV data, which is the result of shooting, to a home server or the like, the usability can be improved by the high data transfer rate of about several hundred Mbps.

In the case of a disk storage such as a hard disk, such a data transfer rate is determined by the disk diameter, rotation speed, linear recording density, error processing, defect processing, and interface protocol. As a result, when a large-capacity hard disk having a large disk diameter is used, when a small-diameter hard disk is used, the data transfer speed becomes slower. As a result, the data transfer rate can be increased by devising these various conditions.

However, even if the data transfer rate is increased by such a device, there is a problem that the dubbing process takes time depending on the access by the conventional method.
That is, in the case of simply writing one file to the hard disk and reading one file from the hard disk, in the conventional method, by issuing a command in a unit of a predetermined data amount and a unit of a continuous area, one file is eventually obtained. It is necessary to send repeated commands to access the. If the command is repeatedly issued in this manner, it takes time for the handshake on the interface, and the data transfer speed actually used for the transfer of the AV data is reduced by that much, and it takes time for the dubbing.

If the time required for dubbing becomes long, the power consumption also increases accordingly.

Similarly, in the case of multi-write and multi-read in which a plurality of files are simultaneously accessed,
By repeating the processing alternately in units of a predetermined amount of data, the number of times the command is issued is further increased, and as a result, more than simply dubbing two files in succession,
Dubbing will take time.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to propose an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of shortening the time required for dubbing as compared with the prior art.

[0088]

In order to solve such a problem, in the invention of claim 1, the management data is applied to an information processing device, and the management data is a file management for specifying a file recorded in at least a data area. The data and the file management data are associated with identification data indicating the association of management units, and the control unit controls the access unit to reproduce the management data according to an instruction from the host device, At least the file management data is output to the host device, at least the identification data is held in a predetermined memory, and the read instruction based on the management data from the host device causes the identification data held in the memory to read. The management unit in which the files related to are sequentially recorded is sequentially detected, and based on the detection result,
The access means is controlled to sequentially reproduce and output the data of the file related to the read instruction.

Further, in the invention of claim 3, applied to the information processing apparatus, the management data is associated with at least the file management data for specifying the file recorded in the data area and the file management data. The control means reproduces the management data in accordance with an instruction from the host device, holds at least the identification data in a predetermined memory, and issues a write instruction from the host device. By this, the management unit of the free area in the recording medium is sequentially detected by the identification data held in the memory, the access means is controlled based on the detection result, and the data of the file sequentially input from the host device is used as the free area. And the corresponding identification data are sequentially updated and the file management data is recorded.

Further, in the invention of claim 5, applied to the information processing apparatus, the management data is associated with at least the file management data for specifying the file recorded in the data area and the file management data. , The identification data indicating the relation of the management unit, and the control means controls the access means to reproduce the management data according to an instruction from the host device, and outputs at least the file management data to the host device. , Holding at least identification data in a predetermined memory, and reading the first and second files based on the management data from the host device, by the identification data held in the memory, the first and second files Are sequentially recorded, the access unit is controlled based on the detection result, and the first and second files are detected. Reproducing and outputting alternately a predetermined unit Le data.

Further, in the invention of claim 9, applied to the information processing apparatus, the management data is associated with at least the file management data for specifying the file recorded in the data area and the file management data. The control means controls the access means to reproduce the management data in accordance with an instruction from the host device, and holds at least the identification data in a predetermined memory. In response to an instruction to write the first and second files from the device, the management unit of the free area in the recording medium is sequentially detected by the identification data held in the memory, and the access unit is controlled based on the detection result. , The data of the first and second files, which are alternately input in a predetermined unit from the host device, are sequentially recorded in the empty area, and the corresponding identification data is recorded. In order to update the data, to record the file management data.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the management data is applied to at least the file management data for identifying the file recorded in the data area and the file management data. The information processing method reproduces the management data according to an instruction from the host device, outputs at least the file management data to the host device, and at least the identification data. Is stored in a predetermined memory, and a management unit in which files according to the read instruction are sequentially recorded is sequentially detected by the identification data held in the memory according to the read instruction based on the management data from the host device, Based on the detection result, the data of the file related to the read instruction is sequentially reproduced and output.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, by applying to the information processing method, the management data is associated with at least the file management data for specifying the file recorded in the data area and the file management data. , The identification data indicating the relationship of the management units, the information processing method reproduces the management data in accordance with an instruction from the host device, holds at least the identification data in a predetermined memory, and writes the data from the host device. According to the instruction, the management unit of the free area in the recording medium is sequentially detected by the identification data held in the memory, and the data of the file sequentially input from the host device is sequentially recorded in the free area based on the detection result. The corresponding identification data is updated in sequence and the file management data is recorded.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the management data is associated with at least the file management data for specifying the file recorded in the data area and the file management data, and is an identification indicating the relationship of the management units. And an information processing method, which reproduces management data according to an instruction from a host device, outputs at least file management data to the host device, and holds at least identification data in a predetermined memory. By the instruction to read the first and second files based on the management data from the device, the identification data stored in the memory
A management unit in which the first and second files are sequentially recorded is sequentially detected, and the data of the first and second files are alternately reproduced and output in predetermined units based on the detection result.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the management data is associated with at least the file management data for specifying the file recorded in the data area and the file management data, and the identification indicating the relationship of the management units. And an information processing method, which reproduces management data according to an instruction from the host device, holds at least identification data in a predetermined memory, and executes the first and second data from the host device.
In accordance with the file writing instruction, the management unit of the free area in the recording medium is sequentially detected by the identification data held in the memory, and based on the detection result, the first and the second units alternately input in a predetermined unit from the host device. The data of the second file is sequentially recorded in the empty area, the corresponding identification data is sequentially updated, and the file management data is recorded.

