JP2003209798A - Recording medium, recording apparatus, playback apparatus, recording method, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical disk with which a large amount of still picture data are recorded, a retrieval based on the recording time of the still picture data is realized and the data size of the recording time information can be suppressed small and to provide an optical disk recording apparatus and an optical disk playback apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The N (however, N is an integer number equal to or larger than one) number of still pictures is grouped in a lump in order to minimize a data amount for managing a recording time of the still pictures. A recording time (F<SB>-</SB>RECTM) of the first recorded still picture and a recording time (L<SB>-</SB>RECTM) of the last recorded still picture are recorded as management information in each group. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rewritable recording medium, a recording device and a reproducing device thereof, a recording method for the recording medium, and a computer program for realizing the recording method. In particular, the recording medium is suitable for an optical disc on which a large amount of still image data is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A large-capacity rewritable optical disk recording medium such as a DVD-RAM or a DVD-RW has appeared, and a technique for recording data such as images and sounds on the recording medium has been actively developed. . As video data, ISO / IEC11172 standard and ISO /
MPEG (Moving Picture) described in the IEC13818 standard, etc.
Data encoded by the Experts Group method or the like is generally used. As the still image data, the MP
EG method intra-frame coded data (I picture) and ISO / IEC
Data encoded by the JPEG method described in the 10918-1 standard is generally used.

A digital VCR (digital video cassette record) using a magnetic tape as a recording medium is used as a device for recording encoded moving images and still images together with audio.
r) or a memory such as a flash memory as a recording medium.
l camera?) etc. have already been put to practical use.

A recording apparatus using an optical disk such as a DVD-RAM as a recording medium is a conventional digital V described above.
Random accessibility that is difficult to achieve when using a magnetic tape, large capacity that is difficult to achieve when using a flash memory, etc., and low cost per bit, as compared to CR and electronic still cameras It has features such as.
Therefore, the recording apparatus using the optical disk recording medium can freely define a reproduction order different from the recorded data order and can handle a large amount of still images of tens of thousands of sheets. Is expected to spread.

[0005]

In the DVD-RAM, moving images and still images can be recorded together. Especially for still images, a huge number of still images can be recorded as compared with the conventional electronic still camera.

For example, assuming that the recording capacity of a DVD-RAM is 4.7 GB and the data size of a still picture (I picture) encoded by the MPEG system is about 80 KB, it will be about 64000 before the disk becomes full. A still image can be recorded.

Unlike a recording medium such as a digital VCR which reproduces data in the order of recording, an optical disc medium such as a DVD-RAM allows random access.
In order to realize this, the management information such as the address and size of the still image data recorded on the optical disc and the reproduction time of the audio data recorded accompanying the still image are also recorded.

When a still picture is reproduced by the reproducing apparatus, there are two steps: a step of reading the address of the still picture data from the management data recorded on the optical disk medium and a step of reproducing the still picture data recorded at the read address. Steps required. Therefore, when reproducing a plurality of still images, the above-mentioned two steps are required for each reproduction.

Further, when still image data or the like is recorded on the optical disk by the recording device, two steps are required: a step of recording the still image data and a step of recording management information such as the address of the still image. Therefore, when recording a plurality of still images, the above two steps are required for each recording of one image.

The optical disk recording or reproducing apparatus has an optical head for recording or reading information, but this optical head is larger and heavier than a magnetic head, so that the access speed is slow. Therefore, if the above two steps are required,
It takes time to reproduce or record a plurality of still images, and it is difficult to realize high-speed random access.

In order to solve this, in the optical disc recording apparatus and reproducing apparatus, the management information read from the optical disc is recorded in the memory in the apparatus. In the playback device,
Once the management information is recorded in the memory in the device, it is not necessary to read the management information on the disk every time one still image is reproduced, and the time required to reproduce a plurality of still images can be shortened. Further, in the recording device, management information of a plurality of still image data is recorded in a memory in the device, and these are collectively collected,
If the recording is performed on the disc, it is not necessary to record the management information on the disc every time one image is recorded, and the time required for recording a plurality of still images can be shortened.

However, since a large capacity recording medium such as a DVD-RAM records a large number of still images of tens of thousands,
The amount of information for managing the recorded still image data becomes enormous, and it is necessary that the memory in the device for recording this also has a large capacity. Although the unit price of memory has been decreasing in recent years, it is difficult to mount a megabyte unit of memory as a consumer AV device, and considering the battery backup of the memory for an emergency, the management information of megabytes should be It is unrealistic to handle as a consumer AV device.

In order to solve this, for example, some of the inventors of the present application have proposed a technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491. According to this, the management information such as the address and size of the still image data and the reproduction time of the audio data described above is recorded in the management information table of the variable length size proportional to the number of still images and the number of audio. Due to
The increase in the data size of management information is suppressed.

However, the above technique does not consider the following cases.

The first is management of the recording time of still image data. The above-described technique cannot perform a search using the recording time, and thus has a disadvantage to a request to search for a desired still image from among a huge number of still images.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, recording time (REC
TM) is represented by a 7-byte data structure including year (2 bytes), month (1 byte), day (1 byte), hour (1 byte), minute (1 byte), and second (1 byte). Recording time for each still image
When (RECTM) is added and recorded, the management information increases in size by about 438 kilobytes (= 64000 * 7) in addition to the data size assumed by the above technology.

As described above, in order to realize high-speed random access, the management information should always be recorded in the memory of the system control unit in the apparatus. In order to reduce the cost, that is, reduce the cost, it is necessary to suppress the data size of the management information as much as possible.

A first object of the present invention is to realize a search based on a recording time and have a data management structure for suppressing an increase in the data size of management information, and a recording device and a reproducing device mainly for an optical disc. , And providing a computer program for realizing these.

The second case is when the still image is deleted.

FIG. 12 shows a still image management method described in the above technique. First, still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) for managing a plurality of still image data (VOB) (101) as a still image group (VOBG) (102) is provided. The still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) is the still image group identification information (V
OBG_ID) (104), start and end address information (VOBG_Address) (105) of still image group (VOBG) (102), and image number information (V_I_Num) indicating the number of still images managed by this group.
ber) (1015) and management information of image part of still image (VOB) (101)
(V_I) (1017) only image management information table (V_I_
Table) (1016), voice number information (A_I_Number) (1018) that represents the number of voices managed by this group, and voice management information table that summarizes only the management information (A_I) (1020) of the voice part.
It consists of (A_I_Table) (1019). Image management information (V_I) (1017)
Consists of image data size (V_Size) (1021) and voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1022) that links to voice management information (A_I) (1020) corresponding to the voice to be played back in synchronization.
The voice management information (A_I) (1020) includes voice data address information (A_Address) (1023) and voice data size (A_Size) (10
24), voice reproduction time (A_PTM) (1025), and voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1026) that links to other voice management information (A_I) (1020). If there is no voice to link, voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1022) (102
As 6), record NULL indicating an invalid value.

In the above technique, the image management information table (V_I
_Table) (1016) and voice management information table (A_I_Table) (101
9) is separately held, and further, voice management information (A_I) (1020) has voice address information (A_Address) (1023).

The still image and audio data are recorded in the form of files on the recording medium. At this time, since the addresses in the file are continuous, if the still image and the sound reproduced in synchronization with the still image are deleted, the file is reconfigured so that the addresses in the file are continuous except for the deleted part. Therefore, when the recording position of the audio data is managed by the address information (A_Address) (1023) in the file, all address information (A
_Address) (1023) needs to be replaced with new address information after reconfiguration. Therefore, when a large amount of still image data of up to tens of thousands is recorded, the time required to replace the address information becomes enormous. On the other hand, FIG.
As shown in (a), the address information (1023) is simply deleted from the structure of the management information shown in FIG. 12, and the address information is obtained by adding up the data sizes (1021) (1024) of the image and audio from the beginning. The method of getting

When this method is used, the replacement after the reconstruction described above becomes unnecessary, but the following problems occur.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, still image # 1
After recording the image part (V_Part # 1) (1027), the audio part (A_Part # 1) (1028) is dubbed to the still image # 1, and the image part (V_Part # 2) of the still image # 2 is recorded. ) (1029) is recorded, and as shown in FIG. 13 (c), the image part of still image # 1 (V_Part # 1) (1030) and the image part of still image # 2 (V_Part #
2) After recording (1031), the audio part (A_P
When art # 1) (1032) is post-recorded, V_I # 1 in the image management information table (V_I_Table) (1016) is displayed as shown in FIG. 13 (a), even though the data structure in the file is different.
(1017-1) is the image data size of V_Part # 1 (1027) or V_Part # 1 (1030) (V_Size # 1) (1021-1) and A_Part # 1 (102
8) Or voice pointer information (A_I_PTR # 1) (1022-1) for linking to A_Part # 1 (1032), and V_I
# 2 (1017-2) is V_Part # 2 (1029) or V_Part # 2 (103
Voice pointer information to indicate that there is no voice to link with the image data size (V_Size # 2) (1021-2) in 1)
(NULL) (1022-2), A_I # 1 (1020) is A_Part #
Audio data size of 1 (1028) or A_Part # 1 (1032)
(A_Size # 1) (1024), audio playback time (A_PTM # 1) (1025), and audio pointer information (NULL) (1026) that indicates that there is no audio to link, and the two can be distinguished. There will be a problem that it will not work.

