JP5213503B2 - Memory playback device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a storage / reproduction device, and more particularly to a storage / reproduction device with improved operability.

  Conventionally, imaging devices such as digital cameras and digital movie cameras have been used as storage and playback devices. In an imaging apparatus that is a storage / reproduction apparatus, a storage medium such as a nonvolatile memory is used to store electronic data of a captured image. The electronic data management method (file system), directory structure, and the like when stored in the storage medium are defined by the DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system) standard.

  The file system defined in the DCF standard is FAT (File Allocation Tables), and is defined so that the size per file is within 4 GB. Therefore, when image data having a size exceeding 4 GB is stored in a storage medium, the image data is stored in a plurality of files.

Specifically, when the file size reaches 4 GB during the recording of the image data, the file is closed and a new file is created, and the continuation of the image data is recorded in the new file. The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for dividing one image data into a plurality of storage media.
JP 2004-355794 A

  However, if one image data is divided into a plurality of files and stored, it becomes difficult to continuously reproduce the one image data from the beginning to the end. In other words, when reproducing the one image data, the user of the imaging apparatus needs to select and reproduce a plurality of files constituting the image data in the order of photographing. For this reason, the operability regarding the reproduction of the image data is low.

  For example, as one method for automatically reproducing files in the order of shooting, there is a method of referring to a file name assigned to each file. However, when the image data is reproduced from the beginning, the user must select the first file. Also, once playback is started, the files are played back in the order in which they were shot. Therefore, when only the predetermined image data is to be played back, the user selects a plurality of files constituting the predetermined image data in advance. I have to keep it. In these cases, as described above, the operability regarding the reproduction of the image data is not so good.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve the operability of a storage / playback apparatus when playing back image data.

  A storage / reproduction device according to the present invention is a storage / reproduction device in which a series of image data obtained by continuous shooting is divided into a plurality of files and stored in a memory, and includes an identification code recording unit and a reproduction control unit. It is characterized by having. The identification code recording means records the first identification code representing the shooting order for each file in the process of storing the file in the memory, and the file is a series of image data inside the file constituting the series of image data. A second identification code indicating that the file is a file constituting the file is recorded. The reproduction control means is means for reproducing a series of image data stored in the memory, reads the first and second identification codes recorded for each file, and captures each file based on the first identification code. While identifying the order, the files constituting the series of image data are identified based on the second identification code, and the plurality of files constituting the image data are reproduced in the photographing order at the time of continuous photographing.

  According to the storage / playback apparatus, a plurality of files constituting a series of image data are identified by the second identification code. Therefore, in the process of reproducing each file in the order based on the first identification code, that is, in the shooting order, the last file constituting the image data is easily identified.

  In a specific aspect, the reproduction control means includes an immediate file search means and an end file determination means. Immediately after the file search means reads out the first identification code recorded for one file before or during the process of reproducing a series of image data stored in the memory, it is recorded for another file. The first identification code is read to search for a file stored in the memory immediately after the one file. The tail file determining means reads out the second identification code recorded for the one file and reads the second identification code recorded for the file searched by the file search means immediately thereafter to obtain these second identification codes. It is determined whether the signs are the same. In the same case, the tail file determining means executes the search by the immediately following file searching means again with the file searched by the immediately following file searching means as the one file. On the other hand, if they are different, the end file determining means sets the one file as a file whose shooting order is the end in a series of image data.

  According to the above specific aspect, the last file constituting a series of image data is identified by simply selecting one file.

  In a more specific aspect, in the process of storing the file in the memory, the identification code recording means further includes the same series of image data immediately after the file is stored in the memory. Is recorded with a third identification code indicating whether or not another file that constitutes is stored in the memory.

  According to the above specific aspect, by referring to the third identification code recorded in the file, another file stored in the memory immediately after the referenced file is stored in the memory becomes the same series. It is identified whether it constitutes image data.

  In another specific aspect, the reproduction control means includes a previous file search means and a head file determination means. The immediately preceding file search means reads the first identification code recorded for one file and reproduces the first identification code recorded for the other file before reproducing the series of image data stored in the memory. Is read and a file photographed immediately before the one file is searched. The head file determining means reads out the second identification code recorded for the one file and reads the second identification code recorded for the file searched by the immediately preceding file search means to obtain these second identification codes. It is determined whether the signs are the same. In the same case, the head file determining means executes the search by the immediately preceding file searching means again with the file searched by the immediately preceding file searching means as the one file. On the other hand, if they are different, the head file determining means sets the one file as the file whose shooting order is the head in the series of image data.

  According to the other specific aspect, the first file constituting a series of image data is identified only by selecting one file.

  In a more specific aspect, the identification code recording means includes the same series of image data already stored in the file constituting the series of image data immediately before the file is stored in the memory in the process of storing the file in the memory. A fourth identification code indicating whether or not another file that constitutes is stored in the memory is recorded.

  According to the above specific aspect, by referring to the fourth identification code recorded in the file, another file stored in the memory immediately before the referenced file is stored in the memory becomes the same series. Whether the image data is included in the image data.

  Further, the storage / playback apparatus also has random number generating means for generating a random number. Then, the identification code recording means records the random number generated by the random number generation means as a second identification code inside the file. This prevents the same second identification code from being recorded for different image data.

  The first identification code recorded for each file is a file name recorded in association with the file outside the file. Thus, the shooting order of each file can be identified based on the file name without opening the file.

  According to the storage / reproduction device of the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability of the storage / reproduction device when reproducing a series of image data.