According to the structure of claim 1, the access means is controlled to reproduce the management data by the instruction from the host device, at least the file management data is output to the host device, and at least the identification data is predetermined. Of the management unit in which the files related to the reading instruction are sequentially recorded by the identification data held in the memory in accordance with the reading instruction based on the management data from the host device. Based on the result, by controlling the access means and sequentially reproducing and outputting the data of the file related to the read instruction, the information processing device side sequentially detects the management unit and reproduces the file, and the host device Can be output. As a result, the host device can continuously acquire data for one file by sending a single command, which is a read command for one file, to the device on the source side. , It is possible to improve the data transfer rate and reduce the time required for dubbing by omitting the repeated command issuance.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the management data is reproduced according to an instruction from the host device, at least the identification data is held in a predetermined memory, and is held in the memory according to a writing instruction from the host device. The management unit of the free area in the recording medium is sequentially detected by the identified data, and the access unit is controlled based on the detection result.
By sequentially recording the file data sequentially input from the host device in the free space, by updating the corresponding identification data and recording the file management data, the information processing device detects the free space in sequence. You can record the file. As a result, the host device can continuously send and record data for one file by sending a single command, which is a write command for one file, to the device on the source side. Therefore, the repetitive command issuance can be omitted, the data transfer rate can be improved, and the time required for dubbing can be shortened.

According to the invention of claim 5, the host device controls the access means to reproduce the management data according to an instruction from the host device, and outputs at least the file management data to the host device and at least the identification data. The data is held in a predetermined memory, and the first and second files are sequentially recorded by the identification data held in the memory according to an instruction to read the first and second files based on the management data from the host device. The management units are sequentially detected, and based on the detection result, the access unit is controlled to alternately reproduce and output the data of the first and second files in a predetermined unit. Then, the management units can be sequentially detected, the first and second files can be reproduced, and output to the host device. As a result, the host device alternately acquires the data of the first and second files by sending a single command, which is a read command of the first and second files, to the device on the source side. Therefore, it is possible to improve the data transfer rate and shorten the time required for dubbing by omitting the repeated command issuance.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the host device controls the access means to reproduce the management data according to an instruction from the host device, and at least the identification data is held in a predetermined memory. And the instruction to write the second file, the management unit of the free area in the recording medium is sequentially detected by the identification data held in the memory, and the access unit is controlled based on the detection result.
Data of the first and second files, which are alternately input in a predetermined unit from the host device, are sequentially recorded in the free space,
By sequentially updating the corresponding identification data and recording the file management data, it is possible for the information processing apparatus to sequentially detect the empty areas and record the first and second files. As a result, the host device alternately transmits the data of the first and second files to the device on the source side only by transmitting a single command which is a write command for the first and second files. It is possible to omit the issuance of a repeated command by that amount, improve the data transfer rate, and shorten the time required for dubbing.

Thus, according to the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth configurations, it is possible to provide an information processing method capable of shortening the time required for dubbing.

[0101]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

(1) Configuration of Embodiment FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an AV system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this AV system 11,
The hard disk device 13 records the AV data output from the host device 12 which is connected to the host device 12 which is various video equipment. Here, the host device 12
Is a video device that records and holds AV data including moving images and still images in a large-capacity recording medium such as a hard disk device 12C, and for example, an electronic still camera, a video camera, or the like is applied. In the structure shown in FIG. 2, the same structures as those of the hard disk device 1 described above with reference to FIG. 13 are designated by the corresponding reference numerals, and the duplicated description will be omitted.

Here, in the hard disk device 13,
The hard disk 3 can manage the data area by the management data recorded in the system entry area as in the conventional case.

Interface control circuit (IF control) 2
1 is formed of, for example, a SCSI controller, an IDE controller, an ATA controller, etc., and constitutes an input / output circuit for data, control commands, etc. transmitted / received to / from the host device 12. That is, the interface control circuit 2
1 is a command comma input from the host device 2.
nd is received on the internal bus, and this command is output to the central processing unit (CPU) 22. Further, various commands obtained by analyzing the commands in the central processing unit 22 are received on the internal bus and output to the hard disk control circuit 5 and the like.

By sending such a command, the AV data subsequently input from the host device 12 is output to the hard disk control circuit 5 via the buffer memory 10, and the buffer memory 10 is output at the time of reproduction. The AV data output from the hard disk control circuit 5 is output to the host device 2 via the same, and the data of the system entry area obtained by reproducing the hard disk 3 is also stored in the memory 23.
Output to.

The central processing unit 22 is a controller for controlling the operation of the hard disk device 13, analyzes a command input via the internal bus, and sends various commands to the hard disk control circuit 5 according to the analysis result.
It also sends various statuses to the host device 12.

The memory 23 constitutes a work area of the central processing unit 22, and records and holds data necessary for the processing of the central processing unit 22.

In the host device 12, the hard disk device 12C is a hard disk device for recording and holding AV data. The central processing unit 12A is a controller that controls the operation of the host device 12, and controls the overall operation by securing a work area in the memory 12B and executing a predetermined processing procedure.

In the AV system 11, the central processing unit 12 thus arranged in the host device 12
By linking A and the central processing unit 22 arranged in the hard disk device 13, the AV in the hard disk 3
Data is written and AV data is read from the hard disk 3.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the central processing units 12A and 22 at the time of power activation. In the AV system 11, the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 moves from step SP141 to step SP142 when the power is turned on, and issues a read command of the system entry area. In the following step SP143, the central processing unit 22 on the hard disk device 13 side controls the operation of the hard disk control circuit 5 so as to reproduce the data in the system entry area in response to this command, and the resulting system entry area is obtained. Data is stored in the memory 23.

In the subsequent step SP144, the data of the boot area and the directory area of the data of the system entry area thus obtained are transmitted to the host device 12, and the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 continues. Step SP145
At this time, the data of the boot area and the directory area thus transmitted is stored in the memory 12B,
The process moves to step SP146 and this processing procedure is ended.

As a result, in the AV system 11, only the file management data indicating the contents of the file recorded on the hard disk 3 is managed by the host device 12, and the management of the system entry area is managed by the host device 12 and the hard disk device 13. It is designed to improve the data transfer speed by sharing.

That is, FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of writing AV data. In this case, the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 moves from step SP151 to step SP152, and issues a file write command for a file of AV data to be written. Here, in this embodiment, the central processing unit 12A sets a command code, a file name, and a file length as parameters and issues a write command.

