JP4072987B2 - Recording apparatus and recording method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording method, and a storage medium, and is information relating to binary data, for example, binary data such as still image data, moving image data, or audio data captured by a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or the like. The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording method, and a storage medium for adding metadata.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the widespread use of digital still cameras and digital video cameras, the amount of still image data and moving image data handled in general homes is increasing dramatically. In order to use these image data, some kind of search method and management method are required.
[0003]
When searching and managing image data, for example, there is auxiliary information that describes the image data such as the name of a person, event name, date, keyword, etc. in the image data, so-called metadata. Good.
[0004]
Metadata (meta-data) is “data related to data” and is used as attached data for explaining the contents of binary data such as image data and audio data. By adding this metadata to each binary data, it is possible to search for image data, audio data, etc. using keywords. In addition, as more metadata is added to each binary data, each binary data can be searched with more keywords.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, by adding metadata to binary data, it should be easy to search and manage each binary data. However, in reality, it can be seen that one piece of metadata is not added to each binary data.
[0006]
One reason for this is that it takes time to input metadata to binary data. For example, in order to input appropriate metadata for each binary data, the contents of each binary data must be input while being confirmed one by one.
[0007]
In addition, when the same metadata can be used by adding it to binary data, for example, even when adding metadata to binary data generated under almost the same conditions, the same metadata is repeated many times for each binary data. It must be added after data is entered.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to add metadata used in advance to represent data information of binary data such as image data, moving image data, and audio data as metadata. Generated and stored in a removable, portable storage medium, etc. Stored corresponding to the metadata When reading a plurality of binary data, by repeatedly adding the same stored metadata to the plurality of binary data read from the same storage medium or the like, The same number as the read binary data To provide a recording apparatus and a recording method capable of easily generating a plurality of binary data with metadata.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A method for solving the above-mentioned input problems is, for example, that metadata that can be used repeatedly can be generated and removed before binary data such as still image data, moving image data, or audio data is generated by shooting or recording. And store it in a portable storage medium, Stored corresponding to the metadata When the plurality of binary data is generated, the stored metadata is repeatedly used to save time and labor for generating the plurality of binary data with metadata.
[0011]
That is, in order to achieve the above object, the recording apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a recording device for adding metadata, which is information relating to the binary data, to binary data, the metadata specifying a plurality of binary data stored in advance in a removable first storage medium or an external device Metadata reading means for reading, and the metadata for adding the read metadata Stored corresponding to metadata Binary data reading means for reading a plurality of binary data from the detachable first storage medium or the external device, and the recording apparatus using the binary data reading means Stored corresponding to metadata When reading a plurality of binary data, repeatedly adding the same metadata read by the metadata reading means to each binary data of the plurality of binary data read by the binary data reading means, The same number as the read binary data Metadata adding means for generating a plurality of binary data with metadata.
[0012]
For example, the metadata output means outputs the plural It further has storage means for storing binary data with metadata.
[0013]
For example, the metadata output means outputs the plural Binary data with metadata plural The first storage medium from which binary data is read or Said Binary data writing means with metadata to be written to an external device is further provided.
[0014]
For example, the metadata output means outputs the plural Binary data with metadata plural It further includes binary data writing means with metadata for writing to a removable second storage medium or external device different from the binary data reading source.
[0015]
Also, for example, the accumulated in the storage means plural Binary data with metadata plural The first storage medium from which binary data is read or Said Binary data writing means with metadata to be written to an external device is further provided.
[0016]
Also, for example, the accumulated in the storage means plural Binary data with metadata plural It further includes binary data writing means with metadata for writing to a removable second storage medium or external device different from the binary data reading source.
[0018]
For example, the metadata adding means plural Binary data Of each binary data The metadata is embedded at a predetermined position.
[0019]
For example, the metadata adding means plural Binary data Of each binary data Information indicating a file name of the metadata or a location of the metadata is added to a predetermined position.