Further, the image management information (V_I) shown in FIG.
The configuration of (1017) and voice management information (A_I) (1020) is redundant, and there is room for reducing the data size.

A second object of the present invention is to manage still image data and audio data reproduced in synchronization therewith without any problem, and to significantly reduce the time required for reconstructing management information when a still image is deleted. Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical disc recording apparatus and reproducing apparatus having a data management structure capable of suppressing the data size of the management information, and a computer program for realizing these.

[0027]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, at least still image data (VOB) is recorded on a recording medium, and N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) still image data ( VOB) is managed as a still image group (VOBG), still image group management information (VOBGI) is recorded, and the still image group (VOBGI) is recorded in the still image group management information (VOBGI).
Recording time of the first recorded still image data (VOB) in G)
(F_RECTM) and the recording time (L_RECTM) of the last recorded still image data (VOB) are recorded.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, at least still image data (VOB) is recorded on a recording medium, and N
(However, N is an integer of 1 or more) Still image group management information (VOBGI) that manages still image data (VOB) as a still image group (VOBG) is recorded, and the still image group management information (VOBG) is recorded.
I) has a still picture management information table (VOBI_Table), and the still picture management information table (VOBI_Table) is management information of a still picture that does not have audio (hereinafter, audio) to be played in synchronization with the still picture (hereinafter, audio) , First still image management information (V_I)) and still image management information (hereinafter referred to as second still image management) having only audio recorded at substantially the same time as the still image recording time (hereinafter referred to as original audio). Information (V_OA_I)) and management information (hereinafter referred to as third still image management information) of a still image having only audio (hereinafter referred to as dubbing audio) additionally recorded (hereinafter referred to as dubbed audio) to the already recorded still image. (V_AA_I)) and still image management information (VOBI) classified into any of the still image management information (hereinafter referred to as the fourth still image management information (V_OA_AA_I)) having both the original sound and the post-recording sound. The still image management information table
The storage order of still image management information (VOBI) in (VOBI_Table) is the same as the recording order of still images (VOB).

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention for achieving the first object will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the first embodiment. In the figure, first, N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) still images (VOB) (1) encoded by the MPEG I-picture or the like are put together to form a still image group (VOBG) (2). . When the number N of still images (VOB) (1) in the still image group (VOBG) (2) reaches a certain value (e.g. 64) during still image recording, or when moving from movie recording to still image recording When you switch modes,
Control to generate the next still image group (VOBG) (2). Still image (VOB) (1) data (encoded stream data)
Is recorded on the recording medium as a VOB file (11) described later, and the information for defining the still image group (VOBG) (2) is V
It is recorded on the recording medium as an OB management file (12).

The VOB management file (VOBGI) (12) consists of management information (VOBGI) (3) corresponding to each still image group (VOBG) (2). That is, management information (VOBGI) (3) is provided for each still image group (VOBG) (2). Information for managing M (M is an integer of 1 or more) management information (VOBGI) (3) may be separately stored in the VOB management file (VOBGI) (12). Then, the illustration is omitted. Management information (VOBGI) (3)
Is the still image group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4), VOB number information
(5), VOB map (6), first recording time (F_RECTM) (7), last recording time (L_RECTM) (8). Each item will be described below.

The still picture group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4) is the management information (VOBGI) (3) and the corresponding still picture group.
(VOBG) This is information for identifying (2) and is a unique value in the VOB management file (12). It is also possible to substitute a serial number from the beginning in the VOB management file (12), in which case the still image group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4) can be omitted.

The VOB number information (5) is a still image group (VOBG)
Number of still images (VOB) (1) existing in (2) (integer N described above)
Is information that represents. According to this VOB number, the VOB described below
The data length of the map (6) is determined.

The VOB map (6) holds information on the address (9) and attribute (10) of the still image (VOB) (1) for each still image (VOB). It is also possible to hold the data size instead of the address (9) and obtain the desired address by summing the data size from the beginning. Further, as the attribute (10), the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the still image, the display time of the still image, the presence / absence of audio reproduced in synchronization with the still image, the audio reproduction time, the audio data address, etc. can be considered.

As described above, it is possible to hold the recording time (RECTM) of each still image (VOB) (1) as management information, but in that case, the data size of the management information becomes too large. The first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) and the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) are one of the characteristic parts of the present invention. Therefore, by storing the recording time (RECTM) for each still image group (VOBG) (2) that is a collection of N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) still images (VOB) (1), the data size Reduce. Furthermore, of the still image recording time (RECTM) in the still image group (VOBG) (2), the first recording time (F_RECTM)
By holding both (7) and the last recorded time (L_RECTM) (8), it becomes possible to search with time as a key. That is, the recording time of the still image that the user wants to play or search.
(TM), and the recording time (TM) corresponds to the still image group (VOBG) (2), that is, TM is future or equal to F_RECTM in time, and TM is temporally higher than L_RECTM. Past or equal relationship (F_RECTM (7) ≤ TM ≤ L_REC
Only the still picture group (VOBG) (2) satisfying the TM (8) relationship can be selected and played back or searched. According to the present invention, by recording the data management structure shown in FIG. 1 on the optical disc, it is not necessary to manually search for a desired one from a maximum of about 64000 still images, and still image group (VOBG) Since it is possible to search from among the maximum number of still images (for example, 64), the usability is greatly improved.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a directory structure used in the first embodiment of the present invention. DV
In a recording medium such as D-RAM, encoded stream data such as still images, management information data, and the like are recorded as a file that is a unit of logical data. Inside the recording medium,
It has a directory structure starting from the root directory (13), and generally in a subdirectory (14)
B file (11) and VOB management file (12) are generated and retained. The VOB file (11) and VOB management file (12) may be recorded directly under the root directory (13) without using the subdirectory (14).
File (11) with additional subdirectory in 4)
And VOB management file (12) may be recorded.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of time information used in the first embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the recording time (RECTM) as the year (1
5) 2 bytes, month (16) 1 byte, day (17) 1 byte, hour
This is an example of a data structure in which (18) is represented by 1 byte, minute (19) is represented by 1 byte, and second (20) is represented by 1 byte. This data structure may be similarly used for the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) and the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) described above. In this case, it will only increase by 14 bytes for F_RECTM and L_RECTM per still image group (VOBG), and when 64 still images are grouped, about 64000 still images that fill the disc Only about 14 kilobytes (= (64000 * 14) / (64 * 1024)) of management information will increase. As described above, when recording with the recording time added for each still image, the management information is about 43
Compared with the increase of 8 kilobytes, it can be suppressed to about 3%.

As a result, the amount of management information can be suppressed, and the capacity of the memory in the recording / reproducing apparatus can be reduced, so that high-speed access and cost reduction can be realized.

The present invention is not limited to the data structure shown in the figure, and the recording time can be represented by a byte other than the above. In addition, the recording time is set to a specific time.
It can also be represented by the total number of seconds from (for example, 0:00:00 on January 1, 1990).

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention for achieving the first object. In the figure, the recording time (RECTM) of each still image (VOB) is held as recording information on the optical disc medium, but the structure of management information that can suppress the memory capacity of the system control unit in the device Indicates. In the management information (VOBGI) (3), the still image group identifier (V
OBG_ID) (4), VOB number information (5), VOB map (6), first recording time (F_RECTM) (7), last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) are shown in Fig. 1. The configuration is the same. In addition to this,
The still image recording time management information (RECTM
It has pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21) to I) (22). This pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21) is the still image recording time management information.
It may indicate an address in the VOB management file (12) of (RECTMI) (22), and may further have a data size of still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22). Also, the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22) is set as a file different from the VOB management file (12), and the file name etc. is set as pointer information (RECTMI_
P) (21).

The still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22) is
Still image (VOB) (1) Individual recording time (RECTM) (23) is collectively held for each still image group (VOBG) (2). In the figure, as an example, five still images (VOB) are grouped into still image groups (VOB).
G) is shown in the figure. Each recording time
(RECTM) may be represented by the data structure shown in FIG.

