JP2005260662A - Multi-media data forming method and image recording reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize file browsing easily in order of time series in a camera with a memory card as a recording medium, in which a dynamic image and a still image are formed in different directories. <P>SOLUTION: In the image recording reproducing device, still image data and dynamic image data with voice, each in different compression format, are stored in different directories according to the type of compression format. When the still image data is stored, a link file in related with the still image data is formed in the directory for forming the dynamic data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a multimedia data creation method and an image recording / reproducing apparatus such as a digital camera or a digital video camera.

  In recent years, digital video cameras using a conventional video tape as a recording medium are mainly products that can be recorded on a detachable small memory card with a built-in nonvolatile semiconductor memory. Video cameras using a small memory card as a recording medium are also emerging. Furthermore, there has been a remarkable spread of digital cameras mainly for the purpose of recording and reproducing still images. In addition, both have been adapted to still images and moving images, and the difference is being reduced. In addition, in a small memory card used in such a device, data is generally managed in accordance with a file system that can be read by the OS of the personal computer as it is because of its affinity with the personal computer. Further, many products have an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE 1394 and a communication protocol called mass storage, and have a function of acting as one external drive by connecting to a personal computer.

The file name, directory name to save, and the compression format of still images are mainly the camera file system standard Design for Camera File System (hereinafter referred to as DCF) established by the Japan Electronics Industry Promotion Association. Many digital cameras used support this. Many digital video cameras compatible with small memory cards are also compatible with this DCF when recording still images on small memory cards. The DCF stipulates that a subdirectory is created under a directory named “DCIM” and a still image file is stored therein. In addition to still images, files such as moving images may be saved together. In recent digital cameras, there are many products that can shoot not only still images but also moving images. In such products, moving image files are also stored under the DCIM directory in accordance with DCF rules. In this case, the compression format is not particularly defined, but since the digital camera originally employs the JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) method, which is a still image compression method, by compressing continuous images by the JPEG method A method called motion JPEG for moving images is common. Audio data is also added to this to make a video. On the other hand, in a product that records a moving image file by a moving picture experts group (MPEG) method that is a moving image compression method, a plurality of profiles are created so that the specifications are suitable for each product. In this case, it is common to create a file under a unique directory in order to avoid conflicts with other profiles and standards. Therefore, unlike the above-mentioned motion JPEG, a file is not created in the same directory as the DCF still image, but a directory with a unique name is created, and a file is created under the directory.
JP 2001-309318 A JP 2002-16779 A

  However, the conventional example has the following problems.

  A product of a type that records still image files and moving image files in separate directories is not suitable for arranging still image files and moving image files in the shooting order (time order). When playing back on the main unit, there is no problem if it has the function of mixing still image files and moving image file thumbnails and arranging them in the order of shooting. When connecting with, the still image file and the moving image file are in completely different directories, and if there are a large number of them, they cannot be simply mixed, and the shooting order is difficult to understand intuitively.

  In order to solve the above problems, the image recording / reproducing apparatus and method according to the present invention are characterized as follows.

  A multimedia data creation method for storing at least two or more types of multimedia data having different compression formats in a data storage device in different directories according to the compression format, wherein at least the first multimedia data is stored, A multimedia data creation method, wherein a link file associated with the first multimedia data is created in a directory for creating multimedia data.

  Further, when the third multimedia data in the third compression format is stored, a link file associated with the third multimedia data is created in the directory in which the multimedia data in the second compression format is to be created. A method for creating multimedia data.

  The first multimedia data is still image data. A multimedia data creation method, wherein the first multimedia data is still image data.

  The second multimedia data is a multimedia data creation method, wherein the second multimedia data is video data including moving images and audio.

  Further, the data stored in the data storage device is managed by a file system. The file system has an extension indicating the data type for each data type, and the multimedia data file is stored for each compression format. The file name rule is different, and the name of the link file associated with the first multimedia data in the directory in which the second multimedia data is created is the portion of the second multimedia data excluding the extension. A method of creating multimedia data, characterized by being attached according to a file name rule of media data.