[0020]
In order to achieve the above object, the recording method of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a recording method of a recording apparatus for adding metadata, which is information relating to binary data, to binary data, and specifying a plurality of binary data stored in advance in a removable first storage medium or an external device A metadata reading step for reading the metadata to be added, and the metadata for adding the read metadata Stored corresponding to metadata A binary data reading step of reading a plurality of binary data from the detachable first storage medium or the external device, and the recording device in the binary data reading step; Stored corresponding to metadata When reading a plurality of binary data, repeatedly adding the same metadata read in the metadata reading step to each binary data of the plurality of binary data read in the binary data reading step, It is the same number as the read binary data A metadata adding step for generating a plurality of binary data with metadata.
[0021]
For example, the metadata adding step so To output plural Binary data with metadata In memory accumulate Accumulation process It further has these.
[0022]
For example, the metadata adding step so To output plural Binary data with metadata plural The first storage medium from which binary data is read or Said It further includes a binary data writing step with metadata to be written to the external device.
[0023]
For example, the metadata adding step so To output plural Binary data with metadata plural It further includes a binary data writing step with metadata for writing to a removable second storage medium or external device different from the binary data reading source.
[0024]
Also, for example, In the accumulation process Accumulated said plural Binary data with metadata Read from the storage means The above plural The first storage medium from which binary data is read or Said It further includes a binary data writing step with metadata to be written to the external device.
[0025]
Also, for example, In the accumulation process Accumulated said plural Binary data with metadata Read from the storage means The above plural It further includes a binary data writing step with metadata for writing to a removable second storage medium or external device different from the binary data reading source.
[0027]
For example, the metadata addition In the process Said plural Binary data Of each binary data The metadata is embedded at a predetermined position.
[0028]
For example, the metadata addition In the process Said plural Binary data Of each binary data Information indicating a file name of the metadata or a location of the metadata is added to a predetermined position.
[0029]
In order to achieve the above purpose, Provided is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of the recording method. .
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
In the present embodiment described below, description will be made using still image data as binary data. In the present embodiment, a description will be given using a recording device that embeds all metadata in still image data, and a recording device that adds only the metadata file name to still image data and associates the metadata with the still image data. However, the scope of the present invention is not intended to limit the description examples.
[0032]
[Hardware configuration of recording device]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the recording apparatus 200.
[0033]
The data input / output unit 100 inputs / outputs binary data, metadata, and the like. In the case of a memory card such as a PC card or PCMCIA card 109 as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the case of a memory card such as the compact flash 111 or the smart media 113, the memory card is inserted through the adapter 110 or the card adapter 112. Further, a removable medium (not shown) may be used instead of the memory card.
[0034]
When the data input / output unit 100 is connected to an external device 107 such as a digital camera, the connection is made via an input terminal such as a USB terminal, a SCSI terminal, or a parallel terminal. In the following description, a USB terminal is used as an input terminal.
[0035]
Data (binary data, metadata) recorded by the external device 107 is directly read from the external device 107 via the input terminal or once stored in the memory card 403 and then read into the recording device 200 via the memory card 403. It is.
[0036]
Conversely, the data processed by the recording apparatus 200 is written directly to the external device 107 via the memory card 403 after being stored directly in the memory card 403 or via the input terminal. Furthermore, data processed by the recording apparatus 200 is written in the storage unit 102. Note that the external device 107 and the data input / output unit 100 can be connected using a wireless line instead of being directly connected as described above. In this case, the data input / output unit 100 is provided with a wireless line interface corresponding to the external device 107.
[0037]
The input unit 101 is used to input instructions and data from the user, and is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a remote controller, or the like. The storage unit 102 stores binary data and metadata. For example, a hard disk or the like is used.
[0038]
The display unit 103 displays GUI, image data, and the like, and for example, a CRT or a liquid crystal display is used.
[0039]
A CPU 104 controls the entire recording apparatus 200. The ROM 105 and the RAM 106 provide the CPU 104 with programs, data, work areas, and the like necessary for the processing of the CPU 104.
[0040]
In addition, a control program necessary for the processing of the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 9 is stored in the storage unit 102 or stored in the ROM 105. However, when a control program is stored in the storage unit 102, the control program is once read into the RAM 106 and executed.
