JP4239226B2 - Image reproducing apparatus and recording medium on which image reproducing program is recorded - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reproducing apparatus that reproduces an image file (which may include audio information and the like) on a recording medium, and a recording medium that records an image reproducing program therefor.
In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for reproducing an image file along a scenario file including data such as a reproduction order and a reproduction range.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the development of digital image processing using a computer or the like, an image reproducing apparatus that reproduces an image file on a recording medium and displays a moving image on a monitor or the like has been put into practical use.
In this type of image reproduction apparatus, a single image file is manually selected from a plurality of image files and reproduced.
[0003]
Conventionally, it has also been possible to create a new image file by connecting a plurality of image files by using an image processing program on a computer.
By performing such editing work, for example, it becomes possible to create one video work by appropriately connecting the image files captured separately for each scene at the time of imaging.
[0004]
Generally, in such editing work, first, an operator classifies a plurality of image files into several scenes according to production intentions. Next, these image files are connected for each scene using an image processing program. The final video work is completed by further connecting the intermediate stage image files created for each scene several times.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the editing work as described above has a problem in that an intermediate-stage image file is created during the work, so that a large-capacity recording medium must be provided.
In particular, assuming a camera-integrated device, portability and portability of the entire device are required, and it is difficult to provide a large-capacity recording medium. For this reason, it has been very difficult to add an image editing function for moving images to such a small apparatus.
[0006]
Therefore, in order to save the use capacity of the recording medium, a method of sequentially erasing the original image file when the intermediate image file is created may be considered.
However, such a measure has a problem that the original image file is erased one after another, so that the editing operation cannot be performed again. Another problem is that it is not possible to respond flexibly to editing operations such as using one image file later.
[0007]
Accordingly, in order to solve the above-described problems, the invention described in claims 1 and 2 flexibly reproduces an image file in accordance with a desired editing intention while efficiently using the recording capacity of the recording medium. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reproducing apparatus capable of performing the above.
[0008]
Further claim 1It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reproducing apparatus that simplifies the file structure of a scenario file (described later) and has high reusability of the scenario file.
[0009]
  Claim 3The invention described inClaim 1An object of the present invention is to provide an image reproducing apparatus that can reproduce an image file without any trouble even when there is a contradiction in the contents of the scenario file.
  Claim 4It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium on which an image reproduction program for realizing the above-described image reproduction apparatus using a computer is recorded.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  FIG. 1 is a principle block diagram corresponding to the first aspect of the present invention.
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an image file is reproduced along with a scenario file in which at least one of reproduction order data indicating the reproduction order of the image file and reproduction range data indicating the reproduction range of the image file is stored. When the scenario file includes the reproduction order data, the continuous reproduction means 1 that continuously reproduces the series of image files indicated in the reproduction order data, and the reproduction range data in the scenario file Is included, and the partial reproduction means 2 that partially reproduces the image file listed as the target of the reproduction range data according to the reproduction range data. When a “scenario file including playback order data” is listed as a series of image files indicated by the playback order data, Characterized by partially reproduced in accordance with enclosed data.
  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 1 is characterized by the following.
(1) The image file is a moving image file.
(2) In the playback order data in the scenario file, lower-layer scenario files that bear a part of the playback order are arranged hierarchically. The continuous playback means analyzes the playback order of the image files by hierarchically tracing the scenario files arranged in the playback order data.
(3) The lower scenario file arranged hierarchically in the scenario file is a scenario file that can be reproduced alone.
(4) For a scenario file, another scenario file in which the lower scenario files are arranged hierarchicallyHierarchicallyIncorporated, editing means for generating a new scenario file in which a plurality of lower-layer scenario files are arranged hierarchically is provided.
[0011]
FIG. 2 is a principle block diagram corresponding to the second aspect of the present invention.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image reproduction device according to the first aspect, the partial reproduction means 2 is configured such that when a “scenario file including reproduction order data” is listed as an object of reproduction range data, A time stamp giving means 3 for giving a series of time stamps to a series of image files indicated by the reproduction order data, and a range corresponding to the reproduction range data is selected on the time stamp given by the time stamp giving means 3 And a time stamp reproducing means 4 for reproducing.
