JP2009303017A - Image data recording system and image data recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently sort a plurality of groups of image data (moving image data) so as to easily retrieve them, when recording the groups of image data on a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: On the basis of moving image data items in a plurality of groups of image data (moving image data) stored in a storage means, specific thumbnail image data are selected from among thumbnail image data generated respectively (S202) and in accordance with a result of the selection, a plurality of moving image data items are sorted into a plurality of groups to reconfigure management information to be used for recording on a recording medium (S204). On the basis of the management information reconfigured in S204, control is performed for printing a reduction image based on specific reduction image data on an outer surface of the recording medium (S206) and control is performed for recording moving image data relating to the specific reduction image data on the recording medium for each group (S208). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image data recording system and an image data recording method for performing processing for recording a plurality of image data groups stored in a storage means on a recording medium.

  In recent video recorder integrated cameras (hereinafter referred to as “video cameras”), various types of recording media such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), HDD, memory card, etc. are used as recording media for recording moving image data. It has become widespread.

  In the case of a DVD, the recording medium (also referred to as “recording medium”) can be attached to and detached from the video camera, and the recording medium is relatively inexpensive. For this reason, when recording with a capacity exceeding the capacity of a single recording medium, a method of storing a plurality of recording media while exchanging the recording medium is common.

  Here, in the case of an HDD, it is generally impossible to detach from the video camera body. For this reason, the storage capacity of a single HDD is generally larger than that of a DVD or the like, but the storage capacity is still finite. Therefore, the moving image data recorded in the HDD built in the video camera is It is necessary to copy to an external recording medium such as a DVD.

  Further, in the case of a memory card, in general, it is often detachable from the video camera body. Also, a memory card is generally more expensive than a DVD or the like, and when the remaining capacity of the memory card is exhausted, the recorded moving image data is also relatively inexpensive like the HDD. It is necessary to copy to a recording medium such as a DVD.

  Furthermore, in recent video cameras, the capacity of HDDs and memory cards is increasing. For this reason, the recordable time tends to increase, and the number of chapters (image data group), which is a recording unit of image data to be recorded, also tends to increase. Then, it becomes difficult to find a desired scene from chapter contents recorded in a larger amount than before, and it is necessary to devise a storage method.

  In such a case, for example, a configuration has been proposed in which a user can obtain more information by label printing management information as well as title name and date / time information when copying to a DVD or the like. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1 below).

  In addition, a DVD recorder that records content on a DVD has a configuration that includes a label printing unit that prints content information on the disc label surface of the DVD and reduces the work of organizing after copying the disc (for example, the following) Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, a configuration using a recordable / reproducible information recording medium having a data area configured to store an object of a data stream and a management area configured to store management information for managing the object is provided. It has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 3 below). Specifically, in this patent document 3, the management information can be stored with marking information for designating the reproduction location in the object, and even if the capacity of the recording medium to be recorded becomes large, the user's A configuration has been proposed in which recording and playback can be performed from any desired location.

JP 2006-108926 A JP 2006-351052 A JP 2002-157863 A

  However, in the conventional configuration described above, in particular, consideration for improving the efficiency of organizing work for content recorded in large quantities is insufficient. For example, in the conventional configuration described above, when a large number of chapters are copied to a recording medium, consideration for appropriately classifying these chapters is insufficient, and thus the order in which these large numbers of chapters are simply recorded. Therefore, it is copied to the recording medium without being classified. As a result, when searching for and reproducing a desired chapter from the recording medium after copying, the user may have to search for the desired chapter from the contents of all the copied recording media. There is no problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and when recording a plurality of chapters (image data groups) on a recording medium, the image data groups can be efficiently classified and easily searched. The purpose is to do.

The image data recording system of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of image data groups, a reduced image generation unit that generates reduced image data in one image data of the image data group, and the plurality of image data. Selection processing means for selecting specific reduced image data from the reduced image data in a group, and the plurality of image data groups according to a selection result of the specific reduced image data by the selection processing means. Configuration means for configuring management information used when recording on a recording medium divided into a plurality of groups, printing a reduced image based on the specific reduced image data selected by the selection processing means on the outer surface of the recording medium, Control means for controlling recording of the plurality of image data groups divided into the plurality of groups based on the management information.

  An image data recording method according to the present invention is an image data recording method for performing a process of recording a plurality of image data groups stored in a storage means on a recording medium, wherein one of the image data groups is reduced. A reduced image generating step for generating image data; a selection processing step for selecting specific reduced image data from the reduced image data in the plurality of image data groups; and the specific reduction by the selection processing step. In accordance with the selection result of the image data, a configuration step of configuring management information used when the plurality of image data groups are divided into a plurality of groups and recorded on the recording medium, and the selection processing step on the outer surface of the recording medium Printing the reduced image based on the selected specific reduced image data and the divided into the plurality of groups based on the management information And a control step of controlling the recording of the image data group number.

