JP2009016954A - Imaging device and management method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device and a management method of the imaging device that provides management information for easily identifying a piece of content from among different pieces of content. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging device includes imaging sections 11, 13, and 15 for outputting image signals by picking up images, storing sections 10, 15, and 16 for storing different pieces of content that contain the image signals from the imaging sections, and a management section 10 for generating management information (Fig. 12, Fig. 13 (not shown), and Fig. 14 (not shown)), indicating a virtual hierarchical structure for storing the different pieces of content by assigning them into a plurality of holders by a predetermined number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that generates management information in which a plurality of different contents are classified into a plurality of holders for each predetermined number, and an imaging apparatus management method.

  In recent years, digital video technology and network technology have been widely spread and developed, and in accordance with this, an example in which a large amount of video information is transferred and used via a network is known. There are many technologies that disclose how to transfer content in such an environment.

Patent Document 1 discloses digital information representing image information such as moving images and still images, acoustic information, and the like distributed from a content distribution device such as a content distribution server to a content reception device including a client terminal such as a personal computer and a mobile phone. A content distribution system and a distribution method for efficiently distributing content that is data by dividing it into N are disclosed.
JP 2005-109707 A

  However, the conventional technique of Patent Document 1 is a technique for transmitting one piece of redundant content at a time because it is difficult to transmit one redundant content at a time. However, what is currently considered as a problem is that, for example, a huge number of different image contents such as 100 to several hundreds stored in video equipment or the like are transferred to a digital TV or the like via a home network or the like. In the case of displaying with the above, first, the operation for recognizing and specifying one content from a huge amount of content is very difficult.

  In other words, a PC with a multifunctional user interface such as a mouse or keyboard, a high processing capacity, and a high-resolution display receives management information from the previous video device and recognizes one content from a large number of contents. It is relatively easy to specify.

  However, recent AV equipment such as a digital TV does not necessarily have a good operability and display capability compared to a PC, and the user can view away from a PC, so the character size is increased even if the resolution is high. Since it is necessary, the amount of information per screen is reduced. In addition, since the user interface is an infrared remote controller mainly composed of up / down / left / right OK, the operability is poor and content selection is difficult as compared with a PC.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that provides management information for easily specifying one content from a plurality of different contents, and a management method for the imaging apparatus.

One embodiment for solving the problem is:
An imaging unit (11, 13, 15) for capturing an image and outputting a video signal;
A storage unit (10, 15, 16) for storing a plurality of different contents including the video signal from the imaging unit in a storage area;
A management unit (10) for creating management information (FIGS. 12, 13, and 14) indicating a virtual hierarchical structure in which the plurality of different contents are divided into a plurality of holders for each predetermined number and stored;
It is an imaging device characterized by comprising.

  For example, management information (FIG. 12) for managing, for example, every ten different contents in a holder is generated from a content reproduction (recording) device such as an imaging device and supplied to a digital TV on a network, for example. As a result, even on the operation screen of the digital TV, it is possible to specify desired content from several hundred pieces of content.

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

<An example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention>
Hereinafter, an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 2 and 3 are external views showing an example of the external appearance of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(Constitution)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a CCD 11, a signal processing circuit 12, an encoder (JPEG / MPEG) 13, a memory 14, an HDD 15, a memory card 16, and a decoder 17. , LCD driver 18, LCD 51, LAN controller 20, USB controller 21, LAN terminal 22, USB terminal 33, control unit 10, and the like. These are connected via a bus 25.

  In response to the operation of the operation unit 9, the CCD 11 converts light (still image) or light (moving image) obtained through a lens (not shown) into an electrical signal. The signal processing circuit 12 converts the electrical signal output from the CCD 11 into a digital signal. The encoder 13 encodes a digital signal of a still image into an image signal conforming to JPEG. Alternatively, the encoder 13 encodes a moving image digital signal into an MPEG-compliant image signal. The HDD 15 stores an image signal provided via the memory 14. Similarly, the removable memory card 16 stores the image signal provided via the memory 14. The decoder 17 decodes the image signal provided via the memory. The LCD driver 18 controls the driving of the LCD 51 based on the decoded image signal, and outputs the image signal on the liquid crystal display.