[0015]
  Claim 3The invention described inClaim 1In the image playback device described in the above, the scenario file having the playback format data indicating the playback mode of the image file is stored as a kind of scenario file, and the continuous playback unit 1 plays back the playback mode data in the scenario file. If the target image file is reproduced in the form and the reproduction form data is inconsistent in the upper and lower layers of the reproduction order data, the reproduction form data in the upper layer is given priority.
[0016]
  Claim 4The invention described in claim 1 is directed to “computer-readable recording medium”.Or claim 3Of any one ofImage playback deviceAs an image reproduction program for causing a computer to function asThe
[0017]
(Function)
The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 1 handles at least two types of file formats including “scenario file” and “image file”.
In the scenario file, at least one of reproduction order data indicating the reproduction order and reproduction range data indicating the reproduction range of the image file is stored.
[0018]
The continuous playback means 1 discriminates the playback order data in the scenario file and executes continuous playback of a series of image files.
Further, the partial reproduction means 2 discriminates reproduction range data in the scenario file and executes partial reproduction of the image file.
[0019]
  Further, the partial reproduction means 2 handles “scenario file including reproduction order data” as an object of reproduction range data in an expanded manner. That is, the partial reproduction means 2 selects a range that matches the reproduction range data from “a series of image files indicated by the reproduction order data” and executes partial reproduction.
  Further, the continuous playback means 1 traces the scenario files arranged in the playback order data hierarchically, analyzes the playback order of the image files, and plays back the moving images continuously.
  In this case, the lower scenario file arranged hierarchically in the scenario file is a scenario file that can be reproduced alone.
  Also, another scenario file in which the lower scenario files are arranged hierarchically with respect to one scenario fileHierarchicallyIncorporated, editing means for generating a new scenario file in which a plurality of lower-layer scenario files are arranged hierarchically is provided.
  In the image reproducing apparatus according to the second aspect, the partial reproducing unit 2 includes a time stamp providing unit 3 and a time stamp reproducing unit 4.
[0020]
This time stamp assigning means 3 assigns a series of time stamps to a series of image files indicated by the reproduction order data when “scenario file including reproduction order data” is listed as the target of the reproduction range data.
On the other hand, the time stamp reproducing means 4 selects a range corresponding to the reproduction range data on the time stamp assigned in this way and executes partial reproduction.
[0024]
Claim 3In addition to the scenario file described above, the image reproduction apparatus according to the above also handles a scenario file storing reproduction form data indicating the reproduction form of the image file.
[0025]
  The continuous reproduction means 1 reproduces the target image file in the reproduction form indicated by the reproduction form data.
  Further, when the reproduction form data is inconsistent in the upper and lower layers of the reproduction order data, the continuous reproduction means 1 performs reproduction with priority on the reproduction form data of the upper layer.
  Claim 4In the recording medium, the image reproduction program is read out and executed by the computer. as a result,Claims 1-3All of the configuration requirements described in any one of the above are provided, and an image reproducing apparatus using a computer is realized.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
  FIG. 4 shows an embodiment (Claims 1-3Is a functional block diagram of FIG.
  In FIG. 4, a disk drive unit 12 is arranged in the image reproducing device 11, and a magneto-optical recording medium 13 is mounted on the disk drive unit 12 from the outside.
  The disk drive unit 12 is connected to the microprocessor 14 via a common bus 14a.
[0029]
In addition, an image compression / decompression unit 15, an image memory 16, a display driver unit 17, and the like are connected to the common bus 14a.
The image output of the display driver unit 17 is connected to a liquid crystal display unit 18 disposed in front of the image reproduction device 11. A touch panel 18 a for sensing the pressure of a finger or a pen is attached to the liquid crystal display unit 18, and the output of the touch panel 18 a is connected to the touch panel detection circuit 19. The output of the touch panel detection circuit 19 is input to the microprocessor 14.
[0030]
A camera unit 11a is detachably provided on the side surface of the image reproduction device 11, and a photographing lens 21 is attached to the front surface of the camera unit 11a. An imaging element 22 is disposed on the imaging surface of the photographing lens 21, and the photoelectric output of the imaging element 22 is sent to a signal processing unit 24 that performs γ correction, color signal processing, and the like via an A / D conversion unit 23. Connected. The output of the signal processing unit 24 is input to the image memory 16 through a connection unit between the camera unit 11a and the image reproduction device 11.