  According to the present invention, when a plurality of image data groups are recorded on a recording medium, the image data groups can be efficiently classified and easily searched.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration in an image data recording system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The image data recording system 10 includes a video camera 100 that is an image data processing device, a printing and image data writing device (hereinafter referred to as “writer”) 120, and a connection that connects the video camera 100 and the writer 120 so that they can communicate with each other. Means 130 is provided. Here, the connection means 130 is configured by, for example, a USB cable.

  The video camera 100 includes a lens 101, a CCD 102, an image signal processing unit 103, a recording / reproduction control unit 104, a storage medium control unit 105, a storage device 106, a microcomputer 107, an LCD display control unit 108, an LCD 109, and a USB_I / F 110. It is configured.

  The lens 101 is for guiding light incident from the outside of the video camera 100, for example, an optical image of a subject, to the CCD 102. The CCD 102 is an image sensor that receives light incident from the lens 101 and outputs an image signal that is an electrical signal. The image signal processing unit 103 processes the image signal output from the CCD 102 so as to become a signal corresponding to the recording / reproduction control unit 104.

  The recording / reproduction control unit 104 performs recording control and reproduction control related to image data based on the image signal processed by the image signal processing unit 103. Specifically, the recording / reproduction control unit 104 transmits / receives image data code-compressed for recording / reproduction to / from the storage device 106 that is a storage unit via the storage medium control unit 105. In this embodiment, since the video camera 100 is applied as the image data processing apparatus, the recording / reproduction control unit 104 performs recording control and reproduction control related to moving image data and the like.

  The microcomputer 107 controls the overall operation of the video camera 100, and controls each component configured inside the video camera 100 as necessary. The LCD display control unit 108 receives the image data (moving image data or the like) from the recording / reproduction control unit 104 and performs control to display an image based on the image data, various information, various menus, and the like. The LCD 109 is provided with a display screen that displays an image and the like, and a user interface that is an operation input means that can be operated by the user, for example.

  The USB_I / F 110 communicates with the writer 120 via the connection unit 130 configured with a USB cable.

  The writer 120 includes a USB_I / F 121, a recording control unit 122, a microcomputer 123, a label printing unit 124, a disk device 125, an LCD display control unit 126, and an LCD 127.

  The USB_I / F 121 communicates with the video camera 100 via the connection unit 130 configured with a USB cable.

  The recording control unit 122 performs recording control of various image data and various information. For example, the recording control unit 122 causes the label printing unit 124 to perform a process of printing a thumbnail image based on the thumbnail image data transmitted from the video camera 100 on the label surface of the disc. Further, for example, the recording control unit 122 causes the disk device 125 to perform processing for recording the moving image data transmitted from the video camera 100 on a disk that is a recording medium. Further, for example, the recording control unit 122 causes the LCD display control unit 126 to perform processing for displaying image data, various information, various menus, and the like on the LCD 127. The microcomputer 123 controls the overall operation of the writer 120, and controls each component configured inside the writer 120 as necessary.

  The label printing unit 124 performs a printing process on the label surface of the disc (DVD in this example). The disk device 125 writes image data (moving image data in this example) to the disk.

  The LCD display control unit 126 performs control to display image data, various information (for example, control state information of the writer 120), various menus, and the like on the LCD 127. The LCD 127 is provided with, for example, a user interface that is an operation input means that can be operated by a user, together with a display screen that displays an image or the like.

  Next, an algorithm of a moving image copy processing subroutine executed by the microcomputer 107 of the video camera 100 shown in FIG. 1 and the microcomputer 123 of the writer 120 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of moving image copy processing in the image data recording system 10 shown in FIG.

  First, in step S201, the microcomputer 107 of the video camera 100 performs a moving image copy processing subroutine start process. This subroutine is called when the microcomputer 107 determines that moving image copy processing is necessary.

  For example, in step S <b> 201, the microcomputer 107 generates thumbnail image data (reduced image data) in one still image data among the moving image data (image data group) stored in the storage device 106. Here, thumbnail image data is generated for each moving image data in the plurality of moving image data stored in the storage device 106. The microcomputer 107 that performs this generation processing constitutes a reduced image generation unit. Then, the LCD display control unit 126 performs display control for displaying a thumbnail image (reduced image) based on the generated thumbnail image data on the LCD 109 as a display device based on the control of the microcomputer 107 and the recording / reproduction control unit 104. Do. At this time, the recording / playback control unit 104 performs control to store the generated thumbnail image data in the storage device 106 in association with the corresponding moving image data (image data group) via the storage medium control unit 105. . The thumbnail image displayed on the LCD 109 is a reduced image that is a candidate for label printing processing. Details of this content will be described later together with the selection method in step S202.