  The link file is described by a markup language, and the multimedia file is specified by a relative path.

  An image recording / reproducing apparatus for storing still image data having different compression formats and moving image data accompanied by sound in different directories according to the compression formats, wherein the still image data is stored in the directory for creating the moving image data. An image recording / reproducing apparatus that creates a link file associated with the still image data.

  Further, when storing the audio (only) data, it is stored in a directory different from the directory for storing the still image data and the moving image data, and is associated with the audio data in the directory for generating the moving image data. An image recording / reproducing apparatus for generating a linked file.

  The file name of the link file is assigned according to a file name generation rule for moving image data except for an extension.

  The link file is described by a markup language, and the multimedia file is designated by a relative path.

  An image recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: a plurality of recording media, wherein the still image data and the moving image data are stored in different storage destinations.

  The image recording / reproducing apparatus is characterized in that the recording medium is a memory card that is detachable from the image recording / reproducing apparatus.

  The image recording / reproducing apparatus is characterized in that the still image data is created in accordance with a DCF rule.

  According to the present invention, even in digital cameras and digital video cameras that store still image files and moving image files in different directories, there are disadvantages due to the fact that they are not arranged in chronological order. Can solve the confusing point. In addition, since the directory for storing moving images is not used for other standards, profiles, etc., compatibility with DCF can be maintained without affecting those and other products.

  The same effect can be obtained also in a digital camera or a digital video camera that can use a plurality of memory cards at the same time.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention will be described below based on examples.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a video camera using a memory card as a recording medium.

  Reference numeral 101 denotes a lens unit, which is a correction unit that has a function of correcting an imaging position moved by movement of a fixed lens group for focusing, a variable power lens group, a diaphragm, and a variable power lens group, and a function of performing focus adjustment. Consists of a lens group. The lens unit 101 finally forms a subject image on the imaging surface of the imaging sensor. Reference numeral 102 denotes a CCD (charge coupled device) that converts light into electric charge and generates an imaging signal. Reference numeral 103 denotes a camera signal processing unit that performs predetermined processing on the imaging signal and outputs digital image data. Reference numeral 104 denotes a microphone unit. The microphone unit 104 is provided for collecting sound at the time of photographing, and includes predetermined amplification, band limitation, an AD converter, and the like, and outputs digital sound data. Reference numeral 105 denotes a compression / decompression processing unit that performs MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) compression processing in real time on the above-described digital image data and digital audio data, and outputs compressed video data. Conversely, the compressed video data is decompressed to generate digital image data and digital audio data, thereby enabling reproduction. It also has a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) compression / decompression function. This is because still image data in JPEG format is generated or reproduced by a user operation. An external interface 121 (hereinafter referred to as an external I / F) includes a connection terminal and a processing circuit, and is provided for exchanging data with an external device. Specifically, IEEE 1394, USB (Universal Serial Bus), and the like, which can input / output video streams, files, commands, and the like with a digital video, television, personal computer or the like equipped with a similar interface. Reference numeral 951 denotes a memory card control unit. Reference numeral 952 denotes a memory card, for example, a small card incorporating a nonvolatile memory and a control IC. The memory card 952 reads and writes data through the memory card control unit 951 according to the microcomputer 107 described later. The memory card 952 is formatted with a file system that can be handled by a personal computer or the like, and the microcomputer 107 generates, reads, and deletes files in accordance with this file system.

