JP2004266857A - Video recording apparatus for automatically setting video recording rate - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video recording apparatus for automatically setting a video recording rate capable of setting a proper video recording bit rate in recording on a disk having a plurality of recording sides. <P>SOLUTION: The video recording apparatus for automatically setting a video recording rate includes: a video recording means (35) for recording a video audio signal on the recording side of an information recording medium; a detection means (30) for detecting a video recording time on the basis of video recording reservation information; a calculation means (30) for detecting the total capacity and the residual capacity of a first recording side of the accessible information recording medium, assuming the residual capacity of a second recording side of the information recording medium on the basis of the total capacity of the information recording medium, and summating the residual capacity of the first recording side and the residual capacity of the second recording side to calculate the total residual capacity; a setting means (30) for setting the video recording bit rate on the basis of the total residual capacity and the reserved video recording time; and a video recording control means (30) for recording the target video audio signal according to the video recording bit rate. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention records information on a hard disk or the like, reproduces information recorded on the hard disk or the like, and further records information on a recording medium such as a DVD (Digital versatile Disk). The present invention relates to an information recording device capable of reproducing information recorded in an information recording device. In particular, the present invention relates to a recording rate automatic setting recording device that sets a recording bit rate in consideration of the storage capacities of the front surface (first recording surface) and the back surface (second recording surface) of a DVD capable of recording on both sides.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an optical disk reproducing apparatus that supports moving images for reproducing an optical disk on which data such as video and audio data is recorded has been developed. This device is widely used for the purpose of enjoying movie software, enjoying karaoke, and the like, such as an LD and a video CD playback device.

  Among them, a DVD standard that uses the internationally standardized Moving Image Coding Expert Group (MPEG2) system and adopts the AC3 audio compression system has been proposed.

  According to the MPEG2 system layer, this standard supports the MPEG2 system for the moving image compression system, and supports the AC3 audio compression system and the MPEG audio compression system for the audio compression system. Further, it is possible to handle sub-picture data in which bitmap data is run-length-compressed for subtitles such as movies and karaoke. Further, in this standard, control data (navi pack) for special reproduction such as fast forward and reverse is added in relation to a reproducing apparatus.

  Further, this standard supports IS09660 and micro-UDF standards so that data on a disk can be read by a computer.

  In addition, as the standard of the medium itself, following the standard of DVD-ROM which is a DVD-video medium, the standard of DVD-RAM (recording capacity of about 4.7 GB) has been completed, and the DVD-RAM drive is also used as a computer peripheral device. It is starting to spread.

  Further, at present, a DVD video standard for realizing a system capable of recording and reproducing information in real time using a DVD-RAM, that is, an RTR (Real Time Recording) -DVD standard is being completed, and verification work has been completed. ing.

  This standard is considered based on the DVD-Video standard currently on the market. Further, a file system corresponding to the RTR-DVD is currently standardized.

  In addition, there is a device that records and reproduces a broadcast signal using a hard disk drive (HDD) built in a recording and reproducing device. Some hard disk drives can record, for example, data of 100 GB or more.

  A hard disk device that records information on a hard disk drive, a DVD device that records information on a DVD, and a DVD / hard disk device that records information on both a hard disk drive and a DVD can all be said to be large-capacity recording devices. Therefore, a large number of programs can be recorded, and for example, it is expected that recording based on a recording reservation will also increase.

  Further, in order to accurately realize the recording reservation, it is necessary to accurately recognize the remaining capacity of the disk and appropriately set the recording bit rate according to the remaining capacity. This is because if the recording bit rate is increased in spite of the remaining capacity being small, it may not be possible to record to the end of the program.

  For DVD-RAM, discs capable of double-sided recording or dual-layer recording have been developed. Normally, in a DVD system, management information is provided on each surface to be recorded. Therefore, when recording, the management information on the recording surface is read, and the recorded (used) capacity and free capacity recorded in the management information can be known. However, when there are a plurality of recording surfaces (two-sided or multiple layers), the remaining capacity of one recording surface can be known, but the remaining capacity of another recording surface cannot be known. For this reason, when a recording reservation is made, it is impossible to determine whether the remaining capacity is appropriate for the time length of the reserved recording program over a plurality of planes. If the recording bit rate is simply set for the remaining capacity read from one side, if the remaining capacity is small on the front side, the bit rate is reduced even though the back side is sufficient, resulting in poor image quality. It may be recorded.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a recording system capable of setting an appropriate recording bit rate when performing recording on a disk having a plurality of recording surfaces. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic rate recording device.

  A recording apparatus for automatically setting a recording rate according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a recording unit that records a video / audio signal on a predetermined recording surface of an information recording medium, and a reservation that detects a reservation recording time required for reservation recording based on recording reservation information. A recording time detecting means for detecting a total capacity and a remaining capacity of a first recording surface of the information recording medium accessible by the recording means, and detecting a second capacity of the information recording medium from the total capacity of the first recording surface. Remaining capacity calculating means for calculating the remaining capacity of the first recording surface and the remaining capacity of the second recording surface as the total remaining capacity, assuming the remaining capacity of the recording surface, and the remaining capacity calculation First recording bit rate setting means for setting a recording bit rate based on the total remaining capacity calculated by the means and the reserved recording time detected by the recording time detecting means, and the first recording bit rate setting means. And in accordance with recording bit rate set, and a first recording control means for recording the video audio signal of interest based on the recording reservation information to the first and second recording surface of the information recording medium by.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording rate automatic setting recording apparatus capable of setting an appropriate recording bit rate when performing recording on a disk having a plurality of recording surfaces.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a recording / reproducing apparatus (automatic recording rate recording apparatus) to which the present invention is applied. When each block in FIG. 1 is roughly divided, the main block of the recording unit is shown on the left side, and the main block of the reproducing unit is shown on the right side. 1 will be described later in detail.