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

1. Configuration of Imaging Device As shown in FIG. 1, an imaging device that is a storage / reproduction device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an imaging unit 11, a signal processing unit 4, an SDRAM 5, an image compression / expansion processing unit 6, an operation unit 7, A memory 12, a display unit 13, and a control unit 2 are provided. Hereinafter, each component will be specifically described.

  The imaging unit 11 has an imaging device driving unit for driving an imaging device, an imaging lens, a diaphragm, and an imaging device (not shown). Examples of the imaging device include a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imager that converts light into an electrical signal using a photodiode, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and the like. CMOS sensors are easier to achieve smaller and energy saving than CCDs.

  When an optical image of a subject is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging device by the imaging lens, photoelectric conversion is performed in each photodiode that is a part of the imaging device. The imaging device outputs an electric charge signal accumulated according to light intensity and time as an analog imaging signal in accordance with various pulse waveforms necessary for driving the imaging device generated by the imaging device driving unit.

  The signal processing unit 4 has a CDS / AGC circuit, an A / D conversion circuit, and a signal processing color (not shown). The CDS / AGC circuit reduces the noise of the analog imaging signal output from the imaging unit 11 and automatically adjusts the level. The A / D conversion circuit converts the analog imaging signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit into digital image data. Signal processing colors are color-separated based on digital image data by an A / D conversion circuit, and R, G, and B signals, which are three color signals, are created for each pixel of the imaging device. Then, color temperature detection is performed for each of the three color signals, and gain adjustment is performed by color temperature control. Further, a process for converting these into a Y signal that is a luminance signal and U and V signals that are two color difference signals is performed.

  The control unit 2 is connected to the imaging unit 11, the signal processing unit 4, the operation unit 7, the SDRAM 5, the image compression / expansion processing unit 6, the memory 12, and the display unit 13. The control unit 2 controls the imaging unit 11, signal processing unit 4, SDRAM 5, image compression / decompression processing unit 6, and memory 12 in accordance with a program stored in an internal memory (not shown).

  The control unit 2 includes an identification code recording unit 21 and a reproduction control unit 22 in order to reproduce a plurality of files constituting a series of image data in an imaging order at the time of continuous imaging. Details of the control by the identification code recording means 21 and the reproduction control means 22 will be described later.

  The operation unit 2 includes a moving image shooting button for shooting a moving image (not shown), a still image shooting button for shooting a still image, and a playback button for playing back a file stored in the memory 12.

  When the still image shooting button is pressed, shooting of a still image is started. At this time, the control unit 2 controls the imaging unit 11 and the signal processing unit 4, and the above-described processing is performed on the optical image of the subject for one frame. Then, the digital image data as Y, U, and V signals obtained by the signal processing unit 4 is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 5.

  The digital image data for one frame once stored in the SDRAM 5 is compressed in the JPEG format by the image compression / decompression processing unit 6, specifically, the JPEG codec. The compressed digital image data (hereinafter referred to as “image data”) is stored in the SDRAM 5 again.

  Also, thumbnail data is generated from the digital image data for one frame stored once, stored in the SDRAM 5, and JPEG-compressed by the image compression / decompression processing unit 6, here the JPEG codec. The compressed compressed thumbnail data is stored in the SDRAM 24 again.

  Then, the control unit 2 stores the image data and the compressed thumbnail data in a file created in the memory 12. Note that the memory 12 may be removable from the imaging device, such as an SD memory card, or may be built into the imaging device from the beginning.

  In addition, when the moving image shooting button is pressed, the moving image shooting process is executed until the moving image shooting button is pressed again to stop moving image shooting. This moving image shooting process is the same as the process of continuously shooting still images for 30 frames per second, for example. That is, digital image data as Y, U, and V signals are temporarily stored in the SDRAM 5, and the digital image data temporarily stored in the SDRAM 5 is sequentially input to the image compression / decompression processing unit 6.

The image compression / decompression processing unit 6 uses the H264 codec to execute moving image compression processing in the H264 format. Accordingly, the digital image data input to the image compression / decompression processing unit 6 is compressed in the H264 format by the H264 codec and stored in the SDRAM 5 again. The compressed digital image data (image data) subjected to the moving image compression processing is sequentially stored in a file created in the memory 12. In the following, image data obtained between the start of shooting and the stop thereof is referred to as “a series of image data”.

  In parallel with the processing on the moving image, thumbnail data of the moving image (hereinafter referred to as “thumbnail image”) is generated. On the left side, thumbnail data is generated on the basis of the first frame of digital image data once stored in the SDRAM 5 and is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 5. The thumbnail data is subjected to JPEG compression processing by the JPEG codec in the image compression / decompression processing unit 6. The compressed compressed thumbnail data is again stored in the SDRAM 5 and stored in a file created in the memory 12.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, an upper limit is set for the size of data that can be recorded per file. For this reason, image data exceeding the upper limit size per file is divided into a plurality of files and stored in the memory 12. The moving image data, which is one of the image data, increases in size as the shooting time becomes longer, and therefore tends to exceed the upper limit size per file.

  A file for storing image data has a structure as shown in FIG. That is, the file includes a header 31, a video data storage unit 32, an audio data storage unit 33, and an attached information storage unit 34. The header 31 stores information regarding the file structure. The video data storage unit 32 and the audio data storage unit 33 store the image data separately for the video part and the audio part, respectively.

  In the attached information storage unit 34, information related to image data, for example, attached information such as thumbnail images and shooting information such as shooting date as shown in FIG. 2 is stored. When a series of images is divided into a plurality of files and stored in the memory 12, information (sequence link information) that associates a plurality of files constituting the series of image data is attached information as an attached information storage unit. 34.

