JP2006040490A - Recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording apparatus capable of recording a plurality of pieces of encoded data on a recording medium at different transfer rates without enlarging capacity of an accumulation buffer unit. <P>SOLUTION: There are provided an encoding unit control unit 14 for controlling outputs of encoded data from encoder units 12 and 13 and analyzing a transfer rate of the encoded data and an accumulation buffer control unit 16 for dividing a storage region of a fixed size in an accumulation buffer unit 15 into a plurality of divided regions in advance, controlling the storage of the encoded data into the divided regions for the unit of a divided region in accordance with the transfer rate analyzed by the encoding unit control unit 14, and controlling the transfer of the encoded data from the divided regions for the unit of a divided region. When recording a plurality of pieces of encoded data on a recording medium 11 at different transfer rates (transfer speeds), the accumulation buffer control unit 16 allocates the divided regions, so that an area to store the encoded data becomes large as the transfer rate becomes high. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that simultaneously records, on a recording medium, a plurality of programs (streams) broadcast at the same time, for example, by digital broadcasting.

  FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of a conventional recording apparatus. In FIG. 6, encoding units 62 and 63 output encoded data. For example, in a recording apparatus that simultaneously records two programs broadcast at the same time in digital broadcasting on a recording medium, the two programs (streams) become predetermined encoded data from the encoding units 62 and 63, respectively. Is output.

  In the accumulation buffer unit 64, two temporary storage areas for storing encoded data from the encoding units 62 and 63 are set. In the conventional recording apparatus, when encoded data of a predetermined amount or more is accumulated in each temporary storage area, the encoded data is transferred from the accumulation buffer unit 64 and recorded on the recording medium 61. In the conventional recording apparatus, the encoded data from the encoding units 62 and 63 are alternately recorded on the recording medium 61.

  Thus, for example, in a recording apparatus that simultaneously records a plurality of programs broadcast at the same time in digital broadcasting on a recording medium, conventionally, in order to record a plurality of encoded data on a recording medium, A number of temporary storage areas are set up in advance, and the encoded buffer data is stored in each temporary storage area. A method has been proposed in which encoded data stored in each temporary storage area is sequentially recorded on a recording medium when the encoded data is stored (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, according to the conventional method, each encoded data is accumulated in each temporary storage area, and when encoded data of a predetermined amount or more is accumulated in each temporary storage area, it is accumulated in each temporary storage area. In order to sequentially record the encoded data on the recording medium, when the encoded data is recorded on the recording medium, encoded data of a predetermined amount or more must be accumulated in each temporary storage area. Therefore, when a plurality of encoded data is recorded on a recording medium at different transfer rates (transfer rates), other encoded data is stored while a predetermined amount of encoded data is stored in the temporary storage area. Must be stored in each temporary storage area.

Therefore, in the conventional method, in order to prepare for recording a plurality of pieces of encoded data on a recording medium at different transfer rates, the transfer rate is reduced until a predetermined amount of encoded data is accumulated in the temporary storage area. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the size of each temporary storage area so that the encoded data can be continuously stored in each temporary storage area, and the capacity of the storage buffer increases.
JP 2001-67802 A

  In view of the above problems, the present invention divides a storage area of a certain size of an encoding unit control unit that controls output of encoded data from a plurality of encoding units and a storage buffer unit into a plurality of divided regions in advance. A storage buffer controller that controls the storage of encoded data in each divided area and the transfer of encoded data from each divided area in units of divided areas, and provides a plurality of encodings at different transfer rates (transfer rates). When recording data on a recording medium, by assigning a divided area so that an area for storing encoded data having a high transfer rate is larger than an area for storing encoded data having a low transfer rate, the accumulation buffer unit It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus capable of recording a plurality of encoded data on a recording medium at different transfer rates without increasing the capacity.

  The recording apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention stores encoded data output from each of a plurality of encoding units in a storage buffer unit, transfers each encoded data from the storage buffer unit, and records the data on a recording medium. A plurality of encoding units that output encoded data; and the output of the encoded data from the plurality of encoding units and the code output from the plurality of encoding units An encoding unit controller that analyzes the transfer rate of the encoded data, an accumulation buffer unit that stores the encoded data output from each of the plurality of encoding units, and a plurality of storage areas of a certain size in the accumulation buffer unit In addition, the storage of the encoded data in the plurality of divided areas is controlled in units of divided areas according to the transfer speed analyzed by the encoding unit control unit, A storage buffer control unit that controls transfer of the encoded data from a plurality of divided regions in units of divided regions, and the storage buffer control unit stores the encoded data as the transfer speed increases. Is characterized in that the divided areas are allocated so as to increase.

