JP2008262381A - Information processor, information processing method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an arrangement that increases a probability at which high-speed start processing using access information recorded in a nonvolatile memory is enabled. <P>SOLUTION: Data record processing by an external device for an information recording medium is monitored. A monitoring result regarding whether or not the data record processing requiring the update of access information recorded in a nonvolatile memory has been performed is saved. Based on the saved monitoring result, the validity of the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is verified. If the information is valid, start processing using the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is executed, and if it is not valid, the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is deleted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer program. More specifically, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer program that perform data recording using an information recording medium.

  In digital video cameras, PCs, and other information processing devices, information recording and information reproduction processing using a recording medium (information recording medium) such as a hard disk is performed. However, in a device equipped with a DVD or HDD as a recording medium, several tens or hundreds of times from when the device is turned on to when the power is supplied until the DVD or HDD can be accessed. Generally, it takes a time of ms to several seconds.

  This is because, for example, in a video camera, the control unit of the video camera main body performs data recording and reproduction using the attached recording medium, and therefore information necessary for accessing the HDD or DVD, for example, a recordable capacity In addition, various access information such as recordable address position information is collected, and the collected access information is recorded in a memory such as a RAM.

  The collection of access information and the recording process to the memory require a predetermined time. In particular, in a video camera or the like, it is not preferable that the time from when the power is turned on until when shooting is possible becomes long because the shooting timing is missed. As a configuration for reducing the start-up time, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-359036) discloses file access when the device is turned off and when the device is turned on last time (the state immediately before turning off the device). Proposes a configuration that shortens startup time and file access time by using the access information stored in the nonvolatile memory when the power is turned on next time. ing.

However, for example, an external device such as a PC is connected to the video camera via a USB connection, and data is written to the recording medium (HDD, etc.) of the video camera from the external device to update the recording data of the recording medium (HDD, etc.). There is a case. In such a case, for example, after turning off the power of the video camera and performing startup processing using the access information stored in the nonvolatile memory, old information before being updated by an external device (PC) or the like is displayed. An erroneous startup process based on this will be performed. As a method to avoid such a situation, when connecting to an external device, the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is discarded before the connection, and the startup after disconnecting the external device is non-volatile A configuration that does not use recorded information in a memory has been proposed. However, as a result, the startup process takes a lot of time.
JP 2001-359036 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described situation, and has a configuration for recording data using a recording medium, and further, in a device to which an external device can be connected by USB connection or the like, the access information of the recording medium is stored in a nonvolatile manner. To reduce the startup processing time when the power is turned on by recording in the volatile memory, and when the external device is connected, whether the access information recorded in the non-volatile memory is erased or remains in a preset condition It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer program that realize effective shortening of startup processing by effectively using access information by performing control based on the above.

The first aspect of the present invention is:
An information processing apparatus that performs data recording processing on an information recording medium,
A non-volatile memory that records access information of an information recording medium applicable to the startup process;
A control unit that executes startup processing using access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory;
A recording process monitoring unit for monitoring a data recording process for the information recording medium by an external device connected to the information processing apparatus, and the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory needs to be updated before the external device is connected A recording process monitoring unit that monitors whether or not the data recording process is executed,
The controller is
Based on the monitoring result of the recording process monitoring unit, it is determined whether or not the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is valid. If the access information is valid, the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is followed. In the information processing apparatus, the startup information is executed, and when the information is invalid, the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is erased.

  Furthermore, in an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the recording process monitoring unit executes a data recording process by the external device for a preset monitoring range in the data recording area of the information recording medium. It is the structure which monitors whether or not.

  Furthermore, in an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the control unit sets a monitoring range of data recording processing for the information recording medium by the external device as connection preparation processing of the external device, and sets the set monitoring range. The recording process monitoring unit is notified, and the recording process monitoring unit is configured to monitor whether or not the data recording process by the external device is executed for the monitoring range notified from the control unit. And

  Furthermore, in an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the recording process monitoring unit executes a process of setting a flag indicating the monitoring result according to the monitoring result and recording the flag in a memory, and the control unit includes the flag The access information recorded in the non-volatile memory is determined to be valid based on the value of.

  Furthermore, in an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the recording process monitoring unit is a device driver corresponding to the information recording medium.

Furthermore, the second aspect of the present invention provides
An information processing method executed in an information processing apparatus that executes data recording processing on an information recording medium,
The recording process monitoring unit is a recording process monitoring step for monitoring a data recording process for an information recording medium by an external device connected to the information processing apparatus, and the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory before the external device is connected. A recording process monitoring step for monitoring whether or not a data recording process that requires updating has been executed;
The control unit determines whether or not the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is valid based on the monitoring result in the recording process monitoring step. If the access information is valid, the information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory. A startup process step of executing a startup process in accordance with the access information and, if invalid, erasing the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory;
There is an information processing method characterized by comprising:

  Furthermore, in an embodiment of the information processing method of the present invention, in the recording process monitoring step, the data recording process by the external device is executed for a preset monitoring range in the data recording area of the information recording medium. This step is a step for monitoring whether or not.

  Furthermore, in an embodiment of the information processing method of the present invention, in the information processing method, the control unit further includes a monitoring range of data recording processing on the information recording medium by the external device as connection preparation processing of the external device. Setting, and notifying the recording process monitoring unit of the set monitoring range, wherein the recording process monitoring step is such that the data recording process by the external device is executed for the monitoring range notified from the control unit. This step is a step for monitoring whether or not.

  Furthermore, in an embodiment of the information processing method of the present invention, the recording process monitoring step is a step of executing a process of setting a flag indicating the monitoring result in accordance with the monitoring result and recording the flag in a memory, and the activation processing step Is a step of determining whether or not the access information recorded in the non-volatile memory is valid based on the value of the flag.