[0041]
In addition to the above, there are various components of the system configuration, but the description is omitted because it is not the main point of the present invention.
[0042]
2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating the exterior of the recording apparatus 200. FIG. A slot which is one of the data input / output units 100 is arranged on the front surface of FIG. 2A, and the data in the storage medium is recorded via a memory card 403 which is a storage medium inserted into the slot. 200 can be read.
[0043]
A power switch 202 performs a power operation of the recording apparatus 200. The infrared light receiving unit 203 receives a signal from the wireless keyboard 204 or the remote controller 205. The wireless keyboard 204 and the remote controller 205 are each used as one of the input units 101.
[0044]
A display output terminal 206 is provided on the rear surface shown in FIG. 2B, and a display unit 103 such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display is connected to the display output terminal 206. In order to directly connect to an external device 107 such as a digital camera, an input terminal USB terminal 307 which is one of the data input / output units 100 is used. Further, input terminals such as a SCSI terminal (not shown) and a parallel terminal (not shown) may be provided at an arbitrary place such as the front surface or the back surface of the recording apparatus 200.
[0045]
[Enter metadata]
Next, a series of operations from generation of still image data information as metadata using the recording apparatus 200 to storage in the memory card 403 or the like will be described in detail. First, an input method for registering metadata will be described with reference to FIG.
[0046]
FIG. 4 is an example of a GUI screen used when registering metadata.
[0047]
On the GUI screen, display input units 301 to 304 for displaying pre-registered metadata and newly generated metadata, and buttons 3011 to 3041 for displaying a list registered in advance as metadata are displayed. When there is no appropriate information in the list and it is desired to add new information, the information input using the wireless keyboard 204 or the remote controller is added using the add buttons 305, 307, 308 and the wireless keyboard 204. There is a change button 306 for changing the shooting date and time of still image data, and a determination button 309 for determining metadata to be pre-registered when selection, addition, and change of metadata to be pre-registered are completed.
[0048]
Next, using the GUI screen shown in FIG. 4, a method for specifically registering items of “who?”, “When?”, “Where?”, “What to do?” As metadata information of still image data will be described. To do.
[0049]
Here, “Who?”, “Taro”, “When?”, “1999-6-14”, “Where?”, “Exercise Park”, “What to do?”, “Sports Day” These are selected from the list or newly entered and registered as metadata.
[0050]
First, “Who is?” Will be explained. When an inverted triangular button 3011 at the right end of the display input unit 301 is pressed, the first content in the list registered in the button 3011 is displayed on the display input unit 301. When the inverted triangular button 3011 is pressed twice, the second content in the list registered in advance in the button 3011 is displayed on the display input unit 301. Therefore, “Taro” registered in the list in advance is searched by repeatedly pressing the button 3011. If there is no “Taro” in the registered list, the user inputs “Taro” using the wireless keyboard 204 and then presses the add button 305 to display the item “Who is?”. “Taro” is added.
[0051]
Next, “when?” Will be described. When the GUI screen is activated, the display input unit 302 displays the current date and time. If it is different from the shooting date, the user inputs “1999-06-14”, which is the shooting date, using the wireless keyboard 204, and then presses the change button 306 to display the “when?” Item. "1999-06-14" is added.
[0052]
Next, “where” is explained. When the inverted triangular button 3031 at the right end of the display input unit 303 is pressed, the first content in the list registered in advance in the button 3031 is displayed on the display input unit 301. When the inverted triangular button 3011 is pressed twice, the second content in the list registered in advance in the button 3031 is displayed on the display input unit 301. Therefore, by repeatedly pressing the button 3031, the “exercise park” registered in the list in advance is searched. If there is no “exercise park” in the registered list, the user inputs “exercise park” using the wireless keyboard 204, and then presses the add button 307, so that “who is?” “Exercise Park” is added to the item.