  Specifically, the link information of the sequence includes identifiers NEXT_FILE, PREV_FILE, and RND_CODE. The identifier NEXT_FILE is recorded in a file constituting a series of image data, and indicates whether or not a file constituting the same series of image data is stored in the memory 12 immediately after the file is stored in the memory 12. . More specifically, when such a file is stored immediately after, the identifier NEXT_FILE is set to “TRUE”. On the other hand, if no such file is stored immediately thereafter, the identifier NEXT_FILE is set to “FALSE”.

  The identifier PREV_FILE is recorded inside a file constituting a series of image data, and whether or not a file constituting the same series of image data has already been recorded in the memory 12 immediately before the file is stored in the memory 12. Represent. More specifically, when such a file is recorded immediately before, the identifier PREV_FILE is set to “TRUE”. On the other hand, if no such file has been recorded immediately before, the identifier PREV_FILE is set to “FALSE”.

  The identifier RND_CODE is recorded inside a file constituting a series of image data, and represents that the file is a file constituting a series of image data. Specifically, the identifier RND_CODE is given a random number generated by the random number generating means. The same random number is given to the identifier RND_CODE recorded in a file constituting a series of image data.

  The display unit 13 displays an image on the screen when the image data stored in the memory 12 is reproduced or when an image is captured. For example, a liquid crystal panel is employed as the display unit 13.

  Specifically, when reproducing a moving image, the control unit 2 reads a file stored in the memory 12 and temporarily stores the image data in the SDRAM 5. The image data stored in the SDRAM 5 is decompressed by the image compression / decompression processing unit 6, specifically, the H264 codec. The decompressed digital image data as Y, U, and V signals are temporarily stored in the SDRAM 5 and then output to the display unit 13. The display unit 13 displays the video on the screen by converting the digital image data into a video signal for displaying the Y, U, and V signals.

  The imaging apparatus described above can capture not only moving images but also still images. Specifically, such an imaging apparatus can capture a still image without stopping the capturing of a moving image while capturing a moving image.

  In the following, “2. Control of the imaging device (no still image)” describes the control of the imaging device relating to shooting of only moving images and reproduction after shooting, and “3. Control of the imaging device (with still image)” is described. In the following, control of the imaging apparatus related to shooting of moving images and reproduction after shooting when shooting still images without stopping shooting of moving images will be described.

2. Imaging device control (no still image)
2-1. Control related to shooting Control related to shooting when only moving images are shot will be described. Such control includes steps 301 to 313 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, control related to photographing will be described in detail. Such control is executed by the identification code recording means 21 of the control unit 2.

  When shooting is started, first, in step 301, initial setting is executed. Specifically, both of the identifiers NEXT_FILE and PREV_FILE are set to “FALSE”, and the random number rnd generated by the random number generator is given to the identifier RND_CODE. In step 301, a variable n indicating the file creation order is set to the number n1 (n = n1). After execution of step 301, the process proceeds to step 302. In the following description, the file name is represented by the symbol A (n), and the file with the file name A (n) is represented by the symbol FA (n).

<Recording of image data in the first file FA (n1)>
In step 302, a file name A (n1) is created. At this time, the file name A (n1) includes a number n1 indicating the creation order. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, “SANY0025.MP4” including “0025” as the number n1 is created as the file name A (n1 = 0025).

  After execution of step 302, the process proceeds to step 303. In step 303, a new file FA (n1) with the file name A (n1) is created. In step 303, the created file FA (n1) is opened so that image data can be recorded in the file FA (n1). The file name A (n1) is recorded outside the file FA (n1) in association with the file FA (n1).

  The file FA (n1) created in step 303 has an upper limit on the size D of image data that can be recorded. This applies not only to the first file FA (n1) but also to the file FA (n) created after the second file to be described later. Hereinafter, the upper limit size is referred to as “recording size D1”.

  After execution of step 303, the process proceeds to step 304. In step 304, recording of the image data output from the imaging unit 11 to the file FA (n1) is started.

  After execution of step 304, the process proceeds to step 305. In step 305, it is determined whether or not the size D of the image data recorded in the file FA (n1) is equal to or smaller than the recording size D1. If it is determined in step 305 that the size D of the image data is equal to or smaller than the recording size D1, the process proceeds to step 310. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 305 that the size D of the image data is larger than the recording size D1, the process proceeds to step 306.

  In step 306, the recording of the image data in the file FA (n1) is stopped halfway, and the identifier NEXT_FILE is set to “TRUE”. Specifically, in the case of n = n1, since the identifier NEXT_FILE is set to “FALSE” at the time of transition to Step 306, the identifier NEXT_FILE is reset to “TRUE”. The setting of the identifier NEXT_FILE may be performed simultaneously with the stop of recording of image data in the file FA (n1), or may be performed immediately after the stop.

  After execution of step 306, the process proceeds to step 307. In step 307, the attached information is recorded in the attached information storage unit 34 of the file FA (n1). Specifically, the settings of the identifiers NEXT_FILE, PREV_FILE, and RND_CODE at the time of transition to Step 307 are recorded as the attached information (sequence link information) in the attached information storage unit 34 of the file FA (n1).

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the identifier PREV_FILE set to “FALSE”, the identifier NEXT_FILE set to “TRUE”, and the random number rnd = “dxgfhubj” generated in step 301 are The given identifier RND_CODE is recorded in the attached information storage unit 34 of the file FA (n1) as attached information.

  Here, the identifier PREV_FILE set to “FALSE” indicates that there is no file FA (n1-1) that constitutes the same series of image data as the file FA (n1). The identifier NEXT_FILE set to “TRUE” indicates that there is a file FA (n1 + 1) that constitutes the same series of image data as the file FA (n1). That is, these identifiers PREV_FILEREV_FILE and NEXT_FILE indicate that the file FA (n) is the first file constituting a series of image data.

