JP2009118354A - Still picture processing apparatus, still picture processing system and still picture processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a still picture processing apparatus, a still picture processing system, and a still picture processing method utilizing them in which in accordance with a data form or a data amount of still picture data, it is determined whether decoding is to be performed at a still picture processing apparatus side or at a display device side, which side is to perform playback, and which side is to perform recording, so that the most suitable device can perform decoding, playback or recording. <P>SOLUTION: A still picture processing apparatus 0100, or the like, is provided which includes an encoded still picture data acquiring section for acquiring encoded still picture data; a transmitting/receiving section for exchanging data with another electronic device; a partial processing charge determining section for determining partial processing charge, in order to decode and display the acquired encoded still picture data, based on the result of comparing throughput of the other electronic device available for decoding or displaying the still picture data with the throughput of the still picture processing apparatus itself similarly available therefor; and a control section for controlling the exchange of data at the transmitting/receiving section, in accordance with the determined partial processing charge. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a still image processing apparatus, a still image processing system, and a still image processing method, and in particular, the processing capability of other electronic devices that can be used to decode and display encoded still image data and the processing capability of itself. The present invention relates to a still image processing apparatus, a still image processing system, and a still image processing method using the same.

When still image data is transferred to another device and displayed on a display, in order to be able to process an enormous amount of data within a limited capacity range, conventionally, still image data is once temporarily stored in JPEG ( The data was encoded by the Joint Photographic Experts Group method and transferred to the receiving device, and the device that received it decoded it and displayed it on its display (for example, refer to paragraph [0002] in Patent Document 1). .
JP 2001-309324 A

  As devices related to transmission / reception of still image data become diversified as in recent years, a mixture of various capabilities such as decoding processing capability, recording capability, reproduction capability, and the like will occur. For this reason, it is desirable that processing such as decoding, reproduction, and recording of still image data can be performed efficiently by taking advantage of the characteristics of these devices. For example, in recent years, still image data recorded on a recorder is being displayed on a display of a large-screen high-quality television and enjoyed. In this case, a large-screen high-definition television generally performs a process for decoding or the like by a hardware process. In the case of this processing method, since such processing as decoding is performed by dedicated hardware installed in the apparatus, the supported image size and data format type are limited to those pre-installed in hardware. By providing the dedicated hardware, the processing capability is excellent, for example, there is little possibility of being unable to process even if the amount of data becomes enormous. On the other hand, in the case of a recorder, there are those that perform such processing by software processing. However, in this processing method, the load on the CPU increases, the performance of the device equipped with the CPU decreases, and the processing time is reduced. On the other hand, it tends to increase, but since it can be processed using various processing programs, it has a feature that it can support a wide range of data formats.

  However, in the conventional still image processing system, which of the still image processing device side and the display device side performs decoding, which performs reproduction, and which performs recording is uniquely set in advance. . For this reason, it has not been possible to perform decoding, reproduction, or recording on the most suitable device by looking at the characteristics of each device according to the data format and data amount of still image data.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is that which of the still image processing device side and the display device side performs decoding and which performs reproduction according to the data format, data amount, and characteristics of each device of still image data. Still image processing device, still image processing system, and still image processing using these, which can determine which one performs recording and perform decoding, playback and recording with the most suitable device It is to provide a method.

  In order to solve the above problems, among the present inventions, the invention according to claim 1 is for transmitting / receiving data to / from an encoded still image data acquisition unit that acquires encoded still image data and another electronic device. Its own processing as well as the processing capabilities of other electronic devices that can be used to decode and display the still image data in order to decode and display the acquired encoded still image data There is provided a still image processing apparatus including a processing sharing determination unit that determines processing sharing based on a result of comparing the capabilities, and a control unit that controls transmission / reception of data in a transmission / reception unit according to the determined processing sharing. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the processing sharing determination unit according to another aspect of the invention, which can be used for decoding / displaying the still image data in order to decode and display the acquired encoded still image data. A first acquisition unit that acquires other processing capability information of the electronic device via the transmission / reception unit; a self-processing capability information holding unit that holds own processing capability information that is information indicating the own processing capability that can be used; The still image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a comparison unit configured to perform the comparison based on processing capability information and own processing capability information. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus as a still picture processing apparatus according to the first aspect, which has a recording ability and a decoding ability of encoded still picture data encoded in a predetermined format as processing ability. 2. The display device as the still image processing device according to claim 1, which has a display capability as a processing capability and a decoding capability of encoded still image data encoded in a predetermined format, so that data can be transmitted and received between each other transmission / reception unit. Provide a connected still image processing system. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an encoded still image data acquisition step for acquiring encoded still image data, and the encoded still image data acquired at the encoded still image data acquisition step are decoded and displayed. Processing sharing determination step for determining processing sharing based on the result of comparing the processing capability of other electronic devices that can be used for decoding / displaying the still image data and its own processing capability. A still image processing method comprising: a control step for controlling transmission / reception in a data transmission / reception unit according to the processing sharing determined in the processing sharing determination step; and a transmission / reception step for transmitting / receiving data to / from another electronic device. provide. Further, in the invention according to claim 5, in the process sharing determination step, the still image data is decoded and displayed in order to decode and display the encoded still image data acquired in the encoded still image data acquisition step. The first acquisition sub-step for acquiring other processing capability information for other electronic devices that can be used for other purposes, the other processing capability information acquired in the first acquisition sub-step, and the own processing capability that can also be used The still image processing method according to claim 4, further comprising a comparison substep for performing the comparison based on own processing capability information that is information to be indicated.