Here, only the management information (VOBGI) (3) is always held in the memory of the system control unit and the still image (VOBGI) (3) is stored.
B) When the individual recording time is needed, the still image (V
By reading only the still picture recording time management information (RECTMI) corresponding to the still picture group (VOBG) to which the (OB) belongs to the memory, the capacity of the memory can be kept small.
For example, the size of pointer information (RECTMI_P) is 4 bytes,
The maximum number of still images per still image group (VOBG) is 64,
Maximum number of still image groups is 1000 (= 64000/64), recording time
Assuming that (RECTM) is 7 bytes, the required increase in memory capacity is 4448 bytes (= 4 * 1000 + 64 * 7).
Combined with the increase in CTM (7) and L_RECTM (8) (about 14 kilobytes), this is about 4% of the increase required for the above-mentioned technology (about 438 kilobytes).

FIG. 5 shows a directory structure used in the third embodiment of the present invention to achieve the first object. Still image (VOB) (1) Individual recording time (RECTM) is often used for retrieval. The recording time is generally displayed together with a thumbnail image, which is a reduced still image, and used for searching. Therefore, in addition to the directory structure shown in FIG. 2, a THM file (24) recording thumbnail images for search and a THM management file (25) recording information for managing the thumbnail images, which will be described later, are added. Still image (VO
B) (1) Each recording time (RECTM) is managed in the THM management file (25). In the figure, the THM file (24) and THM management file (25) are replaced by the VOB file (11) and VOB management file.
Although it is placed in the same subdirectory (14) as that of (12), it is not limited to this and another subdirectory may be provided and placed there.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows still images (VOB) (1) individual recording time (RECTM)
This shows a method of holding the (32) in the THM management file (25). Thumbnail management information (THMI) (29) for managing thumbnail images (28) is always stored in memory like still image management information (VOBI) (26) for managing still images (VOB) (1). It does not need to be stored in the memory, and can be loaded into the memory only when searching. Therefore, if the recording time (RECTM) (32) is recorded in the thumbnail management information (THMI) (29), it is not necessary to greatly increase the memory capacity of the system control unit, and still image (VOB) (1) Since the thumbnail image (28) and the thumbnail management information (THMI) (29) correspond one-to-one as shown in the figure, the recording time (RECTM) (32) of each still image (VOB) (1) is retained. can do. In the figure, the thumbnail identifier (T
(HM_ID) (27) (30) is identification information for associating VOB management information (VOBI) (26) and thumbnail management information (THMI) (29), and is stored in the VOB management file (12) and THM management file. (twenty five)
And a unique value.

The thumbnail identifier (THM_ID) (27) can be substituted with a serial number from the beginning in the VOB management file (12). In that case, the thumbnail identifier (THM_I) is used.
D) (30) can be omitted. Also, thumbnail management information (THMI)
Address information in the THM file held in (29) (31)
The thumbnail management information (THMI) (29) and the thumbnail image (THM) (28) can be associated with each other. In the method shown in the figure, it is necessary to have still image management information (VOBI) (26) for each still image (VOB) (1), and the VOB management file (12) that should always be kept in memory. Will increase the capacity. Next, the method of improving this is shown.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention for achieving the first object. First, as in the method shown in FIG. 1, N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) still images (VOB) (1) are grouped together as a still image group (VOBG) (2), and each still image group ( It is managed by still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) corresponding to VOBG) (2). Still image group management information
The (VOBGI) (3) is provided with pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) to the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) described later in addition to the data structure shown in FIG.

The pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) is the THM management file of the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34).
(25) Indicates the internal address, and also the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) data size and THM management file (25)
You may have the address name of.

Thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34)
Is L in the THM file (24) (where L is an integer of 1 or more)
This is information for grouping the thumbnail images (THM) (28) and managing them as a thumbnail group (THMG) (40). If this L is matched with the number N of still images (VOB) (1) in the still image group (VOBG) (2), the divisions of both groups will match and management will be easy. All thumbnail group management information (T
HMGI) (34) is put together and recorded as a THM management file (25).

Thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34)
Consists of THM number information (35) and THM map (36). The THM number information (35) indicates the above-mentioned integer L, and when it matches the integer N as described above, the still image group management information (VO
It can be omitted because the VOB number information (5) in (BGI) (3) can be substituted. The THM map (36) holds information on the address (37), attribute (38) and recording time (RECTM) (39) of the thumbnail image (THM) (28) for each thumbnail image (THM). . The desired address can be obtained by holding the data size of the thumbnail image (THM) instead of the address (37) and integrating the data size from the beginning. Further, as the attribute (38), the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the thumbnail image (THM) (28), the encoding method, and the like can be considered, but these can be omitted by fixing them in the system.

By taking such a method, when searching based on the time, first, still image group management information is obtained.
A desired still image group (VOBG) is obtained using the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) and the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) for each group recorded in (VOBGI) (3). Next, only the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) corresponding to the still image group (VOBG) is read into the memory. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the memory capacity of the system control unit. For example, assuming that the pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) is 4 bytes, the maximum number of still image groups (VOBG) is 1000 (= 64
000/64), the increase in the VOB management file compared to the method in FIG. 1 is 4000 bytes. Also, assuming that the maximum number of thumbnail images (THM) (28) per thumbnail group (THMG) (40) is 64, THM number information is set as L = N.
(35) is omitted, address (37) is 4 bytes, and attribute (38)
And the recording time (RECTM) (39) is 7 bytes, the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) is 704 bytes (= 64 * (4 + 7)) per group. Therefore, compared with the method shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to search using the time information (RECTM) (39) for each still image (VOB) (1) only by increasing the memory by 4704 bytes, and the above-mentioned F_RECTM (7 ) And the increase in L_RECTM (8)
Even if combined with (about 14 kilobytes), the amount of memory increase required when recording the recording time for each still image (about 438 kilobytes)
About 4.3% of

The thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) shown in FIG. 7 is recorded at the recording time (RE) of each still image (VOB) (1).
Since it can be considered that this is information that collectively manages the CTM (39), the still image recording time management information (REC
It can be considered to include the functions of TMI (22).
Therefore, the pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) shown in FIG.
It includes the function of the pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21) shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

The recording / reproducing apparatus may be configured as dedicated hardware, or may be configured to control general-purpose hardware such as a personal computer by a control procedure (hereinafter referred to as a program) described later. In both cases, the control unit (41) is a memory that stores the program.
It operates based on the program stored in (101). Note that the memory (101) in which the program is stored may use the same recording medium as the memory (102) in which management information described later is recorded, or the memory (101) may be a read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory. Use a recording medium such as a memory that is not suitable for frequent data rewriting, and set the memory (102) to Dynamic Random Ac
cess Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SR
Both may be separately configured, for example, by using a recording medium suitable for frequently rewriting data such as AM). The contents (program) of the memory (101) in which the program is stored may be set in advance by the device manufacturer before the device is shipped, or as shown in FIG. 11, another recording medium storing the program before the device is operated. It may be configured to read from (computer-readable recording medium).

FIG. 20 shows an example of the case where the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention is configured by a computer. In the figure, the recording / reproducing apparatus includes a computer main body (101003), a monitor (101001) for displaying an image, and a speaker (1
01002), a mouse for inputting operation instructions from the user (10100
4), a keyboard (101005), and a drive (101006) for recording and reproducing data on a recording medium (101007). A program for controlling the computer (101003) is stored in the recording medium (101007), and is read into a memory (10101) in the computer via a drive (101006) before operating as a recording / reproducing apparatus (installation). ). As a computer-readable recording medium (101007), a read-only disc such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, a flexible disc, or the like can be considered. In addition, a rewritable medium such as a DVD-RAM is used as this recording medium (101007),
The program and the data such as images and sounds described below may be mixed and recorded on the same medium.

The recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
After receiving the operation instruction from the user in 2), the control unit (41)
From here, operation control to each unit described later is performed. During recording, signals such as images and sounds are input from the input section (43),
Encoding such as MPEG method is performed by the encoder (44). Encoded data such as moving images, still images, and audio is input to the drive (46) via the track buffer (45) and recorded on the recording medium (4
7) Record on top. At this time, the control unit also records the management information generated by the method shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 6, and 7.

Since it is difficult to record the management information at the same time during the period in which the encoded data is recorded in real time, the management information is once recorded in the memory (102), and then the encoded data recording is completed. The recording medium (47) is controlled to be recorded later. It is one of the objects of the present invention to suppress the capacity of the memory (102).

On the other hand, at the time of reproduction, the drive temporarily reads the management information from the recording medium (47) to the memory (102), then reads the encoded data based on the information and inputs it to the track buffer (45). Track Buffer (45)
The encoded data from is decoded by the decoder (48),
Output from the output section (49).

A computer-readable recording medium for realizing the still image recording method and still image reproducing method of the present invention will be described below, focusing on the operation of the control section (41) (that is, the contents of the program).

FIG. 9 shows an example of a still image recording method used in the present invention. Recording is started from step (50), and first, in step (51), the encoded stream data of the still image (VOB) (1) shown in FIG. 1 is recorded as a VOB file (11) on a recording medium, and then step Continue to (52).