  A recording apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the storage buffer control unit receives the encoded data when the encoded data is transferred from the storage buffer unit to the recording medium. Encoded data to be newly input to the accumulation buffer unit can be stored in the divided area where the encoded data has been stored.

  The recording apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the encoding unit control unit outputs encoded data from the plurality of encoding units. In this case, it is determined which encoding unit of the plurality of encoding units to output the encoded data.

  A recording apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the encoding unit control unit outputs from which encoding unit the encoded data to be output is from. The storage buffer control unit further includes a function of notifying the storage buffer control unit of an identifier indicating whether the data is encoded data, and the storage buffer control unit stores the encoded data based on the identifier notified from the encoding unit control unit. It further has a function of determining a divided area from the plurality of divided areas.

  A recording apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the storage buffer control unit assigns an identifier to each of the plurality of divided regions, and the identifier And storing encoded data in the plurality of divided areas and transferring encoded data from the plurality of divided areas in units of identifiers.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of encoded data can be recorded on a recording medium at different transfer rates (transfer rates) without increasing the capacity of the storage buffer unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. The recording apparatus stores the encoded data output from each of a plurality (here, two) encoding units in the accumulation buffer unit 15 and transfers each encoded data from the accumulation buffer unit 15 to record media (for example, (Recordable DVD or the like) 11. In the present embodiment, a case where two encoding units are provided will be described. Of course, the same applies to a case where two or more encoding units are provided.

  In FIG. 1, encoding units 12 and 13 output encoded data (encoded data). For example, in a recording apparatus that simultaneously records two programs broadcast at the same time by digital broadcasting on a DVD (recording medium) by the DVD-VR method, the two programs (streams) are encoded by the encoding units 62 and 63, respectively. Are output as predetermined encoded data.

  The encoding unit control unit 14 controls the output of encoded data from the encoding units 12 and 13. Specifically, the encoding unit control unit 14 determines the transfer request from the encoding units 12 and 13 and selects / determines which encoding unit to output the encoded data. Encoded data is output from the encoding unit.

  In addition, the encoding unit control unit 14 analyzes the transfer rate (transfer rate) of each encoded data and notifies the storage buffer control unit 16 and from which encoding unit the output encoded data is output. A function of notifying the storage buffer control unit 16 of an identifier representing which encoded data is provided. Note that the output timing of the encoded data from the encoding unit is arbitrary.

  The accumulation buffer unit 15 accumulates input encoded data. The encoded data output from the storage buffer unit 15 is recorded on the recording medium 11. The accumulation buffer control unit 16 divides the storage area of the fixed size of the storage buffer unit 15 into areas of a predetermined size in advance, and divides the divided area according to the transfer rate of each encoded data analyzed by the encoding unit control unit The storage of the encoded data is controlled in units of divided areas, and the transfer of the encoded data from the divided areas is controlled in units of divided areas. Specifically, a large number of divided areas are allocated to encoded data with a fast transfer rate.

  Further, the accumulation buffer control unit 16 assigns an identifier to each divided region, and stores the encoded data in the divided region and transfers the encoded data from the divided region using the identifier representing the divided region. Control in units.

  Further, the accumulation buffer control unit 16 stores the encoded data based on the identifier notified from the encoding unit notified from the encoding unit control unit 14 and indicating which encoded data is input to the accumulation buffer unit. The division area to be determined is determined.

The operation of the recording apparatus configured as described above will be described below.
The encoding units 12 and 13 notify the encoding unit control unit 14 of a transfer request for encoded data (encoded data). The encoding unit control unit 14 determines the notified transfer request, and selects / determines which encoding unit to output the encoded data. The encoded data is output from the encoding unit selected by the encoding unit control unit 14 to the accumulation buffer unit 15.

  Also, the encoding unit control unit 14 analyzes the transfer rate (transfer rate) of each encoded data and notifies the storage buffer control unit 16 of the analysis. Furthermore, when the encoded data is input to the accumulation buffer unit 15, the encoding unit control unit 14 stores an identifier indicating which encoded data is from which encoding unit. Notification to the unit 16.