  According to the present invention, which of the still image processing device side and the display device side performs decoding, which performs reproduction, and which performs recording, according to the data format, data amount, and characteristics of each device. It is possible to provide a still image processing device, a still image processing system, and a still image processing method using them that can be decoded, played back and recorded by the most suitable device. It becomes.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below. The relationship between the embodiments and the claims is as follows. The first embodiment mainly relates to claims 1 and 4, the second embodiment mainly relates to claims 2 and 5, and the third embodiment relates to claim 3 and the like. In addition, this invention is not limited to these Examples at all, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

<Overview>
The still image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is for acquiring encoded still image data, means for transmitting / receiving data to / from other electronic devices, and decoding and displaying the acquired encoded still image data. And a means for determining the processing share based on the result of comparing the processing capability of other electronic devices that can be used for decoding / displaying the still image data and its own processing capability. And a means for controlling transmission / reception by the data transmission / reception means in accordance with the shared processing.
In other words, when the still image processing apparatus according to the present invention decodes the encoded still image data held by the apparatus and displays it on another apparatus, the apparatus decodes the encoded still image data and sends it to the other apparatus. Whether the data is encoded and sent to another device and decoded by another device, etc., the optimal assignment is determined based on the comparison result of the processing capability between itself and the other device, and the data is decoded after decoding according to the assignment. This is a device that can perform control to send or send the encoded data.

As a method of sharing, various patterns can be considered theoretically.
(Table 1) to (Table 18) are tables showing such theoretically thought sharing patterns.
As shown in this table, first, there are cases where there is a single partner device (Tables 1-7, Table 8) and a plurality of devices (Tables 9-17, Table 18). In addition, when the still image processing apparatus itself makes a sharing decision based on the above comparison result, the comparison result obtained by another person is acquired without performing the comparison (Tables 1 to 7 and Table 9). To 17) and a case of comparison using the comparison means possessed by itself (Tables 8 and 18).

  In addition, in each pattern, the variation of the processing control contents based on the comparison result naturally differs depending on the combination of the processing capability of the still image processing device to be compared and the processing capability of the counterpart device (other electronic device). become. For example, if the still image processing device has all the processing capabilities of reception, decoding, display (playback), and recording, and other electronic devices also have all the processing capabilities of decoding, display, and recording, Whether to display still images based on the encoded still image data received by the still image processing device, which to perform decoding for that, and which to record the decoded data All of them are to be compared, and the processing can be shared by the optimal device as a result of this comparison. On the other hand, the still image processing apparatus itself has all the reception, decoding, display, and recording processing capabilities as above, but other electronic devices have the decoding and recording capabilities but display capabilities. If there is not, if the result of the comparison of the decoding capability is superior to the other electronic device, the encoded data is transmitted to the other electronic device and decoded there, but the display is performed only by the still image processing device. Since it is impossible, it is necessary to have this decoded data returned to the still image processing apparatus for display once for display without comparing the processing capabilities. After that, based on the comparison result of the recording capabilities of both, recording is performed in an optimum manner (for this reason, data is retransmitted to another electronic device if necessary).

In the present invention, detailed description of all these patterns is avoided because of the paper width. Here, the case where only the still image processing apparatus and other electronic devices have all the capabilities (the first of each table). Only the conclusion is shown as “control content” in the table. However, in other cases, the configuration described in this description and the concept itself are common, and it is thought that the specific configuration content of other patterns can be clearly understood by reading the following description. Therefore, all the patterns listed in the table are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a still image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment and other electronic devices connected thereto. In the example of this figure, the still image processing apparatus 0100 of this embodiment is a recorder, and the other electronic device 0110 is a television. These are connected by an interface 0130 such as iLINK for transmission / reception of encoded data and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) for transmission / reception of video data. Therefore, (1) when the recorder receives encoded still image data, (2) the recorder obtains a comparison result between its own processing capability and television processing capability (decoding capability, playback capability, recording capability). (3) The processing sharing is determined based on the result. Here, it is assumed that the comparison result is that the decoding capability and the display capability are excellent in the television and the recording capability is excellent in the recorder. Therefore, the recorder (4) transmits the encoded data as it is to the television. The television (5) decodes the transmitted encoded data, and (6) displays a still image on the display. Thereafter, (7) the decoded data is transmitted from the television to the recorder, and the recorder receives it. Further, as shown in the figure, (8) recording may be performed by the recorder itself.

<Configuration>
(General)
FIG. 2 shows an example of functional blocks of the still image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. The “still image processing device” 0200 of the present embodiment includes an “encoded still image data acquisition unit” 0210, a “transmission / reception unit” 0220, a “processing sharing determination unit” 0230, and a “control unit” 0240.
The “still image processing device” is widely applicable as long as it can perform some processing (for example, decoding processing, reproduction processing, and recording processing) related to a still image, and the type thereof is not limited. Specifically, for example, a recording device such as a DVD recorder, a display device having a playback function, a television or mobile phone having a still image storage function and a playback function, a digital camera, a photo storage, and the like are applicable.

(Encoded still image data acquisition unit)
The “encoded still image data acquisition unit” is configured to acquire encoded still image data.
The data format of the encoded data does not matter. For example, in addition to JPEG, GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), BMP (Bitmap Image), and DCF (Design rule for Camera File) that is a form of JPEG are included. In this case, for a compatible data format, when decoding processing is performed by software processing (generally in the case of a recorder, this is often the case), the CPU uses a decoding program as described above. Since it will be processed, it can support a wide range of formats. On the other hand, when decoding processing is performed by hardware processing (generally in the case of television, this is often the case), since these processing are performed by dedicated hardware installed in the apparatus, a compatible data format Are limited to those pre-installed. For example, a television in which the only supported format is DCF corresponds to this.

    (Transceiver)

The “transmission / reception unit” is for transmitting / receiving data to / from another electronic device.
The contents of data transmission / reception include decoding of encoded data in other electronic devices, transmission of encoded data for display, transmission of decoded data for display in other electronic devices, etc. For example, it may be possible to receive data that has been decrypted and displayed by an electronic device and returned for recording.

(Process sharing decision section)
The “processing sharing determination unit” can be used in the same way as the processing capabilities of other electronic devices that can be used for decoding and displaying the still image data in order to decode and display the acquired encoded still image data. The processing share is determined based on the result of comparison with its own processing capability.

(Processing capacity to be compared)
The processing capability to be compared here includes recording capability in addition to the decoding capability and display (reproduction) capability listed above. In addition, the comparison includes both a comparison of the presence / absence of the ability itself and a comparison of superiority and inferiority when the ability itself has both. Therefore, if there is a certain processing capability in only one and not in the other, it is determined from the comparison result that the processing is immediately performed by the person having that capability.

