JP2005293749A - AV data recording method and AV data recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device to record AV data by which desired AV data are efficiently selected from many AV data stored in a recording medium, the number of files being generated in the recording medium is made small, suppression is made for the possibility of the number of generated files that reaches a prescribed maximum file number within a relatively short interval and continuous generation of recording files is allowed. <P>SOLUTION: Based on the conditions at the time of the AV data recording, selection is made to add and record the AV data to the file that already exists in the recording medium or the recording is to be made as a separate and independent file. When the AV data are to be added to a file, the leading location of the AV data to be added is added to the control information of the file. Thus, desired AV data are efficiently selected from the many AV data stored in the recording medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording method and a recording apparatus for recording AV (Audio Visual) data including moving image and audio data on a recording medium (media), and more particularly to a technique for recording AV data shot by a video camera.

  In recent years, video cameras that record video data, audio data, and the like (hereinafter referred to as AV data) as digital data on a recording medium that can be randomly accessed such as an optical disk and a flash memory have been proposed. In a video camera using such a recording medium, when AV data is recorded, it is handled as a set of a plurality of non-linear files generated every time the “recording-recording stop” operation is performed on the recording medium. Therefore, many files are generated in the recording medium by repeating the “recording-recording stop” operation. This is very different from recording on tape. As a result, when a user selects a file from a recording medium at the time of reproduction, there is a problem that since there are a large number of files, searchability is poor and it is difficult to select a desired file.

  In addition, when the “recording-recording stop” operation is repeated frequently at relatively short intervals, a large number of files with a relatively small capacity are generated, and the number of generated files can be recorded on a recording medium within a relatively short period of time. The maximum number of files is reached (specified maximum number of files). As a result, there is a problem that no more recording files can be created even though the remaining recordable capacity of the recording medium is still sufficient.

  As a measure to improve searchability, a method is proposed in which a recorded file is played back linearly in the order of generation time by creating a playlist in the order of generation time for the files in the recording medium and performing playback based on the playlist. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

However, although this method can reproduce in the order of file generation, it cannot select and reproduce a desired file at random. Further, there is no improvement with respect to the problem that the number of generated files reaches the specified maximum number of files within a relatively short period of time and it becomes impossible to create more recording files.
JP 2003-217266 A (pages 3-6, FIGS. 1, 9)

  In the case of the above-described conventional technique for linearly reproducing a recording file in the order of generation time based on a reproduction list, since the reproduction order is fixed, random desired AV data cannot be easily selected. There is.

  In addition, as a result of frequently repeating the “record-record stop” operation at relatively short intervals, the number of generated files reaches the specified maximum number of files within a relatively short period of time, and the remaining recordable capacity is sufficient. Regardless, there is a problem that it becomes impossible to create any more recording files.

  The present invention takes the following means in order to solve the above problems.

  That is, the AV data recording method according to the present invention is a recording method for recording AV data composed of moving image and audio data on a recording medium, which is added to a file already existing in the recording medium when the AV data is recorded. The main feature is to select whether to record or generate as another independent file according to a predetermined condition.

  In this case, if it is selected to record in addition to the already existing file, the AV data is additionally recorded from the end position of the already existing AV file, and the beginning of the AV data addition is recorded. The location information is preferably recorded in a management file attached to the AV file.

  When the above AV data recording method is developed as an AV data recording apparatus, the AV data recording apparatus according to the present invention is a recording apparatus for recording AV data composed of moving image and audio data on a recording medium, and inputs the AV data. A file generating means for sending the input AV data to the recording means in a state in which a new file is generated for the input AV data, and recording the file in the file already existing in the recording medium by inputting the AV data. Control is performed so that the input AV data is appended so as to be continuous at the end of the AV data, and the information of the start position of the AV data addition is recorded in the management file attached to the existing file. A file appending means for sending the input AV data controlled to the recording means to the recording means, and the file according to the recording conditions. Is obtained by a recording method selecting means for connecting the Le generating means to said recording means by selecting either one of said file append means.

  According to this, the number of files generated in the recording medium is reduced by selecting the additional recording. As a result, the possibility of the number of generated files reaching the specified maximum number of files within a relatively short period is suppressed, and AV data can be continuously recorded. Further, even when a plurality of recording AV data having different recording times in the same file is grouped, a desired AV can be randomly selected by using the information of the AV data addition head position in the accompanying management file. Data can be selected efficiently.

  In the above configuration, the recording of the information of the start position of the AV data addition may be performed using the start position as a change point of the content of the recorded AV file, or the start position is the time of the recorded AV file. You may record as a discontinuous point of information. Further, the start position may be recorded in the reproduction list file as a reproduction start point. These are controlled by the file appending means.