At step (52), whether or not the still picture group management information (VOBGI) (3) corresponding to the still picture group (VOBG) (2) including the still picture (VOB) (1) already exists. If it is present, the process proceeds to step (53), and if it is not present, the process proceeds to step (58).

In step (53), the number of still images (VOB) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) is increased by 1 and
Address of still image (VOB) (1) recorded in step (51)
Add (9) and attributes (10) to the VOB map (6) and go to step (5
Go to 4).

In step (54), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is compared with the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) in the still image group, and RECTM is F_REC.
If it is past in time (RECTM &amp;# 60 F_RECTM) than TM, proceed to step (55), otherwise proceed to step (56). In normal operation, RECTM will never be older than F_RECTM, but if you use a common recording medium between different recording devices and each built-in clock has an error, (R
This comparison is necessary because it may be ECTM &# 60 F_RECTM).

In step (55), the value of F_RECTM is replaced with the value of RECTM. That is, as the value of F_RECTM, the past time in the still image group is set. After this, the process proceeds to step (56).

In step (56), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is compared with the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) in the still image group, and RECTM is L_REC.
If it is temporally future (RECTM &amp;# 62 L_RECTM) than TM, the process proceeds to step (57), and if not, the process proceeds to step (61). Normally, RECTM is in the future than L_RECTM. However, if a common recording medium is used by different recording devices and there is an error in each built-in clock, (RECTM &amp;
# 60 L_RECTM), so this comparison is necessary.

In step (57), the value of L_RECTM is replaced with the value of RECTM. That is, as the value of L_RECTM, the most temporally future time in this still image group is set. After this, the process proceeds to step (61).

In step (58), still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) is newly generated, the number of VOBs (5) = 1, and the still image (VOB) (1) recorded in step (51) is set. ) Address (9) and attribute (10) are registered in the VOB map (6), and the process proceeds to step (59).

In step (59), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is set in the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) in the still image group, and in step (60). move on.

In step (60), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is set in the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) in the still image group, and in step (61). move on.

At step (61), the still picture group management information (VOBGI) (3) generated or updated as described above is stored.
The VOB management file (12) is recorded on the recording medium, and the recording operation is ended in step (62).

FIG. 10 shows an example of a still image reproducing method used in the present invention. In the figure, the desired time (TM) is input from the operation unit (42) shown in FIG. 8 and the recording time (RECTM) close to that is input.
The method of selectively playing back only the still image (VOB) (1) is shown below.

First, the reproduction is started from the step (63), the desired time (TM) is inputted in the step (64), and the step (65)
Proceed to.

In step (65), the first still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) is set as the processing target. Here, the first still image group management information (VOBGI) may be the first registered still image group management information (VOBGI) when viewed from the beginning to the end of the VOB management file (12). . After this, the process proceeds to step (66).

In step (66), the time (TM) input in step (64) and the still image group management information (V
OBGI) (3), the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) and the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) are compared, and TM is temporally future or equal to F_RECTM, and TM is A relationship that is past or equal in time to L_RECTM, that is, (F_RECTM
TM ≤ TM ≤ L_RECTM), the step (6
Proceed to 7), else proceed to step (68).

At step (67), the still image (VOB) (1) belonging to the still image group (VOBG) (2) managed by the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) to be processed is reproduced. And proceed to step (68).

In step (68), it is judged whether or not the next still image group management information (VOBGI) exists. If it exists, the process proceeds to step (69), and if it does not exist, step (70). Proceed to. Here, the next still image group management information (V
OBGI) is, for example, the still image group management information (VOBGI) registered next to the still image group management information (VOBGI) currently being processed when viewed from the beginning to the end of the VOB management file (12). And it is sufficient.

At step (69), the next still image group management information (VOBGI) is set as the next processing target, and step (66)
Proceed to.

At step (70), the reproducing operation is ended.

By the above operation, only the still images (VOB) (1) belonging to the still image group (VOBG) having the relationship of (F_RECTM ≤ TM ≤ L_RECTM) with respect to the desired time (TM) are selectively selected. Can be played.

In the above embodiments, the DVD-RAM has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is obvious that other recording media can be used as well.

As described above, the first object of the present application can be achieved. That is, it is possible to realize a search using the recording time (RECTM) of a still image for a huge number of still images recorded on a large-capacity optical disc medium and to suppress an increase in the data size of management information. An embodiment of the present invention for achieving the second object will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, and a method of recording the recording order and attributes of still images in the management information will be described. In the figure, first, the MPEG system
N (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1) N still images (VOB) (101) encoded with I-pictures, etc., and still image group (VOBG)
(102) Still picture group (VOBG) (10
The number N of still images (VOB) (101) in 2) is constant (for example, 10
64, etc., or when the operation mode is switched from movie recording to still image recording, the next still image group (VOB
G) Control to generate (102). Still image (VOB) (101)
Data (encoded stream data) is recorded on the recording medium as a VOB file (1013) described later, and the information for defining the still image group (VOBG) (102) is the VOB management file.
(1014) is recorded on the recording medium.

The VOB management file (1014) is composed of management information (VOBGI) (103) corresponding to each still image group (VOBG) (102). That is, management information (VOBGI) (103) is provided for each still image group (VOBG) (102). Information for managing M (where M is an integer of 1 or more) pieces of management information (VOBGI) (103) may be separately stored in the VOB management file (1014). Since it is not directly related, illustration is omitted here. Management information (VOBGI) (103) is still image group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104), still image group address information
(VOBG_Address) (105), still image number information (VOBI_Number) (10
6) and a still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107). Each item will be described below.

Still picture group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104)
Is information for identifying the management information (VOBGI) (103) and the corresponding still image group (VOBG) (102).
Use a unique value in the management file (1014). VO
It is also possible to substitute a serial number from the beginning in the B management file (1014), in which case the still image group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104) can be omitted.

Still picture group address information (VOBG_Addres
s) (105) is the still image group in the VOB file.
(VOBG) has the start address of the encoded stream data belonging to (102). In addition to this, it may have an end address.

The still picture number information (VOBI_Number) (106) is the still picture (VOB) (101) belonging to this still picture group (VOBG) (102).
With a number of.

Still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (10
7) is for each still image (VOB) (1) in the still image group (VOBG) (102).
It consists of still picture management information (VOBI) (108) corresponding to 01). At this time, the storage order of the still image management information (VOBI) (108) in the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) is still image (VOB).
Store them in the same recording order as in (101). For example, the still image management information (VOBI) (108-1) shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the still image (VOB) (101-1).

The still image management information (VOBI) (108) is a still image that does not have a voice (hereinafter, voice) to be reproduced in synchronization with the still image according to the attribute of the corresponding still image (VOB) (101). Management information
(First still image management information (V_I)) (109), still image management information (second still image management) having only the audio recorded at the same time as the still image recording time (hereinafter referred to as original audio) Information (V_
OA_I)) (1010), additional recording for already recorded still images
Management information of a still image having only (hereinafter, post-recording) audio (hereinafter, post-recording audio) (third still image management information (V_AA
_I)) (1011), management information of a still image having both original audio and post-recording audio (fourth still image management information (V_OA_AA_
I)) (1012).

In this way, the still image management information table (VOBI_
By configuring the (Table) (107), the recording order and attributes of the still image (VOB) (101) can be stored in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103). In addition, a still image (VOB) (10
When (1) is deleted, the still image management information (V
OBI) (108) is also deleted at the same time.

Next, referring to FIG. 14, still picture management information (VOB
I) A detailed structure of (108) will be shown, and a method of suppressing the data size of the management information will be described.

FIG. 14A shows the structure of still image management information (first still image management information (V_I)) (109) having no audio. The V_I (109) is the first as the still image identification information (VOBI_ID).
Identification information to identify that it is still image management information
(V_I_ID) (1033) and image data size (V_Size) (1034). This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image having no sound, and the redundant information is eliminated to minimize the data size of the management information. The method of obtaining the address of the image part (V_Part) will be described later.

FIG. 14B shows still picture management information (second still picture management information (V_OA_I)) (1
010) is shown. V_OA_I (1010) is the still image identification information (V
Identification information (V_OA_I_ID) (1035) for identifying the second still image management information as OBI_ID), image data size (V_Size) (1036), and original audio data size
(OA_Size) (1037) and original audio playback time (OA_PTM)
(1038). This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image having only the original sound, and the redundant information is eliminated to minimize the data size of the management information. The method of obtaining the addresses of the image part (V_Part) and the original audio part (OA_Part) will be described later.