  As a comparison of decoding capability, first, as a comparison of the presence / absence of capability itself, a comparison is made as to whether or not it corresponds to the format of the encoded data. That is, first, it is determined by comparing whether the format of the still image data can be decoded by itself or can be decoded by another electronic device. What format the other electronic device can support may be acquired from the other electronic device, for example. As a result, when only one device supports the format, it is determined that the device automatically performs decoding. For example, the format of the encoded data is TIFF, and a still image processing apparatus (for example, a recorder) can support the format, but other electronic devices (for example, a television) cannot support the format (for example, In the case where only DCF can be handled), it is determined that the decoding process is immediately performed on the side of the still image processing apparatus based on the comparison result.

  On the other hand, when both are compatible with this format, the sharing is determined based on the result of comparing the processing capabilities (for example, the processing speed when performing the decoding process). As described above, in the case of a television, the processing speed is fast because hardware processing is general, and in the case of a recorder, the processing speed is slow because software processing is general. Also in this case, the processing capability (processing capacity, processing speed) of another electronic device may be acquired from the other electronic device, for example.

  Therefore, if the still image processing apparatus determines, for example, that the decoding capability of the other electronic device is superior based on the comparison result of the two, the still-encoded data is transferred to the other electronic device. Will be sent to. This transmission process is performed as part of the control based on the overall comparison result after all the comparison results described below are obtained.

In addition, regeneration capability can be considered as processing capability to be compared. This also includes the comparison of the presence / absence of the ability itself and the comparison of superiority and inferiority when both have the ability.
For example, if the still image processing apparatus has no playback capability and is in another electronic device, if the encoded data is sent as it is for decoding, the other electronic device decodes and displays the still image. When the image processing apparatus itself performs decryption, the decrypted data is sent and displayed on another electronic device.

Further, a recording capability can be considered as a processing capability to be compared. This also includes the comparison of the presence / absence of the ability itself and the comparison of superiority and inferiority when both have the ability.
For example, if the other electronic device does not have a recording capability and is in the still image processing apparatus, a process sharing decision is made to record the displayed decoded data back to the still image processing apparatus. By recording in the decoded data format in this way, the recording capacity is consumed more than in the case of recording in the encoded data format, but it is possible to save the time required for the decoding process at the next playback. It becomes.

  In the above comparison, the time required for communication between electronic devices may be taken into consideration. For example, in the case of still image data with a very small amount of data, as a comparison result of the decoding processing capability itself, it is possible to perform processing faster by transmitting to other electronic devices and decoding than decoding by the still image processing device itself. Therefore, when comparison is made including communication time for transmitting still image data to another electronic device, it may be considered that decoding by the still image processing apparatus itself is faster. Therefore, in such a case, it may be determined that the still image processing apparatus itself performs the decoding process by comparing the communication time.

(Acquisition method of processing capacity comparison results)
In this way, the still image processing apparatus determines processing sharing based on the result of comparing the processing capability of other electronic devices with its own processing capability. The comparison result is compared by the still image processing device itself. The result may be generated and acquired, or the result of comparison outside the still image processing apparatus may be acquired.
In the former case, the still image processing apparatus needs to acquire data relating to its processing capability from another electronic device for comparison. This acquisition may be acquired in advance from another electronic device and stored in its own storage device, or may be acquired from another electronic device each time a comparison is performed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing capability information to be compared when the still image processing apparatus performs comparison by itself, and is illustrated in an XML (extensible Markup Language) format. In the example of the figure, for example, as a comparison target of decoding processing capability, types of files that can be decoded include “MPEG2”, “MPEG4”, “JPEG”, “GIF”, “TIFF”, and the like as decoding speeds. For example, decoding speeds such as 10 Mbps for JPEG and 5 Mbps for GIF are listed. Similarly, information such as “with playback capability” and “with recording capability” is listed as a comparison target of playback processing capability and recording processing capability. Note that the format is not limited to the XML format and may be other formats.

On the other hand, when the still image processing apparatus acquires the result of external comparison rather than the still image processing apparatus performing comparison by itself, for example, a table as shown in FIG. The processing capability is compared using the table, and the still image processing apparatus acquires the comparison result. In the example of this figure, processing capability information of various devices including the still image processing apparatus and other electronic devices is stored in a database in association with the ID of each device. Therefore, when comparing processing capacities, search for the still image processing apparatus and other electronic devices to be compared with IDs as clues, refer to the capacities of the devices associated therewith, and Make a comparison. For example, if the ID of the still image processing device is “DV-A38” and the ID of the other electronic device is “LC-37G”, the capabilities of these devices can be controlled by using the IDs shown in FIG. The result can be known by comparison.
Even when the still image processing apparatus performs comparison by itself, the apparatus may perform comparison by acquiring such a table and using it.

(Control part)
The “control unit” is configured to control transmission / reception of data in the transmission / reception unit in accordance with the determined processing sharing. Accordingly, various control contents can be considered according to the determined process sharing contents.
For example, if the determined processing sharing is to be decoded by another electronic device, the processing instruction information including the decoding of the encoded data by the other electronic device is encoded still image data. And send it to other electronic devices. Further, if the determined processing share is such that the other electronic device returns the data to itself after decoding, or the other electronic device decodes and reproduces the information to return to itself and records it. The encoded still image data is transmitted to another electronic device together with the processing command information.
Alternatively, if the determined process sharing is to be decoded by itself, the decoder of the still image processing apparatus itself is instructed to perform the decoding process. The same applies to reproduction and recording.

(When there are multiple other electronic devices)
In the above description, the case where there is a single other electronic device that can use the still image processing apparatus has been described. However, there may be a plurality of other electronic devices that can use the still image processing apparatus of this embodiment. Then, next, an example of a configuration when there are a plurality of other electronic devices will be described.