  In the above configuration, it is preferable to set the following conditions for selecting whether to add to a file that already exists in the recording medium for recording or to generate as another independent file.

  One condition is to compare the recording start date and time of the AV data with the generation date and time of an AV file that already exists in the recording medium, and if the two dates are the same, select the additional recording, and so on. If not, the generation of the independent file is selected. This is controlled by the file appending means. The fact that the dates are the same is because continuity or relevance of a plurality of AV data is high, and it is meaningful to combine them into one file.

  Another condition is that the additional recording is selected when the number of AV files already existing in the recording medium exceeds a predetermined number, and the generation as the independent file is selected otherwise. That is. This is controlled by the file appending means. When the number of files reaches the specified maximum number of files, there is a possibility that the recording of the subsequent AV data may become impossible.

  Still another condition is that the additional recording is selected when an AV file having a predetermined file size or smaller exists among the AV files already existing in the recording medium, and the independent recording is performed otherwise. Choose to generate as a file. This is controlled by the file appending means. This is because the AV data having a small size makes it sense that AV data will continue to be input.

  Still another condition is that if the AV file recording operator already present in the recording medium and the AV data recording operator are the same person, the additional recording is selected. Choose to create as a separate file. The fact that the persons involved in the recording operation are the same means that the plurality of AV data is more continuous or relevant than when the persons are different, and it is meaningful to combine them into one file. On the other hand, if they are different persons, it is more reasonable to generate a new file.

  In the recording method of the present invention, whether to add to a file that already exists at the time of recording AV data or to generate it as another independent file is selected according to the conditions at the time of recording, and added to the file Adds the start position of the AV data to be added to the management information of the file, so that desired AV data can be efficiently selected from a large number of AV data in the recording medium and is generated in the recording medium. There is an advantage that the number of files can be reduced, the possibility that the number of generated files will reach the specified maximum number of files within a relatively short period of time, and the subsequent generation of recording files can be allowed.

  Embodiments of an AV data recording method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an AV data recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, 101 is an AV data input unit, 102 is a file generation unit, 103 is a file addition unit, 104 is a recording method selection unit, 105 is a recording unit, and 106 is a recording medium.

  The file generation means 102 and the file additional recording means 103 are interposed between the input means 101 and the recording means 105, and the recording method selection means 104 is connected to the recording method selection means 104 and the file additional recording according to the recording conditions. Any one of the means 103 is selected and connected to the input means 101 and the recording means 105. The selection by the recording method selection means 104 is determined at the start of the recording operation. The file generation unit 102 has a function of generating a new file for the AV data input from the input unit 101. The recording unit 105 has a function of writing AV data from the recording method selection unit 104 or the file additional recording unit 103 to the recording medium 106.

  The file appending means 103 performs control so that the AV data input from the input means 101 is appended in a state that continues to the end of the recorded AV data in the file already existing on the recording medium 106, and is input in the appending state. AV data is sent to the recording means 105.

  Next, the operation of the AV data recording apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Prior to recording, in the recording method selection unit 104, it is set which of the file generation unit 102 and the file additional recording unit 103 is activated. When the file generation unit 102 is selected, the input unit 101, the file generation unit 102, and the recording unit 105 are associated. On the other hand, when the file appending means 103 is selected, the input means 101, the file appending means 103, and the recording means 105 are associated. In the latter case, designation of a file to be additionally recorded in the recording medium 106 is also performed by the recording method selection unit 104, and the designation is given to the file additional recording unit 103.

  When recording is started, AV data obtained by shooting or the like is input to the input unit 101 and sent to the recording unit 105 via the file generation unit 102 or the file addition unit 103.

(A) When selecting the file generation unit 102 The file generation unit 102 becomes active, the file generation unit 102 newly generates a file for the input AV data, and the new file is generated in the recording medium 106 through the recording unit 105. AV data is recorded under the file.

(B) When selecting the file appending means 103 The file appending means 103 becomes active. The designation of which existing file to be additionally recorded is received from the recording method selection means 104 in advance. The file appending means 103 adjusts AV data in such a form that the input AV data can be appended to the input AV data in a state of being continuous to the end of the recorded AV data in the file under the existing file to be appended. Generate. The adjusted AV data adjusted to the additional recording state is recorded on the recording medium 106 through the recording means 105. That is, the adjusted AV data is recorded in a state that is continuous to the end of the recorded AV data in the existing file to be added. At this time, information on the additional head position of the input AV data with respect to the recorded AV data is recorded in the management file in parallel. The management file is attached to the existing file.