Furthermore, the third aspect of the present invention provides
A computer program that executes information processing in an information processing apparatus that performs data recording processing on an information recording medium,
This is a recording process monitoring step for causing the recording process monitoring unit to monitor the data recording process for the information recording medium by the external device connected to the information processing apparatus, and for the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory before the external device is connected. A recording process monitoring step for monitoring whether or not a data recording process that requires updating has been executed;
Based on the monitoring result in the recording process monitoring step, the control unit determines whether or not the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is valid. If valid, the information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory. An activation process step for executing an activation process in accordance with the access information and, if invalid, erasing the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory;
In a computer program characterized by causing

  The computer program of the present invention is a computer program that can be provided by, for example, a storage medium provided in a computer-readable format in a general-purpose computer system that can execute various program codes. By providing such a program in a computer-readable format, processing corresponding to the program is realized on the computer system.

  Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a more detailed description based on embodiments of the present invention described later and the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the system is a logical set configuration of a plurality of devices, and is not limited to one in which the devices of each configuration are in the same casing.

  According to the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus that records access information of an information recording medium applicable to a startup process in a nonvolatile memory and executes the startup process using the recorded access information, Monitors the data recording process on the information recording medium by the device, and saves and saves the monitoring result as to whether or not the data recording process that requires the update of the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory before the external device is connected Based on the monitored result, it is determined whether or not the access information of the nonvolatile memory is valid. If the access information is valid, the startup process according to the access information of the nonvolatile memory is executed. Since it is configured to erase the access information of the nonvolatile memory, it is more than the configuration that erases the access information unconditionally when an external device is connected. Fast startup process using the access information in the nonvolatile memory is possible in the case.

Details of the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the computer program of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be made according to the following items.
1. 1. Outline of file system 2. Configuration example that enables high-speed startup by recording access information using a non-volatile memory Hardware configuration example of information processing device

[1. File system overview]
For example, when information is recorded on a recording medium (information recording medium) such as a hard disk in a digital video camera, a PC, or other information processing equipment, management information of the recording data file, for example, FAT (File Allocation Table) is applied. Processing is performed. The FAT includes, for example, FAT16 and FAT32, and these file systems manage recording position information, recording position chain information, and the like for each data file recorded on the medium (information recording medium). The details of FAT16 / 32 are described in, for example, “Microsoft Extensible Firmware Initiative FAT32 File System Specification”.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the data structure when formatted in FAT16 and FAT32 will be described. FIG. 1A shows a format by FAT16, and FIG. 1B shows a format by FAT32.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the data structure of the FAT 16 is, in order from the first sector (LBA = 0), following the master boot record (MBR), the partition boot record (PBR), and the file allocation table 1 (FAT 1). The file allocation table 2 (FAT2) is recorded, and a plurality of clusters as data areas are set following the root directory entry.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the data structure of FAT32 is, in order from the first sector (LBA = 0), following the master boot record (MBR), partition boot record (PBR), and file system information (FSinfo). A file allocation table 1 (FAT1) and a file allocation table 2 (FAT2) are recorded, and then a plurality of clusters as data areas are set.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the master boot record (MBR) holds startup information and partition information, that is, a partition table including the start address and size information of each partition. The FAT16 and FAT32 data structures shown in FIG. 1 show an example in which there is only one partition. However, it is possible to manage a recording medium such as a hard disk by dividing it into a plurality of partitions. As shown in FIG. 2, a partition table including the start address and size information of each partition of a plurality of partitions is set.

  At the time of activation, first, an activation code (program) is read from the activation code area of the MBR. The read activation code of the MBR refers to the partition table in the partition table area formed immediately after the activation code shown in FIG. 2A, reads the information of the boot sector of the target partition, and An OS (Operating System) is activated by a sector code (program).

  A plurality of (for example, four) partition tables can be provided. As described above, each partition table holds information indicating the position (start address) and size (partition size) of each partition area formed by dividing the recording area of the hard disk, for example. A signature for the partition table is given to 2 bytes (0E, 0F) following the partition table area.

  The data structure of the partition table having a data length of 16 bytes (128 bits) is shown in FIG. The 8-byte area from the 0th byte to the 7th byte is a storage area for information used when the address is specified by the CHS method, and the 8-byte area from the 8th byte to the 15th byte is the LBA method. This is an information storage area used when specifying an address.

  In the CHS system, an address (position) on a recording medium (hard disk) is specified using three parameters of a cylinder (Cylinder), a head (Head), and a sector (Sector) as one set. In the LBA method, numbers (block addresses (logical addresses)) are assigned in order from, for example, 0 to each accessible unit block (for example, one sector unit) on the recording area of the hard disk. By designating, an address (position) on the recording area of the hard disk is designated.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the storage area of information used when accessing by the CHS system is the 0th byte storage area for active flag information (hereinafter simply referred to as flag information), and the first byte to 3 bytes. Storage area for starting sector information used when the first 3 bytes are accessed by the CHS method, 4th byte is a storage area for partition type information (hereinafter simply referred to as type information), 5th to 7th bytes Is the storage area of the end sector information used when accessing by the CHS method.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the information storage area used when accessing by the LBA method is the storage area of the start sector information in which 4 bytes from the 8th byte to the 11th byte are used by the LBA method. , 4 bytes from the 12th byte to the 15th byte are a partition size storage area used in the LBA method.

  Note that the CHS method uses the physical structure of the hard disk as it is, and there are three parameters for addressing such as cylinder, head, and sector, so that the software processing becomes complicated. On the other hand, in the case of the LBA method, since it is designated by a single parameter called a block address, the address designation at the time of access is very simple. For this reason, the LBA method has become the main addressing method for hard disks, and the LBA method is also used for other recording media, for example, various memory cards that are becoming widely used as so-called removable media. More and more addresses can be specified. Note that the method applied in the information processing apparatus of the present invention may be either a CHS method or an LBA method.