In this case, in order to decode and display the encoded still image data acquired by the processing sharing determination unit of the still image processing apparatus, processing of other electronic devices that can be used for decoding and displaying the still image data When determining the processing sharing based on the result of comparing the available processing capability as well as the capability, if there is a single other electronic device, the still image processing device itself and the other electronic device Unlike the comparison between the two devices, the comparison is performed between the still image processing device and the other electronic devices (plural). Therefore, this comparison result example has the following pattern.
First, when there is only one device that has the capability (for example, only the still image processing device itself supports the format of the still image data, and other electronic devices have this format. If there is no device that can handle this, the sharing decision is automatically made so that a device having the capability performs the processing. This is the same as described above.

Secondly, when there are two devices that have the capability, that is, a still image processing device and only one of the other electronic devices, the still image processing device is based on the result of the capability comparison between these two devices. Determine the processing share. This is also the same as described above.
Third, if the device having the capability is a still image processing device and a plurality of other electronic devices, or if the still image processing device has no capability and a plurality of other electronic devices have the capability, Since it is necessary for the processing device to determine which device is responsible for processing after grasping the capabilities of each of the other electronic devices having these capabilities, it is possible to process between other electronic devices (if necessary, still image processing) The device itself) will be compared.

This capability comparison is performed for each processing content. Therefore, as a result of such comparison, it may be considered that the decoding process is performed by the first other electronic device, the reproduction process is performed by the second other electronic device, and the recording process is performed by the third other electronic device. . Therefore, the control content in such a case is, for example, “(1) transmitting the encoded still image data to the first other electronic device and performing the decoding by the first other electronic device, and (2) the decoded still image. The image data is transmitted from the first other electronic device to the second other electronic device and reproduced by the second other electronic device. (3) Thereafter, the decoded still image data is transferred to the third electronic device. “Send to another electronic device and record with third other electronic device”.
The rest of the configuration is the same as in the case where there is a single other electronic device.

(Hardware configuration)
Next, the hardware configuration of the still image processing apparatus of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the still image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the encoded still image data acquisition unit and the transmission / reception unit of the still image processing apparatus of this embodiment are “CPU” 0301, “storage device” 0302, “main memory” 0303, and “ I / O "0304. The processing sharing determination unit and the control unit are composed of “CPU”, “storage device”, and “main memory”. Note that the still image processing apparatus of this embodiment may have a “display” 0305 via an I / O, as shown in the figure. These are connected to each other via a data communication path such as a “system bus” 0306, and perform transmission / reception and processing of information. The storage device stores various programs executed by the CPU. The main memory provides a work area which is a work area when the program is executed by the CPU. A plurality of memory addresses are assigned to the main memory and the storage device, respectively, and a program executed by the CPU performs processing by exchanging data with each other by specifying and accessing the memory address. It is possible. In this example, a processing sharing determination program and a control program are stored in the storage device, and these programs are automatically read from the storage device when the power is turned on, for example, and reside in the main memory.

First, a configuration related to acquisition of encoded still image data will be described. The CPU receives encoded still image data transmitted from another electronic device or the like via the I / O. The received encoded still image data is temporarily stored in the main memory.
Next, the CPU executes a processing sharing determination program, and determines processing sharing for whether processing such as decoding, reproduction, and recording is performed by the still image processing device itself or by another electronic device. In this case, first, it is determined whether the encoded still image data is to be decoded by itself or transmitted to another electronic device for decoding. Therefore, the CPU first determines whether the format of the still image data can be decoded by itself or can be decoded by another electronic device. As to what format the other electronic device can support, for example, it is conceivable that data indicating the capability (decoding capability data) is acquired from the other electronic device via the I / O. As a result, when only one device supports the format, it is determined that the device automatically performs decoding.

  On the other hand, when both are compatible with this format, the sharing is determined based on the result of comparing the processing capabilities (for example, the processing speed when performing the decoding process). In this case as well, it is conceivable that the processing capacity (processing capacity, processing speed) of another electronic device is acquired, for example, from the other electronic device as data indicating the capability through I / O as decoding capability data.

  Therefore, if the still image processing apparatus determines, for example, that the decoding capability of the other electronic device is superior based on the comparison result of the two, the still-encoded data is transferred to the other electronic device. Will be sent to. For example, when the decoding processing speed of another electronic device is 20 Mbps and the decoding speed of its own is 10 Mbps, it takes 1 second to decode still image data with a data amount of 10 MB by itself. For example, since it takes 0.5 seconds, in this case, the processing sharing of transmission to another electronic device and decoding is determined.

  More specifically, for example, “20 Mbps” which is the decoding processing speed of another electronic device is recorded in the memory area 1, and “10 Mbps” which is the decoding processing speed of the still image processing apparatus itself is recorded in the memory area 2. To be recorded. An ID “LC-37G” indicating another electronic device is recorded in the memory area 3, and an ID “DV-A38” indicating the still image processing apparatus itself is recorded in the memory area 4. Information indicating that the memory area 1 and the memory area 3 are associated is stored in the memory area 5, and information indicating that the memory area 2 and the memory area 4 are associated is stored in the memory area 6. . Therefore, the CPU of the still image processing apparatus compares the information recorded in the memory area 1 and the memory area 2 and takes the memory ID of the larger memory area 1. Then, the contents of the memory area 3 that is the memory number paired with the memory area 1 are acquired from the memory area 5 and are memories that are predetermined as areas for storing device IDs for executing the decoding process. Store in area 7. Here, since the contents of the memory area 3 are IDs indicating other electronic devices, as a result, it is possible to perform a process of executing decryption by the other electronic devices.

In addition, when the amount of data is small, the time required for communication between apparatuses may be taken into consideration. For example, when decoding still image data having a data amount of 10 KB, 0.001 second if performed by itself. Since it takes 0.0005 seconds if it is performed with another electronic device, it is faster to decode and transmit to another electronic device if only these elements are compared. The comparison result is that the decoding process is faster.
This transmission process is performed as part of the control based on the overall comparison result after all the comparison results described below are obtained.