  Subsequently, in step S202, the microcomputer 107 performs selection processing for selecting thumbnail image data (specific reduced image data) to be subjected to label printing processing based on a selection signal from the LCD 127. The microcomputer 107 that performs this selection processing constitutes selection processing means. Although the details of the selection method in step S202 will be described later, in the present embodiment, selection processing of a plurality of thumbnail image data is performed.

  After the selection of thumbnail image data in step S202, subsequently, in step S203, the microcomputer 107 determines whether or not a copy start button (not shown) for starting copying of moving image data has been pressed. Here, in this example, the copy start button is configured. However, it is not always necessary to use the button, and the start of copying of moving image data is determined by the selection using a software-configured menu. You may do it.

  If the result of determination in step S203 is that the copy start button has not been pressed, the process waits in step S203 until it is determined that the copy start button has been pressed. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S203 is that the copy start button has been pressed, processing proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the microcomputer 107 reconstructs image content management information based on the DVD standard (hereinafter simply referred to as “management information”) in accordance with the selection result of the thumbnail image data executed in step S202. . Here, the microcomputer 107 performs a process of configuring management information used when a plurality of moving image data is divided into a plurality of groups and recorded on a disk as a recording medium. The microcomputer 107 that performs this configuration processing constitutes configuration means. Details of the reconstruction method in step S204 will be described later.

  Subsequently, in step S205, the microcomputer 107 performs processing for transmitting the thumbnail image data file selected in step S202 to be subjected to label printing processing to the writer 120. At this time, the microcomputer 107 also transmits a label printing start command to the writer 120.

  When thumbnail image data and a label printing start command are transmitted from the video camera 100, in step S206, the microcomputer 123 of the writer 120 performs control to print a thumbnail image based on the received thumbnail image data on the label surface of the disc. . Specifically, the microcomputer 123 controls the recording control unit 122 to cause the label printing unit 124 to print the thumbnail image on the label surface of the disc.

  Subsequently, in step S207, the microcomputer 107 of the video camera 100 performs processing for transmitting the management information reconstructed in step S204 to the writer 120. At this time, if the management information reconstructed in step S204 results in the division into two or more disks, the management information of one disk is transmitted to the writer 120. Further, the microcomputer 107 of the video camera 100 performs processing of transmitting a moving image data file corresponding to the thumbnail image data file transmitted in step S205 to the writer 120 and transmitting a disk write command.

  When management information, moving image data, and a disk write command are transmitted from the video camera 100, in step S208, the microcomputer 123 of the writer 120 controls to record the received moving image data on the disk based on the received management information. To do. Specifically, the microcomputer 123 controls the recording control unit 122 to cause the disk device 125 to write and record the received moving image data on the disk.

  When the writing process in step S208 is completed, label printing of thumbnail images and writing of moving image data to the disk are performed on one disk, and the processing of the one disk is completed.

  Subsequently, in step S209, the microcomputer 107 of the video camera 100 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed disk. Here, when the management information reconfigured in step S204 results in the division into a plurality of disks, has the series of processing from steps S205 to S208 been completed for all the disks? Judge whether or not.

  If it is determined in step S209 that there is an unprocessed disk, the process returns to step S205, and the processes in steps S205 to S208 are performed again on the unprocessed disk.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S209 is that there are no unprocessed disks (that is, processing for all the target disks has been completed), the process proceeds to step S210, and the subroutine is terminated.

  For example, it is assumed that the management information reconstructed in step S204 is divided into three disks. In this case, if the determination in step S209 is performed after the processing in steps S205 to S208 is performed on the management information relating to the first disc, the processing returns to step S205 because the processing in the remaining two discs has not been performed.

  Then, the processing of steps S205 to S208 is executed for the management information related to the second disc. If the determination in step S209 is made after the execution of the processes in steps S205 to S208, the process on the remaining one disk has not been performed, so the process returns to step S205 again.

  Then, the processes of steps S205 to S208 are performed on the management information related to the third disc. If the determination in step S209 is performed after the execution of the processes in steps S205 to S208, the process on all three disks of the management information reconstructed in step S204 has been completed, so the process proceeds to step S210. The processing of this subroutine ends.