  Next, an operation example of the recording method selection unit 104 will be described.

(I) Selection based on date information The recording method selection means 104 manages the recording operation start date and time of input AV data. The generation date and time of the recorded AV data file that has already been recorded is also managed.

  The recording method selection means 104 compares the data of the recording operation start date / time of the input AV data with the data of the generation date / time of the file in the recording medium 106, and if both are the same date, the file is added to the file to be added. Set. Then, the file appending means 103 is selected and activated to append the input AV data to the appending target file. The fact that the dates are the same is because continuity or relevance of a plurality of AV data is high, and it is meaningful to combine them into one file.

  On the other hand, if the dates are different from each other, the recording method selection unit 104 selects and activates the file generation unit 102 to generate a new file.

(Ii) Selection based on file creator The recording method selection means 104 is configured to input identification data of a person who performs a recording operation. The identification data is recorded as attribute data of the recorded AV data.

  The recording method selection means 104 compares the data of the recording operator of the input AV data with the data of the creator of the file in the recording medium 106, and if they are the same person, sets the file as the additional recording target file. . Then, the file appending means 103 is selected and activated to append the input AV data to the appending target file. The fact that the persons involved in the recording operation are the same means that the plurality of AV data is more continuous or relevant than when the persons are different, and it is meaningful to combine them into one file.

  On the other hand, if they are different persons, the recording method selection unit 104 selects and activates the file generation unit 102 to generate a new file.

(Iii) Selection Based on File Size The recording method selection unit 104 monitors the file size of a file in the recording medium 106, and if there is a file smaller than a predetermined threshold size, sets the file as a file to be added. To do. Then, the file appending means 103 is selected and activated to append the input AV data to the appending target file. The AV data with a small size makes it foresee the input of AV data that will continue further.

  On the other hand, if there is no file smaller than the predetermined threshold size, the recording method selection unit 104 selects and activates the file generation unit 102 to generate a new file.

(Iv) Selection Based on Recording Time The recording method selection unit 104 monitors the recording time of the recorded AV data in the recording medium 106, and sets the file as an additional recording target file when it is smaller than a predetermined threshold time. To do. Then, the file appending means 103 is selected and activated to append the input AV data to the appending target file. AV data with a short recording time gives a sense of input of AV data that will continue further.

  On the other hand, if the recording AV data is longer than a predetermined threshold time, the recording method selection unit 104 selects and activates the file generation unit 102 to generate a new file.

(V) Selection Based on Number of Files The recording method selection unit 104 monitors the number of files in the recording medium 106, and sets the last file as an additional write target file when a predetermined threshold is exceeded. Then, the file appending means 103 is selected and activated to append the input AV data to the appending target file. When the number of files reaches the specified maximum number of files, there is a possibility that the recording of the subsequent AV data may become impossible. This is to avoid this beforehand and to enable the recording of the AV data.

  On the other hand, if the number of files is less than the predetermined threshold, the recording method selection unit 104 selects and activates the file generation unit 102 to generate a new file.

  Note that any combination of the above (i) to (v) may be used as a condition.

  Next, the contents of the recording data when the file appending means 103 is activated will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example of the contents of the recorded data in the recording medium 106 recorded via the file appending means 103.

  The AV file 201 includes a plurality of AV data 202, 203, 204, and 205 generated at different dates and times. The management file includes the recording start time information of the first AV data 202 and the recording start time information of the other AV data 203, 204, 205 starting from the recording start time information of the first AV data 202. Yes.

  In addition, a discontinuous point flag 206 indicating that AV data is temporally discontinuous is assigned to a joint portion of each AV data. In addition, a display marker 207 indicating a playback start point is also attached to a portion that becomes a joint of AV data. A joint portion of AV data may be recorded as a playback start point. By doing so, it is possible to know that even recorded AV data that seems to be one unit in the same file is actually composed of a combination of a plurality of recorded AV data having a plurality of different recording times. . This makes it possible to increase the efficiency of selection when any one of the recorded AV data is randomly selected and reproduced.

  By such a recording method, an increase in the number of files when the “record-record stop” operation is repeated can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to delay as much as possible the number of generated files from reaching the specified maximum number of files on the recording medium within a relatively short period of time.

  Next, reproduction will be described. For example, when a file is generated with the same date as the unit as described above, when the user selects desired recording AV data, the user first selects the date file, and then selects the file in the selected file. Recording AV data can be selected based on the display marker 206. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently select and reproduce any one recorded AV data at random.