  When the processing capability to be compared is the reproduction capability, as in the above, the comparison of the presence / absence of the capability itself and the comparison of the superiority and inferiority when both have the capability are included. For example, when a still image processing apparatus does not have a reproduction capability and is in another electronic device (has a display for reproduction), when still image data is sent to another electronic device for decoding. In the case where the data is reproduced as it is on the display of the other electronic device after decryption and is decrypted by itself, the processing sharing of sending the decrypted data to the other electronic device and reproducing it on the display is determined. Also, for example, when both have the capability, if the playback capability of the still image processing device is 1280 × 720 pixels in terms of the number of display pixels and the playback capability of other electronic devices is 1920 × 1080 pixels, Processing sharing for playback on the display of the device is determined.

  Also in this case, more specifically, for example, “1920 × 1080 pixels” which is the reproduction capability of another electronic device is recorded in the memory area 8, and “1280 × 720 pixels” which is the decoding processing speed of the still image processing apparatus itself. Is recorded in the memory area 9. Also, an ID “LC-37G” indicating another electronic device is recorded in the memory area 10, and an ID “DV-A38” indicating the still image processing apparatus itself is recorded in the memory area 11. Information indicating that the memory area 8 and the memory area 10 are associated is stored in the memory area 12, and information indicating that the memory area 9 and the memory area 11 are associated is stored in the memory area 13. . Therefore, the CPU of the still image processing apparatus compares the information recorded in the memory area 8 and the memory area 9, and takes the memory ID of the larger memory area 8. Then, the contents of the memory area 10 which is the memory number paired with the memory area 8 are acquired from the memory area 12, and a memory which is a predetermined area as an area for storing a device ID for executing the reproduction process Store in area 14. Here, since the content of the memory area 10 is an ID indicating another electronic device, as a result, it is possible to perform a process of executing reproduction on the other electronic device. Note that the capabilities of other electronic devices can be acquired as reproduction capability data in the same manner as described for the decoding capability.

  Further, when the processing capability to be compared is the recording capability, as in the above, the comparison of the presence / absence of the capability itself and the comparison of superiority and inferiority when both have the capability are included. For example, when a still image processing apparatus does not have recording capability and is in another electronic device, when still image data is sent to another electronic device for decoding and / or reproduction, decoding and / or reproduction is performed. Thereafter, when recording is directly performed by another electronic device and is reproduced by itself, processing sharing is determined such that the decoded data after reproduction is transmitted to the other electronic device and recorded. Further, for example, when both have the capability, if the recording capability of the still image processing apparatus (storage capacity of the storage device) is 250 GB and the recording capability of the other electronic device is 150 GB, recording is performed with the other electronic device. Processing sharing is determined. The capabilities of other electronic devices can be acquired as recording capability data in the same manner as described for the decoding capability.

  The procedure for storing and acquiring more detailed data in this case is the same as that described above for the decoding process and the reproduction process. For example, the CPU of the still image processing apparatus compares information regarding the recording capability recorded in a predetermined memory area, and takes the memory ID of the larger memory area. Then, the contents of the memory area, which is the memory number paired with this memory area, are acquired from the memory area, and stored in a memory area that is predetermined as an area for storing a device ID for executing the recording process. As a result, for example, the still image processing apparatus itself can perform processing for executing recording.

In this case, the CPU performs control according to the process sharing determined by the above process. The control here is a process of transmitting command information indicating processing contents to a predetermined processing body (the still image processing apparatus itself or another electronic device) together with still image data.
For example, in the case of decoding and reproducing and recording still image data having a data amount of 10 MB in accordance with the above example, with regard to the decoding capability, the decoding processing speed in other electronic devices is 20 Mbps, and the own decoding processing speed is The playback capacity is 10 Mbps, and the display capacity of the still image processing apparatus in other electronic devices is 1280 × 720 pixels, that of other electronic devices is 1920 × 1080 pixels, and the recording capacity is still When the storage capacity of the storage device of the image processing device is 250 GB and that of the other electronic device is 150 GB, the CPU determines, based on these comparison results, “After decoding and playing back with the other electronic device, the still image processing device Is sent to other electronic equipment via the I / O together with the encoded still image data. In response to this, the CPU of the other electronic device receives the command information and the encoded still image data via the I / O, and performs decoding and reproduction processing according to the command, and then the decoded still image data is received. A process of returning to the still image processing apparatus is performed. Therefore, in this case, the CPU of the still image processing apparatus acquires the received decoded still image data via the I / O, temporarily stores it in the main memory, and then stores it in the storage device.

If there are multiple other electronic devices, the processed data is instructed after each processing between the still image processing device and the other electronic devices according to the processing order and subject determined according to the comparison result. The entire process is realized by sequentially exchanging information together. For example, in the case of sharing such that the decoding process is performed by the first other electronic device, the reproduction process is performed by the second other electronic device, and the recording process is performed by the still image processing device, the control included in the command information The content is, for example, “(1) transmitting encoded still image data to the first other electronic device and decoding with the first other electronic device, and (2) decoding the still image data into the first other electronic device. Transmit to the second other electronic device from the other electronic device and play back on the second other electronic device. (3) Then, the decoded still image data is returned to the still image processing device, The content is “recorded by the still image processing apparatus”. For this reason, first, the encoded still image data is transmitted to the first electronic device together with the command information. After the first other electronic device performs the decoding process according to the command, the decoded still image data is transmitted to the first electronic device together with the command information. The second other electronic device performs reproduction processing according to the instruction, and then returns the decoded still image data together with the instruction information to the still image processing device. A process of recording the still image data is performed.
The remaining hardware configuration is the same as that in the case where there is a single other electronic device.

<Process flow>
FIG. 4 shows an example of the flow of processing in the still image processing apparatus of this embodiment. The flow of processing in this embodiment includes the following steps.
First, in the encoded still image data acquisition step S0401, the still image processing apparatus acquires encoded still image data.
Next, in the processing sharing determination step S0402, the still image processing apparatus decodes and displays the still image data in order to decode and display the encoded still image data acquired in the encoded still image data acquisition step S0401. The processing share is determined based on the result of comparing the processing capability of other electronic devices that can be used for the same purpose with the processing capability of the electronic device that can be used. For example, when the processing capability is compared for three capabilities of decoding capability, playback capability, and recording capability, this processing step is performed for each of decoding processing sharing, reproduction processing sharing, and recording processing sharing. There will be three sub-steps corresponding.