  Next, details of the start process in step S201 in FIG. 2 and the thumbnail image data selection method in step S202 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen displayed on the LCD 109 of the video camera 100 shown in FIG.
This user interface screen is displayed on the display frame 300 of the LCD 109 of the video camera 100, for example. FIG. 3 shows thumbnail images A (301), thumbnail images B (302), thumbnail images C (303), thumbnail images D (304), and thumbnail images E (305), which are reduced images that are candidates for label printing processing. ) And a thumbnail image F (306).

  Thumbnail images A (301) to F (306) are thumbnail images of the chapters stored in the storage device 106 of the video camera 100 and still images at points on the time axis that are representative of moving image data in each chapter. Is cut out as

  In this embodiment, an example in which one moving image data file is applied as one chapter which is a unit of the image data group to be recorded is shown. However, it is not always necessary to apply one moving image data file. No. For example, a mode in which data obtained by dividing one moving image data at a predetermined unit or every predetermined time is applied as one chapter to the present embodiment.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the thumbnail images are displayed side by side in a vertical row and a horizontal row of 3 inside the display frame 300. The cursor 307 is used when the user selects a thumbnail image displayed in the display frame 300.

  The cursor 307 can be moved on each thumbnail image by the user operating a cross key (not shown). Further, for example, when the user operates the cross key to the left side with the cursor 307 positioned on the thumbnail image A (301), the display frame 300 may display thumbnail images for the previous page. it can. Similarly, for example, when the user operates the cross key to the right while the cursor 307 is positioned on the thumbnail image F (306), the display frame 300 displays thumbnail images for the next page. Can do. In this example, the display space of the display frame 300 has only six thumbnail images, but it is possible to display seven or more thumbnail images by the method described above.

  Then, the user moves the cursor 307 to the position of the thumbnail image for which label printing processing is to be performed, and presses a setting button (not shown), so that the thumbnail image is selected and registered as a label printing target. When this selection operation is performed, in step S202, the microcomputer 107 performs a selection process for selecting the corresponding thumbnail image data based on a selection signal from the LCD 127.

  Next, a method for reconstructing the management information in accordance with the selected thumbnail image data executed in step S204 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the management information reconfiguration process executed in step S204 of FIG.
Chapter 1 (401) is the first chapter taken by the video camera 100. Similarly, FIG. 4 shows chapter 2 (402), chapter 3 (403), chapter 4 (404), chapter 5 (405), chapter 6 (406), chapter 7 (407), chapter 8 (408). , Chapter 9 (409) and chapter 10 (410) are shown. That is, the example shown in FIG. 4 shows a case where 10 chapters have been shot. In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, ten chapters are taken as an example, but of course, the present invention can be applied even when the number of chapters is more than ten (as an example in actual use). Tens to hundreds of chapters).

  The thumbnail image 1 (416) is a thumbnail image corresponding to the chapter 1 (401). Similarly, thumbnail image 3 (417) is a thumbnail image corresponding to chapter 3 (403). The thumbnail image 6 (418) is a thumbnail image corresponding to the chapter 6 (406). The thumbnail image 7 (419) is a thumbnail image corresponding to the chapter 7 (407). The thumbnail image 9 (420) is a thumbnail image corresponding to the chapter 9 (409).

  In this example, the thumbnail image 1 (416), thumbnail image 3 (417), thumbnail image 6 (418), thumbnail image 7 (419), and thumbnail image 9 (420) are selected in the selection process in step S202 of FIG. Each data is selected.

  In the present embodiment, the microcomputer 107 can print thumbnails that can be printed on the label surface of each disc by a setting by an operation input or the like from the user via an input unit (not shown) in the stage before the process of step S204. Assume that the number of images is set in advance. The setting performed at that time may be, for example, a fixed value (for example, 4 sheets, etc.), or selectable from a menu or the like (for example, selectable from 2 sheets, 4 sheets, 6 sheets, etc.) ).

  In step S204 of FIG. 2, first, the title information related to the division of the title, which is one of the management information, is reconfigured according to the selection result of the thumbnail image data in step S202. In the present embodiment, the title information is reconfigured by dividing the title so that the chapter including the selected thumbnail image data becomes the first chapter in a single title.

  For example, chapter 1 (401) including thumbnail image 1 (416) is set as the first chapter, and chapter 2 (402) immediately before chapter 3 including thumbnail image 3 (417) selected next is the final chapter. Is formed (title 1 (411)). That is, in step S204, a title with one title as a group from the chapter related to the thumbnail image data first selected in step S202 to the chapter immediately before the chapter related to the next selected thumbnail image data. Information is composed. In the present embodiment, a plurality of chapters are divided as a group by an input unit (not shown). At this time, title information relating to title classification such as names and keywords is input to the image data group. You may do it. Here, this input means constitutes a title setting means.