  According to the AV data recording method of the present invention, random access is possible and recording is performed in units of files that are individually and non-linearly generated every time the “recording-recording stop” operation is performed. Therefore, the number of generated files is relatively short. It is useful as a recording method for video cameras that use digital recording media that tend to easily reach the specified maximum number of files. Especially, the period until the specified maximum number of files is reached by suppressing the number of generated files This is useful as a technique for efficiently selecting desired AV data randomly from the recording medium.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an AV data recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The figure which shows the form of the data in the recording medium in Embodiment 1 of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Input means 102 File generation means 103 File addition means 104 Recording method selection means 105 Recording means 106 Recording medium 201 AV file 202 First AV data 203, 204, 205 AV data other than first 206 Discontinuous point flag 207 Display marker

Claims (17)

A recording method for recording AV data composed of video and audio data on a recording medium,
An AV data recording method, wherein when the AV data is recorded, it is selected according to a predetermined condition whether to add to the file already existing in the recording medium and to record it as another independent file.   If it is selected to record in addition to the already existing file, the AV data is additionally recorded from the end position of the already existing AV file, and information on the start position of the AV data addition is recorded. The AV data recording method according to claim 1, wherein recording is performed in a management file associated with the AV file.   3. The AV data recording method according to claim 1, wherein the recording of the information of the start position of the AV data addition is performed using the start position as a change point of the content of the recorded AV file.   The AV data recording method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recording of the information of the start position of the AV data addition is performed by using the start position as a discontinuous point of time information of the recorded AV file.   3. The AV data recording method according to claim 1, wherein the recording of the information of the start position for adding the AV data is performed by using the start position as a playback start point in a playlist file. The condition for selecting whether to record in addition to a file that already exists in the recording medium or to generate as another independent file is:
The recording start date and time of the AV data is compared with the generation date and time of an AV file that already exists in the recording medium, and if the two dates are the same, the additional recording is selected. The AV data recording method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the generation of an independent file is selected. The condition for selecting whether to record in addition to a file that already exists in the recording medium or to generate as another independent file is:
The additional recording is selected when the number of AV files already existing in the recording medium exceeds a predetermined number, and the generation as the independent file is selected otherwise. The AV data recording method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The condition for selecting whether to record in addition to a file that already exists in the recording medium or to generate as another independent file is:
If there is an AV file of a predetermined file size among the already existing AV files in the recording medium, the additional recording is selected. Otherwise, the generation as the independent file is selected. The AV data recording method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The condition for selecting whether to record in addition to a file that already exists in the recording medium or to generate as another independent file is:
If the recording operator of the AV file already existing in the recording medium and the recording operator of the AV data are the same person, the additional recording is selected. Otherwise, the generation as the independent file is performed. 6. The AV data recording method according to claim 1, wherein the AV data recording method is selected. A recording device for recording AV data composed of moving image and audio data on a recording medium,
File generating means for inputting the AV data and sending the input AV data to a recording means in a state in which a new file is generated for the input AV data;
The AV data is input, the input AV data is added so as to be continued at the end of the recorded AV data in the file already existing in the recording medium, and information on the start position of the AV data addition is already added File appending means for performing control so as to record in a management file associated with an existing file, and sending out the input AV data controlled as such to the recording means;
A recording method selecting means for selecting one of the file generating means and the file appending means in accordance with a recording condition and connecting to the recording means;
AV data recording apparatus comprising:   11. The AV data recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the file additional recording unit records information about the start position of the AV data addition using the start position as a change point of the content of the recorded AV file.   11. The AV data recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the file additional recording unit records the information of the start position of the AV data addition as the discontinuous point of the time information of the recorded AV file.   11. The AV data recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the file additional recording unit records the information of the start position of the AV data addition as a playback start point in the playback list file.   The recording method selection means compares the recording start date and time of the AV data with the generation date and time of an AV file that already exists in the recording medium as a condition at the time of recording, and when both dates are the same, The AV data recording apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a file appending unit is selected, and if not, the file generating unit is selected.   The recording method selection means determines whether or not the number of AV files already existing in the recording medium as a condition at the time of recording exceeds a predetermined number, and if so, selects the file additional recording means, The AV data recording apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein if not so, the file generation means is selected.   The recording method selection means determines whether or not an AV file having a predetermined file size or less exists among the AV files already existing in the recording medium as the recording condition. The AV data recording apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a file appending unit is selected, and if not, the file generating unit is selected. The recording method selecting means selects the additional recording if the recording operator of the AV file already existing in the recording medium and the recording operator of the AV data are the same person, and if not, The AV data recording apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein generation as an independent file is selected.

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