Next, in control step S0403, the still image processing apparatus controls transmission / reception of data in the transmission / reception unit according to the processing sharing determined in processing sharing determination step S0402. For example, in the case of a process sharing decision that the decoding process is performed by another electronic device, the control content is transmitted to the other electronic device together with the encoded still image data, with the instruction information indicating that the decoding is performed. It becomes that.
Further, in the transmission / reception step S0404, the still image processing apparatus transmits / receives data to / from other electronic devices according to the control content in the control step S0403. For example, if the control content is to transmit command information whose content is to be decoded together with encoded still image data to another electronic device, the still image processing apparatus can transmit the command information and the encoded still image. Processing to transmit data to other electronic devices is performed.

<Effect>
According to the invention of the present embodiment, which of the still image processing device side and the display device side performs decoding, which performs playback, and which is recorded, according to the data format, data amount, and characteristics of each device. To provide a still image processing device, a still image processing system, and a still image processing method using them that can be decoded, reproduced, or recorded by the most suitable device. It becomes possible.

<Overview>
The still image processing apparatus of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured so that the process sharing determination unit can use other electronic devices that can be used for decoding and displaying the still image data in order to decode and display the acquired encoded still image data. Based on means for acquiring other processing capability information via the transmission / reception unit, means for holding own processing capability information that is also information indicating its own processing capability, and other processing capability information and own processing capability information And a means for performing the comparison.

<Configuration>
(General)
FIG. 5 shows an example of functional blocks of the still image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the “still image processing device” 0500 of the present embodiment is basically the same as the device of the first embodiment, but the “processing sharing determination unit” 0530 has the “first acquisition unit” 0531. , “Own processing capability information holding means” 0532 and “comparison means” 0533.

(First acquisition means)
The “first acquisition means” transmits / receives other processing capability information of other electronic devices that can be used for decoding / displaying the still image data in order to decode and display the acquired encoded still image data. Configured to get through. In this case, the other processing capability information may be acquired from the other electronic device or may be acquired from other than that. In the latter case, for example, acquisition from a database (for example, held in a manufacturer's server) storing processing capability information of devices including the other electronic devices may be considered.

(Self-processing capacity information holding means)
The “own processing capability information holding unit” is configured to hold own processing capability information that is information indicating its own available processing capability. For this reason, for example, the processing capability information of the still image processing apparatus may be stored in the storage device at the time of factory shipment in advance, or the other processing capability information will be described later. For example, the information may be acquired from a database (for example, held in a manufacturer's server) that stores processing capability information of a device including the still image processing apparatus.
Furthermore, the still image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment may hold the acquired own processing capability information and other processing capability information as a table including both own processing capability information and other processing capability information.

(Comparison means)
The “comparison means” is configured to perform the comparison based on the other processing capability information and the own processing capability information. An example of this comparison is the same as that described in the first embodiment. When the still image processing apparatus holds the above-described table (self-other processing capability information comparison table), the comparison may be performed using this table.

(Hardware configuration)
Next, the hardware configuration of the still image processing apparatus of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the still image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the encoded still image data acquisition unit and the transmission / reception unit of the still image processing apparatus of the present embodiment are “CPU” 0601, “storage device” 0602, “main memory” 0603, and “ I / O "0604. The processing sharing determination unit and the control unit are composed of “CPU”, “storage device”, and “main memory”. Note that the still image processing apparatus of the present embodiment may also have a “display” 0605 via the I / O. These are connected to each other by a data communication path such as “system bus” 0606, and perform transmission / reception and processing of information.

Here, an example of a hardware configuration for comparison using a table (own / other processing capability information comparison table) including own processing capability information and other processing capability information will be described.
The storage device stores such a self-other processing capability information comparison table. This is generated based on, for example, other processing capability information acquired from other electronic devices via I / O and own processing capability information stored in advance in the storage device at the time of factory shipment.

Therefore, the CPU first reads the own / other processing capability information comparison table into the main memory in order to determine whether to perform the decoding process of the acquired encoded still image data by itself or others, and searches for the table. The processing share is determined by comparing own and other capabilities. Similarly, with respect to the reproduction process and the recording process, the table is searched and the other person's ability is compared to determine the process share.
Then, in accordance with this processing sharing, processing such as transmitting command information and still image data to other electronic devices through I / O is performed.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of processing sharing using the self-other processing capability information comparison table. In the example of this figure, in the own / other processing capability information comparison table 0701, regarding the decoding capability, the decoding processing speed at other electronic devices is 20 Mbps, the own decoding processing speed is 10 Mbps, and the playback capability is The number of pixels of the display of the processing device is 1280 × 720 pixels, that of other electronic devices is 1920 × 1080 pixels, and the recording capacity of the storage device of the still image processing device is 250 GB, the recording capacity of other electronic devices Information that it is 150 GB is shown. Therefore, for example, when performing decoding, reproduction, and recording processing for still image data having a data amount of 10 MB, the CPU executes a processing determination program, refers to the own / other processing capability information comparison table, Is decoded and played back, and then returned to the still image processing device and recorded by the still image processing device "is determined, and command information 0702 containing the content is generated, and the encoded still image is generated. Along with data, it is transmitted to other electronic devices via I / O.
Since the remaining hardware configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

<Process flow>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow in the still image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. The flow of processing in the still image processing apparatus of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the processing sharing determination step S0802 has the following sub-steps.

  First, in the first acquisition substep S0803, the still image processing apparatus decodes and displays the still image data in order to decode and display the encoded still image data acquired in the encoded still image data acquisition step S0801. Other processing capability information of other electronic devices that can be used for the purpose is acquired.

Next, in the comparison sub-step S0804, the still image processing apparatus converts the other processing capability information acquired in the first acquisition sub-step S0803 and own processing capability information that is information indicating its own available processing capability. Based on this comparison.
Since the remaining processing flow is the same as the processing flow in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

<Effect>
According to the invention of the present embodiment, which of the still image processing device side and the display device side performs decoding, which performs playback, and which is recorded, according to the data format, data amount, and characteristics of each device. To provide a still image processing device, a still image processing system, and a still image processing method using them that can be decoded, reproduced, or recorded by the most suitable device. It becomes possible.