[0031]
  In addition,Claim 1As for the correspondence relationship between the invention described in the above and the present embodiment, the continuous playback means 1 is the “function of continuously playing back image files along the scenario file” of the disk drive unit 12, the image compression / decompression unit 15 and the microprocessor 14. The partial reproduction means 2 corresponds to the “function of partially reproducing an image file along a scenario file” of the disk drive unit 12, the image compression / decompression unit 15, and the microprocessor 14.
[0032]
Regarding the correspondence relationship between the present invention described in claim 2 and the present embodiment, in conjunction with the correspondence relationship described above, the time stamp assigning means 3 refers to the “time stamp of each image file of the microprocessor 14, Corresponding to the “function for generating a series of time stamps”, the time stamp reproducing means 4 is a “function for executing partial reproduction based on a series of time stamps” of the disk drive unit 12, the image compression / decompression unit 15 and the microprocessor 14. Corresponding to
[0034]
5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the operation in the reproduction mode.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an initial screen of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a playback screen of the present embodiment.
Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described according to the transition of the screen display.
(initial screen)
First, when the power is turned on, the microprocessor 14 displays an initial screen (FIG. 7) on the liquid crystal display unit 18 via the display driver unit 17.
[0035]
In FIG. 7, a child window 30 for accepting thumbnail selection is displayed on the initial screen, and a list of thumbnail images 31 is displayed in the upper half of the child window 30.
The thumbnail image 31 is an image obtained by reducing and displaying the first frame of the image file recorded on the magneto-optical recording medium 13, for example.
[0036]
In the thumbnail image 31, an image with a scenario file identification mark 32 is displayed together. This image is a thumbnail image 31 indicating that it is a scenario file. For example, the first frame of the image file associated with this scenario file is reduced and displayed.
Below these thumbnail images 31, a scroll button 33 for scrolling the thumbnail images 31 outside the screen is displayed. Below the scroll button 33, a playback button 34 for instructing a playback operation is displayed.
[0037]
An edit button 35 is displayed below the playback button 34. When these button displays are clicked with a fingertip or the like, the touch panel 18a (FIG. 4) senses the pressed position.
The touch panel detection circuit 19 acquires the pressed position from the touch panel 18 a and transmits it to the microprocessor 14. In response to the pressed position, the microprocessor 14 transmits, for example, a message that “the playback button 34 has been clicked” to the display driver unit 17 or the like.
[0038]
When the display driver unit 17 receives the message “the playback button 34 has been clicked”, the display driver unit 17 changes the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 18 to the playback screen shown in FIG. 8.
(Playback screen)
In the reproduction screen shown in FIG. 8, the reproduction screen 40 is displayed large, and a reproduction operation button 42 is displayed below the reproduction screen 40.
[0039]
Hereinafter, the reproducing operation of the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
First, the display driver unit 17 displays the screen frame of the playback screen 40 (S1 in FIG. 5).
Next, the microprocessor 14 determines whether the file whose thumbnail is selected on the initial screen is an image file or a scenario file (S2 in FIG. 5).
[0040]
If the image file is selected as a thumbnail, the microprocessor 14 reads the image file from the magneto-optical recording medium 13 via the disk drive unit 12 (S3 in FIG. 5).
[0041]
The image compression / decompression unit 15 decompresses the data of the image file and sequentially stores it in the image memory 16. The display driver unit 17 sequentially displays the frame images in the image memory 16 on the reproduction screen 40 (S4 in FIG. 5).
The display driver unit 17 returns the display screen to the initial screen after completion of the reproduction of the image file (S5 in FIG. 5).
[0042]
On the other hand, if the thumbnail of the scenario file is selected in step S2, the microprocessor 14 reads the scenario file from the magneto-optical recording medium 13 via the disk drive unit 12 (S6 in FIG. 5).
Based on the data structure of the scenario file, the microprocessor 14 determines whether the scenario file defines the playback order or the playback range (S7 in FIG. 5).
[0043]
If it is determined that the scenario file defines the playback order, the microprocessor 14 follows the playback order hierarchically and expands the data in the playback order on the memory in the microprocessor 14 (S8 in FIG. 5). .
The development process of the reproduction order data will be described by taking the scenario file A shown in FIG. 9 as an example.
[0044]
First, scenario file A contains
(Scenario file B → Scenario file K → Scenario file C)
The playback order data is recorded.