[0053]
Next, “What?” Will be described. When an inverted triangular button 3041 at the right end of the display input unit 304 is pressed, the first content in the list registered in advance in the button 3041 is displayed on the display input unit 304. When the inverted triangular button 3041 is pressed twice, the second content in the list registered in advance in the button 3041 is displayed on the display input unit 304. Thus, by repeatedly pressing the button 3041, the “athletic meet” registered in the list in advance is searched. If there is no “athletic meet” in the registered list, the “athletic meet” is input using the wireless keyboard 204 and then the add button 307 is pressed, so that the “who is?” Item is displayed. "Athletic meet" is added.
[0054]
After the input for all the items “when?”, “Where?”, “Who?”, “What to do” is completed, the set item is confirmed by pressing the enter button 309 next. The registration of metadata ends.
[0055]
In the above description, only the display, selection, and input methods of the items “when?”, “Where?”, “Who?”, “What to do” as metadata have been described. It is possible to add a method for displaying, selecting, and inputting data.
[0056]
[Generate and save metadata file]
Next, a series of operations from generation of metadata by the recording apparatus 200 to storage in the memory card 403, the storage unit 102, and the like will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0057]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing until the recording apparatus 200 generates metadata and stores the generated metadata in the memory card 403.
[0058]
First, in step S <b> 401, a list file registered in the buttons 3011 to 3041 such as “Who?”, “When?”, “Where?”, “What to do?” And the like and displayed on the display input units 301 to 304 is read into the RAM 106.
[0059]
Next, in step S402, the read list is displayed on the GUI screen of FIG.
[0060]
Next, in step S <b> 403, the user inputs metadata such as “who is?”, “When?”, “Where?”, “What to do” to the display input units 301-304 in FIG. 4. Note that the input method is as described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, and description thereof is omitted here.
[0061]
Next, when the determination button 309 in FIG. 4 is pressed in step S404, a metadata file is input from the input metadata using, for example, a data description language such as XML which is the markup language shown in FIG. Is generated.
The example of FIG. 8 indicates that the input metadata is registered as a metadata file with the file name “CardInfo.xml”. In this case, XML, which is a markup language, is used for describing the metadata. Note that SGML, HTML, or the like can be used instead of XML.
[0062]
Next, in step S405, the generated metadata file is written to the memory card 403 via the data input / output unit 100, and stored with the file name: “CardInfo.xml”. The writing process to the memory card 403 and the storage unit 102 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. The generated metadata file is also stored in the storage unit 102 of the recording device 200 as necessary.
[0063]
In the above description, an example of generating one metadata file has been described. However, a plurality of metadata files may be generated. In this case, a plurality of metadata files can be generated by repeatedly generating the metadata file.
[0064]
[Generate metadata file]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing generation of a metadata file performed by the recording apparatus 200 in step S404 based on the input value of metadata input by the user in step S403 in steps S404 to S404.
[0065]
First, in step S501, it is checked whether there are button inputs 3011 to 3041. If there is no input, the process waits until there is an input. If any of the buttons 3011-13041 is input, the process proceeds to step S502. If any of the buttons 305-308 is input, the process proceeds to step S503, and the button 309 is input. In that case, the process proceeds to step S504.
[0066]
Next, when step S502 is selected, the contents of the list file corresponding to the list display buttons 3011 to 3041 are displayed, and the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, if the list file displayed corresponding to the list display buttons 3011 to 3041 is selected, the process proceeds to step S506, and the selected item is copied to the input area, and then the process returns to step S501. If the displayed list file is not selected in step S505, nothing is done and the process returns to step S501.
[0067]
On the other hand, if step S503 is selected, it is checked whether the add button 305, 307 or 308 has been pressed or the change button 306 has been pressed. As a result, if the add button 305, 307, or 308 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S507, and the contents of the input display section added by the user using the keyboard are added to the corresponding list file, and then the step is performed. The process proceeds to S508. If the change button 306 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S508 without doing anything. In step S508, the date and time in the list file is changed to the contents of the input display unit, and the process returns to step S501.
[0068]
On the other hand, if step S504 is selected and the enter button is pressed, a series of operations is terminated after generating a metadata file.
[0069]
In this way, the metadata file shown in FIG. 8 is generated.
[0070]
In the above description, an example in which the user inputs using the wireless keyboard 204 has been described. However, as other input methods, voice input from a remote controller using G code or the like, input using voice recognition, or via a network Any input method such as inputting from an external device can be used.