  The accumulation buffer control unit 16 determines the number of divided areas to be allocated to each encoded data according to the transfer rate of each encoded data analyzed by the encoding unit control unit 14. Further, it is determined which encoded data from which encoding unit is based on the identifier notified from the encoding unit control unit 14, and selects which of the divided areas to store the encoded data, and the selection The encoded data is stored in the area. Further, the accumulation buffer control unit 16 stores which encoded data from which encoding unit is stored in which divided region by using both identifiers.

  When recording on the recording medium 11, the storage buffer control unit 16 determines which encoding unit from which the encoded data is to be recorded, and the encoded data in which divided region is based on both identifiers. It is determined whether to record, and when the amount of data stored in the divided area is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount of data, transfer to the recording medium 11 is started at an arbitrary timing.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a storage buffer unit management method by the storage buffer control unit of the recording apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage buffer control unit 16 divides the storage area of the storage buffer unit 15 into a fixed size area and assigns an identifier to each of the divided areas. As the identifier, for example, an identification number is used as shown in FIG. The accumulation buffer control unit 16 manages the accumulation buffer unit 15 in units of identification numbers (identifiers).

  Note that the size of the divided area is, for example, a data size equal to or larger than CDA (Contiguous Data Length), which is a data size that guarantees continuous reproduction of recorded encoded data.

  3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining a method of storing encoded data in the storage buffer unit of the recording apparatus. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the accumulation buffer unit 15 is divided into three areas, and identification numbers 1 to 3 are assigned to the respective divided areas as identifiers.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the encoding unit control unit 14 uses which encoding data from which encoding unit the encoded data input to the accumulation buffer unit 15 is. A combination of a number indicating the encoded data from the encoding unit and a number indicating the number of encoded data is assigned to each encoded data. For example, the first encoded data from the encoding unit 12 is assigned number 1-1 as an identifier, and the first encoded data from the encoding unit 13 is assigned number 2-1 as an identifier. The accumulation buffer control unit 16 stores which encoded data from which encoding unit is stored in which divided region using both identifiers, and manages the accumulation buffer unit 15.

  As a method for determining a divided area for storing encoded data, for example, encoded data from a specific encoding unit is stored in an arbitrary divided area, but the data amount does not reach a predetermined data amount. In this case, the encoded data from the specific encoding unit is stored in the divided area until a predetermined data amount is reached.

  Note that only the encoded data from one encoding unit is stored in the divided area. That is, the accumulation buffer control unit 16 manages the encoded data from the encoding unit 12 and the encoding unit 13 so as not to be mixed in one divided region.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the encoded data of number 1-1 is stored in the divided area of identification number 1, the encoded data of number 1-2 is stored in the divided area of identification number 2, and the division of identification number 3 is performed. The encoded data of number 2-1 is stored in the area.

  The accumulation buffer control unit 16 specifies the identification number (identifier) of the divided area where the encoded data is stored, and transfers the encoded data to the recording medium 11 in units of identification numbers. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the encoded data stored in the divided area with the identification number 1 is transferred, and the divided area with the identification number 1 is an empty area.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the encoded data stored in the divided area with the identification number 1 is transferred to the recording medium 11, the accumulation buffer control unit 16 confirms that the divided area with the identification number 1 has become an empty area. Judging. In a situation where encoded data of a predetermined amount or more is stored in the divided areas with the identification numbers 2 and 3, and the empty area is only the divided area with the identification number 1, the storage buffer control unit 16 is input next. The transfer amount of the encoded data is determined from the transfer rate of the encoded data, and if the encoded data is a data amount that can be stored in one divided area, the divided area (empty area) with the identification number 1 is used. Store.

  The timing of data transfer from the storage buffer unit 15 to the recording medium 11 is arbitrary, and the encoded data is not always transferred after the encoded data of a predetermined amount or more is stored in all the divided areas. Absent.

  As described above, the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment manages encoded data output from a plurality of encoding units by using one storage buffer and records it on a recording medium. In addition, the storage buffer unit can divide a storage area of a certain size of the storage buffer unit into a fixed size, assign an identifier to each divided region, and manage data input / output with the assigned identifier so that there is no free space Can be managed.

  Next, a method of storing encoded data in the storage buffer unit 15 when a plurality of encoded data is recorded on a recording medium at different transfer rates (transfer rates) will be described with reference to FIG. When a plurality of encoded data is recorded on a recording medium at different transfer rates, the recording apparatus has a larger area for storing encoded data having a higher transfer rate than an area for storing encoded data having a lower transfer rate. Allocate a partition area.