  Reference numeral 109 denotes a memory (RAM). A data bus 141 is connected to the compression / decompression processing unit 105, the external I / F 121, the memory card control unit 951, and the memory 109, and can transfer data to each other. The memory 109 is a work memory for each block connected to the data bus 141. It is assumed that at least one of the blocks connected to the data bus 141 has a function for controlling the bus. A microcomputer 107 controls the entire system. Reference numeral 122 denotes a non-volatile memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM), and a program for the microcomputer 107 to execute sequentially is written in advance. This may be a rewritable flash ROM. Reference numeral 123 denotes a memory, which is a work memory for the microcomputer 107. Reference numeral 142 denotes a CPU bus. A ROM 122, a memory 123, an external I / F 121, a memory card control unit 951, and a compression / decompression processing unit 105 are connected to the CPU bus 142. The external I / F 121, the memory card control unit 951, and the compression / decompression processing unit 105 receive commands from the microcomputer 107 through the CPU bus 142 and operate according to the commands. In addition, data can be exchanged with the microcomputer 107 as necessary. Reference numeral 116 denotes a mode dial, which is a switch for selecting a camera mode, a playback mode, and OFF. The camera mode is a mode for recording mainly moving images and still images. On the other hand, the reproduction mode is a mode for reproducing mainly moving images and still images recorded on a disc. Reference numeral 117 denotes a moving image shooting trigger switch for instructing moving image recording by alternately generating shooting start and shooting end events each time it is pressed by the user in the camera mode. Reference numeral 118 denotes a still image shooting trigger switch for instructing still image shooting. The still image shooting trigger switch 118 is devised to have three states of open, half-pressed, and fully-pressed, and the microcomputer 107 detects this, and for example, in the half-pressed state, automatic exposure (AE) and autofocus ( AF) is determined, and each block is controlled so that the captured image is determined and recorded when fully pressed. Reference numeral 115 denotes an operation switch group, which is a switch group for a user to operate in the same manner as the mode dial 116 and the like. Reference numeral 112 denotes a liquid crystal panel, which displays various information such as a photographed image, a reproduced image, a device state, and a menu. Reference numeral 114 denotes a speaker unit, which is provided for reproducing sound in the reproduction mode.

  A television signal processing unit 134 is provided to convert an image signal and an audio signal into a television system such as an NTSC system or a PAL system, and to output to a television receiver or a video deck for home use. Conversely, image and audio signals may be received from them and recorded in the memory card 952.

  In the video camera described in the present embodiment, still image files and moving image files are stored in different directories. A file generation operation when shooting a still image or a moving image will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Reference numeral 201 denotes a root directory in the memory card. Reference numeral 202 denotes a directory named DCIM, which is a parent directory for storing still image files in accordance with DCF rules. Below this, a sub-directory whose name is a three-digit number + “arbitrary character string” is created. Still image files are generated in this subdirectory. The still image file name is "arbitrary character string" + 4-digit number +. JPG.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes a directory named VIDEO, which is a parent directory for storing moving image files. However, the “VIDEO” directory 210 should be a unique directory name that is not used in other standards, profiles, or the like. Below this, a subdirectory whose name is “arbitrary character string” + three-digit number is created. The moving image file is generated in this subdirectory. The video file name is “arbitrary character string” + three-digit number +. MPG. In FIG. 2, neither a still image nor a moving image has been captured yet. A case where a still image is taken from the state of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 203 denotes a subdirectory for storing still image files, which complies with the above-mentioned name rule. However, here, the arbitrary character string described above is “IMAGE”. As an example of the creation time of the “101 IMAGE” directory 203, it is created when the memory card is inserted into the main body and the photographing mode is first set. Reference numeral 205 denotes a still image file. Again, it follows the above-mentioned naming rules, and an arbitrary character string is ABCD. Up to this point, the operation is the same as that of a conventional DCF-compliant digital camera or digital video camera.