[0071]
As for FIG. 8, XML is used for describing metadata. XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a markup language for use in applications that require functions that exceed the current Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), and was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium. It has the following characteristics.
1. Information providers can define new tags and attribute names at will.
2. It is possible to nest the document structure as complex as possible.
3. An optional grammar description can be embedded in the XML document, and this grammar can be used to allow the application to validate the structure.
[0072]
The XML description shown in FIG. 8 can be written using a general-purpose text editor program, but in order to generate so-called Wellformd XML, such as the correct correspondence with and so on. It is convenient to use an editor program for XML.
[0073]
[Write metadata to memory card]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the metadata file writing process shown in FIG. 8 to the storage unit 102 and the memory card 403 executed in step S405 of FIG.
[0074]
First, in step S <b> 601, when a writing process to the memory card 403 is performed, a memory card 403 such as a PC card is attached to the data input / output unit 100. Alternatively, the memory card 403 attached to the external device 107 may be connected via the input terminal of the data input / output unit 100.
[0075]
Next, after the connection is completed, the metadata generated in step S404 is written in the memory car 403 in step S602.
[0076]
Next, in step S603, if the memory car 403 has an eject function, the memory car 403 is ejected and the process ends.
[0077]
In the above description, with respect to the writing of metadata to the memory card 403, an example of writing to the memory card 403 that is directly inserted into the data input / output unit 100 and the memory mounted in the external device 107 is used. Although the example of writing to the card 403 via the input terminal has been described, the connection method may be any connection that allows access to the memory card 403, such as wireless connection as described above. It is also possible to write metadata in the storage unit 102.
[0078]
[Associating metadata to multiple binary data]
Next, a process of associating the generated metadata with binary data will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, a case where binary data is still image data will be described as an example.
As methods for associating metadata with binary data, 1) an example in which all metadata is embedded in still image data (FIG. 10A), and 2) an example in which only metadata information is added to still image data. (FIG. 10B) will be described as an example.
[0079]
FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure when metadata generated by the recording apparatus 200 is embedded and associated with image data. In the example of FIG. 10A, generated metadata is embedded behind the image data. The position where the metadata is embedded is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10A, and the metadata may be embedded in the header portion of the image data.
[0080]
In FIG. 10A, reference numeral 901 denotes image data, for example, data in JPEG compression format. Reference numerals 902, 903, and 904 are metadata blocks, 902 is a metadata block header, 903 is a metadata body, and 904 is a metadata footer. The metadata header 902 and the metadata footer 904 are linked to image data. In order to correctly recognize whether or not it has been recorded, identification information and size of the metadata block are recorded. In the metadata body 903, CardInfo.XML shown in FIG. 8 is recorded.
[0081]
In this way, by connecting metadata described in XML data to the end of binary data, metadata can be registered without affecting other applications. That is, since the information in the header portion of the binary data does not change before the metadata is connected, for example, when the binary data is image data, the image can be reproduced by a general browser. However, in that case, the connected metadata is ignored.
[0082]
Furthermore, since the metadata is described in XML, many devices that can read the XML format can read the information of the metadata, and if there is a tool that understands the XML data, the addition of the metadata is possible. -It can be changed and referenced and is extremely versatile. As described above, information already known in advance is prepared as a metadata template, and is linked to image data at the time of shooting, thereby reducing the effort of inputting metadata.
[0083]
FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure example before and after associating metadata with image data by adding metadata information generated by the recording apparatus 200 to the image data. In the example of FIG. 10B, only the metadata file name (CardInfo.XML) is added as metadata information generated after the image data, and the metadata file exists separately. Is shown. Note that the position to add the metadata is not limited to the example in FIG. 10B, and the metadata may be added to the header portion of the image data. Further, in the example of FIG. 10B, an example in which the file name of the generated metadata is added after the image data is shown. However, information indicating the location of the metadata file may be added. good.