  Title 1 (411) is composed of two chapters of chapter 1 (401) and chapter 2 (402). Similarly, chapter 3 (403) to chapter 5 (405) are constituent elements of title 2 (412), and chapter 6 (406) is a constituent element of title 3 (413). Further, chapter 7 (407) to chapter 8 (408) are constituent elements of title 4 (414), and chapter 9 (409) to chapter 10 (410) are constituent elements of title 5 (415). As described above, title division is reconfigured.

  Further, in step S204, the disc information related to disc division, which is one of the management information, is reconstructed after the title information is reconfigured by dividing the title. This disc information is recording destination information that defines a disc as a recording destination of chapters divided into titles based on title information. Here, in this example, it is assumed that the maximum number of thumbnail images that can be printed on the label surface per disc is set to 4 in advance by the above-described setting. As described in the above title division procedure, the number of thumbnail images selected as the target of the label printing process is equal to the number of titles obtained as a result of the title division.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the number of selected thumbnail images is 5, and the number of titles is also 5. As a result, the number of titles related to chapters that can be recorded on one disc is the same as the number of thumbnail images that can be printed on the label surface per disc, and is four titles in this example. In accordance with this concept, in step S204, title 1 (411) to title 4 (414) are set as disk 1 (421) and title 5 (415) is set as disk 2 (422), and the disk information is divided and reconstructed. .

  Next, the state of the label surface of the disk that has been subjected to the label printing process in step S206 based on the result of the disk division by the management information reconstruction process in step S204 will be described.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the label surface of the disc on which the label printing process has been performed in step S206 of FIG.
5A, the label surface 506 indicates the label surface that is the outer surface of the disc 1 (421) shown in FIG. 4, and the label surface 507 indicates the label surface that is the outer surface of the disc 2 (422) shown in FIG. Show.

  A thumbnail image 1 (501) shown in FIG. 5A is a thumbnail image printed on the label surface 506 of the disc 1, and title 1 (411) (specifically, thumbnail image 1 (416)) in FIG. It corresponds to. Similarly, the thumbnail image 2 (502) is a thumbnail image corresponding to the title 2 (412) in FIG. 4 (specifically, the thumbnail image 3 (417)). Also, the thumbnail image 3 (503) is a thumbnail image corresponding to the title 3 (413) (specifically, the thumbnail image 6 (418)) in FIG. The thumbnail image 4 (504) is a thumbnail image corresponding to the title 4 (414) (specifically, the thumbnail image 7 (419)) in FIG.

  In this example, as described above, the maximum number of thumbnail images that can be printed on the label surface per disc is set to a maximum of four, and title 1 (411) to title are reconfigured in the management information reconstruction process in step S204. 4 (414) is set as the disk 1. As a result, in step S206, thumbnail image 1 (501) to thumbnail image 4 (504) are printed on the label surface 506 of the disc 1.

  In the case of the disc 1 shown in FIG. 5A, in step S208, moving image data files relating to the chapters from title 1 (411) to title 4 (414) are recorded on the disc 1.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, at the time of this step S208, for example, the microcomputer 123 of the writer 120 relates to a title indicating a group of chapters recorded on the disc 1 according to the title division assigned to the disc 1 of the management information. Menu image data generation processing is performed. The microcomputer 123 that performs this generation processing constitutes a menu image generation unit. Further, for example, the microcomputer 123 of the writer 120 performs control to record the generated menu image data on the disk 1.

FIG. 5B is an image diagram illustrating an example of a menu image based on the menu image data recorded on the disc 1 illustrated in FIG.
In the menu image 520 shown in FIG. 5B, title 1 (521), title 1 (522), and title 3 (523), which indicate title 1 (411) to title 4 (414) allocated to the disc 1, respectively. And title 4 (524) is shown.

  This menu image 520 is displayed on the display screen when, for example, the disc 1 which is a DVD is inserted into the player, and the moving image data (recorded on the disc 1 using the displayed title as a key ( (Chapter) is searchable. For example, it may be a menu image that further displays a corresponding thumbnail image.

  Also, the thumbnail image 5 (505) shown in FIG. 5A is a thumbnail image printed on the label surface 507 of the disc 2, and the title 5 (415) (specifically, the thumbnail image 9 (420) in FIG. )).

  In this case, in step S206, the thumbnail image 5 (505) assigned to the disc 2 is printed on the label surface 507 of the disc 2 based on the management information reconstruction result in step S204.