  FIG. 2 shows a part of the directory structure of the DVD system.

  FIG. 2 shows a directory structure of a real-time recording DVD (RTR-DVD) of the DVD system, in particular, indicated as DVD_RTAV.

  In the directory (DVD_RTAV), VR_MANGR. IFO, VR_MOVIE. VRO, VR_STILL. VR_AUDIO.VRO as a still picture video file. VRO, VR_MANGR. Each file of BUP exists.

  VR_MANGER. In the IFO file, navigation data is recorded. The navigation data is data for advancing a program set, a program, an entry point, a playlist, and the like.

  VR_MOVIE. The VRO file is a so-called movie AV file for recording a movie video object (movie VOB). This VR_MOVIE. VRO is used to record an original VOB composed of a video part including an arbitrary sub-picture unit. At this time, the audio part related to the video part is also included in the original VOB.

  VR_STILL. VRO is a still picture AV file for recording a still picture VOB.

  VR_AUDIO. VRO is a still picture additional audio file for recording an additional audio stream for a still picture. This additional audio part indicates an audio stream recorded by after recording. The audio part is VR_STILL. Used in combination with several video parts recorded in VRO.

  VR_MANGR. BUP is VR_MANGR. This is an IFO backup file.

  FIG. 3A shows the VR_MOVIE. 2 shows a file structure of VRO.

  A video file has a hierarchical structure, one file is composed of a plurality of VOBs (video objects), one VOB is composed of a plurality of VOBUs (video object units), and one VOBU is composed of a plurality of packs. Be composed. The plurality of packs include an RDI pack, a V pack, an A pack, and the like.

  The V pack is obtained by compressing video data according to the MPEG2 system and includes a pack header, a packet header, and a video data part. The A-pack is obtained by processing audio data by, for example, a system such as linear PCM, MPEG, or AC3, and includes a pack header, a packet header, and an audio data part.

  FIG. 3B shows a format of video data based on the MPEG2 system in relation to a V pack.

  A group of pictures (GOP) is a unit compressed using a plurality of video frames, and a sequence header is added to the beginning of the group. The sequence header describes the start code (SHC) of the sequence header, the number of vertical lines (HS) of pixels, the number of horizontal lines of pixels (VS), the aspect ratio (PAR), and the like.

  The RDI pack shown in FIG. 4 is called a real-time data information pack (RDI_PCK) and includes real-time general information (RDI_GI), display control and copy control information (DCI_CCI), manufacturer information (MNFI), and the like.

  The real-time general information (RDI_GI) includes information indicating the start time at which the first field of the VOBU to which the VOBU belongs is reproduced, that is, VOBU_S_PTM, and information indicating the recording time of the VOBU, that is, VOBU_REC_TM.

  The display control and copy control information (DCI_CCI) includes (DCI_CCI_SS) indicating the status of the display control information (DCI) and the copy control information (CCI), the display control information (DCI) itself, and the copy control information (CCI) itself. Including.

  The display control information status (DCI_SS) of (DCI_CCI_SS) is the first area, when only valid aspect ratio information exists (01b), when the valid aspect ratio, subtitle mode, and film camera mode exist. (11b).

  The display control information (DCI) includes aspect ratio information, subtitle mode information, and film camera mode.

  The aspect ratio information indicates a case where the aspect ratio is 4: 3 (000b) and a case where the aspect ratio is 16: 9 (0001b). Furthermore, when the source picture is a letter box, 1000b (letter box (14: 9) but screen center arrangement), 0100b (letter box (14: 9) but screen top arrangement), and 1101b (letter box (16: 9)) 9) but screen center arrangement), 0010b (letter box (16: 9) but screen top arrangement), 1010b (letter box (> 16: 9) but screen center arrangement), 0111b (14: 9) Center format in full format).

  The subtitle mode identifies that the subtitle is not open (00b), the subtitle is inside the active image area (01b), and the subtitle is outside the active image area (10b).

  The film camera mode identifies a camera mode (0b) and a film mode (1b).

  FIG. 5 shows a hierarchical structure of a video manager (VMG), and shows in detail a system for managing a data reproduction order in the hierarchical structure.

  The data reproduction order recorded in the video file is defined by a program chain (PGC) as shown in FIG. A cell (Cell) is defined in the program chain (PGC), and a VOB to be reproduced is defined in the cell (Cell). The part where the specific information of the PGC is recorded is the program chain information (PGCI) part in the VMG file. There are two types of PGCI, one is an original PGCI (ORG_PGCI) and the other is a user-defined PGC table (UD_PGCIT).

  FIG. 6 shows the contents of the program chain information table (PGCIT) in the program chain information (PGCI) in more detail. The program chain information includes a program type (PG_TY) indicating whether a program corresponding to the program chain can be erased, the number of cells in the program, primary text information (PRM_TXTI) described in the program, and text information. (IT_TXT_SRPN) and representative image information (REP_PICTI = cell number and pointer in the cell) are described.

  The disc recording / reproducing apparatus standardized as described above will be described again with reference to FIG.

  The reproduction process in the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is performed according to program chain information (PGCI) indicating a program reproduction order. In this PGCI, a plurality of programs (PG) can be specified. Information (CI) is defined. Then, the cell entry point (C_EPI) is specified by the CI, and the VOB to be reproduced is specified. A special PGC for reproducing in the recording order is referred to as an original PGC, and information of the original PGC is recorded as ORG_PGCI. Further, the attribute information (resolution information, aspect information, audio attribute information, etc.) of the video data at this time is recorded in the stream information (STI) in the VMGI. The above-described pack is a minimum unit for performing the data transfer process. Further, the minimum unit for performing logical processing is a cell unit, and the logical processing is performed in this unit. Therefore, when recording is performed, the recording signal is converted into a format that matches the above format.