With this command, the hard disk drive 1
In the central processing unit 22 of No. 3, the following step S
In P53, a cluster number (empty cluster address) in which a code indicating a free area is set by searching the data of the FAT data recorded in the memory 23
Are sequentially detected.

When the free cluster address is detected in this way, the central processing unit 22 on the hard disk device 13 side returns a response to the host device 12, thereby inputting a predetermined amount of AV data for recording, and continuing. In step SP155, this input A
The V data is stored in the buffer memory 10.

In the following step SP156,
The free cluster detected in step SP153 is designated as an address to instruct the hard disk control circuit 5 to record the AV data recorded in the buffer memory 10, whereby the AV data input in step SP154 is recorded on the hard disk 3. Subsequently, the central processing unit 22
In step SP157, the host device 12 is interrupted, and the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 causes the interrupt in step SP158.
It is determined whether or not all recording of AV data is completed. If a negative result is obtained here, the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 sends the subsequent AV data to the hard disk device 13, whereby the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 returns to step SP152. The process of is repeated.

Thus, in this embodiment, 1
By issuing the read command once, the hard disk device 13 side sequentially detects free clusters and records continuous AV data, and the data transfer speed can be improved as much as it is not necessary to repeatedly issue the command. .

When recording of continuous AV data is completed in this manner, the central processing unit 12 of the host device 12 is completed.
In A, the hard disk device 13 is notified of the end of the process by obtaining a positive result in step SP158.

As a result, in the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13, the following step SP159
At, the recording of the memory 23 and the recording of the hard disk 3 are updated so as to correspond to the recording of the AV data on the hard disk 3. In addition, the directory information corresponding to the recording of the file by the new AV data is provided to the host device 12
Is notified to the host device 12, and the directory information is added to the record of the memory 12B in step SP.
Moving to 160, this processing procedure is ended.

On the other hand, FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure at the time of reading. In this case, the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 moves from step SP161 to step SP162 to access the memory 12B and detect the leading address of the file to be read from the directory information.

Subsequently, the central processing unit 12A moves to step SP163, sets the head address and the like as parameters, and issues a read command. By the issuance of this read command, the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 performs the following step SP1.
At 64, the data in the FAT area recorded in the memory 23 is searched, and the corresponding connected cluster numbers are sequentially detected. In further subsequent step SP165, the cluster number thus detected is set as an address and the hard disk control circuit 5 is instructed to read a predetermined amount of data, whereby the AV data is read from the hard disk 3. In the subsequent step SP166, the read AV data is stored in the buffer memory 10, and then in the subsequent step SP167, the host device 12 is interrupted.

When the data transfer permission is obtained from the host device 12 by this interrupt, the central processing unit 22
Transfers the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 12 in the following step SP168, and detects the following cluster number from the record of the memory 23 in the following step SP169. Then the central processing unit 22
In step SP170, step SP169
It is determined from the detection result of No. whether EOF is reached, and if a negative result is obtained here, the process returns to step SP165.

Therefore, in this embodiment, 1
By the command of reading the file once, a cluster in which consecutive AV data is recorded is detected on the side of the hard disk device 13, and the cluster reads the AV data in a predetermined data amount unit and outputs it to the host device 12. As a result, the AV system 11 does not need to repeat the read command, so that the data transfer rate of AV data can be improved accordingly.

Thus, when the continuous AV data is sequentially reproduced in this way to reach EOF, the central processing unit 22 shifts to step SP171 by obtaining a positive result in step SP171 (FIG. 5). , And instructs the hard disk control circuit 5 to read AV data up to this EOF. Further, in the following step SP172, the AV data obtained as a result is stored in the buffer memory 10, and in the following step SP173, the host device 1
Interrupt 2 Further, when the data transfer permission is obtained from the host device 12 by this interrupt, the central processing unit 22 sends the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 12 in step SP174, and then moves to step SP175. The processing procedure ends.

FIG. 6 and FIG.
It is a flow chart which shows a processing procedure when processing one file. In this case, the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 has steps SP181 to SP1.
Moving to 82, a write command by multi-write is issued. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, this multi-write write command is formed by setting the number of files related to writing to the command code.

Thus, in the hard disk device 13, a plurality of files having the number of files set in the write command are input from the host device 12 in a predetermined order and in a predetermined data amount unit due to the processing on the host device 12 side. The AV data of these plural files are identified by a target number described later, and an empty area is sequentially detected for each file and recorded on the hard disk 3.

That is, when the number of files of this write command is set to the value 2, by issuing this command, the central processing unit 2 of the hard disk device 13 is issued.
In step 2, in step SP183, the management data recorded in the memory 23 is searched for the cluster number in which the code indicating the free area is set in the first file. Further hard disk device 13
In response to the response from the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12, in the subsequent step SP184, the target number (TagNo) that is the identification code of the first file related to the multi-write is set, and the first number based on this target number is set. The AV data of the file is output, and the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 stores the data of this file in the buffer memory 10 in the following step SP185.

In the following step SP186, the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 is recorded in the empty cluster detected in step SP183, and in the following step SP187, the host device is interrupted. Here, this interrupt is executed by notifying the target number of the file for which recording has been completed. In the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12, the interrupt causes the process to proceed to step SP189 to determine whether or not the recording of the first file has been completed. If a negative result is obtained here, a predetermined response is sent to the hard disk device 13. And returns to step SP190.

Based on this response, in the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13, step SP190
At, in the second file, a cluster number in which a code indicating a free area is set is detected. Further, in response to the response from the hard disk device 13, the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 continues to step SP1.
In 91, the target number (TagNo) which is the identification code of the second file related to the multi-write is set, the data of the second file with this target number is output, and the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 In the following step SP192, the data of this file is stored in the buffer memory 10.

In the following step SP193, the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 is recorded in the empty cluster detected in step SP190, and in the following step SP194, the host device is interrupted in the same manner as step SP187. The central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 moves to step SP195 by this interrupt and judges whether or not the recording of the second file is completed. If a negative result is obtained here, a predetermined response is sent to the hard disk device 13. Returns, step SP
Move to 183.