  In the case of the disc 2 shown in FIG. 5A, a file of moving image data relating to each chapter of title 5 (415) is recorded on the disc 2 in step S208. Further, in the case of the disc 2, as in the case of the disc 1 described above, in step S208, menu image data is generated according to the title division assigned to the disc 2, and the menu image data is recorded on the disc 2. Processing is performed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration in the image data recording system 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, in FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The image data recording system 20 shown in FIG. 6 includes a video camera 200 that is an image data processing apparatus, a writer 120, and a connection unit 130 that connects the video camera 200 and the writer 120 so that they can communicate with each other. . That is, in the image data recording system 20 according to the second embodiment, the internal configuration of the video camera is different from the image data recording system 10 according to the first embodiment. More specifically, as the internal configuration of the video camera 200, a power saving switch 111 and a power supply circuit unit 112 are added to the internal configuration of the video camera 100.

  The power saving switch 111 is switching means that is operated when switching the power saving mode of the video camera 200.

  The power supply circuit unit 112 supplies power to each component of the video camera 200 and sets each component of the video camera 200 to a power saving state in accordance with the operation of the power saving switch 111.

  In this power saving function, by operating the power saving switch 111, the time required to cancel the power saving state and shift the video camera 200 to the recordable state is set as follows to shift to the power saving state. Is. Specifically, the required time is set to be shorter than the required time from when the power source of the video camera 200 is completely turned off to when the video camera 200 is switched to the recordable state. Only specific components inside the are shifted to the power saving state.

Further, the power supply circuit unit 112 notifies the recording / reproduction control unit 104 and the microcomputer 107 of the power saving execution state.
In the microcomputer 107, after the transition from the power saving state to the non power saving state (that is, when the power saving mode is canceled), the thumbnail image data in the chapter of the moving image data recorded for the first time is automatically set as the target of the label printing process. select.

  That is, the microcomputer 107 automatically uses the still image data in the chapter of the moving image data that is first captured and recorded as the representative thumbnail image data after the video camera 200 returns from the pause state (power saving state). Perform the process of selecting. In this case, the microcomputer 107 performs an automatic selection process of thumbnail image data every time the power saving state is restored, that is, in conjunction with the operation of canceling the power saving mode by the power saving switch 111.

  Next, automatic thumbnail image data selection processing for performing label printing processing, which is executed in the microcomputer 107 of the video camera 200 shown in FIG. 6, will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the moving image recording process in the video camera 200 shown in FIG.

  First, in step S701, the microcomputer 107 of the video camera 200 starts moving image data recording processing.

  Subsequently, in step S702, the microcomputer 107 determines whether or not a recording start button (not shown) has been pressed by the user (operator).

  If the result of determination in step S702 is that the recording start button has not been pressed, the process waits in step S702 until it is determined that the recording start button has been pressed. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S702 is that the recording start button has been pressed, processing proceeds to step S703.

  In step S703, the microcomputer 107 performs a recording start process. Specifically, in step S703, for example, thumbnail image data that is predetermined still image data corresponding to moving image data (chapter) to be recorded is generated.

  Subsequently, in step S704, the microcomputer 107 performs a recording process of recording the moving image data being shot in the storage device 106.

  Subsequently, in step S705, the microcomputer 107 determines whether or not a recording end button (not shown) has been pressed by the user (operator).

  If it is determined in step S705 that the recording end button has not been pressed, the processing in step S704 is continued until it is determined that the recording end button has been pressed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S705 that the recording end button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, the microcomputer 107 determines whether or not the current recording in the storage device 106 is the first recording after the power saving mode is canceled. This determination is made, for example, using information related to the power saving state obtained from the power supply circuit unit 112 in FIG.

  As a result of the determination in step S706, if the current recording in the storage device 106 is the first recording after the power saving mode is released, the process proceeds to step S707. In step S707, the microcomputer 107 generates label printing target selection information for selecting thumbnail image data of moving image data (chapter) related to the initial recording to be registered in the management information.

  If the process in step S707 is completed, or if it is determined in step S706 that the current recording in the storage device 106 is not the first recording after the power saving mode is canceled, the process proceeds to step S708. In step S708, the microcomputer 107 performs a recording end process. Specifically, in step S708, for example, the management information related to the captured moving image data (chapter) is stored in the storage device 106 and registered. At this time, if label printing target selection information has been generated in step S707, the information is also stored in the storage device 106 and registered.

  Thereafter, in step S709, the microcomputer 107 performs a process of ending the process of this flowchart.

  Next, an algorithm of a moving image copy processing subroutine executed by the microcomputer 107 of the video camera 200 shown in FIG. 6 and the microcomputer 123 of the writer 120 shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of moving image copy processing in the image data recording system 20 shown in FIG. Here, in FIG. 8, the same steps as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

Specifically, the difference between the flowchart in FIG. 8 and the flowchart in FIG. 2 is that the thumbnail image data selection process for performing the label printing process in step S202 is deleted. The thumbnail image data selection process for performing the label printing process is based on the manual selection by the user in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the thumbnail image data selection process is performed in the moving image recording process shown in FIG. Selection is being performed automatically.