<Overview>
The still image processing system according to the present embodiment transmits / receives a recording device that is an example of the still image processing device described in the first embodiment and a display device that is also an example of the still image processing device described in the first embodiment. Is a still image processing system that is connected so that data can be transmitted and received. The recording device here has a recording capability as a processing capability and a decoding capability of encoded still image data encoded in a predetermined format, and the display device is encoded in a display capability and a predetermined format as processing capability. It has the ability to decode encoded still image data. In other words, the still image processing apparatuses constituting the still image processing system of the present embodiment are a recording apparatus and a display apparatus, and the other electronic devices that can use them are included in the still image processing apparatus. Features.

<Configuration>
(General)
FIG. 9 shows an example of functional blocks of the still image processing system of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the “still image processing system” 0950 of the present embodiment includes a “still image processing device (recording device)” 0900 and a “still image processing device (display device)” 0960.

(Still image processing device (recording device))
“Still image processing device (recording device)” (hereinafter referred to as “recording device”) includes “encoded still image data acquisition unit” 0910, “transmission / reception unit” 0920, “processing assignment determination unit” 0930, “ Control unit "0940. This is the same as the configuration of the still image processing apparatus of the first embodiment. Further, the recording apparatus has a recording capability as a processing capability and a decoding capability of encoded still image data encoded in a predetermined format. The specific configuration for determining the processing sharing in the recording device is basically the same as the configuration of the still image processing device described in the first embodiment.

(Still image processing device (display device))
The configuration of the “still image processing device (display device)” is the same as that of the still image processing device of the first embodiment. Still image processing devices (display devices) (hereinafter referred to as “display devices”) have a display capability as a processing capability and a decoding capability of encoded still image data encoded in a predetermined format. The specific configuration for determining processing sharing in the display device is basically the same as the configuration of the still image processing device described in the first embodiment.

(Example of specific configuration in still image processing system)
As described above, the specific configuration for processing in each still image processing apparatus (recording apparatus, display apparatus) of the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the still image processing system of the present embodiment, only one side device (still image processing device) as exemplified in the first embodiment has a function of processing sharing determination and control based on this, Unlike the other devices (other electronic devices) that do not have these functions, and only perform processing based on the processing sharing decision made by the still image processing device and control based on this, both These functions are provided as a still image processing apparatus. Accordingly, either device may perform processing sharing determination and control. Specifically, which device executes these processes is determined, for example, by negotiation prior to the start of the process.

  Alternatively, since both apparatuses have such a function, both processes may be performed while transmitting and receiving data while performing process sharing determination and performing control based on the determined rule. In this case, in order to prevent both processes from being batting, for example, the first process (for example, the process sharing decision of which one performs the decoding process) is determined by negotiation, and thereafter, one apparatus that performs one process based on this process sharing determination It is possible to follow a rule that makes a decision to share the next process. For example, the apparatus that has performed the decoding process determines the sharing of the playback process, and the apparatus that has performed the playback process according to this determination determines the sharing of the recording process.

  In this example, a case where processing sharing determination and control are performed for processing of encoded still image data acquired by the recording apparatus will be described. In this case, the processing sharing determination unit of the recording apparatus first determines the processing sharing of which one performs the decoding process based on the result of comparing the decoding capability of itself and the display device as the processing capability. The procedure is basically the same as that described in the first embodiment. In this example, since both apparatuses have the decoding capability of the encoded still image data, the processing sharing is determined by specifically comparing these capabilities. Here, it is assumed that the decoding processing speed of the display device is 20 Mbps, and the decoding processing speed of the recording device itself is 10 Mbps. In this case, if the data amount of the still image data is 20 MB, it is determined that the processing is faster when the display device decodes the data even if the transfer time is taken into account. Determine the processing share of.

  Next, the recording apparatus determines which apparatus will share the playback process. In this example, the recording device has a recording capability as a processing capability and a decoding capability of encoded still image data encoded in a predetermined format, and the display device encodes a display capability and a predetermined format as processing capability. The encoded encoded still image data has a decoding capability. In other words, since only the display device has the playback capability, it is determined that the playback processing is shared by the display device without comparing the specific capabilities.

  Next, the recording apparatus determines which apparatus is to share the recording process. In this example, the recording device has a recording capability as a processing capability and a decoding capability of encoded still image data encoded in a predetermined format, and the display device encodes a display capability and a predetermined format as processing capability. The encoded encoded still image data has a decoding capability. That is, since only the recording device has the recording capability, it is determined that the recording device shares the recording process without comparing the specific capabilities.

  Therefore, the recording apparatus performs control based on the above processing sharing determination. Specifically, for example, “(1) transmitting encoded still image data to a display device, decoding by the display device, and (2) reproducing decoded still image data on the display of the display device. (3) After that, control is performed to transmit the decoded still image data to the recording device and send the command information to the display device together with the encoded still image data. .

  As described above, according to the still image processing system of this embodiment, while paying attention to the capabilities of the individual still image processing devices that constitute the still image processing system, the processing sharing determination is based on the negotiation between the component devices and the like. By performing control, it is possible to perform effective processing according to the capabilities of these devices.

(Hardware configuration)
Next, the hardware configuration of the still image processing system of this embodiment will be described. Although not shown, an example of the hardware configuration of both the recording apparatus and the display apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 with respect to the hardware configuration of the still image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In addition, the process sharing determination in each device, the control according to the determined process sharing, and the procedure for transmission are the same as described in the first embodiment. However, which device may perform this control and transmission processing may be performed by which device, unlike the first embodiment, and is first determined by negotiation, for example.

  For example, the CPU of the recording apparatus executes a processing sharing determination program and first determines sharing of decoding processing based on the comparison result of decoding capabilities. Next, the sharing decision of the reproduction process and the sharing decision of the recording process are also made. Here, the reproduction capability is only the display device, and the recording capability is only the recording device, so the reproduction processing and the recording processing are the display device and the recording device respectively. Is decided to share. Therefore, when the sharing determination is made, the CPU of the recording device executes the control program and displays the instruction information and the encoded still image data whose contents are to perform processing according to the sharing through the I / O. Send to. Then, the CPU of the display device performs decoding processing and reproduction processing according to the procedure defined by the command information, and transmits the decoded still image data to the recording device via the I / O. Then, the CPU of the recording apparatus performs a recording process according to the procedure defined by the command information.