The microprocessor 14 reads the scenario file B by tracing the reproduction order data in order. In this scenario file B,
(Scenario file D → Image file E)
The playback order data is recorded.
[0045]
Further, the microprocessor 14 reads the scenario file C. In this scenario file C,
(Scenario file F → Image file G)
The playback order data is recorded.
The microprocessor 14 reads the scenario file F by further tracing the reproduction order data of the scenario file C. In this scenario file F,
(Scenario file H → Scenario file I)
The playback order data is recorded.
[0046]
Here, since the scenario files D, K, H, and I do not include the reproduction order data, the reproduction order does not follow any further.
As a result, the playback order developed in the memory (shown in FIG. 10) is
(Scenario file D-> Image file E-> Scenario file K-> Scenario file H-> Scenario file I-> Image file G)
It becomes.
[0047]
Here, the microprocessor 14 discriminates the connection location of the scenario files that define the playback mode, and indicates whether or not the special effect is inconsistent in the upper and lower layers of the scenario file in a predetermined comparison table or the like. Based on the determination (S9 in FIG. 5).
For example, when fade-out and wipe-in are defined in the upper and lower layers, it is determined that a contradiction occurs.
[0048]
When such a contradiction occurs, the microprocessor 14 temporarily erases the conflicting data in the lower-layer scenario file in order to prioritize the special effect of the upper-layer scenario file (S10 in FIG. 5).
In a state in which the contradiction is resolved in this way, the microprocessor 14, the image compression / decompression unit 15 and the display driver unit 17 continuously reproduce the image file according to the reproduction order developed on the memory (S11 in FIG. 5).
[0049]
The display driver unit 17 returns the display screen to the initial screen after the reproduction of the image in the image memory 16 is completed (S12 in FIG. 5).
On the other hand, if the scenario file defining the playback range is selected as a thumbnail in step S7, the microprocessor 14 determines whether the target of the playback range data is an image file (S21 in FIG. 6).
[0050]
Here, when the target of the reproduction range data is an image file, the microprocessor 14 reads the target image file from the magneto-optical recording medium 13 via the disk drive unit 12 (S22 in FIG. 6).
Next, the microprocessor 14 acquires the start point and end point time stamps from the reproduction range data, and transfers these data to the image compression / decompression unit 15.
[0051]
The image compression / decompression unit 15 decompresses the data of the image file from the frame image at the starting point and sequentially stores it in the image memory 16. The display driver unit 17 sequentially reads out the frame images in the image memory 16 and displays them on the liquid crystal display unit 18 (S23 in FIG. 6).
The image compression / decompression unit 15 decompresses the end-point frame image and ends the decompression process of the image file. The display driver unit 17 returns the display screen to the initial screen after the reproduction of the image in the image memory 16 is completed (S24 in FIG. 6).
[0052]
On the other hand, if the target of the reproduction range data is a scenario file in step S21, the microprocessor 14 reads out the target lower scenario file from the magneto-optical recording medium 13 via the disk drive unit 12 (S25 in FIG. 6).
Here, the microprocessor 14 hierarchically traces the reproduction order data in the lower scenario file, and expands the reproduction order data on the memory inside the microprocessor 14 (S26 in FIG. 6).
[0053]
Next, the microprocessor 14 discriminates the connection location of the scenario files defining the playback mode, and indicates whether or not the special effect is inconsistent in the upper and lower layers of the scenario file in a predetermined comparison table or the like. Based on the determination (S27 in FIG. 6).
[0054]
When a contradiction is detected by such determination, the microprocessor 14 temporarily deletes the conflicting data in the lower-layer scenario file in order to give priority to the special effect of the upper-layer scenario file (S28 in FIG. 6).
In this state, the microprocessor 14 acquires time stamps from the image files (scenario files) listed in the reproduction order on the memory. By adding these time stamps sequentially according to the reproduction order, the entire time stamp is generated (S29 in FIG. 6).
[0055]
During the generation of the time stamp, the microprocessor 14 sequentially records the conversion results from the individual time stamps to the entire time stamp, and generates a time stamp conversion table on the memory (S30 in FIG. 6).
Next, the microprocessor 14 acquires time stamps of the start point and the end point from the reproduction range data. These time stamps are stored as values on the entire time stamp.