(basic action)
In the imaging apparatus 1 having such a configuration, the decoder 17 decodes an image signal provided from the HDD 15 or the memory card 16 via the memory 14 at the time of reproducing a recorded image. The LCD driver 18 controls the driving of the LCD 51 based on the decoded image signal, and outputs the image signal on the LCD 51.

  Further, when the image pickup apparatus 1 transfers an image recorded in the HDD 15 or the memory card 16 to an external device (such as a PC) or receives an image from the external device, the image pickup device 1 communicates with the LAN controller 20 or the like. And transmission / reception from the USB terminal 33 via a communication unit such as the USB controller 21 or communication using UPnPAV, which is a specification for UPnP and its AV equipment. Also, an encoded image can be directly transmitted / received to / from an image recording / imaging apparatus such as a DVD recorder without using an external device such as a PC.

(Content specific operation)
Next, a description will be given of a method for specifying one content from the operation unit 9 or from a digital TV 3 or the like via a network regarding a plurality of different contents held by the imaging apparatus 1 described above.

  FIG. 4 is a connection diagram illustrating an example of communication with another apparatus of the imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 to 7 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of image content management information in the imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation for specifying desired image content in another imaging apparatus based on management information supplied by the imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  First, a method for recognizing and specifying one content from a PC 2, a digital TV 3, or a player 4 via a home network as shown in FIG. 4 for a plurality of different contents held by the imaging apparatus 1 described above will be considered. . The network realizes communication by UPnPV and UPnPAV which is a specification for AV equipment.

  In FIG. 4, the imaging device 1 is a media server that provides a plurality of different contents stored in a medium such as the HDD 15 or the memory card 16 defined by the UPnPAV architecture to the network. Here, the PC 2, the digital TV 3, and the player 4 are devices that also serve as control points for performing operations defined by the UPnPAV architecture and media renderers for performing display reproduction.

  The imaging device 1 has a function of CDS (Contents Directory Service) as a media server, and can notify what kind of content is stored to, for example, a digital TV 3 as a control point. The CDS has items (contents themselves) and containers (groups when the items are grouped), and can adopt a hierarchical structure as illustrated in FIG.

  For example, the digital TV 3, which is a control point, can acquire the URL (link on which information is written) of desired content by acquiring the hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. Content can be played back using the port function.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of content storage in the imaging apparatus 1. 100 images are stored in the image folder in the HDD of the distribution apparatus 1. According to this, the hierarchical structure of CDS is as shown in FIG. When the PC is a control point, it is not difficult to select the 100th image.

  However, when the digital TV is a control point, as shown in FIG. 8, there may be a case where only a small part of content can be displayed on the screen. At this time, in the worst case, the 100th image cannot be selected unless the remote control button is pressed 99 times.

  It is a problem of one embodiment of the present invention to eliminate such poor operability. As will be described later, management information obtained by appropriately dividing a plurality of contents into a plurality of holders is generated by a content management unit of the control unit 10, and this management information is supplied to a digital TV or the like via a network or the like. The operability for specifying the content in is greatly improved.

<Example of Method for Generating Management Information in Imaging Device which is Embodiment of the Present Invention>
Next, an example of a method for generating management information in the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of management information generation processing by the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 11 to 14 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of image content management information by the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Further, FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation when specifying desired image content in another imaging apparatus based on management information supplied by the imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a command transmitted from another imaging apparatus in order to urge supply of management information from the imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Each step in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 10 below can be replaced with a circuit block, and therefore all steps in each flowchart can be redefined as blocks.

Management Information Generation Processing Based on Classification Instructions First, management information generation processing based on classification instructions will be described. The control unit 10 determines whether a content classification instruction has been given from the operation unit 9 or the like. Here, as an example, the content classification instruction of the control unit 10 is management information indicating a virtual hierarchical structure in which a plurality of different contents are divided into a plurality of holders and stored for each predetermined number as shown in FIG. It is instructed to generate.