  File management information such as a file name and recording date and time is set for each file recorded on the information recording medium. FIG. 3 shows the information structure of a directory entry which is information stored in a directory provided in each partition and is file management information formed for each file. This directory entry is file management information formed in a directory according to the formed file when a file is formed in the partition, and manages detailed information of the formed file.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the directory entry as file management information corresponding to each file includes a name (file name) column, an extended name column, an attribute column, a reservation column, a creation time column, a creation date column, and a last access date column. , Head cluster number instruction information (High) field, recording time field, recording date field, head cluster number instruction information (Low) field, and file size field, and corresponding information, ie, file name, extended name, It manages attributes, creation time, creation date, last access date, top cluster number (High), recording time, recording date, top cluster number (Low), and file size. By using this directory entry information, the file specified by the file name is (1) what attribute it has, (2) where the starting cluster is, and (3) how big the file is. Yes, it is possible to manage (4) when it was created, (5) when it was last accessed, (6) when data was recorded, etc.

  The start cluster number is information for specifying a storage area in cluster units of the data area of the partition where the file data recording is started. In other words, the start cluster number indicates from which storage area of each storage area obtained by dividing the data area of the partition into cluster units, the data of the file is recorded. In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the leading cluster number is managed by dividing it into two bytes on the upper side (high side) and two bytes on the lower side (Low side).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cluster is a minimum unit that is included in the data area and can manage data in the FAT, and means a minimum recording unit per file in which a plurality of sectors are collected. One cluster has a configuration in which n sectors (n = 1, 2, 4,... 64, 128) are collected (sector size = 512 bytes in the case of a hard disk). Since the sector, which is the minimum unit of the hard disk, is too small as a unit for managing files, file management is facilitated by using a unit area called a cluster in which a plurality of sectors are collected. The specific size of the cluster is, for example, 32 kilobytes for FAT16 and 4 kilobytes for FAT32.

  In the FAT data structure shown in FIG. 1, a partition boot record (PBR) including an activation code corresponding to a partition is set subsequent to the master boot record (MBR) described with reference to FIG. An allocation table 1 (FAT1) and a file allocation table 2 (FAT2) are stored.

  The file allocation table 2 (FAT2) is used as spare data for the file allocation table 1 (FAT1). That is, the file allocation table 2 (FAT2) stores copy data of the file allocation table 1 (FAT1).

  A data configuration example of a general file allocation table (FAT) will be described with reference to FIG. The file allocation table (FAT) is a table for managing recording position information and recording position chain information for each data file recorded on a medium (information recording medium).

  As described above, the configuration data of each data file is distributed to one or more clusters and recorded on the information recording medium. The file allocation table (FAT) stores chain information of cluster numbers of clusters that store configuration data of each file.

The FAT shown in FIG. 4 is divided into two parts. Items indicated by double lines are indexes, and as data entries,
[0x00000000] to [0x0000000F]
[0x00000010] to [0x0000001F]
[0x00000020] to [0x00000002F]
[0x00000030] to [0x00000003F]
Indicates the cluster number. [0x] is omitted in the table shown in the figure, but the above [0x] indicates that the cluster number indicated by the subsequent 8-digit numerical value of 0 to F is in hexadecimal notation.

  The cluster number storing the next data of the file configuration data is recorded at the position of the cluster number storing the configuration data of each file, and the code [0x0FFFFFFF] indicating EOF (end of file) is recorded at the position of the final cluster number. Is done. The head cluster number is recorded in the directory entry of each file described with reference to FIG.

For example, the first cluster number recorded in the directory entry of each file is
First file: 0x00000007
Second file: 0x0000000A
Third file: 0x0000001B
Fourth file: 0x0000002C
And

  Since the first cluster number of the first file is [0x00000007], the first data of the first file can be acquired by reading the cluster of the cluster number [0x00000007] first. The cluster number in which the next configuration data of the first file is recorded can be known based on the recording information at the position of the FAT cluster number [0x00000007] shown in FIG. It is found that the cluster number [0x00000008] is recorded at the position of the FAT cluster number [0x00000007] shown in FIG. 4, and the cluster number in which the next configuration data of the first file is recorded is [0x00000008]. Data can be read from the cluster with the number [0x00000008].

  Furthermore, the cluster number in which the next configuration data of the first file is recorded is recorded at the position of the FAT cluster number [0x00000008] shown in FIG. It is found that the cluster number [0x00000009] is recorded at the position of the FAT cluster number [0x00000008] shown in FIG. 4, and the cluster number in which the next configuration data of the first file is recorded is [0x00000009]. Data can be read from the cluster with the number [0x00000009]. Further, in order to obtain the cluster number in which the next configuration data is recorded, referring to the recording information in the FAT cluster number [0x00000009 position, the corresponding code [0x0FFFFFFF] of EOF (end of file) is recorded. It turns out that there is no data.

As a result, the first file is
Cluster number: [0x00000007] → [0x00000008] → [0x00000009] It is found that the data is stored in the cluster.

Similarly,
The second file is
Cluster number: [0x0000000A] → [0x0000001F] → [00000025] → [0x00000031] → [0x00000030]
The third file is
Cluster number: [0x000001B] → [0x0000011] → [0x0000012] → [0x0000013] → [0x0000013] → [0x0000003]
The fourth file is
Cluster number: [0x000002C] → [0x000002D] → [0x000002E] → [0x000002F] → [0x00000038] → [0x00000039] → [0x000003A] → [0x000003B]
It becomes clear that the data is stored in the clusters designated by, and data can be acquired from these clusters.

  The FAT shown in FIG. 4 is a data example corresponding to the FAT32. In FAT32, the corresponding code of EOF (end of file) is [0x0FFFFFFF]. In FAT16, the corresponding code of EOF (end of file) is [0xFFFF]. By detecting the EOF (end of file) corresponding code, it is possible to determine that the file configuration data is finished.

Thus, each file recorded on the information recording medium is
(A) "Directory entry" that holds file name, creation date and time, file size, etc.
(B) “FAT” that holds cluster chain information
(C) “Data (substance of file)” recorded in cluster units
These are recorded on an information recording medium such as a hard disk, and based on “directory entry” and “FAT”, the cluster of each file can be identified and data can be read.

  These three elements are recorded on a medium such as a hard disk. However, the three elements are not a group but are scattered.