[0084]
As a method of recording metadata in such image data, URL (Uniform Resource Location) for specifying the physical location of data on the Web, or URN that specifies data using a unique name A standard called (Uniform Resource Name) or a standard URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) under consideration that encompasses these standards can be used. If URIs become popular in the future, it will be optimal for identifying data on the Web, for example. As a method for recording this metadata, if JPEG is used as an image compression method, an APP marker defined in the JPEG standard may be used.
[0085]
As described above, since the URI for identifying the attached information is recorded as the metadata, it is easy to handle the image data and the attached information separately. In particular, the scope of use of the present invention can be expanded, for example, by storing auxiliary information on the network and using URI to read it. Also, by providing a certain relationship between the URI of metadata and the URI of image data, the correspondence between image data and metadata is easy to understand. For example, the correspondence can be understood by looking at the file name.
[0086]
Next, a method for repeatedly associating the same metadata generated by the recording apparatus 200 with a plurality of input image data will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0087]
Fig. 11 shows the repeated copy of metadata (file name: CardInfo.xml) to a plurality of still image data (file names: Aut 001.JPG, Aut 002.JPG, Aut 003.JPG, ...) It is a schematic diagram which shows the example embedded by doing.
[0088]
That is, as shown in FIG. 11 (before association), the image data (file name: AUT_001.JPG) and the metadata file (file name: CardInfo.xml) that exist independently are associated by the recording apparatus 200. When processing is performed, as shown in FIG. 11 (after association), all the metadata information is copied and embedded behind the image data (file name: AUT_001.JPG).
[0089]
Further, when the metadata device (file name: CardInfo.xml) is similarly associated with the second image data (file name: AUT_002.JPG) by the recording device 200 in the same manner, (after association) in FIG. As shown in (), all the metadata information is copied and embedded behind the image data (file name: AUT_002.JPG). In this way, the same metadata generated by the recording apparatus 200 is repeatedly associated with a plurality of image data.
[0090]
On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows a plurality of still image data (file names: Aut 001.JPG, Aut 002.JPG, Aut 003.JPG,...) To which only metadata (file name: CardInfo.xml) information is input. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example added repeatedly to ().
[0091]
That is, as shown in FIG. 12 (before association), the image data (file name: AUT_001.JPG) and the metadata file (file name: CardInfo.xml) that exist independently are associated by the recording device 200. When processing is performed, as shown in FIG. 12 (after association), information indicating the metadata file name (CardInfo.xml) is added to the end of the image data, and the metadata file (file Name: CardInfo.xml)
[0092]
Further, when the metadata file (file name: CardInfo.xml) is similarly associated with the second image data (file name: AUT_002.JPG) by the recording apparatus 200, the (after association) in FIG. ), Information indicating (CardInfo.xml) indicating the file name of the metadata is added after the image data (file name: AUT_002.JPG). In this way, the same metadata generated by the recording apparatus 200 is repeatedly associated with a plurality of image data.
[0093]
In FIG. 12, instead of embedding the metadata itself in the image data, an association process is performed in which only the metadata file name is added, but the metadata file is stored in the image data instead of the metadata file name. It is also possible to add information indicating the storage location.
[0094]
[Generate image data with metadata]
Next, processing performed by the recording apparatus 200 to generate image data with metadata by associating the metadata described in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12 with image data and to store the generated image data with metadata will be described with reference to FIG. It demonstrates using the flowchart of these. However, in the following description, description will be made using an example in which the same metadata is collectively added to all image data stored in the memory card 403.
[0095]
In addition to the description below, for example, it is possible to add the same metadata only to a plurality of selected image data. It is also possible to add different metadata to each of a plurality of selected image data. The image data stored in the memory of the external device 107 may be used.
[0096]
First, in step S800, the above-described metadata (CardInfo.xml) stored in the storage unit 102 is read into the RAM 106. Alternatively, the above-mentioned metadata (CardInfo.xml) stored in the memory card 403 is attached to the external device 107 connected from the memory card 403 directly connected to the data input / output unit 100 or via the input terminal. The data is read from the memory card 403 stored in the RAM 106. In the above example, the example in which one piece of metadata stored in the memory card 403 is read and used has been described. However, there are a plurality of pieces of stored metadata, and a plurality of pieces of metadata may be read and used. Good. The metadata remaining on the memory card 403 after being read into the RAM 106 is erased.