  First, in step S201 in FIG. 8, as in the first embodiment, the microcomputer 107 starts a moving image copy processing subroutine.

  Subsequently, in step S203, the microcomputer 107 determines whether or not a copy start button (not shown) for starting moving image copying has been pressed. If the result of this determination is that the copy start button has not been pressed, the process waits in step S203 until it is determined that the copy start button has been pressed. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S203 is that the copy start button has been pressed, processing proceeds to step S204.

  Subsequently, in step S204, the microcomputer 107 reconfigures management information based on the DVD standard in accordance with the selection result of the thumbnail image data. At this time, in the second embodiment, the management information is reconfigured using the label print target selection information generated in step S707 of FIG. 7 and registered in the storage device 106 in step S708.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205, and the processes of steps S205 to S210 are performed as in the first embodiment.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention described above, thumbnail image data to be subjected to label printing processing is manually or automatically selected, and a plurality of chapters (image data groups) are divided into a plurality of groups and recorded on a disc according to the selection result. Management information to be used at the time of configuration. Specifically, as the management information, title information divided into titles for each group described above, and disc information that defines a recording destination disc based on the title information are defined. Then, based on the management information, the thumbnail image based on the selected thumbnail image data is printed on the outer surface of the disc, and the chapter related to the thumbnail image data is recorded on the disc for each title. Yes. In other words, in the present embodiment, by selecting thumbnail image data to be subjected to label printing processing, the title source and the disc are divided into chapters that are the generation source of the thumbnail image data, and then recorded (copied) onto the disc. I am doing so.
According to such a configuration, the user can roughly determine which disc has a desired chapter by looking at the thumbnail image printed on the label surface of the disc. That is, according to each embodiment of the present invention, when a plurality of chapters are recorded on a disc, the chapters can be efficiently classified and easily searched.

Furthermore, in each of the embodiments of the present invention described above, menu image data relating to a title indicating a group of chapters recorded on the disc is generated according to the title division, and this is recorded on the disc.
According to such a configuration, by displaying the menu image based on the menu image data, chapters can be searched using the title as a key, and a moving image related to a desired scene can be reproduced, thereby improving searchability.

  Furthermore, a single operation of selecting a thumbnail image makes it easy to print the thumbnail image on the label side of the disc and title or disc division of moving image content at the same time, improving user convenience. To do.

  In each of the embodiments of the present invention described above, an example in which a video camera is applied as an image data processing device has been described. It is also possible to apply the present invention even if it is configured inside. In this case, the PC performs the above-described thumbnail image data selection process and management information reconstruction process, and communicates between the PC and the writer 120 to execute the copy process to the disk.

  Further, in each of the embodiments of the present invention described above, an example in which a wired USB cable is applied as the connection unit 130 has been described. However, for example, a wireless configuration may be used. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the microcomputer 107 provided in the video camera (or PC) selects the thumbnail image data in step S202, it is performed based on a selection instruction from the LCD 109 of its own device. However, the following cases may be used. Specifically, in the microcomputer 107 provided in the video camera (or PC), thumbnail image data selection processing is performed based on a selection instruction by an operation from the writer 120 which is an external device connected by the connection unit 130. The form to perform is also applicable.

  Further, in each of the embodiments of the present invention described above, the thumbnail image data selection process and the management information reconstruction process for performing the label printing process are performed on the video camera side. Even applicable. In this case, a function similar to that of a video camera that performs thumbnail image data selection processing and management information reconstruction processing is configured on the writer 120 side, and thumbnail image selection processing and management for performing label printing processing using the functions is performed. The information reconfiguration process is executed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, by limiting the number of thumbnail images that can be printed on the label surface of one disc, in most cases, the entire recordable capacity of one disc may not be used up. Become more. This is a result of prioritizing searchability by matching chapter classifications with thumbnail images printed on the label surface. At this time, it may be considered that the entire recordable capacity of the disc is used up and the disc is to be used economically. In this case, if necessary, the function shown in the present embodiment is turned off, and the function can be switched to copy the video content file up to the disk full as before, regardless of the thumbnail image selection result. Also good.

  2, 7 and 8 showing the image data recording method of the image data recording system according to each of the embodiments described above are realized by the computer CPU executing a program stored in the RAM, ROM or the like. it can. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are included in the present invention.