[2. Configuration example that enables high-speed startup by recording access information using nonvolatile memory]
Next, a configuration example that enables high-speed activation by recording access information using a non-volatile memory executed in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. As described above, in an information processing apparatus equipped with a recording medium such as an HDD or a DVD such as a video camera, for example, before the control unit of the device main body performs data recording and reproduction using the mounted recording medium. In addition, a process for collecting information necessary for accessing the HDD or DVD, for example, various access information such as recordable capacity and recordable address position information, and recording the collected access information in a memory such as a RAM. Since the collection of access information and the recording process to the memory require a predetermined time, file access information when the device is turned off and when the device is turned on last time (the state immediately before the power is turned off) in advance. Are stored in the non-volatile memory, and the access information stored in the non-volatile memory is used the next time the power is turned on. Therefore, a configuration that shortens the startup time and file access time has been proposed, but when an external device is connected by USB connection or the like and data is recorded on the recording medium from the external device, it is retained in the nonvolatile memory. Since the access information cannot be used, a process of discarding the access information held in the nonvolatile memory is executed.

  When the new device is powered on, if the access information is held in the non-volatile memory, high-speed startup is executed using this, and if the access information is not held, startup processing that requires normal time is performed. Will do. These processing sequences will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5A is a flowchart for explaining the sequence of external device connection preparation processing when an external device is connected to an information processing apparatus such as a video camera by USB connection or the like. First, in step S101, a control unit of an information processing apparatus such as a video camera determines whether or not unwritten data exists on a recording medium such as an HDD mounted on the information processing apparatus such as a video camera. That is, the presence / absence of unwritten data remaining in the recording buffer is verified.

  If there is unwritten data, the process proceeds to step S102, where the unwritten data is written to a recording medium such as an HDD, and then the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is erased in step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that there is no unwritten data, the process proceeds to step S103, and the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is erased. After these processes, media access by a USB connected device is allowed.

  FIG. 5B is a flowchart for explaining a mounting process, that is, an activation process sequence in an information processing apparatus such as a video camera. The mount process is a process executed as a pre-process for data recording or reproduction using a recording medium (information recording medium), recognizes the recording medium (information recording medium), and acquires information necessary for accessing the medium. It is executed as a process, for example, based on an input of media designation information to the file system from an application.

  In step S151, the control unit of the information processing apparatus such as a video camera verifies whether the access information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory. If the access information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory, the process proceeds to step S153, and high-speed mounting (startup) processing is executed using the access information in the nonvolatile memory.

  On the other hand, if the access information is not recorded in the non-volatile memory, the process proceeds to step S152, and the normal mount processing for accessing the medium and obtaining the access information from the medium without using the access information of the non-volatile memory In step S104, the access information acquired by this process is recorded in the nonvolatile memory.

  Thus, if access information is recorded in the non-volatile memory, high-speed mounting using the access information in the non-volatile memory is possible, but if access information is not recorded in the non-volatile memory, high-speed mounting is possible. Cannot be executed.

  As understood from the flow shown in FIG. 5A, the access information of the nonvolatile memory is unconditionally erased by the connection of the external device, and the connection information of the nonvolatile device is non-volatile when the connection of the external device is executed. The access information in the memory is erased and cannot be used for subsequent startup processing.

  However, if new data is not recorded on the recording medium from the external device even if the external device is connected, there is no need to change the access information in the nonvolatile memory before the external device is connected. It can be used as valid information. In other words, if the media status or remaining amount has not changed, the access information acquired before connecting to the external device can be used effectively without being invalidated, and activation is performed using this access information. There is no problem.

  In the present invention, in view of such a situation, the access information recorded in the non-volatile memory is not erased on the condition of the connection of the external device, but the process executed by the external device is verified, and the verification result is based on the verification result. It is determined whether or not to erase the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory. Specifically, the control unit of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, such as an information processing apparatus such as a video camera, has issued a data write command to the recording medium from the external device during the period in which the external device is connected. Monitor whether or not.

  That is, when it is confirmed whether or not a data write (Write) command is issued from an external device to a recording medium in which access information is recorded in a nonvolatile memory, and it is confirmed that a write (Write) command has occurred. Only, the access information recorded in the non-volatile memory is invalidated, for example, erased. If it is not confirmed that a write command has been generated, the access information recorded in the volatile memory is maintained as valid information without being erased. That is, control is performed so as to remain as usable access information in the subsequent startup process.

  With this processing, even when an external device is connected, if data writing from the external device is not executed, the access information before connection to the external device is recorded and held in the nonvolatile memory as valid access information, and the subsequent startup processing , High-speed activation using access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory becomes possible.

  A configuration example and a processing example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus that performs data recording on an information recording medium or data reproduction processing from the information recording medium. The information processing apparatus is an apparatus such as a digital video camera or a PC.

  The configuration of the information processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows the configuration of an information processing apparatus that accesses an information recording medium 284 such as a hard disk and executes data recording or data reading for each processing hierarchy. As shown in FIG. 6, when data is recorded on an information recording medium 284 such as a hard disk or when data recorded on the recording medium is read and used, a processing request from a user is accepted, In addition, an application program 281 exists in the uppermost layer as a window with a user for providing a user interface. Below that are a file system (file management program) 282 for managing files on the information recording medium 284 and a device driver 283 for controlling the information recording medium 284 based on information from the file system.

  When data is recorded on or reproduced from the information recording medium 284, for example, a request via the application program 281 is transmitted to the file system 282 and the device driver 283, and the file system 282 and the device driver are transmitted. Data writing and reproduction are executed by the function 283. By the same processing as before, processing is performed with a configuration of file system⇔device driver⇔recording medium (hard disk).

  When a plurality of different files are applied as continuous recording files when data recording is performed, special codes are recorded in a file allocation table (FAT) applied by the file system. When a plurality of different files are applied as continuous recording files when data reproduction is executed, file switching is executed on condition that a special code is detected from the FAT.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration diagram showing the file system in the system configuration shown in FIG. 6 in more detail. The configuration shown in FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the system configuration of an information processing apparatus that executes data recording on the information recording medium, data acquisition from the information recording medium, and reproduction processing, as in FIG. 2 shows a system configuration of an information processing apparatus that records data on information recording media 361 and 362 and executes processing for reading and using data recorded on a recording medium.