As a result, in the AV system 11, the buffer memory in the host device alternates between the first and second data units in units of data amount that does not overflow or underflow.
And the AV data by the second file is output to the hard disk device 13, and by detecting the free clusters in the hard disk device 13, the AV data by the first and second files is sequentially recorded in the hard disk 3. .

Thus, for the first file,
When recording of all AV data is completed, the host device 12
A positive result is obtained in step SP189, so that the recording of the first file is completed, and the file ID that identifies the file by the AV data to be subsequently transmitted.
Is sent to the hard disk device 13, and step SP19
7 (Fig. 7). As a result, the hard disk device 13
The central processing unit 22 detects the remaining free space in the remaining second file. Further, in response to the response from the hard disk device 13, the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 proceeds to the second step SP198.
The target number (TagNo) of the file and the data of the second file are output to the hard disk device 13, and the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 stores the data of this file in the buffer memory 10 in the following step SP199.

Further, in the following step SP200, the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 is recorded in the empty cluster detected in step SP197, and in the following step SP201, the host device 12 is interrupted similarly to step SP187. The central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 moves to step SP202 by this interrupt and judges whether or not recording of the second file is completed. If a negative result is obtained here, a predetermined response is sent to the hard disk device 13. Returns, step SP
Return to 197. Therefore, in this AV system 11,
Steps SP197-SP198-SP199-SP2
The processing procedure of 00-SP201-SP202-SP197 is repeated, and the AV data output from the host device 12 is sequentially recorded for the remaining second file.

When the recording is completed in this way, a positive result is obtained in step SP202, so that in the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12, the hard disk device 13 is notified of the end of the processing, and the process proceeds to step SP203. By this notification, the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 updates the data of the system entry area recorded in the memory 23 so as to correspond to the recording of these first and second files, and the system entry of the hard disk 3 Update the area. Similarly, the host device 12 also acquires the file management data from the hard disk device 13 and updates the contents of the memory 12B as necessary so as to correspond to the recording of the first and second files.
The process moves to step SP204 and the processing procedure is ended.

On the other hand, if the recording on the second file side is completed first, the central processing unit 12 of the host device 12
In A, a positive result is obtained in step SP195 (FIG. 6). Also in this case, the central processing unit 12A
After the recording of the second file is completed, the file ID that specifies the file based on the AV data to be subsequently transmitted is transmitted to the hard disk device 13, and the process proceeds to step SP206. As a result, the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 detects a subsequent free area in the remaining first file. Further, in response to the response from the hard disk device 13, the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12
Outputs the target number (TagNo) of the first file and the data of this first file in the following step SP207, and the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 stores the data of this file in the buffer memory in the following step SP208. Store in 10.

In the following step SP209, the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 is recorded in the empty cluster detected in step SP206, and in the following step SP210, the host device 12 is interrupted as in step SP187. The central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 moves to step SP211 by this interrupt and judges whether or not recording of the first file is completed. If a negative result is obtained here, a predetermined response is sent to the hard disk device 13. Returns, step SP
Return to 206. Therefore, in this AV system 11,
Steps SP206-SP207-SP208-SP2
The processing procedure of 09-SP210-SP211-SP206 is repeated, and the AV data output from the host device 12 is sequentially recorded for the remaining first file.

When recording is completed in this way, a positive result is obtained in step SP211, so that in the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12, the hard disk device 13 is notified of the end of processing and processing moves to step SP203. By this notification, the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 updates the data of the system entry area recorded in the memory 23 so as to correspond to the recording of these first and second files, and the system entry of the hard disk 3 Update the area. Similarly, the host device 12 also acquires the file management data from the hard disk device 13 and updates the contents of the memory 12B as necessary so as to correspond to the recording of the first and second files.
The process moves to step SP204 and the processing procedure is ended.

Therefore, in the processing procedure shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the data of the two files are alternately output from the host device 12, whereby, for example, one of the two files is output. If only the files in
A of these first and second files from the host device 12
Instead of alternating output of V data, AV of one file
Data may be repeatedly output with priority, and in this case, in the above-described processing procedure, for example, step SP
Instead of moving from step 189 to step SP190, the process of returning from step SP189 to step SP183 may be repeated. Further, instead of such multi-writing by two files, there may be a case of multi-writing by three or more files. In this case, in the hard disk device 13, due to the processing in the host device, the AV data by these three files is used. Is identified by the target number, and the AV data of each file is sequentially recorded on the hard disk 3.

As a result, in this embodiment, even if the empty clusters in the hard disk 3 become discontinuous, and further, every predetermined amount of data, a continuous AV to which a target number is added is issued without issuing a repeat command.
By outputting data, it is possible to sequentially record a file of a plurality of AV data, and the data transfer speed is improved accordingly.

On the other hand, FIG. 9 is a table showing commands in multi-read. The host device arranges a command code relating to multi-read and a file number relating to reading one byte each, and subsequently sets a parameter for specifying each file for each file relating to multi-read. Here, in this parameter, a target number (TagNo) for identifying each file and a head cluster number of the file by each target number are arranged.

As a result, in this embodiment, the process of detecting consecutive clusters by this command is entrusted to the hard disk device 13 side, and the repeated command issuance can be omitted.

That is, FIGS. 10 to 14 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure for multi-reading two files. In this processing, the central processing unit 12A of the host device 12 starts from step SP211 to step S211.
Moving to P212, the host memory 12B is accessed to detect the leading cluster numbers of the first and second files related to reading. Subsequently, the central processing unit 12A moves to step SP213 and issues a multi-read command in the format described above. As a result, the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 accesses the memory 23 and detects the concatenated cluster number for the first file with the target number 1 in the subsequent step SP214.