[0056]
Therefore, the microprocessor 14 reversely converts the time stamps of the start point and the end point into the time stamps of the individual image files based on the conversion table (S31 in FIG. 6).
Further, the microprocessor 14 obtains an intermediate image file (scenario file) included between the start point and the end point (S32 in FIG. 6).
[0057]
Based on the analysis result of such a scenario file, the microprocessor 14 reads the first image file in the reproduction range from the magneto-optical recording medium 13. Next, the microprocessor 14 transfers the start time stamp to the image compression / decompression unit 15. The image compression / decompression unit 15 starts data decompression of the image file from the start point. The display driver unit 17 sequentially displays the frame images subjected to data decompression on the liquid crystal display unit 18 (S33 in FIG. 6).
[0058]
In succession to this reproduction operation, the microprocessor 14 reads out the intermediate image files from the magneto-optical recording medium 13 in order. The read image file is sequentially decompressed via the image compression / decompression unit 15. The display driver unit 17 sequentially displays the frame images on which the data is decompressed on the liquid crystal display unit 18 (S34 in FIG. 6).
Further, following this playback operation, the microprocessor 14 reads the last image file in the playback range from the magneto-optical recording medium 13. Next, the microprocessor 14 transfers the end point time stamp to the image compression / decompression unit 15. The image compression / decompression unit 15 performs data decompression of the image file up to the end point. The display driver unit 17 sequentially displays the frame images to which the data is expanded on the liquid crystal display unit 18 (S35 in FIG. 6).
[0059]
The display driver unit 17 returns the display screen to the initial screen after completion of the reproduction (S36 in FIG. 6).
The above playback operation will be specifically described by taking the scenario file Z shown in FIG. 9 as an example.
First, the scenario file Z contains
(Scenario file A-> Scenario file Y)
The playback order data is recorded.
[0060]
First, the above reproduction operation is executed for the scenario file A-.
The scenario file A- is a scenario file that defines reproduction range data, and the target of the reproduction range data is the scenario file A.
The microprocessor 14 hierarchically traces the playback order data of the scenario file A, so that the playback order (shown in FIG. 10) is developed on the memory.
[0061]
(Scenario file D-> Image file E-> Scenario file K-> Scenario file H-> Scenario file I-> Image file G)
The microprocessor 14 sequentially adds the time stamps of the individual image files in accordance with the reproduction order to generate the entire time stamp.
[0062]
During the generation of such a time stamp, the microprocessor 14 sequentially records the conversion results from the individual time stamps to the entire time stamp, and generates a time stamp conversion table.
Next, the microprocessor 14 takes in the time stamp of the reproduction range (Δ shown in FIG. 10) from the scenario file A−.
[0063]
The microprocessor 14 uses the above conversion table to reversely convert the start point and end point of the reproduction range Δ into time stamps of individual image files.
By such time stamp conversion, the reproduction start position of the first image file E in the reproduction range Δ and the reproduction end position of the last scenario file H are obtained.
According to such an analysis result, the reproduction of the image file along the scenario file A- is as shown in FIG.
(Rear part of image file E → Scenario file K → Front part of image file H)
It is executed in the order.
[0064]
Continuously with the reproduction of the image file along the scenario file A-, the remaining scenario file Y is also reproduced.
As a result of such a reproduction operation, a part of a series of image files is extracted according to the reproduction range data of the scenario file A- and partially reproduced.
Next, the edit mode will be described.
[0065]
(Editing screen)
When the edit button 35 is clicked on the initial screen shown in FIG. 7, the microprocessor 14 displays the edit screen shown in FIG. 12 via the display driver unit 17.
In the editing screen shown in FIG. 12, a playback screen 60 is displayed on the left side of the screen, and a reverse fast forward button 61, a reverse playback button 62, a stop button 63, a pause button 64, A playback button 65 and a fast forward button 66 are displayed.
[0066]
An OK button 67 is arranged at the upper right of the screen, and a start setting button 68, an end setting button 69, and a confirmation button 70 are displayed at the middle of the right side of the screen.
Furthermore, a time display box 71 for displaying the playback time and a volume adjustment bar 72 for adjusting the playback volume are displayed at the lower right of the screen.
The operation in the edit mode will be described below based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0067]
First, the display driver unit 17 displays a screen frame of the editing screen (S41 in FIG. 13).