FIG. 14C shows still-picture management information (third still-picture management information (V_AA_I)) having only post-recording audio (101
The structure of 1) is shown. V_AA_I (1011) is the still image identification information (VOB
Identification information (V_AA_I_ID) (1039) for identifying the third still image management information as I_ID), image data size (V_Size) (1040), and post-recording audio pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041) described later. ). This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image having only post-recording sound, and the redundant information is eliminated to minimize the data size of the management information. The image part (V_Par
The method for obtaining the addresses of t) and the post-recording voice part (AA_Part) will be described later.

FIG. 14D shows the structure of still picture management information (fourth still picture management information (V_OA_AA_I)) (1012) having both original sound and post-record sound. V_OA_AA_I (10
12) is the identification information (V_OA_AA_I) for identifying the fourth still image management information as still image identification information (VOBI_ID).
_ID) (1042), image data size (V_Size) (1043), original audio data size (OA_Size) (1044), original audio playback time (OA_PTM) (1045), and after-recording audio pointer information (AA_I_PTR) described later. ) (1046).

This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image having both original voice and post-record voice, and the redundant information is eliminated to minimize the data size of the management information. The image part (V_Par
t) and original audio part (OA_Part) and post-record audio part
The method of obtaining the address of (AA_Part) will be described later. FIG. 14E shows the still image identification information (VOBI_ID) (1
047) shows the detailed configuration. Still image identification information (VOBI_ID) (10
47) is V_I_ID (1033), V_OA_I_ID (1035), V_AA_I_ID (10
39), V_OA_AA_ID (1042), TY (Type) for identifying either, and whether or not to reproduce the still image (VOB) (101) corresponding to this still image identification information (VOBI_ID) (1047). PP (P
layback Permission). This PP is a flag indicating that 0 can be reproduced as usual and 1 indicates that reproduction is prohibited, and has the same function as that described in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.

As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14D, by classifying still image attributes into four types and providing still image management information (VOBI) (108) of necessary and sufficient data size for each , It becomes possible to suppress the data size of the VOB management file (1014) as much as possible. For example, in the above technology, (a) a still image having no sound, (b) a still image having only original sound, (c) a still image having only dubbing sound, (d) still having both original sound and dubbing sound When recording images, image management information (V_I) (1017) and audio management information (A_I)
The total data size of (1020) is (a) 2 bytes, (b) 1
1 byte, (c) 11 bytes, (d) 20 bytes,
In the method shown in FIG. 14, still image management information (VOBI) (108)
The data size of (a) 2 bytes, (b) 6 bytes,
(c) 4 bytes, (d) 8 bytes. In addition,
Regarding (c) and (d), management information of the post-recording audio part (AA_Part) is required separately, which will be described later.

Further, the still image identification information (VOBI_ID) (10) for identifying the attribute is added to the head of each still image management information (VOBI) (108).
47), the still image management information (VOBI) (108)
The data size of can be determined. For example, VOBI
If TY of _ID (1047) is 00, its VOBI_ID (1047) is V_I
It can be seen that it is (109), and that it consists of a total data size of 2 bytes. Therefore, for example, when obtaining the recording position of VOBI # 3 (108-3) in VOBI_Table (107) shown in FIG. 11, the VOBI # 1 (108-1) data size is used to calculate the VOBI
The recording position of # 2 (108-2) can be obtained, and the recording position of VOBI # 3 (108-3) can be obtained from the data size of VOBI # 2 (108-2).

FIG. 15A shows an example of a file structure used in an embodiment of the present invention. On a recording medium such as a DVD-RAM, encoded stream data such as still images and management information data are recorded as a logical file. The recording medium has a directory structure starting from the root directory (1048), and generally, in the subdirectory (1049), the aforementioned VOB file (1013) and VOB management file (1014).
Generate and hold. The VOB file (1013) and VOB management file (1014) may be recorded directly under the root directory (1048) without using the subdirectory (1049). Create a directory (1013) and VOB management file (1013).
14) may be recorded.

FIG. 15B shows an example of the VOB file (1013) and shows a method of obtaining an address from the data size information shown in FIG. First, as shown in the figure, within one still image group (VOBG) (102), still image (VOB) (10
1) Image part (V_Part) and original audio part (OA_Part)
So that only those are recorded continuously in the VOB file (1013). That is, other data such as video data is
When recording in the VOB file (1013), control is performed to generate another still image group (VOBG) (102) as described above. As an example, the figure shows the image portion (VB # 1) of still image # 1 (VOB # 1).
_Part # 1) (1050), still image # 2 (VOB # 2) image part (V_Part
# 2) (1051), and the original audio part (OA_Part # 2) (1052) recorded almost at the same time, the image part (V_Part # 3) (1053) of still image # 3 (VOB # 3), still image # 4 The content of the VOB file is shown when the image part (V_Part # 4) (1054) of (VOB # 4) and the original audio part (OA_Part # 4) (1055) recorded almost at the same time are recorded in order. At this time,
For example, still image # 3 (VOB # 3) image part (V_Part # 3) (1053)
When you want to find the start address of V_Part # 1 (1050)
Data size (V_Size # 1), V_Part # 2 (1051) data size (V_Size # 2), OA_Part # 2 (1052) data size
(OA_Size # 2) is sequentially added up, and the V_Part recorded in the above-mentioned still image group address information (VOBG_Address) (105)
It turns out that it is enough to add to the start address of # 1 (1050).
In this way, if you have a method of finding the address by accumulating the data size, for example, even if you delete still image # 3 (VOB # 3), still image # 4 (VOB # 4) after that will be deleted. Since there is no need to update the contents of the management information, the time required for reconstructing the management information can be significantly reduced.

The after-recording audio part (AA_Part) is additionally recorded regardless of the recording order of the image part (V_Part), and the image part (V_Part) and the original audio part (OA_Pa) are recorded.
It is expected that the number will be much smaller than
It has a different data structure from _Part and OA_Part. For example, the voice management information table (A_I_Table) (1019) shown in FIG.
The voice management information (A_I) (1020) is provided as shown in the figure, and the address information (A_Address) (1023) of the post-record audio part (AA_Part), the audio data size (A_Size) (1024), and the audio playback time (A_PTM).
Record (1025). If the post-recording voice pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041) (1046) shown in FIG. 14 points to the number (# 1 or the like) of this voice management information (A_I) (1020),
Voiceover audio part corresponding to the still image management information (VOBI)
The address, data size, and playback time of (AA_Part) can be calculated. At this time, since the number of post-recording voices is limited to one, the voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1026) for establishing a link to another voice data is unnecessary, and the voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1026) can be omitted.

Further, if the data structure is formed by collecting only the post-recording audio part (AA_Part), the audio data size (A_Size)
Since the address can be obtained by adding (1024) from the beginning, the address information (A_Address) (1023) can be omitted.

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention. The recording / reproducing apparatus may be configured as dedicated hardware, or may be configured to control general-purpose hardware such as a personal computer by a control procedure (hereinafter, referred to as a program) described later. In both cases, the control unit (1056) operates based on the program stored in the memory (10101) in which the program is stored. A memory that stores the program (10101)
May use the same recording medium as the memory (10102) in which management information to be described later is recorded, or the memory (10101) is suitable for frequent data rewriting such as read-only memory (ROM) and flash memory. Memory (1010
2) to Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) or Static Ra
The two may be configured separately, for example, by using a recording medium suitable for frequently rewriting data such as ndom Access Memory (SRAM). Memory for storing programs (10101)
The contents (program) may be preset by the device manufacturer before the device is shipped, or as shown in FIG. 20, from another recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) storing the program before the device operates. It may be configured to read.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the case where the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention is configured by a computer. In the figure, the recording / reproducing apparatus includes a computer main body (101003), a monitor (101001) for displaying an image, and a speaker (1
01002), a mouse for inputting operation instructions from the user (10100
4), a keyboard (101005), and a drive (101006) for recording and reproducing data on a recording medium (101007). A program for controlling the computer (101003) is stored in the recording medium (101007), and is read into the memory (1010101) in the computer via the drive (101006) before operating as a recording / reproducing device (installation). ). Computer-readable recording medium (101007)
As such, a reproduction-only disc such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM or a flexible disc can be considered. Further, this recording medium (101007) may be a rewritable medium such as a DVD-RAM, and the program and data such as images and sounds described below may be mixed and recorded on the same medium.

The recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
After receiving the operation instruction from the user at (1057), the control unit
The operation control from (1056) to each unit described later is performed. At the time of recording, signals such as images and sounds are input from the input unit (1058), and the encoder (1059) performs encoding such as MPEG method. Encoded data such as moving images, still images, and audio is input to the drive (1061) via the track buffer (1060),
The data is recorded on the recording medium (1062). At this time, the control unit (1056)
Then, the management information generated by the method shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 is also recorded. Since it is difficult to record the management information at the same time during the period in which the encoded data is recorded in real time, it is once recorded in the memory (10102) where the management information is recorded, and then the recording medium is recorded after the recording of the encoded data is completed. (106
2) Control to record above. It is one of the objects of the present invention to reduce the capacity of the memory (10102).