  The information recording / reproducing apparatus includes a hard disk drive device 2001, a disk drive 35 that rotationally drives an optical disk 1001, which is an information storage medium on which a video file can be constructed, and reads and writes information from and to the optical disk 1001, and a recording side. The main components are an encoder unit 50, a decoder unit 60 on the reproducing side, and a microcomputer block 30 for controlling the operation of the apparatus main body.

  The encoder unit 50 includes an ADC (analog-digital converter) 52, a V (video) encoder, an A (audio) encoder, an encoder group 53 including an SP (sub-picture) encoder, and an output of each encoder in a predetermined format. And a buffer memory 57.

  An external analog video signal and an external analog audio signal from the AV input unit 42 or an analog video signal and an analog audio signal from a TV (television) tuner 44 are input to the ADC 52.

  The ADC 52 digitizes the input analog video signal at, for example, a sampling frequency of 13.5 MHz and a quantization bit number of 8 bits. That is, the luminance component Y, the chrominance component Cr (or YR), and the chrominance component Cb (or YB) are each quantized by 8 bits.

  Similarly, the ADC 52 digitizes the input analog audio signal with, for example, a sampling frequency of 48 kHz and a quantization bit number of 16 bits.

  When a digital video signal or a digital audio signal is input to the ADC 52, the ADC 52 allows the digital video signal or the digital audio signal to pass through. The digital video signal and the digital audio signal may be subjected to a jitter reduction process, a sampling rate change process, etc. without altering the content. However, when the sampling frequency or the like is different, a conversion process is performed.

  The digital video signal output from the ADC 52 is sent to the formatter 56 via the V encoder. The digital audio signal output from the ADC 52 is sent to the formatter 56 via the A encoder.

  The V encoder has a function of converting an input digital video signal into a digital signal compressed at a variable bit rate based on the MPEG2 or MPEG1 standard. Also, the A encoder has a function of converting an input digital audio signal into a digital signal compressed at a fixed bit rate or a linear PCM digital signal based on the MPEG or AC-3 standard.

  When the sub-picture information is input from the AV input unit 42 (for example, a signal from a DVD video player with an independent output terminal for the sub-picture signal), or a DVD video signal having such a data structure is broadcast, and the broadcast is transmitted to the TV tuner 44. , The sub-picture signal (sub-picture pack) in the DVD video signal is input to the SP encoder. The sub video signal input to the SP encoder is arranged in a predetermined signal form and sent to the formatter 56.

  The formatter 56 performs predetermined signal processing on the input video signal, audio signal, sub-picture signal, and the like while using the buffer memory 57 as a work area, and as described above with reference to FIGS. The recording data conforming to such a format (file structure) is output to the data processor 36.

  Here, the present apparatus can supply the information encoded by the encoder unit 50 and the created management information to the hard disk device 2001 via the data processor 36, and can record the information on the hard disk. Also, information recorded on the hard disk can be recorded on the optical disk 1001 via the data processor 36 and the disk drive 35. Furthermore, the information encoded by the encoder unit 50 and the created management information can be recorded on the optical disk 1001 via the data processor 36 and the disk drive 35.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the information recorded on the hard disk of the hard disk device 2001 is the same as the data format of the optical disk 1001, the information on the hard disk can be recorded on the optical disk without encoding.

  If the information recorded on the hard disk of the hard disk device 2001 is different from the data format of the optical disk 1001, the information read from the hard disk is encoded by the encoder unit 50. Then, the encoded information can be recorded on the optical disc 1001.

  Here, the contents of a standard encoding process for creating data to be recorded on the optical disc 1001 will be briefly described. That is, when the encoding process is started in the encoder unit 50, parameters necessary for encoding the video (main video) data and the audio data are set.

  Next, by pre-encoding the main video data using the set parameters, the optimal code amount distribution for the set average transfer rate (recording rate) is calculated. The encoding process of the main video data is executed based on the code amount distribution obtained by the pre-encoding process. At this time, the encoding process of the audio data is also executed at the same time. Similarly, parameters necessary for encoding the sub-picture data are set, and encoded sub-picture data is created.

  The encoded main video data, audio data, and sub-video data are combined and converted into a video object set VOBS structure.

  That is, a cell is set as the minimum logical unit of the main video data (video data), and the cell information described with reference to FIG. 5 is created. Next, the configuration of the cells constituting the program chain PGC and the attributes of the main video, sub-video, audio, and the like are set (a part of these attribute information uses information obtained when encoding each data. ), And a VMG file including various information is created here.

  The encoded main video data, audio data and sub-video data are subdivided into packs (FIG. 3) of a fixed size (2048 bytes). In the pack, a time stamp such as a PTS (presentation time stamp) indicating a reproduction time and a DTS (decoding time stamp) indicating a decoding time are appropriately described. Regarding the PTS of the sub-picture, a time arbitrarily delayed from the PTS of the main picture data or the audio data in the same reproduction time zone can be described.

  Each cell is arranged with an RDI pack (corresponding to a navigation pack) at the beginning of each video object unit VOBU so that the data can be reproduced in the order of the time code. Thereby, a video object VOB including a plurality of cells is configured. A video object set VOBS obtained by collecting one or more video objects VOB is recorded as a program in a movie video file.

  When a DVD reproduction signal is digitally copied from a DVD video player, the contents of the cell, the program chain, the management table, the time stamp, and the like are determined from the beginning, so that there is no need to create them again.

  The portions that read and write (record and / or reproduce) information on the optical disk 1001 include a disk drive 35 having an optical system and a drive system, a data processor 36, a temporary storage unit 37, and an STC (system time). Counter or system time clock) 38.