Next, the microprocessor 14 determines whether the file whose thumbnail is selected on the initial screen is an image file or a scenario file (S42 in FIG. 13).
Here, if the thumbnail of the image file is selected, the microprocessor 14 reads the image file from the magneto-optical recording medium 13 via the disk drive unit 12.
[0068]
The image file read in this way is decompressed by the image compression / decompression unit 15 and sequentially stored in the image memory 16.
On the other hand, the display driver unit 17 reproduces an image from the image memory 16 in accordance with a manual operation such as the reproduction button 65 (S43 in FIG. 13).
For example, when the fast-forward button 66 is pressed, the display driver unit 17 reads images from the image memory 16 every several frames and sequentially displays them on the playback screen 60.
[0069]
When the pause button 64 is pressed, the display driver unit 17 repeatedly reads out an image for one frame from the image memory 16 and displays it on the playback screen 60.
When the start setting button 68 is clicked during such a reproduction period, the microprocessor 14 writes the time stamp of the frame image currently displayed on the reproduction screen 60 in the data area in the scenario file.
[0070]
On the other hand, when the end setting button 69 is clicked, the microprocessor 14 writes the time stamp of the frame image currently displayed on the reproduction screen 60 in the data area of the scenario file (S44 in FIG. 13).
When the OK button 67 is pressed in this state, the display driver unit 17 returns the screen display to the initial screen (S45 in FIG. 13).
[0071]
As a result of the above-described operation, a scenario file storing the reproduction range data of the image file is newly created.
On the other hand, if the thumbnail of the scenario file is selected in step S42, the microprocessor 14 reads the scenario file from the magneto-optical recording medium 13 via the disk drive unit 12 (S46 in FIG. 13).
[0072]
The microprocessor 14 determines whether the playback order or the playback range is defined based on the data structure of the scenario file (S47 in FIG. 13).
Here, when the scenario file defining the playback range is selected as a thumbnail, the microprocessor 14 shifts the operation to the above-described step S43, thereby changing the scenario file storing the playback range data for the target image file. Create a new one.
[0073]
On the other hand, if the scenario file defining the playback order is selected as a thumbnail in step S47, the microprocessor 14 hierarchically follows the playback order and expands the data in the playback order on the memory inside the microprocessor 14. (FIG. 13S48).
Next, the microprocessor 14 determines whether or not the scenario files that define the playback mode are connected to each other, and determines whether or not there is a contradiction in special effects or the like in the upper and lower layers of the scenario file. The determination is made based on (S49 in FIG. 13).
[0074]
If a contradiction is detected by such determination, the microprocessor 14 temporarily deletes the conflicting data in the lower-layer scenario file in order to give priority to the special effect of the upper-layer scenario file (S50 in FIG. 13).
[0075]
In this state, the microprocessor 14 acquires individual time stamps from the image files (scenario files) listed in the reproduction order on the memory. By adding these time stamps sequentially in the order of reproduction, the entire time stamp is generated (S51 in FIG. 14).
During the generation of such a time stamp, the microprocessor 14 sequentially records the conversion results from the individual time stamps to the entire time stamp, and generates a conversion table on the memory (S52 in FIG. 14).
[0076]
Next, the microprocessor 14 sequentially reads out the image file from the magneto-optical recording medium 13 according to the reproduction order on the memory.
The image file read out in this way is sequentially decompressed by the image compression / decompression unit 15 and stored in the image memory 16 sequentially.
On the other hand, the display driver unit 17 continuously reproduces image files from the image memory 16 in accordance with a manual operation such as the reproduction button 65 (S53 in FIG. 14).
[0077]
When the start setting button 68 is clicked during such a reproduction period, the microprocessor 14 captures the time stamp of the frame image currently displayed on the reproduction screen 60. On the other hand, when the end setting button 69 is clicked, the microprocessor 14 takes in the time stamp of the frame image currently displayed on the reproduction screen 60 (S54 in FIG. 14).
[0078]
The time stamp taken in this way is a value on the entire time stamp. Therefore, the microprocessor 14 reversely converts the time stamps of the start point and the end point into the time stamps of the individual image files based on the conversion table (S55 in FIG. 14).
Further, the microprocessor 14 obtains an intermediate image file (scenario file) included between the start point and the end point (S56 in FIG. 14).