On the other hand, at the time of reproduction, the drive (1061) temporarily reads the management information from the recording medium (1062) into the memory (10102), then reads the encoded data based on the information and inputs it to the track buffer (1060). To do. The encoded data from the track buffer (1060) is the decoder (1063).
Decrypt by and output from the output unit (1064). The detailed operation of each of the above parts is described in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491, etc., and since the detailed configuration can be realized by a known technique, it is not shown here. Below, the control unit (1
The recording method and the reproducing method of the present invention will be described focusing on the operation (that is, the content of the program) of (056).

FIG. 17 shows an example of the original recording method used in the present invention. Start recording from step (1065),
In step (1066), the still image group (VOBG) (102) in which the still image (VOB) (101) should be recorded and the corresponding still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) are determined, and step (1067 ). At this time, for example, immediately after recording the still image (VOB) (101), the same still image group (VOBG) (102) continues.
Still picture group management information (VOBGI) (103) may be used. Also, when the number of still images in the still image group (VOBG) (102) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 1064),
After recording other data such as videos, a new still image group (VOBG) (102) and still image group management information (VO
BGI) (103) should be generated.

At step (1067), the coded stream data of the image part (V_Part) of the still image (VOB) (101) is recorded on the recording medium (1062) as a VOB file (1013), and step (1
Proceed to 068).

In step (1068), it is determined whether or not the original voice is recorded. If not, the step (106)
To step 9), proceed to step (1070) if recording. At this time, before recording the still image, the user determines the operation mode indicating whether or not to record the original sound, stores the result in a mode switch or mode memory provided in the recording device, and stores the stored state. The above determination may be made based on the basis.

At step (1069), the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) shown in FIG. Information (first still image management information (V_I)) (109) is added to identify that it is the first still image management information in (V_I) (109) as shown in FIG. Identification information (V_I
_ID) and the image data size (V_Size) (1034) are recorded, and the process proceeds to step (1072). In step (1070), the still image (V
(OB) (101) Original audio part (OA_Pa
The encoded stream data of (rt) is additionally recorded in the VOB file (1013), and the process proceeds to step (1071).

In step (1071), the still image management information table (VOBI_Ta) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103).
ble) (107) is added to the end of still image management information (second still image management information (V_OA_I)) (1010) having only original sound, and as shown in FIG. 14, (V_OA_I) (1010 In (), the identification information (V_OA_I_ID) for identifying the second still image management information, the image data size (V_Size) (1036), the original audio data size (1037), and the original audio playback time (OA_PTM) Record (1038) and proceed to step (1072).

At step (1072), the original recording operation is completed.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the post-recording method used in the present invention. Recording starts from step (1073), and at step (1074) the still image on which the user should record the post-recording audio
(VOB) (101) is selected and the control unit (105
In 6), the still image group (VB) (101) belongs to the still image group (V
OBG) (102), and still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) and still image management information (VOBI) (108) corresponding thereto are determined, and the process proceeds to step (1075).

At step (1075), the still picture management information (VOBI) (108) selected at step (1074) is V_I (109), V_OA_
Which type among I (1010), V_AA_I (1011) and V_OA_AA_I (1012) is judged by VOBI_ID (1047) shown in FIG.
If _I (109), go to step (1076); if V_OA_I (1010), go to step (1077); V_AA_I (1011) or V_OA_AA_I (101
If 2), go to step (1078).

At step (1076), V_I (109) is changed to V_AA_I (1
Change to 011) and proceed to step (1079). That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the TY value of VOBI_ID (1047) is changed from 00 to 101.
An area (2) for storing post-recording voice pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041) by changing to 0 and copying the management information after this VOBI_ID (1047) by shifting it by 2 bytes in the memory. Byte)

At step (1077), V_OA_I (1010) is set to V_OA.
Change to _AA_I (1012) and proceed to step (1079). That is, the TY value of VOBI_ID (1047) is changed from 01 to 11, and the management information after this VOBI_ID (1047) is shifted by 2 bytes in the memory and copied, and the after-recording voice pointer information ( Free space (2 bytes) to store AA_I_PTR) (1046).

At step (1078), AA_I_PTR (1041) or V_OA_AA_I (1012) recorded in V_AA_I (1011).
Using the AA_I_PTR (1046) recorded therein, the post-recording audio part (AA_Part) corresponding to this still image is searched for and deleted, and the process proceeds to step (1079).

At step (1079), the post-recording voice portion (A
A_Part) encoded stream data is recorded on the recording medium (1062).
, And proceed to step (1080).

At step (1080), the pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041 or 1046) for linking to the post-recording audio portion (AA_Part) recorded at step (1079) is set to VOBI_ID.
Set in (1047), and finish dubbing in step (1081).

FIG. 19 shows an example of the still picture reproducing method used in the present invention. First, start playing from step (1082),
In step (1083), which still image group (VOBG) (102)
Is reproduced, the still picture group management information (VOBGI) (103) corresponding thereto is decided, and the process proceeds to step (1084). At this time, the user may directly select and decide, the order in which the still image group (VOBG) (102) was actually recorded, or the still image group management information (VOBGI) in the VOB management file (1014). The still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) may be selected in order according to the order in which (103) is recorded or the reproduction order determined by the user. Note that the reproduction order predetermined by the user may be recorded as CellI in the PGCI in the PGCI table described in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.

At step (1084), still picture management information (VOBI) in the still picture management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) recorded in the still picture group management information (VOBGI) (103).
The still image (VOB) (101) is reproduced in the order of (108).
The procedure is shown in steps (1085) to (1092).

At step (1085), still image management information (VOBI) (108) corresponding to the still image (VOB) (101) desired to be displayed first.
Is selected as the processing target, and the process proceeds to step (1086). At this time, the first VOBI recorded in VOBI_Table (107)
(108) (VOBI # 1 (108-1) in FIG. 11) may be the processing target, or VOBI (108) predetermined by the user may be the processing target. In addition, the VOBI (108) set by the user in advance
May be recorded as Cell_Start_Video in CellI described in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.

At step (1086), the VOBI (10) to be processed is processed from the VOBI (108) recorded at the head of the VOBI_Table (107).
Up to immediately before 8), V_Size (10) recorded in VOBI (108)
34, 1036, 1040, 1043) and OA_Size (1
(037, 1044)) and add the integrated value to the start address in the still image group address information (VOBG_Address) (105) to obtain the address of the desired image part (V_Part), and step (1085). The data size of the V_Part is obtained from the V_Size (any of 1034, 1036, 1040, 1043) recorded in the VOBI (108) determined in step 1, and the V_Part is read from the recording medium (1062), and the decoder (1063) is used. Processing such as decoding is performed to reproduce the image from the output unit (1064), and the process proceeds to step (1087).

At step (1087), the VOBI (10
8) is V_I (109), V_OA_I (1010), V_AA_I (1011), V_OA_A
Which type among A_I (1012) is judged by VOBI_ID (1047), and if V_I (109), go to step (1091), V_OA_I (1010)
If so, go to step (1088). If V_AA_I (1011), go to step.
To (1089), if V_OA_AA_I (1012), proceed to step (1090).

At step (1088), the original audio portion (OA) is recorded from OA_Size (1037) recorded in V_OA_I (1010).
_Part) data size and
The data size of V_Part is added to the address of V_Part obtained in (1086) to make the address of OA_Part, and the recording medium (1062)
OA_Part is read from, the decoder (1063) performs processing such as decoding, reproduces sound from the output unit (1064), and proceeds to step (1091). In step (1089), V_AA_I (1
011) recorded in AA_I_PTR (1041) to find the post-recording audio part (AA_Part) corresponding to this still image, read it from the recording medium (1062), and then decode it in the decoder (1063). Then, the sound is reproduced from the output unit (1064) and the process proceeds to step (1091).

At step (1090), the original audio part (OA_Part) or the post-recording audio part (AA_P) is selected according to the user's selection.
art)) is to be reproduced, and if OA_Part is to be reproduced, V_OA is reproduced by the same procedure as the above step (1088).
When OA_Part is read and reproduced by using OA_Size (1044) recorded in _AA_I (1012) and the like, and when AA_Part is reproduced, V_OA_AA_I (10
12) Use AA_I_PTR (1046) recorded in
Is read and reproduced, and the process proceeds to step (1091).

At step (1091), the VOBI (10
8) is the last VOBI, and if so, step
Proceed to (1093), and if not the last, proceed to step (1092).
At this time, as the last VOBI, the last VOBI (108) recorded in VOBI_Table (107) (in the case of FIG. 11, VOBI #
5 (108-5)) may be used, or the VOBI preset by the user may be used.
(108) may be used. Note that the VOBI specified by the user
(108) may be recorded as Cell_End_Video in Cell I described in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.