  When determining that such an instruction has been received (step S11), the control unit 10 first identifies an area in which the target content is stored (step S12). In other words, the control unit 10 is an area set by an operation instruction from the user (operation signal from the operation unit 9) or by initial setting, or via the LAN controller 20 or the USB controller 21 that is a communication unit. As an instruction signal from an external device such as a PC 2 or a digital TV or a player 4, for example, content to be processed in the HDD 15, the memory card 16, or a specific area of the HDD 15 in FIG. 1 is stored. Recognize as an area.

  Next, similarly, the control unit 10 specifies the type of content to be arranged according to an operation instruction from the user (operation signal from the operation unit 9) or an initial setting or an instruction command from an external device (step S13). . Specifically, this is jpeg, mpeg, WMV, avi, mpg, etc., which are still image and moving image extensions, but not limited to these still image and moving image extensions. Targets file formats that can be processed.

  Next, similarly, the control unit 10 specifies the order in which the contents should be arranged based on an operation instruction from the user (operation signal from the operation unit 9) or an initial setting or an instruction command from an external device (step S14). . This is the order of content recognition numbers, content generation date and time, order of content title character information, content capacity order, etc., but is not limited thereto.

  Next, similarly, the control unit 10 specifies the number of units at the time of classification based on an operation instruction from the user (operation signal from the operation unit 9) or an initial setting or an instruction command from an external device (step S15). That is, a predetermined number at the time of classification is specified, such as classifying a plurality of contents into one holder, for example, every 10 or every 20 contents.

  Next, similarly, the control unit 10 finally specifies content to be reclassified by an operation instruction from the user (operation signal from the operation unit 9) or an initial setting or by an instruction command from an external device ( Step S16).

  Next, the control part 10 produces | generates the management information of the required rooms (holder) 101 thru | or 103 as management information according to the conditions specified by the procedure mentioned above (step S17).

  That is, the conditions here are, for example, “area: HDD15”, “type: jpg”, “order: content number”, “number of units: 10”, and the like.

  Here, the control unit 10 does not move, for example, a certain content stored in the storage area of the HDD 15 to another storage area, but a virtual content associated with a certain content stored in the storage area of the HDD 15. Management information (database) indicating a hierarchical structure is created.

  As an example of this, the management information (database) shown in FIG. jpg ”from the content“ 010. up to the content “jpg” with the holder “001-010” 101, for example, “011. jpg ”content“ 020. The management information such as associating the contents of “jpg” with the holder “011-020” 102 is nothing but the generation (step S18).

  Further, when the control unit 10 receives a transfer request command as shown in FIGS. 16 to 17 from the digital TV 3 or the like via the LAN controller 20 as a communication unit, for example, the management information described above is received accordingly. The (database) is transferred to the digital TV 3 or the like via the LAN controller 20 as a communication unit (step S19).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the digital TV 3 or the like, for example, displays the holder on the screen and specifies the holder, and then presses the button on the remote controller several times, for example, by the operation of specifying the content in the holder. Thus, the 100th image can be selected.

  In this way, when the control unit 10 supplies appropriate management information from a network or the like, even in an AV device that has inferior display and operation capabilities compared to a PC or the like, the content list can be displayed and selected. The burden can be drastically reduced.

Management Information Generation Processing in Sequential Classification Mode Next, management information generation processing in the sequential classification mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. “Sequential classification mode” is different from “Management information generation processing by classification instruction” described above, and management information is generated sequentially according to the specification of the preset sequential classification mode without any user instruction. It is a mode to do.

  First, when the control unit 10 recognizes that the sequential classification mode is selected (step S21), the control unit 10 specifies a condition by a procedure equivalent to steps S13 to S15 in the flowchart of FIG.

  Then, when the control unit 10 detects, for example, that content is acquired from the outside or that content is newly generated or increased based on a result of imaging using the imaging function in the imaging device 1 (Step S25), the room It is determined whether or not (holder) is insufficient (step S26). When recognizing that the control unit 10 is insufficient, the control unit 10 adds a room necessary for the management information according to a procedure equivalent to step S17 in the flowchart of FIG. The control unit 10 updates the management information (database) in which the room is associated with the newly generated content (step S28).