[0079]
Based on the analysis result of the playback range, the microprocessor 14 separately creates a scenario file α storing the start time stamp for the first image file in the playback range (S57 in FIG. 14).
Further, the microprocessor 14 separately creates a scenario file β storing the time stamp of the end point for the last image file in the reproduction range (S58 in FIG. 14).
[0080]
Furthermore, the microprocessor 14 newly creates a scenario file γ that stores the reproduction order of the intermediate image files (S59 in FIG. 14).
Here, the microprocessor 14 places the scenario files α and β at the beginning and the end of the reproduction order data of the scenario file γ, respectively (S60 in FIG. 14).
When the OK button 67 is pressed in this state, the microprocessor 14 returns the screen display to the initial screen via the display driver unit 17 (S61 in FIG. 14).
[0081]
By the above operation, for example, a scenario file A + having a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. 15 is newly created.
(Effects of the embodiment, etc.)
As described above, in the present embodiment, automatic reproduction of an image file is executed along a scenario file. Usually, such a scenario file is composed mainly of data such as a reproduction order or a reproduction range, and therefore requires a smaller amount of data than an image file including image information itself. Therefore, the recording capacity of the recording medium can be used efficiently.
[0082]
Further, a part of a series of image files can be appropriately cut out and reproduced using a scenario file. By such a reproduction operation, it is possible to accurately eliminate uncertain competition that occurs between the continuous reproduction operation and the partial reproduction operation.
Further, in such “partial reproduction of a series of image files”, a desired reproduction operation can be executed only by preparing individual image files and scenario files as materials. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a long-time actual image file by connecting a series of image files in advance, and the recording capacity of the recording medium can be used efficiently.
[0083]
In addition, a “scenario file for reproducing a part of a series of image files” can be easily created by reusing an already created “scenario file including a reproduction order”.
Furthermore, a scenario file that partially reproduces a part of the reproduction order can be created based on the scenario file including the reproduction order data.
[0084]
The newly created scenario file has the same hierarchy as the base scenario file. Therefore, the analysis time of the scenario file at the time of reproduction is not prolonged because the hierarchy is traced, and a smoother reproduction operation can be realized.
In addition, a “scenario file that reproduces a part of a series of image files” can be easily created while efficiently referring to the already created “scenario file including the reproduction order”.
[0085]
Furthermore, since the playback order is determined by tracing the scenario files hierarchically, the file structure can be simplified for each scenario file.
In addition, since the edited scenario files can be hierarchically incorporated into each scenario file, the reusability of the scenario file is extremely high.
Furthermore, when the reproduction form data in the scenario file is inconsistent in the upper and lower layers of the reproduction order data, the higher-layer reproduction form data is prioritized. In this way, by setting the priority order in advance, it becomes possible to eliminate inconsistencies between the hierarchy of scenario files.
[0086]
In the above-described embodiment, the scenario file that defines the playback range, playback order, and playback mode is separated, but these data structures may be collectively included in the scenario file.
[0087]
In the embodiment described above, the image file and the scenario file are separated from each other. However, the scenario file may be recorded in a part of the image file.
Furthermore, although the magneto-optical recording medium 13 is employed as the recording medium in the above-described embodiment, the recording medium is not limited to the material and shape of the recording medium, and may be any recording medium that can record image information. For example, an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor recording medium may be used.
[0088]
  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image file and the scenario file are recorded on one recording medium is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this description. The scenario file and the image file may be recorded separately on a plurality of recording media.
  In the above-described embodiment, the embodiment of the image reproducing device 11 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such dedicated hardware. For example,Claim 4By using the recording medium described in the above, an image reproducing device can be realized on a general-purpose computer. As an example of such an embodiment, the series of operations shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 13, and 14 may be coded as an image reproduction program, and the image reproduction program may be stored in a recording medium.
[0089]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first and second aspects of the invention, automatic reproduction of an image file is executed in accordance with the scenario file reproduction order or reproduction range.
Usually, such a scenario file is configured at the center of data in the playback order or playback range, and therefore requires a smaller amount of data than an image file including image information itself. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently use the recording capacity of the recording medium even when complex image reproduction is performed.
[0090]
In addition, since the target of the reproduction range data is expanded to “scenario file including reproduction order data”, it is possible to extract and reproduce a part of a series of image files.