  The temporary storage unit 37 buffers a certain amount of data (data output from the encoder unit 50) to be written to the optical disk 1001 via the data processor 36 and the disk drive 35, and stores the data in the disk drive 35 and the data processor 36. It is used to buffer a certain amount of data (data input to the decoder unit 60) reproduced from the optical disk 1001 via the. The disk drive 35 has a rotation control system for the optical disk, a laser drive system, an optical system, and the like.

  For example, when the temporary storage unit 37 is formed of a 4 Mbps semiconductor memory (DRAM), it is possible to record or reproduce data for about 8 seconds at an average recording rate of 4 Mbps (bits per second). . When the temporary storage unit 37 is configured by a 16 Mbps EE (Electrically Eraseable and Programmable) ROM (flash memory), buffering of recording or reproduction data for about 30 seconds at an average recording rate of 4 Mbps is performed. It is possible.

  Further, when the temporary storage unit 37 is constituted by a 100 Mbyte ultra-compact HDD (hard disk drive), it is possible to buffer recording or reproduction data for 3 minutes or more at an average recording rate of 4 Mbps.

  The temporary storage unit 37 can also be used to temporarily store short-time recording information until the optical disk 1001 is replaced with a new disk when the optical disk 1001 is used up during recording.

  However, since the hard disk device 2001 having a large capacity is provided in the device of the present invention, this device can be used.

  In addition, when a high-speed drive (double speed or higher) is used as the disk drive 35, the temporary storage unit 37 can also be used to temporarily store extra data read from a normal drive within a certain period of time. . If the read data at the time of reproduction is buffered in the temporary storage unit 37, the read data buffered in the temporary storage unit 37 can be switched and used even when a read error occurs in an optical head (not shown) due to vibration shock or the like. This makes it possible to prevent the reproduced video from being interrupted.

  Under the control of the microcomputer block 30, the data processor 36 supplies the DVD recording data output from the encoder unit 50 to the disk drive 35, fetches the DVD reproduction signal reproduced from the optical disk 1001 from the disk drive 35, The management information recorded on the optical disc 1001 is rewritten, and data (file or video object) recorded on the optical disc 1001 is deleted.

  The microcomputer block 30 includes an MPU (microprocessing unit) or CPU (central processing unit), a ROM in which a control program and the like are written, and a RAM for providing a work area necessary for executing the program. .

  According to the control program stored in the ROM, the MPU of the microcomputer block 30 uses the RAM as a work area to perform defect location detection, unrecorded area detection, recording information recording position setting, UDF recording, AV address setting, and the like. Execute.

  The microcomputer block 30 includes an information processing unit necessary for controlling the entire system, and includes a copy information detection / setting unit, a directory detection unit, a VMG management information creation unit, a remaining capacity detection unit, a recording / reproduction operation. A control unit, a recording reservation information processing unit, a recording capacity detection unit, and a recording bit rate calculation unit are provided. The copy information detection / setting unit detects information such as whether the target video / audio signal to be recorded is copy prohibition, duplicate copy prohibition, or no copy restriction. The remaining capacity detection unit detects the remaining capacity of the recording destination (the optical disc 1001 or the HDD 2001). The recording operation control unit controls a recording operation and the like based on the recording reservation information. The recording reservation information processing unit holds the received recording reservation information, analyzes the recording reservation information, and controls each unit. The recording capacity detection unit detects a recording capacity required by a target video / audio signal to be recorded. The recording bit rate calculation unit calculates, for example, an optimum recording bit rate according to the remaining capacity. The calculation of the recording bit rate by the recording bit rate calculator will be described later in detail.

  Of the execution results of the MPU, the contents to be notified to the user of the disk drive 35 are displayed on the display unit 48 of the DVD video recorder, or displayed on the monitor display by OSD (on-screen display).

  The timing at which the microcomputer block 30 controls the disk drive 36, the data processor 36, the encoder unit 50 and / or the decoder unit 60, etc. can be executed based on time data from the STC 38. Recording and playback operations are normally performed in synchronization with the time clock from the STC 38, but other processing may be performed at a timing independent of the STC 38.

  The decoder unit 60 is separated by a separator 62 for separating and extracting each pack from the video information having the pack structure as shown in FIG. 3, a memory 63 used for performing pack separation and other signal processing, and a separator 62. V decoder that decodes the main video data (contents of the video pack), SP decoder that decodes the sub video data (contents of the sub video pack) separated by the separator 62, and audio data (audio A group of decoders 64 by the A decoder that decodes the contents of the pack, and the sub video data obtained from the SP decoder are appropriately combined with the main video data obtained from the V decoder, and menus, highlight buttons, subtitles and other A video processor 66 for superimposing and outputting sub-pictures is provided.

  The output of the video processor 66 is input to the video mixer 71. In the video mixer 71, text data is synthesized. The video mixer 71 is also connected to a line that directly takes in signals from the TV tuner 44 and the A / V input unit 42. The video mixer 71 is connected to a frame memory 72 used as a buffer. When the output of the video mixer 71 is a digital output, it is output to the outside via an interface (I / F) 73, and when it is an analog output, it is output to the outside via a DAC 74.

  If the output of the A-decoder is a digital output, it is output to the outside via an interface (I / F) 75, and if it is an analog output, it is analog-converted by a DAV 77 via a selector 76 and output to the outside. The selector 76 can select an output from the ADC 52 when directly monitoring a signal from the TV tuner 44 or the A / V input unit 42 based on a select signal from the microcomputer block 30. The analog audio signal is supplied to an external component (not shown) (a multi-channel stereo device having two to six channels).

  In the above device, the flow of the video signal will be briefly described as follows.

  First, the input AV signal is digitally converted by the ADC 52. A video signal is input to a V encoder, an audio signal is input to an A encoder, and character data such as a text broadcast is input to an SP encoder. A video signal is subjected to MPEG compression, an audio signal is subjected to AC3 compression or MPEG audio compression, and character data is subjected to run-length compression.