<Process flow>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow in the still image processing system of the present embodiment. In the figure, the flow shown on the left side is a process flow in the recording apparatus, and the flow shown on the right side is a process flow in the display apparatus. The flow of each process is basically the same as in the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that which of the still image processing devices performs processing sharing determination and control is determined by the recording device to perform this by negotiation prior to the start of processing.

First, in the encoded still image data acquisition step S1001, the recording apparatus acquires encoded still image data.
Next, in the processing sharing determination step S1002, the recording apparatus decodes and displays the still image data in order to decode and display the encoded still image data acquired in the encoded still image data acquisition step S1001. The processing share is determined based on the result of comparing the processing capability of other electronic devices that can be used with the processing capability of the other electronic devices. Here, it is assumed that the processing sharing decision for performing these processes in the display device is made for decoding and reproduction, and the processing sharing decision for performing this processing in the recording device is made for recording.
Next, in control step S1003, the recording apparatus controls transmission / reception of the data in the transmission / reception unit according to the processing sharing determined in the processing sharing determination step S1002. Here, since it is determined in step S1002 that the display apparatus performs decoding processing, control for transmitting the encoded still image data and the command information to the display apparatus is performed in accordance with this.
Next, in the transmission / reception step S1004, the recording apparatus transmits / receives command information and encoded still image data to / from the display apparatus according to the control content in the control step S1003.

Next, the display apparatus first receives the command information and the encoded still image data transmitted in the transmission / reception step S1004 in the transmission / reception step S1005.
Next, in processing (decoding) step S1006 according to the processing sharing determination, the display apparatus performs data decoding processing according to the instruction information, and further in processing (reproduction) step S1007 according to the processing sharing determination, the processing proceeds to step S1006. The decoded still image data is reproduced.
Next, in this example, since it is determined that the recording process is performed by the recording apparatus, in step S1008, the display apparatus returns the decoded still image data to the recording apparatus.

  Therefore, the recording apparatus receives the decoded still image data returned in step S1008 in the transmission / reception step S1009, and records the decoded still image data in processing (recording) step S1010 according to processing sharing.

<Effect>
According to the invention of this embodiment, it is determined which of the still image processing apparatus side and the display apparatus side performs decoding, which performs reproduction, and which performs recording, according to the data format and data amount of still image data. In addition, it is possible to provide a still image processing system capable of performing decoding, reproduction and recording with the most suitable apparatus, and a still image processing method using the still image processing system. In particular, according to the still image processing system of the present embodiment, while paying attention to the capabilities of the individual still image processing devices constituting the same, the processing sharing determination and control based on this are performed based on negotiations between the component devices. It is possible to perform effective processing according to the capabilities of these devices.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a still image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment and other electronic devices connected thereto. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the still image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Schematic which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the still picture processing device of Example 1. The figure which shows an example of the flow of a process in the still image processing device of Example 1. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of a still image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. Schematic which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the still image processing apparatus of Example 2. FIG. Conceptual diagram showing an example of processing sharing using a self-other processing capacity information comparison table The figure which shows an example of the flow of a process in the still image processing device of Example 2. The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the still image processing system of Example 3. The figure which shows an example of the flow of a process in the still image processing system of Example 3. The figure which shows an example of the processing capability information used as a comparison object when the still image processing apparatus of Example 1 performs comparison by itself. The figure which shows an example of the table in which the processing capability information of various apparatuses was linked | related with ID of each apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

0100 Still image processing device (recorder)
0110 Other electronic equipment (television)
0130 Interface 0200 Still image processing device 0210 Encoded still image data acquisition unit 0220 Transmission / reception unit 0230 Processing sharing determination unit 0240 Control unit

Claims (5)

An encoded still image data acquisition unit for acquiring encoded still image data;
A transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data to / from other electronic devices;
In order to decode and display the acquired encoded still image data, the processing capability of other electronic devices that can be used for decoding / displaying the still image data was compared with its own processing capability. A processing sharing determination unit that determines processing sharing based on the result;
A control unit for controlling transmission / reception of the data in the transmission / reception unit according to the determined processing sharing;
A still image processing apparatus. The processing sharing determination unit
First acquisition to acquire other processing capability information of other electronic devices that can be used for decoding and display of the still image data in order to decode and display the acquired encoded still image data through the transmission / reception unit Means,
Self-processing capability information holding means for holding self-processing capability information that is information indicating the own processing capability that can also be used;
A comparison means for performing the comparison based on the other processing capability information and the own processing capability information;
The still image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The recording device as a still image processing device according to claim 1, having a recording capability as a processing capability and a decoding capability of encoded still image data encoded in a predetermined format;
The display device as a still image processing device according to claim 1, which has display capability as processing capability and decoding capability of encoded still image data encoded in a predetermined format;
Still image processing system connected to each other to enable data transmission and reception. An encoded still image data acquisition step for acquiring encoded still image data;
Can be used in the same way as the processing capabilities of other electronic devices that can be used to decode and display the still image data in order to decode and display the encoded still image data acquired in the encoded still image data acquisition step. Processing sharing determination step for determining processing sharing based on the result of comparing the processing capability
A control step for controlling transmission / reception of the data in the transmission / reception unit according to the processing sharing determined in the processing sharing determination step;
A still image processing method comprising: a transmission / reception step for transmitting / receiving data to / from another electronic device. The process sharing determination step includes
Acquire other processing capability information of other electronic devices that can be used to decode and display the still image data in order to decode and display the encoded still image data acquired in the encoded still image data acquisition step. A first acquisition substep to
A comparison sub-step for performing the comparison based on the other processing capability information acquired in the first acquisition sub-step and the own processing capability information that is information indicating the own processing capability that can also be used;
The still image processing method according to claim 4.

Images