  Reference numeral 211 denotes a subdirectory for mainly storing moving image files, which conforms to the above-mentioned name rule. However, here, the arbitrary character string described above is “MOV”. As an example of the creation time of the MOV001 directory, it is created when the memory card is inserted into the main body and the photographing mode is first set. Reference numeral 220 denotes a link file indicating (associated with) the still image file 205. The link file 220 is generated at the same time as the still image file 205 is generated. The file name is given according to the naming rule of the moving image file except for the extension. The extension is here. lnk. Here, EFG001. The name is “lnk”, and the next number is assigned to the next moving image. FIG. 4 shows this state. Reference numeral 315 denotes a moving image file, which is EFG001. The file name is MPG. FIG. 4 shows an example in which such an operation is repeated according to a user operation.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes a directory for storing still image files similarly to the “101 IMAGE” directory 203. A directory 212 stores a moving image file in the same manner as the “MOV002” directory. Reference numerals 206 to 209 denote still image files. Reference numerals 220 to 223 are link files indicating still image files. Reference numerals 230 to 233 denote moving image files.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the still image file is highly compatible with other models such as DCF and follows general rules. Still image files and moving image files are stored in different directories. As a result, the still image file and the moving image file are not arranged in chronological order, and there is a demerit that it is difficult to understand the shooting order particularly in a general-purpose personal computer file browsing software. In order to avoid this problem, each time a still image file is generated, a link file indicating the file is generated. This link file is created in a directory for storing moving images, and the names are the same as those of the moving image files except for the extension. The entity of the link file may be a so-called alias or shortcut that uses the OS function of a personal computer. Further, it may be described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). In this case, it is better to set the extension to htm. FIG. 5 shows a description example in HTML. Reference numeral 801 denotes a description example of the link file 220 (pointing to a still image 101-0001 according to the DCF rule). Reference numerals 802 to 808 are all tags. Tag 806 is DCIM / 101IMAGE / ABCD0001. JPG (101-0001 in DCF display) is indicated by a relative path. In the header part (between the tag 803 and the tag 804), additional information such as shooting date / time and camera information may be described.

  In addition, the link file demonstrated so far is erase | eliminated simultaneously, for example, when the corresponding still image file is erased. Further, for example, the search may be performed in the playback mode or the like, and if the corresponding still image file does not exist, the link file may be deleted.

  The actual usage method is as follows when a user inserts a memory card into a personal computer, or when a digital video camera and personal computer are connected via USB, etc., and communication is performed using a storage class that is recognized as an external drive. It becomes. For example, when a directory under the VIDEO directory is opened using a general-purpose file browsing software such as Windows (registered trademark) Explorer, a link file corresponding to a still image file is sandwiched between moving image file lists. Will be browsing. Since the link file gives the file name excluding the extension in accordance with the moving image file name rule, the file name and the icons are arranged in the order of shooting together with the moving image file simply by opening the folder. Specifically, in the Explorer list display, file names and icons are arranged in the shooting order from the top to the bottom of the file list. If the moving image file is further clicked with the mouse, the corresponding reproduction software is activated and the reproduction of the moving image is started. On the other hand, if a link file is clicked, software capable of displaying a JPEG image such as Internet Explorer is activated to search for a link destination and reproduce the JPEG image.

  Therefore, it is possible to see at a glance what order the moving image and the still image were taken, and it is also possible to reproduce the moving image and the still image.

  Further, in the main body, for example, in a mode in which moving images are reproduced in order, only a still image file in which a link file exists may be reproduced. As a result, it is possible to select only a still image shot by this device or a compatible device from files shot by the general-purpose DCF rule.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even in digital cameras and digital video cameras that store still image files and moving image files in different directories, disadvantages due to the fact that they are not arranged in chronological order, particularly general-purpose personal computers. With this file browsing software, it is possible to solve the problems that the shooting order is difficult to understand. In addition, since the directory for storing moving images is not used for other standards, profiles, etc., compatibility with DCF can be maintained without affecting those and other products.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a block diagram of a video camera capable of mounting two memory cards at the same time.

  Blocks denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 have similar functions, and thus description thereof is omitted. Reference numeral 951A denotes a memory card control unit. The difference from the first embodiment is that two memory cards can be controlled. It also operates according to the control of the microcomputer 107. Reference numeral 953 denotes a memory card which is the same as the memory card 952. In this case, it is assumed that the device has a function that allows the user to set which card to save for each file type using the device setting menu.