Furthermore, such a reproduction operation can accurately eliminate uncertain competition that occurs between the continuous reproduction operation and the partial reproduction operation.
[0091]
Further, in such “partial reproduction of a series of image files”, it is only necessary to align the individual image files as the material and the scenario file. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a long-time actual image file in which a series of image files are connected, and the recording capacity of the recording medium can be used efficiently.
Further, the “scenario file that reproduces a part from a series of image files” can be easily created by reusing the already created “scenario file including the reproduction order”. Therefore, it is possible to quickly and easily create a scenario file having a high level of content while efficiently reusing a created scenario file.
[0094]
Further claim 1In the invention described in the above, since the playback order is determined by tracing the scenario files hierarchically, the file structure of each scenario file can be simplified.
[0095]
  In addition, since the edited scenario files can be hierarchically incorporated into each scenario file, the reusability of the scenario file is extremely high.
  Claim 3In the invention described in the above, the image file is reproduced along the reproduction form data in the scenario file. In the case where the reproduction form data is inconsistent in the upper and lower layers of the reproduction order data, priority is given to the reproduction form data in the upper layer. In this way, by setting the priority order in advance, it becomes possible to eliminate inconsistencies between the hierarchy of scenario files.
[0096]
Further, since the scenario file of the upper hierarchy is newer than the scenario file of the lower hierarchy, the reproduction mode desired by the operator can be reliably reflected in the reproduction operation.
Furthermore, when reusing a lower-level scenario file, the operator can freely define and overwrite the playback mode of the higher-level scenario file without particularly considering the playback mode of the lower-level scenario file. Become.
[0097]
  Claim 4In the recording medium described in (1), the above-described image reproduction device can be realized on a computer by executing the image reproduction program in the recording medium on the computer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[Figure 1]originalFIG.
[Figure 2]originalFIG.
[Fig. 3]originalFIG.
[Fig. 4] ImplementationStateIt is a functional block diagram.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart (1/2) showing an operation in a reproduction mode.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an operation in a reproduction mode.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an initial screen of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a playback screen according to the present embodiment together with a halftone image on a display.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a scenario file.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a playback order in a scenario file A.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a playback order in a scenario file Z.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an editing screen of the present embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart (1/2) showing an operation in an edit mode.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an operation in an edit mode.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a scenario file.

Claims (4)

An image playback apparatus that plays back an image file along a scenario file that stores at least one of playback order data indicating the playback order of the image file and playback range data indicating the playback range of the image file. ,
Continuous reproduction means for continuously reproducing a series of image files indicated in the reproduction order data when the scenario file includes reproduction order data;
Partial reproduction means for partially reproducing an image file listed as an object of the reproduction range data in accordance with the reproduction range data when the scenario file includes reproduction range data;
The partial reproduction means includes
When a “scenario file including reproduction order data” is listed as the target of the reproduction range data, a series of image files indicated by the reproduction order data is partially reproduced according to the reproduction range data,
The image file is a moving image file,
In the playback order data in the scenario file, lower-layer scenario files that bear a part of the playback order are arranged hierarchically, and the continuous playback means hierarchically traces the scenario files arranged in the playback order data. Analyze the playback order of image files,
The scenario file in the lower layer arranged hierarchically in the scenario file is a scenario file that can be reproduced alone,
Edit to create a new scenario file in which multiple lower-layer scenario files are arranged hierarchically by incorporating another scenario file in which the lower-layer scenario files are arranged hierarchically into the scenario file An image reproducing apparatus comprising: means. The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
The partial reproduction means includes
When a “scenario file including playback order data” is listed as the target of the playback range data, a time stamp giving means for giving a series of time stamps to a series of image files indicated by the playback order data;
An image reproduction apparatus comprising: a time stamp reproduction unit that selects and reproduces a range corresponding to the reproduction range data on the time stamp provided by the time stamp addition unit. The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 1,
As a kind of the scenario file, it has a scenario file storing reproduction form data indicating a reproduction form of an image file,
The continuous reproduction means includes
In the playback mode indicated by the playback mode data in the scenario file, the target image file is played back,
In addition, when the reproduction form data contradicts in the upper and lower layers of the reproduction order data, priority is given to the upper layer reproduction form data.   A computer-readable recording medium on which an image reproduction program for causing a computer to function as the image reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is recorded.

Images