[0097]
Next, in step S801, it is checked whether or not the read metadata is described in a properly formatted XML. If not properly described, the process proceeds to step S806, an XML error is displayed, and the operation is terminated. If it is properly described, the process proceeds to step S802.
[0098]
In step S <b> 802, image data is read from the memory card 403 into the RAM 106 via the data input / output unit 100. Further, the image data read from the memory card is erased from the memory card 403.
[0099]
In step S803, image data with metadata is generated by associating metadata with image data. That is, when a command for associating metadata with image data (selected one of the above two) is issued, metadata is added to the image data to generate image data with metadata. For example, the image data with metadata shown in FIG. 10A or FIG. 10B is generated.
[0100]
In step S804, the generated image data with metadata is stored in the memory card 403 or the storage unit. The image data with metadata may be stored in both the memory card 403 and the storage unit 102.
[0101]
In step S805, it is determined whether there is image data that has not yet been read on the memory card 403. If image data that has not been read still remains in the memory card 403, the process returns to step S802. Then, the above-described processing is continuously performed to generate new image data with metadata shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. For example, in the case of FIG. 11, image data with metadata is obtained by repeatedly adding the same metadata to a plurality of image data.
[0102]
On the other hand, if all the image data on the memory card 403 is read and the addition of metadata to each image data is finished in step S805, the series of operations is finished.
[0103]
In this way, metadata can be repeatedly added to a plurality of different image data input from the memory card 403 only by generating metadata once in advance. Can be easily performed. Further, a plurality of metadata may be generated in advance, and different types of metadata may be added to the plurality of image data by selecting as necessary. In the present embodiment, still image data is described as an example of binary data, but audio data, moving image data, or the like may be used as binary data.
[0104]
In the example of step S802, image data is read from the memory card 403 one by one into the RAM 106, and the image data that has been read is erased. However, the image data is collectively read from the memory card 403 and read into the RAM 106 in advance. The image data that has been finished may be erased collectively.
[0105]
In step S804, the image data to which the metadata is added is stored in, for example, the memory card 403 attached to the storage unit 102 or the data input / output unit 100. However, the memory card 403 is, for example, The memory card 403 that is the first storage medium that stores the image data before adding the metadata may be used, or may be stored in a memory card that is another second storage medium. .
[0106]
The image data to which the metadata is added is directly or once stored in the memory card 403 or the storage unit 102 via the input terminal of the recording apparatus 200 and then the external device 107 via the memory card 403 or the storage unit 102. May be written.
[0107]
Furthermore, the external device 107 and the data input / output unit 100 can be connected using a wireless line instead of being directly connected as described above. In this case, the data input / output unit 100 is provided with a wireless line interface corresponding to the external device 107.
[0108]
Further, the metadata may be generated in advance as described above, but metadata prepared in advance in the memory card may be used. An example is shown in FIG. In this example, for example, a travel memory card is sold, and travel metadata stored in advance in the memory card is used. In addition, a memory card prepared in advance, such as moving image metadata, audio data metadata, still image metadata, may be used in accordance with the binary data.
[0109]
[Other Embodiments]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.) comprising a single device. ).
[0110]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0111]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0112]
When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above (shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 9).