  The compressed data from each encoder is packetized so that it becomes 2048 bytes when packed, and is input to the formatter 56. In the formatter 56, each packet is packed, multiplexed, and sent to the data processor 36.

  Here, the formatter 56 creates an RDI pack based on the information from the aspect information detection unit 43 and arranges the RDI pack at the beginning of the video object unit (VOBU). The data processor 36 forms an ECC block every 16 packs, attaches error correction data, and records the output on the optical disk 1001 via the disk drive 35. Here, when the disk drive 35 is in a busy state, such as during a seek or a track jump, the disk drive 35 is put into a temporary storage unit 37 (for example, an HDD buffer unit) and stored in a DVD-RAM drive unit (disk drive 35). You have to wait until you are ready.

  Further, the formatter 56 creates each segmentation information during recording, and periodically sends it to the MPU of the microcomputer block 30 (information at the time of interruption of the GOP head).

  The segmentation information includes the number of VOBU packs, the end address of the I picture from the beginning of the VOBU, and the playback time of the VOBU.

  At the same time, information from the aspect information detection unit 43 is sent to the MPU at the start of recording, and the MPU creates VOB stream information (STI). Here, the STI stores resolution data, aspect data, and the like, and at the time of reproduction, each decoder unit is initialized based on this information.

  In addition, in the recording / reproducing DVD, one video file is used for one disk.

  Here, in a real-time recording / reproducing apparatus using a DVD, a point to be noted is that, when data is accessed, at least continuous data is reproduced in order to continue reproduction without interruption during access (seek). Sectors are needed. This unit is called CDA (Contiguous Data Area).

  This CDA is more advantageously in ECC block units. For this reason, the CDA size is set to a multiple of 16 sectors, and recording is performed in CDA units in the file system. However, in this case, when there is no free space of the size of the CDA in the disk, a short sector used by another file can be allowed to enter the CDA. Thereby, recording can be performed in CDA units.

  FIG. 7 also hierarchically shows a movie AV file information table (M_AVFIT) in the video manager (VMG). The information in this table includes the number of recorded VOBs (programs), the number of audio and sub-picture streams corresponding to each VOB, and the attributes (television system, aspect ratio, etc.) of each VOB, as stream information (M_VOB_STI). It is recorded as. Further, as M_AVFI, information indicating whether the VOB can be reproduced or temporarily deleted, and date and time information (recording time) when the VOB was recorded are described as general information. Furthermore, as individual information, a search pointer of each VOB and system clock information as information (SMLI) for continuously reproducing a plurality of VOBs are described. Furthermore, time map information (TMAPI) of the VOBU in the VOB is described. The time map information can be used when performing special reproduction or the like.

  The system of the present invention is provided with a recording rate automatic setting function. According to this function, an optimum recording rate is set according to the remaining capacity of the information recording medium having a plurality of recording surfaces.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the microcomputer block 30 of the recording / reproducing apparatus is provided with a copy information detecting / setting unit. The copy information detection / setting unit determines, for example, (1) whether the content of the broadcast signal is permitted to be copied (no restriction on prohibition of duplicate copy) from the signal superimposed on the vertical blanking of the broadcast signal, It is recognized whether or not copy is permitted (there is a restriction on prohibiting duplicate copy). Alternatively, the copy information detecting / setting unit (2) judges that the video signal itself is scrambled, and recognizes that copying is prohibited. Further, both of the above methods (1) and (2) may be used. The copy information detection / setting unit stores copy prohibition information based on the recognition result.

  The encoder unit 50 includes a synchronization signal detection unit 55, detects a horizontal and vertical synchronization signal of a video signal from a signal provided from the AV input unit 42, and transfers the presence / absence information to the microcomputer block 30.

  Further, an area for storing disk management information is secured in the memory of the microcomputer block 30 and / or the hard disk.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the disk management information.

  The disk management information includes a reserved disk image information table, in which general recording reservation general information is described. This recording reservation general information is prepared for each disk (for example, for each disk identification number), and describes recording reservation information. An identification code for a dedicated disk or a general-purpose disk is assigned to each disk. If no identification code is described, it is determined that the disc is a general-purpose disc. The dedicated disk is, for example, a dedicated disk that is specified for recording a continuous program that is broadcast every week or at a specific time from Monday to Friday.When the dedicated disk is specified, a dedicated disk identification code is used. Is used. In the case of a DVD-RAM in which the dedicated disk identification code is described, a recording reservation information number, the number of recording reservation information recorded on the disk, and the recording reservation information are described. The recording reservation information set by the user is also recorded on the general-purpose disk. The recording reservation information is read from the general-purpose disk, and the read recording reservation information is temporarily stored in the work RAM. It has become.

  The recording reservation information includes the length of information such as the program name and title, the date and time when the main recording reservation information was created, the time, valid / invalid information of the main recording reservation information, use permission information of the main recording reservation information, and the recording mode (recording Information), recording channel information, effective recording week information from the creation date, recording day (repeat) pattern information, reserved recording date, recording start time, recording end time, recording group number, recording sequence number, recording There is information such as the cause of failure. Of the recording reservation information, information for specifying a target program for which recording is desired is input via the key input unit 47 shown in FIG.

  As the code indicating the recording failure factor as the report information, 00 is set for no cause, 01 is set for no video signal, and 02 is set for copy prohibition information.

  The storage location of the above-mentioned recording reservation information may be a text information entry section provided as a DVD standard, or a storage location may be independently secured by the apparatus of the present invention. It goes without saying that a memory may be prepared.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing the operation when the recording reservation is made.

  For example, it is assumed that the apparatus is in a reserved recording standby state. When the user performs an operation for canceling the scheduled recording standby state, or performs a new recording reservation setting operation, a recording operation, or the like, once the entire power supply of the set is started, initial settings of each unit are performed, and a state of waiting for reception of a user operation. (Steps A1, A2, A3).