  Also in FIG. 7, similarly to FIG. 6, a file system (file management program) 310 for managing files on the information recording media 361 and 362 in the lower layer of the application 300 and an information recording medium based on information from the file system 310 A device driver 350 that controls 361 and 362 is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 7, two information recording media 361 and 362 are shown. For example, a hard disk and other recording media such as a flash memory. The device driver 350 includes device drivers 351 and 352 corresponding to information recording media 361 and 362 that are recording devices.

  The application 300, the file system 310, and the device driver 350 access and use the memory 370 as a work area for storing programs and parameters necessary for processing of each component and data processing.

  The application 300 includes a recording application 301 that executes data recording processing on the information recording media 361 and 362, a playback application 302 that executes playback processing of data recorded on the information recording media 361 and 362, and processing by connected devices. Applications corresponding to processing such as the USB connection application 303 are included. The user selects these applications and executes various processes.

  The file system 310 holds mount drive information 311, 312 corresponding to each storage medium including the type and format information of the recording medium, and data recording using an information recording medium such as a hard disk according to the mount drive information 311, 312, Perform playback control. The file system 310 includes a recording / playback control unit 320 that executes data recording / playback control, and a media control unit 330 that executes media control. The processing executed by the recording / playback control unit 320 is media-independent media common processing, and the processing executed by the media control unit 330 is media-dependent processing.

  The recording / playback control unit 320 includes a FAT control unit 321 that performs file allocation table (FAT) recording and reference processing, a cluster determination process as data recording position information, and a cluster that performs a playback position determination process based on the cluster number. It has a control unit 322 and a directory entry control unit 323 that executes a process for generating or referring to a directory entry (see FIG. 3) that stores information corresponding to a file. The directory entry control unit 323 acquires a directory entry corresponding to a specific file based on storage means and file designation information from the application 300. For example, in the case of file reproduction, the directory entry control unit 323 acquires a head cluster number from the directory entry. This is provided to the control unit 322.

  The media control unit 330 has a position calculation unit 331, controls the device driver 350 based on the cluster information determined by the cluster control unit 322 and the cluster linkage information of FAT, and performs data recording or data reproduction according to the cluster number. The position of the disk to be executed is determined, and data recording or data reproduction from the disk position is executed via the device driver 350 according to the determined position information.

  Next, various processing sequences executed in the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 8 illustrates a sequence of an external device connection preparation process that is executed when an external device (such as a PC) is connected to the information processing apparatus (for example, a video camera) of the present invention by, for example, USB connection. It is a flow. This process is executed under the control of the control unit of the information processing apparatus (for example, video camera) of the present invention. For example, it is executed under the control of the recording / playback control unit 320 and the media control unit 330 in the file system 310 in the configuration diagram shown in FIG. The flow shown in FIG. 8 shows a processing sequence in the apparatus of the present invention corresponding to the sequence of the conventional external device connection preparation processing described above with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, a control unit of an information processing apparatus such as a video camera determines whether or not unwritten data exists on a recording medium such as an HDD attached to the information processing apparatus such as a video camera. That is, the presence / absence of unwritten data remaining in the recording buffer is verified.

  If there is unwritten data, the process proceeds to step S202, the unwritten data is written to a recording medium such as an HDD, and then the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that there is no unwritten data, the process proceeds to step S203 without performing data writing processing on the recording medium.

  In step S203, a write command detection condition setting process is executed. This write command detection condition setting process is a process for setting a detection condition for the occurrence of a data write command from an external device connected via USB, for example, to the recording medium of the information processing apparatus.

  The detailed processing sequence of step S203 will be described with reference to the flow shown in FIG. First, in step S251, the setting of the monitoring range that is the target of the write command detection process is executed. The write command detection process determines whether or not access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory needs to be invalidated (erased) before an external device is connected to the information processing apparatus. It is something to execute.

  In step S251, the data area for detecting whether or not data writing to a recording medium that requires invalidation (erasing) of access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is executed from an external device is performed. This is a process of setting as a monitoring area.

  A specific example of the monitoring range setting process for the write command detection executed in step S251 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows a data structure when the recording medium is formatted by the FAT 32 described above with reference to FIG. The monitoring range of detection of the write command is different depending on the format. That is, it is set in accordance with each format as an area for detecting whether or not data writing requiring access information change has been executed. Furthermore, the access information recorded in the non-volatile memory also has a different data structure depending on the device, and the setting range of the monitoring area is determined according to the access information recorded in the non-volatile memory.

FIG. 10 shows two setting examples as monitoring area setting examples.
(A) Monitoring area A in which the area of FAT1 to FAT2 is the monitoring area
(B) Monitoring area B with FAT1 to data area as the monitoring area
Examples of these settings are shown.

  First, when the monitoring area A having the FAT1 to FAT2 area as the monitoring area is set as the monitoring area, in step S251 of the flow in FIG. 8, the control unit of the file system uses the master boot record ( MBR) is read, the partition table (see FIG. 2) in the master boot record (MBR) is read, and the start LBA (lba) of the partition boot record (PBR) is obtained.

  Further, the information [BPB_RsvdSecCnt] recorded in the partition boot record (PBR) is added to the start LBA (lba) of the partition boot record (PBR) to calculate the start LBA of FAT1. The start LBA of this FAT1 is the start position of the monitoring range.

  Further, the size of FAT1 to FAT2 is calculated by multiplying the number of FATs and the size information, which are information recorded in the partition boot record (PBR), that is, [BPB_NumFATs] × [BPB_FATSz32], and calculating this value of FAT1. Add to the start LBA to calculate the FAT2 end LBA. The end LBA of this FAT2 is the end position of the monitoring range. In this way, [FAT1 start LBA to FAT2 end LBA] is set as the monitoring area A.

  When the monitoring area B having the FAT1 to data area as the monitoring area is set as the monitoring area, in step S251 of the flow of FIG. 8, the control unit of the file system uses the master boot record (MBR) from the recording data of the recording medium. ) And the partition table (see FIG. 2) in the master boot record (MBR) is read to obtain the start LBA (lba) of the partition boot record (PBR).