  After execution of step 307, the process proceeds to step 308. In step 308, the file FA (n1) is closed and the identifier PREV_FILE is set to “TRUE”. Specifically, when n = 1, since the identifier PREV_FILE is set to “FALSE” at the time of transition to Step 308, the identifier PREV_FILE is reset to “TRUE”. The setting of the identifier PREV_FILE may be performed at the same time as or immediately after closing the file FA (n1), or may be performed before the file FA (n1) after execution of step 307 is closed.

  After executing step 308, the process proceeds to step 309. In step 309, 1 is added to the variable n (n = n1), and this is set as a new variable n (n = n1 + 1). When the variable n is “0025”, the newly obtained variable n is “0026”. Note that the value added to the variable n in step 309 may not be 1, and may be an integer such as 2 or 3, for example.

  After executing step 309, the process returns to step 302 again. As a result, as described below, image data and attached information are recorded in the second and subsequent files FA (n).

<Recording of image data in the second and subsequent files FA (n)>
In step 302, a file name A (n) including the variable n obtained in step 309 as a number is created. For example, in the case of n = n1 + 1 (n1 = “0025”), as shown in FIG. 4B, “SANY0026.MP4” with “0026” added as the number corresponds to the file name A (n = n1 + 1). In the case of n = n1 + 2 (n1 = “0025”), as shown in FIG. 4C, “SANY0027.MP4” with “0027” added as the number is the file name A (n = n1 + 2).

  In step 303, a new file FA (n) with the file name A (n) is created. In step 303, the created file FA (n) is opened so that image data can be recorded in the file FA (n). The file name A (n) is recorded outside the file FA (n) in association with the file FA (n).

  After execution of step 303, the process proceeds to step 304. In step 304, the continuation of the image data recorded in the file FA (n-1) starts to be recorded in the file FA (n).

  According to steps 302 to 304, it can be understood that the image data is recorded in the order from the file with the smallest number attached to the file name A (n). Therefore, the file name A (n) can be grasped as a “first identification code” that represents the image capturing order.

  After execution of step 304, the process proceeds to step 305. In step 305, it is determined whether or not the size D of the image data recorded in the file FA (n) is equal to or smaller than the recording size D1. If it is determined in step 305 that the size D of the image data is equal to or smaller than the recording size D1, the process proceeds to step 310. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 305 that the size D of the image data is larger than the recording size D1, the process proceeds to step 306.

  In step 306, recording of the image data in the file FA (n) is stopped halfway, and the identifier NEXT_FILE is set to “TRUE”. Specifically, when the variable n is greater than or equal to the number (n1 + 1), the identifier NEXT_FILE is set to “TRUE” at the time of transition to Step 306, and therefore the setting of the identifier NEXT_FILE is left as it is. The setting of the identifier NEXT_FILE may be performed simultaneously with the stop of recording of image data in the file FA (n), or may be performed immediately after the stop.

  After execution of step 306, the process proceeds to step 307. In step 307, the settings of the identifiers NEXT_FILE, PREV_FILE, and RND_CODE at the time of transition to step 307 are recorded as the attached information (sequence link information) in the attached information storage unit 34 of the file FA (n1).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the identifier PREV_FILE set to “TRUE”, the identifier NEXT_FILE set to “TRUE”, and the random number rnd = “dxgfhubj” recorded in the file FA (n1). The identifier RND_CODE set to the same code as “” is recorded in the attached information storage unit 34 of the file FA (n) as attached information.

  Here, the identifier RND_CODE set to the same sign as the random number rnd = “dxgfhubj” recorded in the file FA (n1) means that the file FA (n) constitutes the same series of image data as the file FA (n1). Represents.

  An identifier PREV_FILE set to “TRUE” indicates that there is a file FA (n−1) that constitutes the same series of image data as the file FA (n). The identifier NEXT_FILE set to “TRUE” indicates that there is a file FA (n + 1) that constitutes the same series of image data as the file FA (n). That is, these identifiers PREV_FILEREV_FILE and NEXT_FILE indicate that the file FA (n) is a file between the first file and the last file constituting a series of image data.

  After execution of step 307, the process proceeds to step 308. In step 308, the file FA (n) is closed and the identifier PREV_FILE is set to “TRUE”. Specifically, when the variable n is equal to or greater than the number (n1 + 1), the identifier PREV_FILE is set to “TRUE” at the time of transition to Step 308, and therefore the setting of the identifier PREV_FILE is left as it is. The setting of the identifier PREV_FILE may be performed simultaneously with or immediately after the file FA (n) is closed, or may be performed after the execution of step 307 and before the file FA (n) is closed.

  After executing step 308, the process proceeds to step 309. In step 309, 1 is added to the variable n representing the file creation order, and this is set as a new variable n (n = n + 1). After executing step 309, the process returns to step 302 again.

<Control when shooting is stopped>
In step 310, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to stop shooting. The instruction to stop shooting is generated when the user of the imaging apparatus presses the stop button. If the stop button is also used as a start button for starting video recording, the user of the imaging device who has started the video recording by pressing the start button again presses the start button during video recording. When pressed, a command to stop shooting is generated.

  If it is determined in step 310 that there is no instruction to stop shooting, the process returns to step 305 again, and it is determined whether or not the size D of the image data recorded in the file FA (n1) is equal to or smaller than the recording size D1. Is done. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 310 that there is an instruction to stop shooting, the process proceeds to step 311.