Further, in the following step SP215, the AV data recorded in the hard disk 3 is sequentially reproduced by the head cluster number set in the read command and the concatenated cluster number detected in step SP214, and in the subsequent step SP217. The AV data is stored in the buffer memory 10. Subsequently, in step SP218, the central processing unit 22 determines whether or not the prescribed amount of AV data is stored in the buffer memory 10, and if a negative result is obtained here, the process proceeds to step SP218. Here, this data amount is set to a value that does not impair the continuity of AV data due to underflow or overflow of the buffer memory in the processing in the host device 12.

Here, the central processing unit 22 accesses the memory 23 again, detects the concatenated cluster number for the first file with the target number 1, and returns to step SP215. This allows the central processing unit 22
Is set in steps SP215-SP21 until AV data is accumulated in the buffer memory 10 by a predetermined data amount.
6-SP217-SP218-SP219-SP215
When the AV data is accumulated in the buffer memory 10 by a predetermined amount, the processing procedure of step S21 is repeated, and step SP21
Since a positive result is obtained in step 7, step SP21
The process moves from step 7 to step SP220 to interrupt the host device 12. Here, this interrupt is executed by transmitting the target number of the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10.

When the transfer permission is obtained from the host device 12 by this interrupt, the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 sends the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 12 in the following step SP221, and in step SP222. (Fig. 11).

In this step SP222, the central processing unit 22 accesses the memory 23 and detects the concatenated cluster number for the second file with the target number 2. Further, in the subsequent step SP223, it is determined whether or not the EOF has been reached, and if a negative result is obtained here, the process proceeds to step SP224.

At step SP224, the central processing unit 22 sequentially records A on the hard disk 3 according to the leading cluster number set in the read command and the concatenated cluster number detected at step SP223.
V data is reproduced, and in the following step SP225,
This AV data is stored in the buffer memory 10. Subsequently, in step SP226, the central processing unit 22 determines whether or not the prescribed amount of AV data has been stored in the buffer memory 10, and if a negative result is obtained here, the process proceeds to step SP222. Here, this data amount is set similarly to the data amount in step SP217.

As a result, the central processing unit 22 continues to step SP22 until the AV data of the second file is accumulated in the buffer memory 10 by the predetermined data amount.
2-SP223-SP224-SP225-SP226
-Repeat the processing procedure of SP222 to repeat the buffer memory 1
When a predetermined amount of AV data is stored in 0, a positive result is obtained in step SP226, and therefore the process proceeds from step SP226 to step SP227 and interrupts the host device 12. Here, this interrupt is executed by transmitting the target number of the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10.

When the transfer permission is obtained from the host device 12 by this interrupt, the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 sends the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 12 in the following step SP228, and in step SP218. (Fig. 10).

Thus, in this embodiment, according to the recording of the system entry area downloaded to the memory 23, the hard disk device 13 side
A cluster number formed by sequentially recording the first and second files is detected, and the first and second files are alternately reproduced and output to the host device 12 in a predetermined data amount unit based on the detection result. ing.

In this way, when the first and second files are alternately reproduced and EOF is detected in the first file, the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 gives a positive result in step SP219. When obtained (FIG. 10), the process moves from step SP219 to step SP230 (FIG. 12). Here, the central processing unit 22 reproduces the remaining AV data of the first file up to the cluster in which the EOF has been detected, and the subsequent step S
In P231, the reproduced AV data is stored in the buffer memory 10. Further, in the following step SP232, the host device 12 is interrupted in the same manner as in step SP220, and the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 is sent to the host device 12 in the following step SP233 by permitting data transfer by this interrupt, and in step SP234. Move on to.

At step SP234, the central processing unit 22 accesses the memory 23 and detects the subsequent concatenated cluster number for the second file with the target number 2. In the subsequent step SP235, it is determined whether or not the EOF is reached, and if a negative result is obtained here, the process proceeds to step SP236.

At step SP236, the central processing unit 22 sequentially reproduces the AV data recorded on the hard disk 3 according to the concatenated cluster number detected at step SP235, and at the subsequent step SP237, the AV data is buffer memory 10. To store. Then, the central processing unit 22 performs step SP23.
In 8, it is determined whether or not the AV data has been stored in the buffer memory 10 by the specified data amount. If a negative result is obtained here, the process proceeds to step SP234.

As a result, the central processing unit 22 continues to step SP23 until the AV data of the second file is accumulated in the buffer memory 10 by the predetermined data amount.
4-SP235-SP236-SP237-SP238
-Repeat the processing procedure of SP234 to repeat the buffer memory 1
When the predetermined amount of AV data is stored in 0, a positive result is obtained in step SP238, and the process moves from step SP238 to step SP239 to interrupt the host device 12 in the same manner as step SP227.

When the transfer permission is obtained from the host device 12 by this interrupt, the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 sends the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 12 in the following step SP240, and the step SP234. Move on to.

As a result, in this embodiment, when the download of the first file is completed, the download of the second file is continued in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. Further, when the EOF is detected for the second file by continuing the downloading as described above, the central processing unit 22 causes the step SP235.
A positive result is obtained in step SP235
To Step SP241 (FIG. 14).

Here, the central processing unit 22 reproduces the remaining AV data of the second file up to the cluster where the EOF is detected, and stores the reproduced AV data in the buffer memory 10 in the following step SP242. In the subsequent step SP243, the host device 12 is interrupted in the same manner as in step SP227, and the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 is sent to the host device 12 in the subsequent step SP244 by permitting data transfer by this interrupt, and in step S244.
The procedure moves to P245 to end this processing procedure.

On the other hand, when the EOF is first detected in the second file, the central processing unit 22 obtains a positive result in step SP223 (FIG. 11), and moves from step SP223 to step SP247. (FIG. 13).

Here, the central processing unit 22 reproduces the remaining AV data of the second file up to the cluster in which the EOF is detected, and stores the reproduced AV data in the buffer memory 10 in the subsequent step SP248. In the following step SP249, the host device 12 is interrupted in the same manner as in step SP227, and the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 is sent to the host device 12 in the following step SP250 by permitting the data transfer by this interrupt, and the step S
Move to P251.