At the step (1092), the next VOBI (108) recorded in the VOBI_Table (107) is processed, and the process proceeds to the step (1086).

At step (1093), the reproducing operation is ended.

By the above operation, the still picture management information (VOBI) (108) in the still picture management information table (VOBI_Table) (107)
The still image (VOB) (101) can be reproduced in the order of.

In the above description, the DVD-RAM and the DVD-R are taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is obvious that other recording media can be similarly used. is there. Further, the data size (1 byte or the like) of each part shown in FIG. 14 is an example for explaining the operation,
It is not limited to this data size.

As described above, the second object of the present invention can be achieved. That is, even if a huge number of still image data and audio data to be reproduced in synchronization therewith are recorded on a large-capacity optical disk medium and a part of the still image is deleted, the time required for reconstructing the management information and the The data size of management information can be significantly reduced.

[0131]

As described above, a huge number of still images recorded on a large-capacity optical disc medium can be searched using the recording time (RECTM) of the still image and the data size of the management information can be increased. Can be suppressed.

Further, even when a huge number of still picture data and audio data reproduced in synchronization with the huge quantity of still picture data are recorded on a large-capacity optical disk medium and a part of the still picture is deleted, it is necessary to reconstruct the management information. It is possible to significantly reduce the time and the data size of the management information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a directory structure used in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of time information used in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a directory structure used in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an example of a still image recording method used in the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an example of a still image reproducing method used in the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a technique proposed by the present inventors.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a technique proposed by the present inventors.

FIG. 14 is a more detailed configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a file used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an example of a recording method used in the present invention.

FIG. 18 is another example of the recording method used in the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an example of a reproducing method used in the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Still image (VOB); 2 ... Still image group (VOBG); 3 ... Still image group management information (VOBGI); 4 ... Still image group identifier (V
OBG_ID); 5 ... VOB number information; 6 ... VOB map; 7 ... First recording time (F_RECTM); 8 ... Last recording time (L_RECTM); 9,31,37
… Address; 10,38… Attribute; 11… VOB file; 12… VOB
Management file; 13 ... Root directory; 14 ... Subdirectory; 15 ... Year; 16 ... Month; 17 ... Day; 18 ... Hours; 19 ... Minutes;
20 ... Seconds; 21 ... Pointer information (RECTMI_P) to still image recording time management information (RECTMI); 22 ... Still image recording time management information (REC
TMI); 23 ... Recording time (RECTM); 24 ... THM file; 25 ... TH
M management file; 26 ... Still image management information (VOBI); 27,30 ... Thumbnail identifier (THM_ID); 28 ... Thumbnail image data (T
HM); 29 ... Thumbnail management information (THMI); 32, 39 ... Recording time
(RECTM); 33 ... Pointer information to THUMGI group management information (THMGI_P); 34 ... Thumbnail group management information (THMGI); 35 ... THM number information; 36 ... THM map; 40 ... Thumbnail group; 41 ... Control Section; 42 ... operating section; 43 ... input section; 44 ... encoder; 45 ... track buffer; 46 ... drive; 47 ... recording medium; 48 ... decoder; 49 ... output section;
1,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,
68, 69, 70 ... Steps; 101 ... Memory in which programs are stored; 102 ... Memory in which management information is recorded; 101 ... Still images (VO
B); 102 ... Still image group (VOBG); 103 ... Still image group management information (VOBGI); 104 ... Still image group identification information (VOBG_)
ID); 105 ... Still image group address information (VOBG_Addres
s); 106 ... Still image number information (VOBI_Number); 107 ... Still image management information table (VOBI_Table); 108 ... Still image management information (VO
BI); 109 ... Management information of still image having no sound (first still image management information (V_I)); 1010 ... Management information of still image having only original sound (second still image management information (V_OA_I) );
1011 ... Management information of still image having only post-recording audio (third still image management information (V_AA_I)); 1012 ... Management information of still image having both original audio and post-recording audio (fourth
Still image management information (V_OA_AA_I)); 1013 ... VOB file; 1
014 ... VOB management file; 1015 ... Image number information (V_I_Numbe
r); 1016 ... Image management information table (V_I_Table); 1017 ...
Image management information (V_I); 1018 ... Audio number information (A_I_Number); 1
019 ... Voice management information table (A_I_Table); 1020 ... Voice management information (A_I); 1021, 1034, 1036, 1040, 1043 ... Image data size (V_Size); 1022, 1026 ... Voice pointer information (A_I_PT)
R); 1023 ... Voice address information; 1024 ... Voice data size
(A_Size); 1025 ... Voice playback time (A_PTM); 1027,1029,103
0,1031,1050,1051,1053,1054 ... Image part (V_Part); 102
8, 1032 ... Audio part (A_Part); 1033 ... Identification information (V_I_ID) for identifying the first still image management information; 1035
... Identification information (V_OA_I_ID) for identifying the second still image management information; 1037,1044 ... Original audio data size (OA_Size); 1038,1045 ... Original audio reproduction time
(OA_PTM); 1039 ... Identification information (V_AA_I_ID) for identifying the third still image management information; 1041, 1046 ... Post-recording audio pointer information (AA_I_PTR); 1042 ... Fourth still image management information Identification information (V_OA_AA_I
_ID); 1047 ... Still image identification information (VOBI_ID); 1048 ... Root directory; 1049 ... Subdirectory; 1052, 1055 ...
Original audio part (OA_Part); 1056 ... Control unit; 1057 ...
Operating unit; 1058 ... Input unit; 1059 ... Encoder; 1060 ... Track buffer; 1061 ... Drive; 1062 ... Recording medium; 1063
Decoder: 1064 Output unit: 1065,1066,1067,1068,106
9,1070,1071,1072,1073,1074,1075,1076,1077,1078,107
9,1080,1081,1082,1083,1084,1085,1086,1087,1088,108
9,1090,1091,1092,1093 ... Steps; 10101 ... Memory storing programs; 10102 ... Memory recording management information; 101001 ... Monitor; 101002 Speaker; 101003 ... Computer; 101004 ... Mouse; 101005 ... Keyboard; 101006 ... drive; 101007 ... recording medium.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tamotsu Ito             292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa             Ceremony Hitachi Digital Media Development Book             Department F-term (reference) 5C052 AA02 AB05 AB09 AC08 DD04                 5C053 FA10 FA14 FA23 GB06 GB11                       GB37 HA29 JA03 JA12 JA22                 5D110 AA19 AA29 BB06 DA12 DA17                       DA19 DB08 EA08 EA09