  The apparatus compares the information of the internal clock circuit with the reservation time (recording start time information), and when one minute before the recording time comes, it activates all the power supplies of the set and performs the initial setting of each unit (step A4). , A5).

  When the DVD-RAM is loaded, a disk detection signal is supplied from the disk sensor to the system control unit. Normally, when a DVD-RAM is loaded, it is initialized for several tens of seconds (until the rotation speed reaches a desired speed and until management information is read and stored in the RAM of the system control unit). (About 30 seconds).

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a synchronization signal of the input signal (step A6). If there is no synchronization signal, the above-mentioned report information indicating that there is no video signal is described in the reservation information (step A7), and the reserved recording standby state is set. Move to If there is a synchronizing signal, it is determined whether or not there is copy prohibition information in the input signal (step A8). If there is copy prohibition information, the above-mentioned report information indicating that there is copy prohibition information is included in the reservation information. A description is given (step A9), and the process shifts to a recording standby state.

  If there is no copy prohibition information, the process waits for the recording time (step A10), and executes the recording process when the recording time comes (step A11). If the recording capacity is insufficient before the end of the recording and the duplex mode in which the recording can be performed on both sides of the disc cannot be executed, an error occurs. If the double-sided mode can be executed, the disc exchange process is executed, and the recording process continues (steps A12, A13, A14). When the recording is completed, the scheduled recording information for which the recording has been completed is confirmed. If there is no future scheduled recording, the scheduled recording information is deleted, and the recording title is set in the PGI and the recording time is set in the VOBI (step A15). If there is recording reservation information, it enters a reservation recording standby state. If there is no recording reservation information, the reservation recording standby state is released (step A16).

  FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart used when setting recording reservation information in the apparatus of the present invention.

  When the mode shifts to the recording reservation information setting mode, recording reservation information is received by a user operation (step B1). The recording reservation setting mode can be set, for example, by operating a recording reservation button provided on a remote controller.

  As the recording reservation information, there is information as shown in FIG. Based on the recording reservation information, it is possible to recognize the recording time for the remaining capacity of one disk. Here, the bit rate of the recording information affects the consumption of the recordable area. Therefore, the present system is provided with a function (automatic rate setting mode) for automatically setting a bit rate or the like according to the remaining capacity of the disk. If the automatic setting mode does not work, the set data is stored in the table as the recording reservation information, assuming that recording is performed in the standard mode set in advance (step B6).

  When the mode is shifted to the automatic rate setting mode, it is determined whether or not the DVD-RAM is effective for double-sided recording (steps B2 and B3). Information indicating whether or not double-sided recording is valid is recorded in advance on a disc. If the disc cannot be recorded on both sides, the current remaining amount is divided by the recording reservation time and set as the recording rate. The relation between the recording time (for example, horizontal axis), the remaining amount (vertical axis), and the bit rate by the reservation is stored as information in advance in a table, and the bit rate is selected according to the calculation result (step B4). Move to step B6. The recording bit rate is calculated by a recording bit rate calculation unit.

  In the case of a disk capable of recording on both sides, the remaining capacity is obtained by adding the total capacity on the back side (or の of the total capacity on the back side) to the remaining capacity on the current access side (front and back remaining capacity). Then, the front and back remaining capacity is divided by the reserved recording time to set a recording bit rate. Also in this case, the relationship between the recording time (for example, horizontal axis), the remaining amount (vertical axis), and the bit rate by the reservation is stored as information in a table in advance, and appropriate bit rate information is selected according to the calculation result. Then (step B5), the process proceeds to step B6.

  As the recording bit rate mode, for example, standard SP (5.0 Mbps), LP (2.4 Mbps), manual, and just recording that calculates so that the estimated recording time matches the remaining capacity are prepared. Various methods are available for calculating the remaining capacity.

  If the recorded capacity of the recorded program is described in the recording reservation information, the total capacity is known in advance, and the remaining capacity (free capacity) can be calculated by subtracting the recorded capacity from the total capacity. Further, the DVD management information describes reproduction time information of recorded data and the like. When the total time of the video object is added, the recorded capacity can be determined. Further, the total capacity of the disc when recording is not performed is known in advance. Therefore, the remaining capacity can be determined by subtracting the recorded capacity from the total capacity. Furthermore, the scheduled recording capacity can be estimated from the recording reservation time information and the bit rate. Therefore, by subtracting the scheduled recording capacity from the remaining capacity, the free capacity can also be obtained.

  As described above, the features of the device of the present invention are as follows. First, time information required for scheduled recording is detected from the scheduled recording information. It is determined whether or not the optical disc (DVD-RAM) is recorded on a plurality of surfaces. If the optical disc is capable of recording on a plurality of surfaces, the first remaining capacity of the first recording surface (for example, the front surface) at which recording is started is calculated, and at least half (or all) of the recording area of the second recording surface (for example, the back surface) is calculated. ) Is the second remaining capacity, and the sum of the first and second remaining capacity is calculated as the current remaining capacity. Then, a recording bit rate is set from the current remaining capacity and the reservation recording time information, and a target video / audio signal based on the recording reservation information is recorded according to the set recording bit rate.

  Further, in the present invention, the target video / audio signal is kept at the recording bit rate recorded on the first recording surface until the recording surface of the optical disc is changed from the first recording surface to the second recording surface. Is temporarily stored in the HDD 2001 at the same rate as As a result, a marginal portion (joining portion) can be obtained, and when recording on the DVD-RAM is completed, the marginal portion temporarily recorded on the HDD 2001 is additionally recorded on the DVD-RAM.