  For example, in such a device, a case where a still image is set to be stored in the memory card 952 and a moving image is stored in the memory card 953 and two memory cards are set will be described with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes a directory and file created in the memory card 953. On the other hand, reference numeral 1002 denotes a directory and file created in the memory card 953. The directory name, role, and image file name rule are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. When a still image file 1006 is created on the memory card 952, a link file 1005 associated with the still image file 1006 is created on the memory card 953 at the same time. FIG. 7 shows a state where this has already been repeated. However, the link file also includes information for identifying the card. For example, each memory card has a unique identification number, and that number is also described. Alternatively, information for identifying the memory card may be created in an area that cannot be accessed by the user. The microcomputer 107 actually performs these processes. Note that the two cards do not have to be of the same standard. For example, one may be a CF card and the other may be an SD card.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained even when a plurality of memory cards (recording media) are used.

It is a block diagram of the video camera in a 1st Example. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a directory structure and file relationships in a memory card in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a directory structure and file relationships in a memory card in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a directory structure and file relationships in a memory card in the first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the example of a description of the link file in a 1st Example. It is a block diagram of the video camera in a 2nd Example. In a 2nd Example, it is a figure explaining the directory structure and file relationship in two memory cards.

Explanation of symbols

101 Lens unit 102 CCD
103 camera signal processing unit 104 microphone unit 105 compression / decompression processing unit 106 disk control unit 107 microcomputer 108 disk 109 memory (RAM)
112 Liquid crystal panel 113 Panel open / close detection switch 114 Speaker unit 115 Operation switch group 116 Mode dial 117 Trigger switch 118 Still image shooting trigger switch 121 External interface 122 Non-volatile memory (ROM)
123 Memory 134 Television signal processing unit 141 Data bus 142 CPU bus 952 Memory card 951, 951A Memory card control unit 953 Memory card

Claims (13)

A multimedia data creation method for storing at least two types of multimedia data having different compression formats in a data storage device in different directories according to the compression format,
When storing at least the first multimedia data, a link file associated with the first multimedia data is created in a directory for creating the second multimedia data. .   Further, when the third multimedia data in the third compression format is stored, a link file associated with the third multimedia data is created in the directory in which the multimedia data in the second compression format is to be created. The multimedia data creation method according to claim 1, wherein:   The multimedia data creation method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first multimedia data is still image data.   4. The multimedia data creation method according to claim 1, wherein the second multimedia data is video data including a moving image and sound.   Furthermore, the data stored in the data storage device is managed by a file system. In the file system, each data type has an extension indicating the data type, and the multimedia data file has a file name for each compression format. The name of the link file associated with the first multimedia data in the directory for creating the second multimedia data is different from that of the second multimedia data except for the extension. 5. The multimedia data creation method according to claim 1, wherein the multimedia data creation method is attached according to the file name rule.   6. The multimedia data creation method according to claim 1, wherein the link file is described by a markup language, and the multimedia file is designated by a relative path. An image recording / reproducing apparatus for storing still image data with different compression formats and moving image data with sound in different directories according to the compression formats,
An image recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein when the still image data is stored, a link file associated with the still image data is created in a directory for creating moving image data.   Further, when storing the audio (only) data, it is stored in a directory different from the directory for storing the still image data and the moving image data, and is associated with the audio data in the directory for generating the moving image data. 8. The image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the linked file is created.   8. The image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the file name of the link file is given in accordance with a file name generation rule for moving image data excluding an extension.   10. The image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the link file is described by a markup language, and a multimedia file is designated by a relative path.   The image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image recording / reproducing apparatus has a plurality of recording media, and the storage destinations of the still image data and the moving image data are different.   12. The image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recording medium is a memory card that is removable from the image recording / reproducing apparatus.   13. The image recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the still image data is created in accordance with a DCF rule.

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