  In step 311, the recording of image data in the file FA (n) (the variable n is the number n1 or more) is stopped, and the identifier NEXT_FILE is set to “FALSE”. Specifically, when the identifier NEXT_FILE is set to “FALSE” at the time of shifting to step 311 (when n = n1), the setting of the identifier NEXT_FILE is left as it is. On the other hand, when the identifier NEXT_FILE is set to “TRUE” at the time of transition to Step 311 (when the variable n is a number (n1 + 1) or more), the identifier NEXT_FILE is reset to “FALSE”. The setting of the identifier NEXT_FILE may be performed simultaneously with the stop of recording of image data in the file FA (n), or may be performed immediately after the stop.

  After executing step 311, the process proceeds to step 312. In step 312, the settings of the identifiers NEXT_FILE, PREV_FILE, and RND_CODE at the time of transition to step 312 are recorded in the attached information storage unit 34 of the file FA (n) as attached information (sequence link information).

  Specifically, when the variable n is greater than or equal to the number (n1 + 1), as shown in FIG. 4C, the identifier PREV_FILE set to “TRUE”, the identifier NEXT_FILE set to “FALSE”, and the file FA The identifier RND_CODE set to the same sign as the random number rnd = “dxgfhubj” recorded in (n1) is recorded in the attached information storage unit 34 of the file FA (n) as attached information.

  Here, the identifier RND_CODE set to the same sign as the random number rnd = “dxgfhubj” recorded in the file FA (n1) means that the file FA (n) constitutes the same series of image data as the file FA (n1). Represents.

  An identifier PREV_FILE set to “TRUE” indicates that there is a file FA (n−1) that constitutes the same series of image data as the file FA (n). The identifier NEXT_FILE set to “FALSE” represents that there is no file FA (n + 1) that constitutes the same series of image data as the file FA (n). That is, these identifiers PREV_FILEREV_FILE and NEXT_FILE indicate that the file FA (n) is the last file constituting a series of image data.

  After execution of step 312, the process proceeds to step 313. In step 313, the file FA (n) is closed.

  In the control described above, the identifier RND_CODE indicating that the file constitutes a series of image data can be grasped as a “second identification code”. An identifier NEXT_FILE indicating whether or not there is a file FA (n + 1) recorded in the file FA (n) and constituting the same series of image data as the file FA (n) can be understood as a “third identification code”. it can. An identifier PREV_FILE indicating that the file FA (n−1) that is recorded in the file FA (n) and constitutes the same series of image data as the file FA (n) exists is understood as a “fourth identification code”. Can do.

  According to the above-described control relating to photographing, a series of image data can be divided and recorded in a plurality of files FA (n), and a series of image data is constituted by the identifiers NEXT_FILE, PREV_FILE, and RND_CODE. Can be related as you want.

2-2. Control related to playback Control related to playback when only moving images are captured will be described. Such control comprises steps 501 to 510 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the control related to reproduction will be specifically described. Such control is executed by the reproduction control means 22 of the control unit 2.

<Control before playback>
Before starting reproduction, first, in step 501, one file FA (m) is selected from the files FA (n) stored in the memory 12.

  When the file FA (m) is selected in step 501, the variable m1 is set to the number m included in the file name A (m) of the file FA (m) in step 502.

  After execution of step 502, the process proceeds to step 503. In step 503, the identifier PREV_FILE is read out of the attached information recorded in the file FA (m1 = m). Then, it is determined whether the setting of the identifier PREV_FILE is “TRUE” or “FALSE”. If it is determined in step 503 that the setting of the identifier PREV_FILE is “FALSE”, that is, if it is determined that the file FA (m1 = m) selected in step 501 is the first file, step 506 is performed. Transition. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 503 that the setting of the identifier PREV_FILE is “TRUE”, that is, if it is determined that the file FA (m1 = m) selected in step 501 is not the first file, step 504 is performed. Migrate to

  In step 504, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to reproduce a series of image data including the file FA (m1 = m) selected in step 501 from the top. The instruction to reproduce from the head is generated when the user presses a button provided on the imaging apparatus or a button displayed on the display unit. If it is determined in step 504 that there is no instruction to reproduce from the beginning, the process proceeds to step 506. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 504 that there is an instruction to reproduce from the beginning, the process proceeds to step 505.

  In step 505, the first file constituting a series of image data is searched using the file FA (m1 = m) selected in step 501. Specifically, the search for the first file is configured by steps H10 to H14 as shown in FIG.

  When the search for the first file is started, first, in step 601, the file FA (m1-1) is searched based on the file FA (m1). Specifically, the number m1 included in the file name A (m1) of the file FA (m1) is read, and the file FA (m1-) including the number (m1-1) in the file name is read from another file. Find 1). If the means for executing such control is grasped as the immediately preceding file retrieval means, the reproduction control means 22 can be grasped as having the immediately preceding file retrieval means.

  In step 601, the identifier RND_CODE and the identifier PREV_FILE recorded in the file FA (m1-1) found by the search are further read out.

  After execution of step 601, the process proceeds to step 602. In step 602, the identifier RND_CODE recorded in the file FA (m1-1) is collated with the identifier RND_CODE recorded in the file FA (m1). If it is determined in step 602 that the identifiers RND_CODE do not match between the files FA (m1-1) and FA (m1) (ERR), the file FA (m1) is set as the first file, and in step 505 The search ends. Then, the process proceeds to step 506. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 602 that the identifier RND_CODE matches between the files FA (m1-1) and FA (m1) (OK), the process proceeds to step 603. If the means for executing step 602 is grasped as the head file determining means, the reproduction control means 22 can be grasped as having the head file determining means.