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium in which still image data (VOB) is recorded, and N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) still image data (VOB) is managed as a still image group (VOBG). The still image group management information (VOBGI) is included, and the still image group management information (VOBGI) is the recording time (F_RE) of the first still image data (VOB) recorded in the still image group (VOBG).
Recording time of CTM) and the last recorded still image data (VOB)
A recording medium having (L_RECTM). 2. A recording medium in which still image data (VOB) is recorded, and N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) still image data (VOB) is managed as a still image group (VOBG). Still image group management information (VOBGI) and still image recording time management information (RECT) that manages the recording time (RECTM) for each still image (VOB).
MI) and the still picture group management information (VOBGI) is pointer information (RECTMI) to the still picture recording time management information (RECTMI).
A recording medium having TMI_P). 3. A recording medium in which still image data (VOB) is recorded, thumbnail image data (THM) corresponding to still image data (VOB), and thumbnail management for managing the thumbnail image data (THM). Information (THMI), and the thumbnail management information (THMI) is the recording time (RECTM) of each still image (VOB).
A recording medium having still image recording time management information (RECTMI) for managing the. 4. A recording medium on which still image data (VOB) is recorded, wherein thumbnail image data (THM) corresponding to the still image data (VOB) and a plurality of thumbnail image data.
A recording medium having thumbnail group management information (THMGI) for managing (THM) as a thumbnail group (THMG). 5. The recording medium according to claim 4, wherein N (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) still image data (VOB) is managed as a still image group (VOBG).
A recording medium having (VOBGI) and a thumbnail group (THMG) having a grouping unit that matches the still image group (VOBG). 6. A recording device for recording still image data (VOB) on the recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the still image data (VOB) is recorded.
B) was recorded, the time (RECTM) and the still image data (VO
The first recording time stored in the still image group management information (VOBGI) corresponding to the still image group (VOBG) to which (B) belongs
(F_RECTM) is compared, and if RECTM is earlier than F_RECTM in time (RECTM &# 60 F_RECTM), the content of F_RECTM is R
A recording device characterized by recording in place of ECTM. 7. A recording device for recording still image data (VOB) on the recording medium according to claim 1, comprising:
B) was recorded, the time (RECTM) and the still image data (VO
(B) Last recorded time stored in the still image group management information (VOBGI) corresponding to the still image group (VOBG)
(L_RECTM) is compared, and if RECTM is later in time than L_RECTM (RECTM &# 62 L_RECTM), the content of L_RECTM is R
A recording device characterized by recording in place of ECTM. 8. A reproducing apparatus for reproducing the optical disc according to claim 1, wherein an operation unit for inputting a desired time (TM), the time (TM) and the first recording for each still image group (VOBG). Times of Day
(F_RECTM) and a control unit for comparing the last recording time (L_RECTM), and means for reading and reproducing still image data (VOB) from the recording medium, and TM is temporally future or equal to F_RECTM, and TM is temporally past or equal to L_RECTM (F_RECTM ≤ TM ≤ L_RECTM)
Images (VOB) that belong to the still image group (VOBG) that satisfies the
A reproducing apparatus characterized by controlling so as to selectively display only. 9. The recording medium according to claim 1, which is an optical disc. 10. A computer-readable recording medium in which a procedure for controlling a computer to record still image data and still image data management information is stored, wherein the still image data management information is N (where N is Includes still image group management information (VOBGI) that manages still image data (VOB) of 1 or more integers) as a still image group (VOBG),
The still image group management information (VOBGI) is the still image data (VBGI) recorded first in time within the still image group (VOBG).
OB) recording time (F_RECTM) and the last recorded still image data (VOB) recording time (L_RECTM) are included to store the procedure for controlling the computer. recoding media. 11. A recording medium for recording still image data (VOB), wherein N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) pieces of still image data (VOB) is managed as a still image group (VOBG). It has still picture group management information (VOBGI), and the still picture group management information (VOBGI) is stored in the still picture management information table (VOBI_Tabl
e), and the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) is
Management information of a still image that does not have audio (hereinafter, audio) to be played in synchronization with the still image (hereinafter, the first still image management information (V_I))
And still image management information (hereinafter, second still image management information (V_OA_I)) having only audio recorded at substantially the same time as the still image recording time (hereinafter, original audio), and the already recorded still image. Audio recorded additionally (hereinafter referred to as dubbing) to the image
Management information for still images containing only (hereinafter referred to as post-recording audio)
(Hereinafter, third still image management information (V_AA_I)) and still image management information having both original audio and post-record audio.
(Hereinafter referred to as fourth still image management information (V_OA_AA_I)), which has still image management information (VOBI) classified, and still image management information (VOB) in the still image management information table (VOBI_Table).
A recording medium characterized in that the storage order of I) is the same as the recording order of still images (VOB). 12. The recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the first still image management information (V_I) is identification information for identifying the first still image management information (V_I). V_I_ID)
And the image data (V_V_) of the still image (VOB) corresponding to the management information.
A recording medium having size information (V_Size) of (Part). 13. The recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the second still image management information (V_OA_I) is identification information for identifying the second still image management information (V_OA_I). V_O
A_I_ID), size information (V_Size) of image data (V_Part) of still image (VOB) corresponding to the management information, and size information of original audio data (OA_Part) of still image (VOB) corresponding to the management information (OA_Size) and the original audio data (OA_P
A recording medium having a reproduction time (OA_PTM) of (art). 14. The recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the third still image management information (V_AA_I) is identification information for identifying the third still image management information (V_AA_I). V_A
(A_I_ID), size information (V_Size) of image data (V_Part) of still image (VOB) corresponding to the management information, and link to post-record audio data (AA_Part) of still image (VOB) corresponding to the management information A recording medium characterized by having pointer information (AA_I_PTR) that extends. 15. The recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the fourth still image management information (V_OA_AA_I) is identification information for identifying the fourth still image management information (V_OA_AA_I). V_OA_AA_I_ID) and the still image (V
OB) image data (V_Part) size information (V_Size), still image (VOB) original audio data (OA_Part) size information (OA_Size) corresponding to the management information, and the original audio data (OA_Part) Playback time (OA_PTM) and post-recording audio data (AA_Part) of still image (VOB) corresponding to the management information
A recording medium having pointer information (AA_I_PTR) for linking to. 16. An optical disk recording device for recording at least still image data (VOB) on the recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the original sound is not recorded when recording still image data (VOB). The first still image management information
(V_I) is selected, and when recording the original sound, second still image management information (V_OA_I) is selected and additionally recorded in the still image management information table (VOBI_Table). . 17. An optical disc recording apparatus for recording at least still image data (VOB) on the recording medium according to claim 11, wherein when audio is dubbed for still image data (VOB) already recorded. When dubbing to a still image having no original sound, the first still image management information (V_I) corresponding to the still image (VOB) is replaced with the third still image management information (V_AA_I), When dubbing to a still image having original sound, the second still image management information (V_OA_I) corresponding to the still image (VOB) is replaced with the fourth still image management information (V_OA_AA_I), and the still image management is performed. A recording device characterized by recording in an information table (VOBI_Table). 18. A reproducing apparatus for reproducing the recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the still image management information table (VOBI_Ta).
ble), the still image (VOB) corresponding to the still image management information (VOBI) according to the order of the still image management information (VOBI).
A reproducing device characterized by reproducing. 19. A recording medium in which an image data group consisting of one or more image data and image data group management information including information for accessing image data in the image data group are recorded. The management information is 4 depending on whether or not there is a sound to be reproduced in synchronization with the corresponding image data, and whether or not to include a sound additionally recorded to the corresponding image data and reproduced in synchronization with the image data. A recording medium characterized by being classified into two types. 20. In a recording medium on which image data is recorded, management information on image data having no sound, management information on image data having only sound recorded at substantially the same time as the image data recording time, already recorded. The management information about the image data having only the additionally recorded sound for the image data, or the sound recorded at about the same time as the image data recording time and the additionally recorded sound for the already recorded image data are recorded. A recording medium, characterized in that identification information for identifying whether it is any of management information relating to image data that it has is recorded. 21. The recording medium according to claim 20, wherein the recording order of the identification information is the same as the recording order of the image data recorded on the recording medium. 22. A recording device for recording image data and image data management information on a recording medium, wherein the image data management information is recorded at substantially the same time as the management information and image data recording time relating to image data having no sound. Management information about image data having only sound, management information about image data having only sound additionally recorded to already recorded image data, or sound recorded at about the same time as the image data recording time and already recorded A recording apparatus, wherein the recorded image data is classified and recorded as any of management information regarding image data having audio additionally recorded. 23. A recording method for recording image data and management information related to the image data on a recording medium, which has only management information related to image data having no sound and sound recorded at substantially the same time as the image data recording time. Management information about image data, management information about image data having only voice additionally recorded to already recorded image data, or voice recorded at almost the same time as the image data recording time and image data already recorded A recording method, characterized in that identification information for identifying that the management information is any one of the management information regarding the image data having the additionally recorded sound is recorded as a part of the management information regarding the image data. 24. A recording method for recording image data and image data management information on a recording medium, wherein the image data management information is recorded at substantially the same time as the management information and image data recording time relating to image data having no sound. Management information about image data having only sound, management information about image data having only sound additionally recorded to already recorded image data, or sound recorded at about the same time as the image data recording time and already recorded A recording method, wherein the recorded image data is classified and recorded as any of management information regarding image data having audio additionally recorded. 25. A computer-readable recording medium storing a procedure for controlling a computer to record image data and image data management information on the medium, wherein the image data management information is management information relating to image data having no sound. Management information regarding image data having only audio recorded at substantially the same time as the image data recording time, management information regarding image data having only audio additionally recorded to already recorded image data, or image data recording Stores the procedure for controlling the computer to classify and record the audio data recorded at approximately the same time as the time and the management information related to the image data having the audio additionally recorded to the already recorded image data. A computer-readable recording medium characterized by the above. 26. A computer-readable recording medium storing a procedure for controlling a computer to record image data and image data management information on a medium, the management information relating to the image data having no sound, and the image data recording time. The management information about the image data having only the sound recorded at almost the same time, the management information about the image data having only the sound additionally recorded to the already recorded image data, or at the same time as the image data recording time. As a part of the management information about the image data, the identification information for identifying whether the recorded sound or the management information about the image data having the additionally recorded sound with respect to the already recorded image data is identified. A computer characterized by having stored therein procedures for controlling a computer to record. Data-readable recording medium. 27. A computer-readable recording medium storing a procedure for controlling a computer to record image data and image data management information on the medium, wherein the image data management information is management information relating to image data having no sound. Management information regarding image data having only audio recorded at substantially the same time as the image data recording time, management information regarding image data having only audio additionally recorded to already recorded image data, or image data recording Stores the procedure for controlling the computer to classify and record the audio data recorded at approximately the same time as the time and the management information related to the image data having the audio additionally recorded to the already recorded image data. A computer-readable recording medium characterized by the above.