  The accumulation buffer control unit 16 determines the transfer amount of the encoded data input from the transfer rate notified from the encoding unit control unit 14, and determines the number of divided areas necessary to store the encoded data. . For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, in order to store the encoded data from the encoding unit 12 assigned with the number 1-1 as an identifier, two divided regions assigned with the identification numbers 1 and 2 as identifiers are stored. Judging to use.

  In addition, for example, when two divided areas are required for one input of encoded data and there is only one free area, the storage buffer control unit 16 identifies the next identification number of the free area. It is determined whether or not the encoded data stored in the (identifier) divided area can be transferred to the recording medium 11. If the encoded data can be transferred, the encoded data is transferred to the recording medium 11 to secure the area. .

  Further, if the data amount of the encoded data stored in the divided area of the identification number next to the empty area is not a predetermined data amount necessary for transferring to the recording medium 11, the data is accumulated when the transfer is impossible. The buffer control unit 16 secures only one free area and starts input of encoded data from the encoding unit.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by determining the optimum area size based on the transfer amount of encoded data input to the accumulation buffer unit, it is used for a single input of encoded data. It is possible to dynamically store the continuous encoded data in the accumulation buffer unit by dynamically changing the number of the divided areas.

  The recording apparatus according to the present invention can record a plurality of encoded data on a recording medium at different transfer rates without increasing the capacity of the storage buffer unit, for example, a plurality of data broadcast at the same time by digital broadcasting. The present invention is useful for an apparatus for recording a plurality of encoded data on a recording medium after temporarily storing them in a storage buffer unit, such as an apparatus for simultaneously recording a program (stream) on a recordable DVD by a DVD-VR system.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the memory map of the storage buffer part in embodiment of this invention The figure for demonstrating the accumulation | storage method of the encoding data to the accumulation | storage buffer part in embodiment of this invention The figure for demonstrating the accumulation | storage method of the encoding data to the accumulation | storage buffer part in embodiment of this invention The figure for demonstrating the accumulation | storage method of the encoding data to an accumulation | storage buffer part in the case of recording several encoding data on a recording medium with different transfer rates (transfer speed) in embodiment of this invention. Block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional recording apparatus

Explanation of symbols

11, 61 Recording medium 12, 62 Encoding unit 13, 63 Encoding unit 14 Encoding unit control unit 15, 64 Storage buffer unit 16 Storage buffer control unit

Claims (5)

A recording device that stores encoded data output from each of a plurality of encoding units in an accumulation buffer unit, transfers each encoded data from the accumulation buffer unit, and records the data on a recording medium,
A plurality of encoding units for outputting encoded data;
An encoding unit control unit that controls output of the encoded data from the plurality of encoding units and analyzes a transfer rate of the encoded data output from the plurality of encoding units;
An accumulation buffer unit for storing the encoded data output from each of the plurality of encoding units;
A storage area of a certain size in the accumulation buffer unit is divided into a plurality of divided areas in advance, and the encoded data is stored in the plurality of divided areas according to the transfer rate analyzed by the encoding unit control unit. A storage buffer control unit that controls the encoded data from the plurality of divided areas, and controls the divided data in units of divided areas.
And the storage buffer control section allocates a divided area so that the area for storing the encoded data becomes larger as the transfer speed is higher.   When the encoded data is transferred from the accumulation buffer unit to the recording medium, the accumulation buffer control unit newly inputs the divided area in which the encoded data is stored into the accumulation buffer unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording data can be stored.   The encoding unit control unit determines which encoding unit of the plurality of encoding units to output encoded data when outputting encoded data from the plurality of encoding units. The recording apparatus according to claim 1. The encoding unit control unit further includes a function of notifying the storage buffer control unit of an identifier indicating from which encoding unit the encoded data to be output is encoded data,
The accumulation buffer control unit further includes a function of determining a divided region for storing encoded data from the plurality of divided regions based on an identifier notified from the encoding unit control unit. Item 4. The recording device according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The accumulation buffer control unit assigns an identifier to each of the plurality of divided regions, and stores the encoded data in the plurality of divided regions and transfers the encoded data from the plurality of divided regions using the identifier. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit is controlled in units of identifiers.

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