  In step 603, it is determined whether the setting of the identifier PREV_FILE recorded in the file FA (m1-1) is “TRUE” or “FALSE”. If it is determined in step 603 that the setting of the identifier PREV_FILE is “FALSE”, the file FA (m1-1) is set as the first file, and the search in step 505 is terminated. Then, the process proceeds to step 506. At this time, (m1-1) is set as a new variable m1 through step 605. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 603 that the setting of the identifier PREV_FILE is “TRUE”, the process proceeds to step 604.

  In step 604, 1 is subtracted from the variable m1, and this is set as a new variable m1 (m1 = m1-1). After execution of step 604, the process returns to step 601 again, and steps 601 to 604 are repeatedly executed until the head file is found.

<Control during playback>
In step 506, the reproduction of the image data is started. Specifically, reading of the image data recorded in the file FA (m1) is executed.

  More specifically, when the process directly proceeds from step 503 to step 506 (m1 = m), data is read from the file FA (m) selected in step 501. The file FA (m) at this time is the first file that constitutes a series of image data. Therefore, in this case, a series of image data is reproduced from the top in step 506.

  When the process proceeds from step 503 to step 506 only through step 504 (m1 = m), data is read from the file FA (m) selected in step 501. The file FA (m) at this time is a file in the middle of forming a series of image data. Therefore, in this case, in step 506, a series of image data is reproduced from the middle.

  When the process proceeds from step 503 to step 506 via step 505, data is read from the first file FA (m1) searched in step 14. Therefore, in this case, a series of image data is reproduced from the top in step 506.

  After the start of reproduction in step 506, in step 507, the setting of the identifier NEXT_FILE recorded in the file FA (m1) from which data is read in step 506 is either “TRUE” or “FALSE”. It is determined whether there is any. If it is determined in step 507 that the setting of the identifier NEXT_FILE is “FALSE”, the file FA (m1) is set as the last file constituting a series of image data, and all the files FA (m1) are read out. At this point, the reproduction of the image data ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 507 that the setting of the identifier NEXT_FILE is “TRUE”, the process proceeds to step 508.

  In step 508, the file FA (m1 + 1) is searched based on the file FA (m1). Specifically, the number m1 included in the file name A (m1) of the file FA (m1) is read, and the file FA (m1 + 1) including the number (m1 + 1) in the file name is searched from other files. . If the means for executing step 508 is grasped as the immediately following file retrieval means, the reproduction control means 22 can be grasped as having the immediately following file retrieval means.

  After execution of step 508, the process proceeds to step 509. In step 509, the identifier RND_CODE recorded in the file FA (m1 + 1) found by the search in step 508 is read. Then, the identifier RND_CODE is collated with the identifier RND_CODE recorded in the file FA (m1). If it is determined in step 509 that the identifier RND_CODE does not match between the files FA (m1 + 1) and FA (m1) (ERR), the file FA (m1) is set as the last file constituting a series of image data. When all the files FA (m1) are read, the reproduction of the image data is finished. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 509 that the identifier RND_CODE matches between the files FA (m1 + 1) and FA (m1) (OK), the process proceeds to step 510. If the means for executing step 509 is grasped as the end file determining means, it can be understood that the reproduction control means 22 has the end file determining means.

  In step 510, 1 is added to the variable m1, and this is set as a new variable m1 (m1 = m1 + 1). After execution of step 510, the process returns to step 506 again, and the file FA (m1) having the next shooting order is read.

2-3. Effect by Control of Imaging Device A plurality (N) of files FA (n) (n = n1 to n1 + N) constituting a series of image data are identified by an identifier RND_CODE. Therefore, in the process of reproducing each file FA (n) in the order of the numbers included in the file name A (n), that is, in the shooting order, the last file FA (n1 + N) constituting the image data is easily identified. . Specifically, the last file FA (n1 + N) is identified only by selecting one file FA (m) (m is any one of n1 to n1 + N).

  Thus, when reproducing a series of image data, the reproduction of the image data can be terminated when the image data is reproduced to the end without selecting the last file A (n1 + N). Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of the imaging apparatus when reproducing a series of image data.

  In addition, by referring to the identifier N recorded in the file FA (n), it is identified whether or not the file FA (n + 1) constitutes the same series of image data. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the referenced file FA (n) is the last file FA (n1 + N) without opening the file FA (n + 1) after the referenced file FA (n). .

  Further, by combining the identification by the identifier RND_CODE and the identification by the identifier N, even when the last file FA (n1 + N) in which the identifier N is set to “FALSE” is deleted, the file FA (n1 + N−1) ) Can be found as the last file.

  In the above-described control, the last file FA (n1 + N) is identified in the process of reproducing a series of image data stored in the memory 12, but before the series of image data is reproduced. May be executed.

  Furthermore, only by selecting one file FA (m) (m is any one of n1 to n1 + N), the first file FA (n1) constituting a series of image data is identified. Therefore, when reproducing a series of image data, it is only necessary to select one of a plurality of files FA (n) constituting the series of image data without selecting the first file FA (n1). Thus, a series of image data can be reproduced from the beginning, thereby improving the operability of the imaging apparatus when reproducing a series of image data.

  In addition, by referring to the identifier PREV_FILE recorded in the file FA (n), it is possible to identify whether the file FA (n−1) constitutes a series of image data. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the referenced file FA (n) is the first file FA (n1) without opening the file FA (n−1) preceding the referenced file.

  Further, by combining the identification by the identifier RND_CODE and the identification by the identifier PREV_FILE, even when the first file FA (n1) whose identifier PREV_FILE is set to “FALSE” is deleted, the file FA (n1 + 1) is deleted. It can be found as the first file.