  Further, the information [BPB_RsvdSecCnt] recorded in the partition boot record (PBR) is added to the start LBA (lba) of the partition boot record (PBR) to calculate the start LBA of FAT1. The start LBA of this FAT1 is the start position of the monitoring range.

  Further, the information [BPB_TotSec32] recorded in the partition boot record (PBR) is added to the start LBA (lba) of the partition boot record (PBR) to calculate the end LBA of the data area. The end LBA of this data area is the end position of the monitoring range. In this way, [FAT1 start LBA to end LBA of data area] is set as the monitoring area B.

  Note that the setting example of the monitoring area shown in FIG. 10 is an example in the case of format data by FAT32, and the setting area of the monitoring area is stored in the non-volatile memory when data is written to the medium by the connected external device. It is set as an area where the recorded access information needs to be updated, and is set according to the format and the access information recorded in the volatile memory.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 9, the description of the sequence of the write detection condition setting process will be continued. In step S251, after executing the above-described write command detection monitoring range setting process, in step S252, the set write command detection monitoring range information is output to the device driver as a detection condition. That is, the detection condition is output from the control unit of the file system shown in FIG. 7 to the control unit of the device driver 360.

  Actually, it is the device driver 350 that monitors the writing to the recording medium, and the device driver 350 performs the recording process monitoring that monitors the data recording process for the information recording medium by an external device connected to the information processing apparatus. It functions as a part. The device driver 350 that functions as a recording process monitoring unit monitors whether or not a data recording process that requires updating of access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory before the external apparatus is connected to the information processing apparatus is executed by the external apparatus. To do.

  The device driver 350 monitors whether data writing to the monitoring area input from the control unit of the file system has occurred. If data writing corresponding to the monitoring area has occurred, the device driver 350 sets a write command generation flag ( ON) is performed. Details of this processing will be described later. In step S252, the write command detection monitoring range is output to the device driver as a detection condition, and then the write command generation flag is cleared. The write command generation flag is set, for example, in the memory 370 of the configuration diagram shown in FIG. 7, and is set in an area accessible by both the device driver 350 and the file system 310.

  Next, a write detection processing sequence executed by the device driver will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. As described above, it is the device driver 350 that actually monitors the writing to the recording medium. The device driver 350 monitors the data recording process for the information recording medium by the external device connected to the information processing apparatus. Functions as a recording process monitoring unit. The device driver 350 functioning as a recording process monitoring unit monitors whether or not a data write command from an external device is generated for the monitoring area input from the control unit of the file system, and data writing corresponding to the monitoring area has occurred. In this case, processing for setting (ON) the write command generation flag is performed.

  In step S301, the device driver checks the type of command output from the external device, and in step S302, determines whether the command type is a write command for the medium. If the command type is not a write command for the medium, the detection process is terminated. The process shown in FIG. 11 is executed each time a new command is input while an external device is connected.

  If it is determined in step S302 that the command type is a write command to the medium, the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, the execution range of writing to the medium (Write) is verified. In step S304, it is determined whether or not the execution range of writing (write) to the medium overlaps the write command detection monitoring range previously input from the control unit of the file system, and data writing corresponding to the monitoring area is not performed. If it is determined, the process is terminated and the next command input is awaited. If it is determined in step S304 that data is written corresponding to the monitoring area, the process proceeds to step S305, and a process of setting (ON) a write command generation flag is performed. The write command generation flag is set, for example, in the memory 370 in the configuration diagram of FIG.

  Next, the sequence of external device connection stop processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is performed when the information processing apparatus (for example, a video camera) of the present invention is connected to an external device (such as a PC) via a USB connection, for example, and triggered by the start of a connection stop process with the external device. The control unit executes. For example, it is executed under the control of the recording / playback control unit 320 and the media control unit 330 in the file system 310 in the configuration diagram shown in FIG.

  First, in step S351, the control unit in the file system 310 outputs an instruction to stop the write command detection process to the device driver. In step S352, the value of the write command generation flag is acquired from the device driver. In the sequence shown in this flow, the device driver is described as a configuration in which the setting value of the flag is output to the control unit of the file system. For example, as described above, the flag is accessed by the file system. In the configuration set in the possible memory 370, the file system may directly read the flag value from the memory 370 without using the device driver.

  As described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the write command generation flag indicates that the execution range of write to the medium by the connected external device is the write command detection monitoring. This flag is turned on when it overlaps the range.

  In step S353, it is determined whether or not a write command generation flag is ON. If the write command generation flag is not ON, the process ends. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S354, and the fact that the write command is generated is set as record information.

  Next, a mount process executed in the information processing apparatus, that is, a startup process sequence will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The mount process is a process executed as a pre-process for data recording or reproduction using a recording medium (information recording medium), recognizes the recording medium (information recording medium), and acquires information necessary for accessing the medium. It is executed as a process, for example, based on an input of media designation information to the file system from an application. The flow shown in FIG. 13 is executed under the control of the control unit of the information processing apparatus, specifically, for example, the recording / playback control unit 320 and the media control unit 330 in the file system 310 in the configuration diagram shown in FIG. .

  First, in step S401, a write command generation flag is checked. For example, the flag stored in the memory 370 in the configuration diagram shown in FIG. 7 is checked. If it is determined in step S402 that the flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S403, and high-speed mounting (startup) processing is executed using the access information of the nonvolatile memory.

  As described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the write command generation flag indicates that the execution range of write to the medium by the connected external device is the write command detection monitoring. This flag is set to ON when it overlaps the range. If the flag is not ON, it means that the data write processing from the external device to the media has not been executed within the monitoring range, and it is nonvolatile before the external device is connected. This means that the access information stored in the nonvolatile memory can be used as valid information, and in this step S403, the high-speed mount (startup) process is executed using the access information of the nonvolatile memory.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that the flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S404. When the flag is ON, it means that the data writing process from the external device to the media has been executed within the monitoring range, and the access information stored in the nonvolatile memory before the connection to the external device is valid information. Means not available. In step S404, the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is invalidated, for example, erased.