At step SP251, the central processing unit 22 accesses the memory 23 and detects the subsequent concatenated cluster number for the first file with the target number 1. In the subsequent step SP252, it is determined whether or not the EOF has been reached, and if a negative result is obtained here, the process proceeds to step SP253.

At step SP253, the central processing unit 22 sequentially reproduces the AV data recorded on the hard disk 3 according to the concatenated cluster number detected at step SP254, and at the subsequent step SP255, the AV data is buffer memory 10. To store. Subsequently, the central processing unit 22 carries out step SP25.
In 5, it is determined whether or not the AV data has been stored in the buffer memory 10 by the specified data amount. If a negative result is obtained here, the process proceeds to step SP251.

As a result, the central processing unit 22 performs step SP25 until the AV data of the first file is accumulated in the buffer memory 10 by the predetermined data amount.
1-SP252-SP253-SP254-SP255
-Repeat the processing procedure of SP251 to repeat the buffer memory 1
When the predetermined amount of AV data is accumulated in 0, a positive result is obtained in step SP255, and the process moves from step SP255 to step SP256 to interrupt the host device 12 in the same manner as in step SP220.

When the transfer permission is obtained from the host device 12 by this interrupt, the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 13 sends the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 to the host device 12 in the following step SP257, and in step SP251. Move on to.

As a result, in this embodiment, when the downloading of the second file is completed, the downloading of the first file is continued in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. Further, when the EOF is detected for the first file by continuing the downloading as described above, the central processing unit 22 causes the step SP252.
A positive result is obtained in step SP252
To Step SP258 (FIG. 14).

Here, the central processing unit 22 reproduces the remaining AV data of the first file up to the cluster where the EOF is detected, and stores the reproduced AV data in the buffer memory 10 in the following step SP259. Further, in the following step SP260, the host device 12 is interrupted in the same manner as in step SP220, and the AV data stored in the buffer memory 10 is sent to the host device 12 in the following step SP261 by permitting data transfer by this interrupt, and in step S260.
The procedure moves to P262 to end this processing procedure.

Thus, in the processing procedure shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the data of two files are alternately output to the host device 12.
Instead of multi-reading by one file, multi-reading by three or more files may be possible. In this case,
In the hard disk device 13, the target number and the leading cluster number designated by the host device
The AV data of each file is sequentially reproduced from the hard disk 3 and output.

(2) Operation of Embodiment With the above configuration, in the AV system 11 (FIG. 2), the command from the host device 12 is analyzed by the central processing unit 22 of the hard disk device 12, and the hard disk drive is analyzed based on this analysis result. The operation of the control circuit 5 and the like is controlled by the central processing unit 22, so that various data recorded in the hard disk 3 is reproduced, and various data input from the host device 12 is recorded in the hard disk 3.

In this processing, when the power is turned on and the connection of the hard disk device 13 is detected, in the AV system 11, the host device 12 issues a read command of the system entry area,
By this command, the management data recorded in the system entry area of the hard disk 3 is reproduced in the hard disk device 13 (FIG. 16). In the AV system 11, of the management data, the data in the directory area based on the file management data that specifies each file recorded in the data recording area is sent to the host device 12 together with the data in the boot area, and It is stored in the memory 12B. Further, the data of the FAT area, which is a set of identification codes indicating the relation of the cluster which is the management unit of the data recording area, is associated with the file management data by the head cluster number assigned to this file management data, and the data of the other system entry. It is stored in the memory 23 of the hard disk device 13 together with the area data (FIG. 3).

As a result, in the AV system 11, the host device 12 issues a read command to the hard disk device 13 on the basis of the file management data recorded in the memory 12B, and in the hard disk device 13, this command is issued. The clusters in which the files related to the access are recorded are sequentially detected by the data of the FAT area stored in the memory 23, and the data of the files related to the read instruction are sequentially reproduced and output based on the detection result (Fig. 4 and FIG. 5).

As a result, in the AV system 11, as compared with the case of the conventional configuration described above with reference to FIG. 21, a read command from the host device 12 is issued every predetermined amount of data and each time the continuity of clusters is lost. Repeated issuance can be omitted, and consecutive AV files can be output to the host device 12 by issuing a read command once. Therefore, since the repetitive issuance of such a read command can be omitted, the handshake process relating to this command can be omitted, and the AV can be effectively
The data transfer rate of data can be improved and the time required for dubbing can be shortened. In addition, the power consumption can be reduced accordingly, and the processing in the host device 12 can be simplified.

On the other hand, in the case of writing, by issuing the same one-time write command, the free space is sequentially detected on the hard disk device 13 side, and the AV data output from the host device 12 in this free space is detected. Is recorded (FIG. 1). As a result, even in this case, every predetermined amount of data,
By omitting the repeated issuance of the write command from the host device 12 every time the continuity of the cluster is lost, 1
By issuing the write command once, consecutive AV files can be recorded by the host device 12. Therefore, since the repetitive issuance of such a write command can be omitted, the handshake process related to this command can be omitted to effectively improve the data transfer rate of AV data and shorten the time required for dubbing. be able to. In addition, the power consumption can be reduced accordingly, and the processing in the host device 12 can be simplified.

On the other hand, in the case of multi-read, the code length is specified by the number of files related to multi-read, and the head cluster number and target number of each file, which are parameters for specifying each file, are set, A read command is issued (FIG. 9).

With this command, the hard disk device 1
3, the recording is sequentially traced to the memory 23 from the first cluster number, and the cluster in which the file related to the access is recorded is sequentially detected, and the data of the file related to the read instruction is sequentially reproduced based on the detection result. Is output (FIGS. 10 to 14). In this process, the hard disk device 13 divides each file by a predetermined data amount so that the AV data of each file does not lose its continuity, and reproduces the AV data of each file by a so-called time division multiplexing process. Output.

As a result, in the AV system 11, as compared with the conventional configuration, repetitive issuance of a read command from the host device 12 is omitted every time a predetermined amount of data is lost and the continuity of clusters is lost. Then, a plurality of files of continuous AV data can be output to the host device 12 by issuing the read command once. Therefore, since the repetitive issuance of such a read command can be omitted, the handshake process relating to this command can be omitted to effectively improve the data transfer rate of AV data and shorten the time required for dubbing. be able to. In addition, the power consumption can be reduced accordingly, and the processing in the host device 12 can be simplified.