3. Imaging device control (with still images)
3-1. Control related to shooting Control related to shooting when shooting still images without stopping shooting moving images will be described. Such control includes steps 301 to 313 shown in FIG. 3 and steps 701 to 707 shown in FIG. Steps 301 to 313 are the same as those described in “2-1. Control related to photographing” described above, and thus description thereof is omitted here. However, since steps 304, 309, and 310 are different from “2-1. Control related to photographing” in the migration destination after execution, these points will be described.

  After execution of step 304, the process proceeds to step 701. In step 701, the variable p is set to zero. The variable p is used for creating a file name for a still image.

  After execution of step 701, the process proceeds to step 702. In step 702, it is determined whether or not a still image has been shot. Still image shooting is performed when the user of the imaging apparatus presses a still image shooting button during moving image shooting. If it is determined in step 702 that no still image has been shot, the process proceeds to step 305. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 702 that a still image has been shot, the process proceeds to step 703.

  In step 703, 1 is added to the variable p, and this is set as a new variable p (p = p + 1). After execution of step 703, the process proceeds to step 704, and also proceeds to step 305 to continue moving image shooting.

  In step 704, a still image file name A (n + p) is created. At this time, the file name A (n + p) includes a number (n + p) indicating a creation order including a moving image file, and “.JPG” is used as an extension. For example, when the variable n is “0025” and the variable p is “0001”, “SANY0026.JPG” is created as the file name A (n + p) (n + p = 0026) for the still image.

  After execution of step 704, the process proceeds to step 705. In step 705, a new file FA (n + p) with the file name A (n + p) is created. In step 705, the created file FA (n + p) is opened so that still image data can be recorded in the file FA (n + p). The file name A (n + p) is recorded outside the file FA (n + p) in association with the file FA (n + p).

  After execution of step 705, the process proceeds to step 706. In step 706, the image data of the still image output from the imaging unit 11 is recorded in the file FA (n + p). After execution of step 706, the process moves to step 707 and the file FA (n + p) is closed.

  When still images are also taken as described above, in step 309, (p + 1) is added to the variable n indicating the file creation order, and this is set as a new variable n (n = n + p + 1). On the other hand, if it is determined in step 310 that there is no instruction to stop shooting, the process returns to step 702.

3-2. Control related to playback Control related to playback when a still image is shot without stopping shooting of a moving image will be described. Such control is configured in the same manner as steps 501 to 510 shown in FIG. However, the control in step 505 and the control in step 508 are different from the above-described “2-2. Control related to reproduction”. Therefore, in the following, the control in step 505 and the control in step 508 will be described, and description of other steps will be omitted.

<Control of Step 505>
The control of step 505 (search for the first file) is composed of steps 802 to G16 as shown in FIG.

  When the search for the first file is started, first, in step 801, the variable q is set to 1. The variable q represents the number of times step 802 is executed when the variable m1 shows the same value.

  After execution of step 801, the process proceeds to step 802. In step 802, the file FA (m1-q) is searched based on the file FA (m1). Specifically, the number m1 included in the file name A (m1) of the file FA (m1) is read, and the file FA (m1-q) including the number (m1-q) in the file name is read from another file. Find q). Then, the extension is read from the file name A (m2-q) of the file FA (m1-q) found by the search.

  After execution of step 802, the process proceeds to step 803. In step 803, it is determined whether or not the extension read in step 802 is “.MP4”. If it is determined in step 803 that the extension is not “.MP4”, the process proceeds to step 806.

  In step 806, 1 is added to the variable q, and this is set as a new variable q (q = q + 1). After executing Step 806, the process returns to Step 802 again, and Steps 802, 803, and 806 are repeated until it is determined in Step 803 that the extension is “.MP4”.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 803 that the extension is “.MP4”, the process proceeds to step 804.

  In step 804, the identifier RND_CODE recorded in the file FA (m1-q) is collated with the identifier RND_CODE recorded in the file FA (m1). If it is determined in step 804 that the identifiers RND_CODE do not match between the files FA (m1-q) and FA (m1) (ERR), the file FA (m1) is set as the first file, and in step 505 The search ends. Then, the process proceeds to Step B15. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 804 that the identifier RND_CODE matches between the files FA (m1-q) and FA (m1) (OK), the process proceeds to step 805.

  In step 805, it is determined whether the setting of the identifier PREV_FILE recorded in the file FA (m1-q) is “TRUE” or “FALSE”. If it is determined in step 805 that the setting of the identifier PREV_FILE is “FALSE”, the file FA (m1-q) is set as the first file, and the search in step 505 is terminated. Then, the process proceeds to step 506. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 805 that the setting of the identifier PREV_FILE is “TRUE”, the process proceeds to step 807.

  In step 807, 1 is subtracted from the variable m1, and this is set as a new variable m1 (m1 = m1-1). After execution of step 807, the process returns to step 801 again, and steps 801 to 807 are repeatedly executed until the first file is found.

<Control of Step 508>
The control in step 508 (search for the file immediately after) is composed of steps 901 to 903 as shown in FIG. In the control of step 508, first, in step 901, the file FA (m1 + 1) is searched based on the file FA (m1). Specifically, the number m1 included in the file name A (m1) of the file FA (m1) is read, and the file FA (m1 + 1) including the number (m1 + 1) in the file name is searched from other files. .

  In step 901, the extension is read out from the file name A (m1 + 1) of the file FA (m1 + 1) found by the search.