  Further, when the recording surface of the optical disk is changed to the second recording surface, the actual remaining capacity of the second recording surface can be detected, and a new recording bit rate can be calculated and reset. In this case, a new recording bit rate may be calculated and reset by subtracting the capacity temporarily stored in the HDD 2001 from the actual remaining capacity of the second recording surface of the optical disc. This takes into account the additional recording of the marginal portion recorded on the HDD 2001 on the optical disk when the recording on the optical disk is completed.

  When it is also possible to calculate the recording capacity required for recording from the recording reservation time information, there are the following various methods. (1) A method of calculating the capacity required for recording by adding all the reservation times (time from recording start to recording end) for each program recorded in the table of recording reservation information. (2) A method of calculating the capacity required for recording only from the reserved time of the program to be recorded next at the present time.

  When the currently loaded disc is designated as a dedicated disc for recording a specific program, it is preferable to calculate the capacity required for recording by the method (2). If the disc is not a dedicated disc, the method according to (1) is preferable. In this way, when calculating the capacity required for future recording, when the disc is loaded, the current remaining capacity is calculated and compared with the capacity required for recording, and if the current remaining capacity is significantly smaller, a warning is issued. Display can also be performed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the disk replacement processing operation of FIG.

  The computer block 30 controls the disk changer unit 300 to perform disk exchange or flipping. When the process proceeds to the disk replacement process, a display indicating that the disk is being replaced is obtained on the screen (step C1). Next, a disk stop command is given to the disk drive 35 (step C2). When a signal indicating the processing end status arrives from the disk drive 35 in response to this, the setting is made so that the AV data is transferred to the hard disk drive 2001 in CDA units (steps C3 and C4). Next, a disc exchange command is given to the disc changer unit 300. Thus, in the disc changer unit 300, for example, the disc tray is sent out of the apparatus (step C5). Here, when the user turns over the disc on the tray or places a new disc on the tray and pushes the tray toward the apparatus, the tray moves inside the apparatus.

  Here, a disc change processing end detection signal is output from the disc changer unit 300, and this signal is detected by the microcomputer block 30 (step C6). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a disk on the tray (step C7). If there is a disk, reading of the management data of the disk is started, and further, it is determined whether or not there is free space. (Steps C8 and C9). If there is no free area, a disk exchange command is again given to the disc changer unit 300. If there is a free area, a write address is set in the free area, and further, a file system is read, and a VMG is read (or created: VMG). Table creation), a recording rate is set, and the operation shifts to a recording operation (steps C10, C11, C12).

  If it is determined in step C7 that there is no disc, a message is displayed on the screen saying that there is no disc image and that a disc should be inserted (step C13 in FIG. 12). Next, it is determined whether or not the disk has been replaced (or turned over) (step C14). If the disk has been replaced, it is determined whether or not the replacement has been performed within a predetermined time (step C15). It is also assumed that the user is out of the office. If the disk is not replaced within the predetermined time, the recording stop processing is performed, the part (for example, the marginal part) recorded on the hard disk is cleared, and the processing shifts to the normal processing (steps C16 and C17).

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a display screen that guides the user so that the user can easily operate the recording reservation information.

  When the mode is shifted to the recording reservation information setting mode, first, a setting screen of a program name, a channel, and a recording mode is displayed. Subsequently, a setting screen for a set date, a valid day, a start week, and a valid week is displayed. Subsequently, an inquiry screen as to whether or not to set the same group as another reservation is displayed, and a REC group number selection screen is displayed. Finally, a reservation confirmation screen is displayed.

  FIG. 15 is an operation flow of a function used for examining the cause information when the scheduled recording has failed as described above. In order to shift to the recording failure display processing mode, information can be read from a table storing various guide information and selected from a user operation guide menu (not shown). Describing with reference to a flowchart, first, the timer recording information is read. Subsequently, if there is reservation information having a recording failure flag, the recording failure information is displayed.

  FIG. 16 is an example of display of recording failure information. If a target video / audio signal based on the recording reservation information cannot be obtained, a message such as "Recording could not be performed because there is no signal" is displayed. If the target video / audio signal based on the recording reservation information is copy-prohibited, a message such as "recording could not be performed because copy is prohibited" is displayed.

  The recording / reproducing apparatus described above (automatic recording rate setting recording apparatus and automatic recording rate setting recording method) can be summarized as follows.

  (1) For example, a recording rate automatic setting recording apparatus includes a recording means for recording a video / audio signal on a predetermined recording surface of an information recording medium, and a reservation for detecting a reservation recording time required for reservation recording based on recording reservation information. A recording time detecting means for detecting a total capacity and a remaining capacity of a first recording surface of the information recording medium accessible by the recording means; Remaining capacity calculating means for calculating the remaining capacity of the first recording surface and the remaining capacity of the second recording surface as the total remaining capacity, assuming the remaining capacity of the second recording surface of the recording medium; A first recording bit rate setting means for setting a recording bit rate based on the total remaining capacity calculated by the remaining capacity calculating means and the reserved recording time detected by the recording time detecting means; Recording First recording control means for recording a target video / audio signal on the first and second recording surfaces of the information recording medium based on the recording reservation information in accordance with the recording bit rate set by the recording rate setting means. I have.

  (2) For example, a recording rate automatic setting recording apparatus includes a recording means for recording a video / audio signal on a predetermined recording surface of an information recording medium, and a reservation for detecting a reservation recording time required for reservation recording based on recording reservation information. A recording time detecting means, a determining means for determining whether the information recording medium is a medium capable of recording on multiple sides, and if the determining means reveals that the information recording medium is a medium capable of recording on multiple sides, Detecting the total capacity and the remaining capacity of the first recording surface of the information recording medium accessible by the recording means, and determining at least half of the total capacity of the first recording surface as the second recording capacity of the information recording medium. The remaining capacity of the first recording surface and the remaining capacity of the second recording surface are calculated as the total remaining capacity. Calculated First recording bit rate setting means for setting a recording bit rate based on the remaining capacity and the reserved recording time detected by the recording time detecting means, and a recording bit set by the first recording bit rate setting means First recording control means for recording a target video / audio signal on the first and second recording surfaces of the information recording medium based on the recording reservation information according to a rate.