  Specifically, the program is recorded in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, or provided to a computer via various transmission media. As a storage medium for recording the program, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disk, a nonvolatile memory card, and the like can be used in addition to the CD-ROM. On the other hand, as the transmission medium of the program, a communication medium in a computer network (LAN, WAN such as the Internet, wireless communication network, etc.) system for propagating and supplying program information as a carrier wave can be used. In addition, examples of the communication medium at this time include a wired line such as an optical fiber, a wireless line, and the like.

  The present invention is not limited to an aspect in which the functions of the image data recording system according to each embodiment are realized by executing a program supplied by a computer. The program is also included in the present invention when the function of the image data recording system according to each embodiment is realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) or other application software running on the computer. . In addition, when all or part of the processing of the supplied program is performed by the function expansion board or function expansion unit of the computer to realize the functions of the image data recording system according to each embodiment, the program is Included in the invention.

  In addition, all of the above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. . That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure in the image data recording system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of moving image copy processing in the image data recording system shown in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the user interface screen displayed on LCD of the video camera shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the reconstruction process of the management information performed in step S204 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a label surface of a disc that has been subjected to label printing processing in step S <b> 206 of FIG. 2. It is an image figure which shows an example of the menu image based on the menu image data recorded on the disk 1 shown to FIGS. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure in the image data recording system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the moving image recording process in the video camera shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the moving image copy process in the image data recording system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image Data Recording System 100 Video Camera 101 Lens 102 CCD
103 Image signal processing unit 104 Recording / reproduction control unit 105 Storage medium control unit 106 Storage device 107 Microcomputer 108 LCD display control unit 109 LCD
110 USB_I / F
120 writer (printing and image data writing device)
121 USB_I / F
122 Recording Control Unit 123 Microcomputer 124 Label Printing Unit 125 Disk Device 126 LCD Display Control Unit 127 LCD
130 Connection means

Claims (10)

Storage means for storing a plurality of image data groups;
Reduced image generation means for generating reduced image data in one of the image data groups;
Selection processing means for performing processing for selecting specific reduced image data from the reduced image data in the plurality of image data groups;
Configuration means for configuring management information used when the plurality of image data groups are divided into a plurality of groups and recorded on a recording medium in accordance with a selection result of the specific reduced image data by the selection processing means;
Printing a reduced image based on the specific reduced image data selected by the selection processing means on the outer surface of the recording medium, and recording the plurality of image data groups divided into the plurality of groups based on the management information; And a control means for controlling the image data recording system. The configuration means includes an image data group related to reduced image data selected next to the specific reduced image data by the selection processing means from an image data group related to the specific reduced image data selected by the selection processing means. Up to the previous image data group as a single group,
A title setting means for setting a title for each group;
2. The image data recording system according to claim 1, wherein the configuration unit configures management information including a title set by the title setting unit. A menu image generating means for generating menu image data composed of the title set by the title setting means;
The image data recording system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit further performs control to record the menu image data on the recording medium.   The image data recording system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores moving image data including the image data group and the reduced image data associated with the moving image data.   The selection processing means performs processing for selecting specific still image data from among still image data composed of the reduced image data in a plurality of moving image data as the specific reduced image data. 5. The image data recording system according to 4.   2. The image data recording system according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is provided inside a video camera or a PC. Further comprising display control means for performing control to display a reduced image based on the reduced image data generated by the reduced image generation means on a display device;
The said selection process means performs the process which selects the reduced image data which concerns on the reduced image selected by the user from the reduced images displayed on the said display apparatus as said specific reduced image data. 2. The image data recording system according to 1. It further has a switching means operated when switching the power saving mode,
2. The image data recording according to claim 1, wherein the selection processing unit automatically performs the selection process of the specific reduced image data in conjunction with an operation of canceling the power saving mode by the switching unit. system.   The selection processing means is provided in the video camera or the PC, and the specific reduced image data is based on a selection instruction from an external device wired or wirelessly connected to the video camera or the PC. The image data recording system according to claim 6, wherein the selection process is performed. An image data recording method for performing a process of recording a plurality of image data groups stored in a storage means on a recording medium,
A reduced image generation step of generating reduced image data in one image data of the image data group;
A selection processing step for performing processing for selecting specific reduced image data from the reduced image data in the plurality of image data groups;
A configuration step of configuring management information used when the plurality of image data groups are divided into a plurality of groups and recorded on a recording medium according to a selection result of the specific reduced image data in the selection processing step;
Printing a reduced image based on the specific reduced image data selected in the selection processing step on the outer surface of the recording medium, and recording the plurality of image data groups divided into the plurality of groups based on the management information And a control step for controlling the image data recording method.

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