  Thereafter, according to the same procedure as step S19 in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the control unit 10 sends, for example, a transfer request command as shown in FIGS. 16 to 17 from the digital TV 3 or the like via the LAN controller 20 which is a communication unit. In response to this, the management information (database) described above is transferred to the digital TV 3 or the like via the LAN controller 20 as a communication unit (step S19).

  In such a procedure, similarly, by supplying appropriate management information from a network or the like, even when displaying / selecting a list of contents even in an AV device that has inferior display and operation capabilities compared to a PC or the like. Can be dramatically reduced.

Other Management Information Further, the management information generated by the control unit 10 is not limited to FIG. 11, but is preferably in other formats as shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 13, and FIG.

  That is, in the management information shown in FIG. 12, the conditions are, for example, “area: HDD15”, “type: jpg”, “order: date and time information”, “number of units: 10”, etc., and the order according to the date and time information Management information composed of

  In the management information shown in FIG. 13, the conditions are, for example, “area: HDD 15”, “type: avi”, “order: title character information”, “unit number: 10”, etc. The management information is configured in the order.

  Further, the management information shown in FIG. 14 has conditions such as “area: HDD 15”, “type: moving image”, “order: title character information”, “number of units: 10”, etc., and the file format is one. Instead, it is management information in which a plurality of moving images are designated and are configured in the order according to the title character information.

  With the various embodiments described above, those skilled in the art can realize the present invention. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to come up with various modifications of these embodiments, and have the inventive ability. It is possible to apply to various embodiments at least. Therefore, the present invention covers a wide range consistent with the disclosed principle and novel features, and is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external view illustrating an example of an external appearance of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an external view illustrating another example of the external appearance of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connection diagram which shows an example of communication with the other apparatus of the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the management information of the image content in the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of the management information of the image content in the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of the management information of the image content in the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of operation at the time of specifying a desired image content in another imaging device based on the management information supplied by the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the production | generation process of the management information by the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the production | generation process of the management information by the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the management information of the image content by the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of the management information of the image content by the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of the management information of the content by the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of the management information of multiple types of content by the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of operation at the time of specifying a desired image content in another imaging device based on the management information supplied by the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command transmitted from other imaging devices in order to urge supply of the management information from the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of the command transmitted from other imaging devices in order to urge supply of the management information from the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main body, 10 ... CPU, 11 ... CCD, 12 ... Signal processing circuit, 13 ... Encoder, 14 ... Memory, 15 ... HDD, 16 ... Memory card, 17 ... Decoder, 18 ... LCD driver, 20 ... LAN controller, 21 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... USB controller, 21 ... Storage part, 25 ... Bus, 32 ... LAN terminal, 33 ... USB terminal, 51 ... LCD.

Claims (10)

An imaging unit that captures video and outputs a video signal;
A storage unit that stores a plurality of different contents including the video signal from the imaging unit in a storage area;
A management unit for creating management information indicating a virtual hierarchical structure in which the plurality of different contents are divided into a plurality of holders and stored for each predetermined number;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management unit changes the predetermined number of management information indicating the virtual hierarchical structure.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management unit changes the predetermined number of management information indicating the virtual hierarchical structure in accordance with an operation signal from the operation unit. A communication unit that communicates with an external device via a network;
When the management unit receives the predetermined number of management information indicating the virtual hierarchical structure from the external device via the communication unit, the management unit divides and stores the plurality of different contents into a plurality of holders for each predetermined number. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein management information indicating a virtual hierarchical structure is generated. A communication unit that communicates with an external device via a network;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management unit transfers the management information to the external device when receiving a transfer request from the external device via the communication unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management unit creates the management information only for a specified content format.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management unit generates management information of the plurality of contents according to an order of the date / time information of the contents.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management unit generates management information of the plurality of contents according to an order of title information of the contents.   The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the management unit creates management information in which the plurality of contents are of a plurality of types, and the plurality of contents are stored in a plurality of holders in a specific order. apparatus. Take an image with an imaging device and output a video signal,
Storing a plurality of different contents including the video signal in a storage area;
A management method for an imaging apparatus, comprising: creating management information indicating a virtual hierarchical structure in which a plurality of different contents are divided into a plurality of holders for each predetermined number and stored.

Images