In the case of multi-write, the number of files related to multi-write is set as a parameter and a write command is issued (FIG. 8).

As a result, in the hard disk device 13, each file is identified by the target number added and transmitted to each AV data, and the hard disk device 13 side successively detects a free space, and the host device 12 in this free space. AV data output from is recorded (FIGS. 6 and 7). As a result, in this case as well, the host device 12 is operated every time the predetermined data amount is lost and the continuity of the cluster is lost.
Repeated issuance of write commands from the AV is omitted, and continuous AV is issued by issuing one write command.
Multiple files of data can be recorded by the host device 12. Therefore, since the repetitive issuance of such a write command can be omitted, the handshake process related to this command can be omitted to effectively improve the data transfer rate of AV data and shorten the time required for dubbing. be able to. In addition, the power consumption can be reduced accordingly, and the processing in the host device 12 can be simplified.

(3) Effects of the Embodiments According to the above configuration, by the processing of the hard disk device 13 on the recording / reproducing apparatus side corresponding to one command,
By sequentially reproducing and outputting files, and by sequentially detecting empty areas and writing files, it is possible to omit repetitive command issuance, and to that extent, effective data transfer compared to the past. The speed can be increased and the time required for dubbing can be shortened.

Similarly, by recording data of a plurality of files output from the host device in a time division manner, and reproducing and outputting a plurality of files requested by the host device in a time division manner, conventional In comparison, the effective data transfer rate can be increased and the time required for dubbing can be shortened.

Further, in such a process of reading a plurality of files, the instruction for reading the first and second files based on the management data is such that the parameter specifying the first and second files is included in one command. By setting the instruction, it is possible to collectively specify a plurality of files to be read by issuing one command, which also reduces the number of commands transmitted and received between the host device and the hard disk device. The data transfer rate can be improved and the time required for dubbing can be shortened.

Further, in such a process of writing a plurality of files, since one command is an instruction in which at least parameters according to the number of files to be written are set, it is possible to set the minimum required parameter to 1 It is possible to instruct to write multiple files with one file, and the number of commands sent and received between the host device and the hard disk device can be reduced by that much to improve the data transfer speed and shorten the time required for dubbing. it can.

(4) Other Embodiments In the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the head cluster number is set as the parameter by the normal read command and the multi-read read command has been described.
The present invention is not limited to this, in short, the information associated with the recording on the hard disk device side is set as a parameter so that the corresponding cluster numbers can be sequentially detected on the hard disk device side, and the same as in the above-described embodiment. The effect of can be obtained. By the way, in such a case, it is possible to set each file name as a parameter and issue a command.In this case, on the hard disk device side, the first cluster number is detected from the data in the directory area recorded in the memory. The data in the FAT area is sequentially traced based on this head cluster number.

In the above embodiment, MS-
The case where the present invention is applied to a hard disk device based on a DOS compatible file system has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to information processing devices based on various MS-DOS compatible file systems such as a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, and a memory card. It can be widely applied.

[0183]

As described above, according to the present invention, files are sequentially reproduced and output by the processing on the recording / reproducing apparatus side corresponding to one command, and empty areas are sequentially detected to extract files. By writing, the time required for dubbing can be shortened as compared with the related art.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a writing processing procedure in an AV system 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an AV system 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at startup in the AV system 11 of FIG.

4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of reading in the AV system 11 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following that of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a multi-write processing procedure in the AV system 11 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following that of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a chart showing multi-write commands.

FIG. 9 is a chart showing multi-read commands.

10 is a flowchart showing a multi-read processing procedure in the AV system 11 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following that of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following that of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following that of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure continued from FIG.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an AV system having a conventional configuration.

16 is a chart showing a recording format in the hard disk of FIG.

17 is a chart showing data recorded in the directory area of FIG. 16. FIG.

18 is a table showing codes recorded in the FAT area of FIG.

19 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at startup in the AV system of FIG.

20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of writing in the AV system of FIG.

21 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of reading in the AV system of FIG.

22 is a chart showing read commands in the process of FIG. 21. FIG.

23 is a flowchart showing a multi-write processing procedure in the AV system of FIG.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following that of FIG. 23;

25 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of multi-read in the AV system of FIG.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following that of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following that of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following that of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following that of FIG. 28.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 13 ... Hard disk device, 2, 12 ... Host device, 3 ... Hard disk device, 12A, 22 ... Central processing unit, 12B, 23 ... Memory

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G11B 27/10 G11B 27/10 A H04N 5/91 H04N 5/91 PF term (reference) 5B082 CA08 FA02 5C053 FA15 FA23 GB05 5D044 AB05 AB07 BC01 CC04 CC09 DE22 DE49 DE54 DE96 EF02 GK12 HL07 HL11 5D077 AA22 AA38 BA15 CA02 DC08 5D110 AA13 AA21 AA27 AA29 BB23 BB24 DA11 DA17 DB02 DC06 DE02