[0113]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, auxiliary information used in advance to represent data information of binary data such as image data and audio data is generated as metadata, and is a removable and portable storage medium. And store the recording device Stored corresponding to the metadata When reading a plurality of binary data, by repeatedly adding the same stored metadata to the plurality of binary data read from the same storage medium or the like, It is the same number as the read binary data A recording apparatus and a recording method capable of easily generating a plurality of binary data with metadata can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is an exterior view of a recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2B is an exterior view of the back surface of the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a memory card in the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a metadata registration GUI screen in the present embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of generation and storage of metadata in the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of metadata file generation in the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for storing generated metadata in the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a metadata file in the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing generation and storage of image data with metadata in the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of two types of image data with metadata in the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a generation process of metadata-added image data according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a generation process of image data with metadata in the present embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a metadata file in the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Data input / output section
101 Input section
102 storage unit
103 display
104 CPU
105 ROM
106 RAM
107 External equipment
200 Recording device
403 memory card
404 Reading unit
406 Recording unit
407 Metadata generation unit

Claims (17)

A recording device for adding metadata, which is information about the binary data, to binary data,
Metadata reading means for reading metadata specifying a plurality of binary data stored in advance in a removable first storage medium or an external device;
Binary data reading means for reading a plurality of binary data stored corresponding to the metadata to which the read metadata is added from the first storage medium or the external device that can be attached and detached;
When the recording device reads a plurality of binary data stored corresponding to the metadata by the binary data reading means, for each binary data of the plurality of binary data read by the binary data reading means, Metadata adding means for repeatedly adding the same metadata read by the metadata reading means to generate a plurality of binary data with metadata that is the same number as the plurality of binary data read ;
A recording apparatus comprising:   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing the plurality of binary data with metadata output from the metadata adding means.   Binary data writing means with metadata for writing the plurality of binary data with metadata output from the metadata adding means to the first storage medium or the external device from which the plurality of binary data is read The recording apparatus according to claim 1.   A binary data writing unit with metadata that writes the plurality of binary data with metadata output from the metadata adding unit to a removable second storage medium or an external device different from a source from which the plurality of binary data is read; The recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a recording apparatus;   Binary data writing means with metadata for writing the plurality of binary data with metadata stored in the storage means to the first storage medium or the external device from which the plurality of binary data is read The recording apparatus according to claim 2.   A binary data writing unit with metadata that writes the plurality of binary data with metadata stored in the storage unit to a removable second storage medium or an external device different from a source from which the plurality of binary data is read; The recording apparatus according to claim 2, comprising: a recording apparatus;   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the metadata adding unit embeds the metadata in a predetermined position of each binary data of the plurality of binary data.   The metadata adding unit adds information indicating a file name of the metadata or a location of the metadata to a predetermined position of each binary data of the plurality of binary data. The recording apparatus according to any one of 6. A recording method of a recording apparatus for adding metadata, which is information about the binary data, to binary data,
A metadata reading step for reading metadata for specifying a plurality of binary data stored in advance in a removable first storage medium or an external device;
A binary data reading step of reading a plurality of binary data stored corresponding to the metadata to which the read metadata is added from the first storage medium or the external device that can be attached and detached;
When the recording device reads a plurality of binary data stored corresponding to the metadata in the binary data reading step, for each binary data of the plurality of binary data read in the binary data reading step, A metadata addition step of repeatedly adding the same metadata read in the metadata reading step to generate a plurality of binary data with metadata that is the same number as the plurality of read binary data;
A recording method comprising:   The recording method according to claim 9, further comprising an accumulation step of accumulating the plurality of binary data with metadata output in the metadata addition step in a storage unit.   A binary data writing step with metadata that further writes the plurality of binary data with metadata output in the metadata adding step to the first storage medium or the external device from which the plurality of binary data is read; The recording method according to claim 9.   A metadata-added binary data writing step of writing the plurality of metadata-added binary data output in the metadata adding step to a removable second storage medium or an external device different from the reading source of the plurality of binary data The recording method according to claim 9, further comprising:   The binary data with metadata read out from the storage means and stored in the first storage medium or the external device from which the plurality of binary data is read, stored in the storage step. The recording method according to claim 10, further comprising a writing step.   The binary data with metadata stored in the storage step is read from the storage means and written to a removable second storage medium or an external device different from the reading source of the binary data. The recording method according to claim 10, further comprising a data writing step.   15. The recording method according to claim 9, wherein, in the metadata adding step, the metadata is embedded at a predetermined position of each binary data of the plurality of binary data.   10. The metadata adding step, wherein information indicating a file name of the metadata or a location of the metadata is added to a predetermined position of each binary data of the plurality of binary data. 14. The recording method according to any one of items 14.   The computer-readable storage medium which memorize | stored the program for making a computer perform the process of the recording method of any one of Claim 9 thru | or 16.

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