  (3) For example, a recording rate automatic setting recording device includes a recording unit that records a video / audio signal on a predetermined recording surface of an information recording medium, and a reservation that detects a reservation recording time required for reservation recording based on recording reservation information. A recording time detecting means, a determining means for determining whether the information recording medium is a medium capable of recording on multiple sides, and if the determining means reveals that the information recording medium is a medium capable of recording on multiple sides, Detecting the total capacity and the remaining capacity of the first recording surface of the information recording medium accessible by the recording means, and determining the total capacity of the first recording surface as the remaining capacity of the second recording surface of the information recording medium; A remaining capacity calculating means for calculating a capacity obtained by adding the remaining capacity of the first recording surface and the remaining capacity of the second recording surface as a total remaining capacity; and a total remaining capacity calculated by the remaining capacity calculating means. Capacity, and the recording First recording bit rate setting means for setting a recording bit rate based on the reservation recording time detected by the interval detection means, and the recording reservation according to the recording bit rate set by the first recording bit rate setting means. A first recording control unit for recording a target video / audio signal on the first and second recording surfaces of the information recording medium based on the information;

  (4) For example, the recording rate automatic setting recording apparatus according to (1), (2), or (3) above, is used as a recording destination of a video / audio signal from the first recording surface to the second recording surface. During the replacement, a target video / audio signal to be recorded is temporarily recorded in a recording unit in a device different from the information recording medium in accordance with the recording bit rate set by the first recording bit rate setting means.

  (5) For example, when the recording rate automatic recording apparatus described in (4) is switched from the first recording surface to the second recording surface as a recording destination of the video / audio signal, The remaining recording capacity of the second recording surface is detected based on the actual remaining capacity of the second recording surface and the remaining recording time of the target video / audio data recorded on the second recording surface. A second recording bit rate setting means for resetting a rate, and a target video / audio signal based on the recording reservation information according to the recording bit rate reset by the second recording bit rate setting means. And second recording control means for recording on the second recording surface.

  (6) For example, the recording apparatus with the automatic recording rate setting described in (4) above, when the recording destination of the video / audio signal is switched from the first recording surface to the second recording surface, the second recording surface Of the recording surface of the second recording surface, and subtracting the capacity of the video / audio signal temporarily recorded in the recording unit from the actual remaining capacity of the second recording surface, and the second recording Second recording bit rate setting means for resetting the recording bit rate based on the remaining recording time of the target video / audio data to be recorded on the surface, and recording reset by the second recording bit rate setting means. Second recording control means for recording a target video / audio signal on a second recording surface of the information recording medium based on the recording reservation information in accordance with a bit rate.

  (7) For example, a recording rate automatic setting recording method includes a first step of detecting a reservation recording time required for reservation recording based on recording reservation information, and a total capacity and a remaining capacity of a first recording surface of an information recording medium. And assuming that at least half of the total capacity of the first recording surface is the remaining capacity of the second recording surface of the information recording medium, the remaining capacity of the first recording surface and the second capacity A second step of calculating a capacity obtained by adding the remaining capacity of the recording surface as a total remaining capacity; and a total remaining capacity calculated in the second step, and a reserved recording time detected in the first step. A third step of setting a recording bit rate, and, according to the recording bit rate set in the third step, a target video / audio signal is recorded on the information recording medium based on the recording reservation information. A fourth step of recording on the recording surface; It is provided.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified in an implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations as much as possible, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effects described in the column of the effect of the invention can be solved. Is obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to an example of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a part of a directory structure of a DVD system. VR_MOVIE. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a format of video data based on the MPEG2 system based on a VRO file structure and a relationship with a V pack. It is a figure showing the details of RID data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of a video manager (VMG) and showing in detail a system for managing a data reproduction order. It is a figure which shows the content of the program chain information table (PGCIT) in program chain information (PGCI) in more detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram hierarchically showing a movie AV file information table (M_AVFIT) in a video manager (VMG). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of disk management information. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation 1 during standby for scheduled recording. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation 2 during standby for programmed recording. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of setting a reservation. 6 is a flowchart showing a disk change process 1 by a disk changer. 13 is a flowchart showing a second disk replacement process by the disk changer. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of setting recording reservation information. It is a flowchart which shows the display processing of the information regarding reservation recording failure. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the information about reservation recording failure.

Explanation of reference numerals

30 microcomputer block 35 disk drive 36 data processor 37 temporary storage unit 50 encoder unit 60 decoder unit 1001 optical disk (DVD-RAM)
2001: Hard disk drive (HDD)

Claims (1)

Recording means for recording a video and audio signal on a predetermined recording surface of the information recording medium,
A scheduled recording time detecting means for detecting a scheduled recording time required for the scheduled recording based on the scheduled recording information;
Detecting the total capacity and the remaining capacity of the first recording surface of the information recording medium accessible by the recording means, and calculating the remaining capacity of the second recording surface of the information recording medium from the total capacity of the first recording surface; Remaining capacity calculating means for calculating a capacity obtained by adding the remaining capacity of the first recording surface and the remaining capacity of the second recording surface as the total remaining capacity;
First recording bit rate setting means for setting a recording bit rate based on the total remaining capacity calculated by the remaining capacity calculation means and the reserved recording time detected by the recording time detection means,
A first recording for recording a target video / audio signal on first and second recording surfaces of the information recording medium based on the recording reservation information in accordance with a recording bit rate set by the first recording bit rate setting means; Control means;
A recording apparatus for automatically setting a recording rate, comprising:

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