  After that, in step S405, a normal mount process for accessing the medium without using the non-volatile memory access information and acquiring the access information from the medium is executed. In step S406, the access acquired by this process is performed. Record information in non-volatile memory.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, it is verified whether or not the data writing to the medium by the external device is the data writing that needs to update the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory, and the access information is stored. When the data write that needs to be updated is executed, the flag is set to ON, and the value of the flag is referred to in the mount (startup) processing, and is recorded in the nonvolatile memory only when it is ON. If the normal mount processing is executed and the flag is not ON, it is determined that the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory before the connection to the external device is valid information. Execute high-speed mount using access information. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the ratio of executing high-speed mounting as compared with the conventional case where the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is erased on the condition that the external device is connected.

[3. Hardware configuration example of information processing apparatus]
Next, as a configuration example of an information processing apparatus that performs the above-described processing, a configuration example of a digital video camera and a PC will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, a configuration example of a digital video camera will be described with reference to FIG. The digital video camera captures an image and records image data obtained by capturing the image data on various information recording media such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory via the drive 432, and an image. It is provided with a VTR mode in which data supplied through the input / output unit 414, the audio input / output unit 416 or the communication unit 431 is recorded on a recording medium, and data recorded on the recording medium is reproduced. .

  The imaging mode includes a moving image imaging mode in which a moving image is captured and simultaneously recorded sound is recorded on a recording medium, and a still image imaging mode in which a still image is captured. In the VTR mode, the supplied data is recorded by operating the operation input unit 420 including a recording button switch, and the recording is performed on the recording medium by operating the playback button switch. The target data can be reproduced.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the digital video camera includes an optical lens unit 411, a photoelectric conversion unit 412, a camera function control unit 402, an image signal processing unit 413, an image input / output unit 414, a liquid crystal display 415, an audio input / output unit 416, Audio signal processing unit 417, communication unit 431, control unit (CPU) 401, built-in memory (RAM) 418, built-in memory (ROM) 419, operation input unit 420, drive 432 for the information recording medium, and power for each component A power supply 441 for supplying power is provided.

  A control unit (CPU) 401 executes processing according to various processing programs stored in the ROM 419. The RAM 418 is mainly used as a work area such as temporarily storing intermediate results in each process. It is also used as a recording area for the above-mentioned write command generation flag.

  The operation input unit 401 includes a mode switching key for switching operation modes such as a moving image shooting mode, a still image shooting mode, a VTR mode, a shutter key for shooting a still image, a shooting start key for shooting a movie, a recording key, Various operation keys and function keys such as a reproduction key, a stop key, a fast-forward key, and a fast-rewind key are provided, and an operation input from the user is received and an electric signal corresponding to the received operation input is transmitted to the control unit (CPU) 401. To supply.

  The control unit (CPU) 401 reads out and executes a program for performing a target process from the ROM 419 in accordance with an operation input from the user, and controls each unit to perform a process according to an instruction from the user. Take control. The digital video camera can mount various information recording media such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory as an information recording medium, and record various kinds of information on these information recording media via a drive 432. Also, the information recorded on these information recording media is reproduced. A hard disk as a magnetic disk, for example, performs data recording according to the format described above with reference to FIG. For example, a semiconductor memory can be used as the access information recording area.

  Next, a hardware configuration example of a PC as an example of an information processing apparatus that performs the above-described processing will be described with reference to FIG. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501 is a process corresponding to an OS (Operating System), a data recording / reproducing process with respect to the HDD 511, a recording process of the access information described in the above-described embodiment, and a monitoring of data writing by an external device. It functions as a data processing unit that executes processing, flag setting, and the like. These processes are executed according to a computer program stored in a data storage unit such as a ROM or a hard disk of the information processing apparatus.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 502 stores programs used by the CPU 501, calculation parameters, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 503 is also used as a recording area for programs used in the execution of the CPU 501, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the write command generation flag described above. These are connected to each other by a host bus 504 including a CPU bus.

  The host bus 504 is connected to an external bus 506 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 505.

  A keyboard 508 and a pointing device 509 are input devices operated by the user. The display 510 includes a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like, and displays various types of information as text and images.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 511 has a built-in hard disk and drives the hard disk. The hard disk has, for example, the layout described above with reference to FIG. The hard disk is used as an image data file storage area and stores various computer programs such as a data processing program.

  The drive 512 reads data or a program recorded on a removable recording medium 521 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and the data or program is read out from the interface 507 and the external bus 506. , And supplied to the RAM 503 connected via the bridge 505 and the host bus 504.

  The connection port 514 is a port for connecting the external connection device 522 and has a connection unit such as USB or IEEE1394. The connection port 514 is connected to the CPU 501 and the like via the interface 507, the external bus 506, the bridge 505, the host bus 504, and the like. The communication unit 515 is connected to a network and executes communication with other information processing apparatuses.

  The configuration example of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 is an example of the apparatus, and the information processing apparatus is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, and executes the processing described in the above-described embodiments. Any configuration is possible.

  It can be said that the present invention is effective when applied to a storage medium such as an HDD or a DVD that requires a certain amount of time to be accessible after power is supplied. The configuration of the present invention can also be applied to removable media in the same manner as the media built in the main body. The file system is not limited to FAT16 / 32.

  The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions of the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention. In other words, the present invention has been disclosed in the form of exemplification, and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. In order to determine the gist of the present invention, the claims should be taken into consideration.

  The series of processing described in the specification can be executed by hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both. When executing processing by software, the program recording the processing sequence is installed in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware and executed, or the program is executed on a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processing. It can be installed and run. For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a recording medium. In addition to being installed on a computer from a recording medium, the program can be received via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet and can be installed on a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk.