  After execution of step 901, the process proceeds to step 902. In step 902, it is determined whether or not the extension read in step 901 is “.MP4”. If it is determined in step 902 that the extension is “.MP4”, the control in step 508 ends, and the process proceeds to step 509.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 902 that the extension is not “.MP4”, the process proceeds to step 903. In step 903, 1 is added to the variable m1, and this is set as a new variable m1 (m1 = m1 + 1). After execution of step 903, the process returns to step 901 again, and steps 901 to 903 are repeatedly executed until a file immediately after the extension “.MP4” is found. That is, according to the control in step 508, only the files constituting the moving image data are found.

3-3. Effects of controlling the imaging device According to the control of the imaging device when shooting still images without stopping moving image shooting, still image data is interrupted between a plurality of files constituting a series of moving image data. Even in this case, only the moving image data can be read in accordance with the shooting order by executing the control in step 508 described in “3-2.

  In addition, the operability of the imaging apparatus when reproducing a series of image data can be improved, similar to the above-described control of the imaging apparatus related to the capturing of only moving images and the reproduction after the capturing.

4). Modified example 4-1. Modification 1
In the imaging apparatus described above, a random number is used as an identification code indicating that the file constitutes a series of image data, but a code other than the random number may be used. However, the use of random numbers prevents the same identification code from being recorded for different image data, and thus the accuracy in identifying different image data is likely to improve.

4-2. Modification 2
In the imaging apparatus described above, the number n included in the file name FA (n) is used to represent the shooting order of the image data recorded in the plurality of files FA (n). The identification code corresponding to the number n May be recorded in the attached information storage unit 34 of the file FA (n) as attached information, and the photographing order may be determined using the identification code. However, the processing speed is faster if the shooting order is determined using the file name.

  When the shooting order is determined using the identification code recorded inside the file FA (n) as in the present modification, the identification code is recorded inside the file FA (n), so that the above-described step 601 is performed. In step 802 and step 508, if most of the files are not opened, the immediately following file or the immediately preceding file cannot be found for one file.

  On the other hand, when the shooting order is determined using the file name, the shooting order of each file can be identified based on the file name A (n) without opening the file FA (n). Thus, the processing speed during reproduction can be increased.

  In addition, each part structure of this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the technical scope as described in a claim.

1 is a block diagram conceptually showing an imaging apparatus which is a storage / reproduction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is the figure which showed the structure of the file for storing image data and attached information. It is the flowchart which showed the control regarding imaging | photography when image | photographing only a moving image. It is the figure which showed the file name and attached information recorded in the process of control regarding imaging | photography. It is the flowchart which showed the control regarding reproduction | regeneration at the time of image | photographing only a moving image. It is the flowchart which showed the control for searching the head file. It is the flowchart which showed the control regarding imaging | photography in the case of also image | photographing a still image. It is the flowchart which showed the control for searching the head file. It is the flowchart which showed the control for searching a file immediately after.

Explanation of symbols

12 memory 21 identification code recording means 22 reproduction control means FA (n) file A (n) file name (first identification code)
RND_CODE identifier (second identification code)
NEXT_FILE identifier (third identification code)
PREV_FILE identifier (fourth identification code)

Claims (5)

In a storage / reproduction device in which a series of image data obtained by continuous shooting is divided into a plurality of files and stored in a memory,
In the process of storing the file in the memory, a first identification code indicating a shooting order is recorded for each file, and the file that constitutes the image data is included in the file that constitutes the series of image data. A second identification code representing that there is recorded, and another file that already constitutes the same series of image data is stored in the file constituting the series of image data immediately before the file is stored in the memory. Identification code recording means for recording a third identification code indicating whether or not stored in a memory ;
A means for reproducing the series of image data stored in the memory, reading the first and second identification codes recorded for each file, and photographing each file based on the first identification code while identifying the sequence, to identify the files that make up the image data on the basis of the second identification code, and a reproduction control means for reproducing a plurality of files constituting the image data in the imaging order of the time of continuous shooting Prepared,
The reproduction control means includes
Before reproducing the series of image data stored in the memory, the first identification code recorded for one file is read out, and the first identification code recorded for another file is read out A file search means immediately before searching for a file shot immediately before the one file,
The second identification code recorded for the one file is read, and the second identification code recorded for the file searched by the immediately preceding file search means is read, and these second identification codes are the same. Whether or not
If they are different, the one file is a file whose shooting order is first in the series of image data,
In the same case, the third identification code recorded for the file searched by the previous file search means is read out, and another file that already constitutes the same series of image data immediately before the file is stored in the memory. If the file is stored in the memory, the file is again searched as the one file by the previous file search means,
If another file that constitutes the same series of image data is not already stored in the memory immediately before the file is stored in the memory, the file is placed in the shooting order in the series of image data. A storage / reproducing apparatus comprising: a head file judging means for making a certain file . The reproduction control means includes
Before reproducing the series of image data stored in the memory or in the process of reproducing, the first identification code recorded for one file is read and the first identification code recorded for another file is read. A file search means for reading the identification code and searching for a file stored in the memory immediately after the one file;
The second identification code recorded for the one file is read, and the second identification code recorded for the file searched by the file search means is read, and these second identification codes are the same. If it is the same, the file searched by the immediately following file search means is performed as the one file again, and the search by the immediately following file search means is executed again. The storage / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a tail file determination unit that sets a file whose photographing order is the tail in the series of image data. In the process of storing the file in the memory, the identification code recording means configures the same series of image data in the files constituting the series of image data immediately after the files are stored in the memory. The storage / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a fourth identification code indicating whether another file to be stored is stored in the memory is recorded. A random number generating means for generating a random number;
The identification code recording means records the random number generated by the random number generation means as the second identification code in the file;
The storage / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1. The storage / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first identification code recorded for each file is a file name recorded in association with the file outside the file.

Images