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium in which a desired file is recorded in a data area partitioned by a predetermined management unit, and management data for managing the data area is recorded in a management data recording area, and the recording medium. An access unit for accessing a medium to reproduce and output data recorded on the recording medium; and a control unit for controlling the access unit, wherein the management data is at least the data recorded in the data area. File management data for identifying a file, and identification data that is associated with the file management data and indicates the relationship of the management units, and the control unit controls the access unit according to an instruction from a host device. Controlling the reproduction of the management data, outputting at least the file management data to the host device, and The identification data is held in a predetermined memory, and a file related to the read instruction is sequentially recorded by the read instruction based on the management data from the host device and the identification data held in the memory. An information processing apparatus, wherein the management unit is sequentially detected, and based on the detection result, the access unit is controlled to sequentially reproduce and output the data of the file according to the read instruction. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein outputting the data of the file to the host device is a dubbing process of the file. 3. A recording medium in which a desired file is recorded in a data area divided by a predetermined management unit, and management data for managing the data area is recorded in a recording area of the management data, and the recording medium. An access unit for accessing a medium to record desired data on the recording medium, and reproducing and outputting the data recorded on the recording medium; and a control unit for controlling the access unit. The data includes at least file management data that identifies the file recorded in the data area, and identification data that is associated with the file management data and that indicates the association of the management units. In accordance with an instruction from the host device, the management data is reproduced and at least the identification data is held in a predetermined memory. The indication of a write, by the identification data stored in the memory, sequentially detects the management unit of free space in the recording medium, based on the detection result, controlling the access means,
An information processing device, wherein data of files sequentially input from the host device is sequentially recorded in the empty area, and corresponding identification data is sequentially updated to record the file management data. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the data input of the file from the host device is a dubbing process of the file. 5. A recording medium in which a desired file is recorded in a data area divided by a predetermined management unit, and management data for managing the data area is recorded in a management data recording area, and the recording. An access unit for accessing a medium to reproduce and output data recorded on the recording medium; and a control unit for controlling the access unit, wherein the management data is at least the data recorded in the data area. File management data for identifying a file, and identification data that is associated with the file management data and indicates the relationship of the management units, and the control unit controls the access unit according to an instruction from a host device. Controlling the reproduction of the management data, outputting at least the file management data to the host device, and Holds identification data in a predetermined memory, the first based on the management data from said host device
And an instruction to read the second file, the identification data held in the memory causes the first and second files to be read.
The management units in which the files are sequentially recorded are sequentially detected, and the access means is controlled based on the detection result to alternately reproduce and output the data of the first and second files in predetermined units. An information processing device characterized by: 6. The information according to claim 5, wherein outputting the data of the first and second files to the host device is a dubbing process of the first and second files. Processing equipment. 7. A command for reading the first and second files based on the management data from the host device sets a parameter for specifying the first and second files in one command. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the information processing device is an instruction. 8. The first and / or second files are audio data and / or video data, and the predetermined unit is a buffer memory for temporarily holding the first and second files in the host device. 6. The data of the first and / or second files is a unit that does not overflow or underflow.
The information processing device according to 1. 9. A recording medium in which a desired file is recorded in a data area divided by a predetermined management unit, and management data for managing the data area is recorded in a management data recording area, and the recording medium. An access unit for accessing a medium to record desired data on the recording medium, and reproducing and outputting the data recorded on the recording medium; and a control unit for controlling the access unit. The data includes at least file management data that identifies the file recorded in the data area, and identification data that is associated with the file management data and that indicates the association of the management units. According to an instruction from the host device, the access means is controlled to reproduce the management data, and at least the identification data is stored in a predetermined memory. The management unit of the empty area in the recording medium is sequentially detected by the identification data held in the memory in accordance with an instruction to write the first and second files from the host device, Based on the above, by controlling the access means,
The data of the first and second files, which are alternately input from the host device in a predetermined unit, are sequentially recorded in the empty area, and the corresponding identification data are sequentially updated to record the file management data. An information processing device characterized by the above. 10. The first and second devices from the host device
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the input of the data of the file is a dubbing process of the file. 11. The first and second devices from the host device
10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the file writing instruction is an instruction in which at least a parameter depending on the number of files to be written is set in one command. 12. Information for accessing a recording medium in which a desired file is recorded in a data area divided by a predetermined management unit, and management data for managing the data area is recorded in the management data recording area. In the processing method, the management data includes at least file management data that identifies the file recorded in the data area, and identification data that is associated with the file management data and indicates a relationship between the management units. The information processing method includes reproducing the management data according to an instruction from a host device, outputting at least the file management data to the host device, and holding at least the identification data in a predetermined memory. Is stored in the memory according to a read instruction from the host device based on the management data. According to the identification data, the management unit in which the files related to the read instruction are sequentially recorded is sequentially detected, and the data of the file related to the read instruction is sequentially reproduced and output based on the detection result. An information processing method characterized by: 13. Information for accessing a recording medium in which a desired file is recorded in a data area divided by a predetermined management unit, and management data for managing the data area is recorded in the management data recording area. In the processing method, the management data includes at least file management data that identifies the file recorded in the data area, and identification data that is associated with the file management data and indicates a relationship between the management units. The information processing method includes reproducing the management data according to an instruction from a host device, retaining at least the identification data in a predetermined memory, and retaining the identification data in the memory according to a writing instruction from the host device. The management unit of the free area in the recording medium is sequentially detected by the identified data, and based on the detection result. Then, the data of files sequentially input from the host device is sequentially recorded in the empty area, the corresponding identification data is sequentially updated, and the file management data is recorded. . 14. Information for accessing a recording medium in which a desired file is recorded in a data area divided by a predetermined management unit, and management data for managing the data area is recorded in the management data recording area. In the processing method, the management data includes at least file management data that identifies the file recorded in the data area, and identification data that is associated with the file management data and indicates a relationship between the management units. The information processing method includes reproducing the management data according to an instruction from a host device, outputting at least the file management data to the host device, and holding at least the identification data in a predetermined memory. A first based on the management data from the host device
And an instruction to read the second file, the identification data held in the memory causes the first and second files to be read.
Information is characterized in that the management units in which the files are sequentially recorded are sequentially detected, and the data of the first and second files are alternately reproduced and output in predetermined units based on the detection result. Processing method. 15. Information for accessing a recording medium in which a desired file is recorded in a data area divided by a predetermined management unit, and management data for managing the data area is recorded in the management data recording area. In the processing method, the management data includes at least file management data that identifies the file recorded in the data area, and identification data that is associated with the file management data and indicates a relationship between the management units. And the information processing method reproduces the management data according to an instruction from a host device, holds at least the identification data in a predetermined memory, and writes the first and second files from the host device. , The identification data stored in the memory is used to set the management unit of the free area in the recording medium in order. Based on the detection result, the data of the first and second files alternately input from the host device in a predetermined unit are sequentially recorded in the empty area, and the corresponding identification data are sequentially updated. And recording the file management data.