  Note that the various processes described in the specification are not only executed in time series according to the description, but may be executed in parallel or individually according to the processing capability of the apparatus that executes the processes or as necessary. Further, in this specification, the system is a logical set configuration of a plurality of devices, and the devices of each configuration are not limited to being in the same casing.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, the access information of the information recording medium applicable to the boot process is recorded in the nonvolatile memory, and the boot process using the recorded access information is executed. In the information processing apparatus, the data recording process for the information recording medium by the external device is monitored, and whether or not the data recording process that requires the update of the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory before the external device is connected is executed. Saves the monitoring result, determines whether the access information of the nonvolatile memory is valid based on the saved monitoring result, and executes the startup process according to the access information of the nonvolatile memory if it is valid If it is invalid, the access information in the nonvolatile memory is erased. Therefore, the access information is unconditionally erased when an external device is connected. Compared to the high-speed startup process using the access information in the nonvolatile memory it is possible in more cases.

It is a figure explaining the data structure at the time of formatting by FAT16 and FAT32. It is a figure explaining the data structure of a master boot record (MBR). It is a figure explaining the information structure of a directory entry. It is a figure explaining the data structural example of a general file allocation table (FAT). It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the connection process sequence of the external apparatus in a general apparatus, and a mount (startup) process sequence. It is a figure explaining the system configuration | structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the system configuration | structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the connection processing sequence of the external apparatus in the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the write-in (Write) detection condition setting process sequence in the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the monitoring range setting in the write (Write) detection condition setting process in the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the write-in (Write) detection process sequence in the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the connection stop processing sequence of the external apparatus in the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart explaining the mount (starting) process sequence in the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structural example of the digital video camera as one Example of the information processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structural example of PC as one Example of the information processing apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

281 Application 282 File system 283 Device driver 284 Information recording medium 300 Application 301 Recording application 302 Playback application 303 USB connection application 310 File system 311, 312 Mount drive information 320 Recording / playback control unit 321 FAT control unit 322 Cluster control unit 323 Directory entry control Unit 330 Media control unit 331 Position calculation unit 350, 351, 352 Device driver 361, 362 Information recording medium 370 Memory 401 Control unit (CPU)
402 Camera Function Control Unit 411 Optical Lens Unit 412 Photoelectric Conversion Unit 413 Image Signal Processing Unit 414 Image Input / Output Unit 415 Liquid Crystal Display 416 Audio Input / Output Unit 417 Audio Processing Unit 418 Built-in Memory (RAM)
419 Internal memory (ROM)
420 Operation Input Unit 431 Communication Unit 432 Drive 441 Power Supply 501 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
502 ROM (Read-Only-Memory)
503 RAM (Random Access Memory)
504 Host bus 505 Bridge 506 External bus 507 Interface 508 Keyboard 509 Pointing device 510 Display 511 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
512 drive 514 connection port 515 communication unit 521 removable recording medium 522 external connection device

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus that performs data recording processing on an information recording medium,
A non-volatile memory that records access information of an information recording medium applicable to the startup process;
A control unit that executes startup processing using access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory;
A recording process monitoring unit for monitoring a data recording process for the information recording medium by an external device connected to the information processing apparatus, and the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory needs to be updated before the external device is connected A recording process monitoring unit that monitors whether or not the data recording process is executed,
The controller is
Based on the monitoring result of the recording process monitoring unit, it is determined whether or not the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is valid. If the access information is valid, the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is followed. An information processing apparatus that executes the startup process and deletes the access information recorded in the non-volatile memory if it is invalid. The recording process monitoring unit
2. The information according to claim 1, wherein the data recording area of the information recording medium is configured to monitor whether or not a data recording process by the external device is executed with respect to a preset monitoring range. Processing equipment. The controller is
As a connection preparation process of the external device, set a monitoring range of the data recording process for the information recording medium by the external device, notify the set monitoring range to the recording process monitoring unit,
The recording process monitoring unit
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to monitor whether or not a data recording process by the external device has been executed with respect to a monitoring range notified from the control unit. The recording process monitoring unit
Set the flag indicating the monitoring result according to the monitoring result and execute the process to record in the memory,
The controller is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to determine whether the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is valid based on the value of the flag.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording process monitoring unit is a device driver corresponding to the information recording medium. An information processing method executed in an information processing apparatus that executes data recording processing on an information recording medium,
The recording process monitoring unit is a recording process monitoring step for monitoring a data recording process for an information recording medium by an external device connected to the information processing apparatus, and the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory before the external device is connected. A recording process monitoring step for monitoring whether or not a data recording process that requires updating has been executed;
The control unit determines whether or not the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is valid based on the monitoring result in the recording process monitoring step. If the access information is valid, the information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory. A startup process step of executing a startup process in accordance with the access information and, if invalid, erasing the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory;
An information processing method characterized by comprising: The recording process monitoring step includes:
7. The information according to claim 6, which is a step of monitoring whether or not data recording processing by the external device has been executed for a preset monitoring range in the data recording area of the information recording medium. Processing method. In the information processing method,
The control unit has a step of setting a monitoring range of data recording processing for the information recording medium by the external device as connection preparation processing of the external device, and notifying the recording processing monitoring unit of the set monitoring range,
The recording process monitoring step includes:
The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein the information processing method is a step of monitoring whether or not a data recording process by the external device has been executed with respect to a monitoring range notified from the control unit. The recording process monitoring step includes:
It is a step of executing a process of setting a flag indicating the monitoring result according to the monitoring result and recording it in the memory,
The activation process step includes:
The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein the control unit determines whether or not the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is valid based on a value of the flag. . A computer program that executes information processing in an information processing apparatus that performs data recording processing on an information recording medium,
This is a recording process monitoring step for causing the recording process monitoring unit to monitor the data recording process for the information recording medium by the external device connected to the information processing apparatus, and for the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory before the external device is connected. A recording process monitoring step for monitoring whether or not a data recording process that requires updating has been executed;
Based on the monitoring result in the recording process monitoring step, the control unit determines whether or not the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory is valid. If valid, the information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory. An activation process step for executing an activation process in accordance with the access information and, if invalid, erasing the access information recorded in the nonvolatile memory;
A computer program for executing