WO2007072813A1

WO2007072813A1 - Information recording device and method, information reproducing device and method, and computer program

Info

Publication number: WO2007072813A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/325254
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keiji Katata; Akihito Kajita; Kazuki Sakai; Kimio Matsusaka; Motoyasu Aoki; Kenichi Enoki
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2005-12-19
Filing date: 2006-12-19
Publication date: 2007-06-28

Abstract

An information recording device (300) is provided with (i) acquiring means for reading out to acquire recording information (JPEG data) from a first recording medium (SD card), (ii) extracting means for extracting a plurality of representative image information (thumbnail data) corresponding to a plurality of still image information, (iii) recording means for recording information, and (iv) control means (305, etc.) for controlling the recording means in order for a second recording medium to record the plurality of representative image information so that a lump of the extracted plurality of representative image information continuously exists.

Description

Specification

Information recording apparatus and method, information reproducing apparatus and method, and computer program

Technical field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of an information recording apparatus and method, such as a DVD recorder, an information reproducing apparatus and method, and a computer program that causes a computer to function as such an information recording apparatus or information reproducing apparatus.

Background art

[0002] For example, in recording type information recording media such as CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable), DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD + R, a recording layer is laminated or bonded on a substrate. An information recording medium such as an optical disc is generally used. In an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder that performs recording on such an optical disk, the information is recorded on the recording layer by condensing a recording laser beam, thereby irreversibly recording information by heating or the like. In addition, it is recorded in a rewritable method by phase change.

On the other hand, still image information such as JPEG data created by photographing with a digital camera includes representative image information such as thumbnail data that is image data with a small amount of resolution. Thumbnail data is image information used to display a plurality of pictures such as nine pictures at high speed on the liquid crystal screen of the digital camera. For example, in the JPEG format, the thumbnail data has a data amount of about 5K bytes and a resolution of about S 160x120 pixels. Therefore, when this thumbnail data power is stored in a non-volatile memory such as an SD card (SD Card) that can be mounted on a small digital camera, a small electronic device such as a Portable Photo Recorder / Viewer, or a portable electronic device, The thumbnail data can be read quickly, and the thumbnail data display process can also be performed quickly. However, the speed at which a plurality of thumbnail data is displayed on the screen of the information reproducing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “display speed” as appropriate) differs greatly in the following two cases. That is: (i) Multiple thumbnail data power For example, in a non-volatile memory such as an SD card that can be mounted on a small electronic device such as a digital camera. It is generally found that the display speed when stored is (ii) several thumbnail data power, for example, several orders of magnitude faster than the display speed when recorded on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc. ing.

[0004] Generally, all JPEG data that can be mounted on a small electronic device such as a digital camera, for example, stored in a nonvolatile memory such as a CF card or an SD card, must be accessed at high speed. Is possible. Specifically, nine pages of thumbnail data can be displayed in about 0.25 seconds for JPE G data stored in non-volatile memory. This time of about 0.25 seconds is almost equivalent to the delay time of button operation, so it is possible to fast-forward the display of 9 thumbnail data. In this way, a plurality of thumbnail data stored on the non-volatile memory and a plurality of thumbnail data that are not affected by the data structure of the plurality of thumbnail data included in each of the plurality of JPEG data. The display speed is generally sufficient.

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2000-503446 gazette

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, even if a plurality of JPEG data are continuously recorded on the above-described recording type information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc, the plurality of JPEG data are included in the plurality of JPEG data. A plurality of thumbnail data included in each is distributed and recorded discontinuously. Specifically, if the data capacity of JPEG data is 1.5MB (resolution is equivalent to 8M pixels), the data volume of JPEG data occupies 768 sectors (48 ECC blocks). Since the amount of thumbnail data included in JPEG data is about 5K bytes (about 2 sectors), the thumbnail data is distributed and discontinuously every 766 sectors on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc. It will be recorded in a jump.

[0007] Thus, when a plurality of thumbnail data distributed on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc and recorded in a discontinuous manner is read out, unnecessary and unnecessary seek operations are performed. It takes time to read out. Specifically, when displaying, for example, nine thumbnail data images recorded on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc, the first (T1) and subsequent eight thumbnail data (T2 , T3, T4, etc.) To obtain it, 8 seek operations are performed. When displaying one thumbnail data recorded on an optical disc, an information playback device with relatively fast operation takes about 60 msec for one seek operation, and it operates with a battery that is relatively slow. Yes The information playback device can be as powerful as 100msec for a single seek operation. Therefore, it takes about 1 second in total to display only 9 screens of thumbnail data recorded on the optical disk. Even if the thumbnail data is displayed in the buffer memory of the DVD drive and the thumbnail data is displayed, that is, the pre-reading operation is performed, it does not effectively reduce the reading time.

[0008] Therefore, for example, the display of a plurality of thumbnail data screens that are recorded and dispersed on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc and recorded in a discontinuous manner is generally delayed. It is also a technical problem that it is generally difficult to fast-forward the display of these multiple thumbnail data screens. In addition, the read-ahead operation capability using the above-mentioned noffer memory, such as a small digital camera, portable electronic recorder such as Portable Photo Recorder / Viewer, etc., when the battery operation is performed, this nother memory is driven. As a result, there is a technical problem that power consumption increases and causes battery consumption.

The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the conventional problems described above, and more appropriately records or reproduces representative image information such as thumbnail data, for example, on a recording type information recording medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information recording apparatus and method, an information reproducing apparatus and method, and a computer program that causes a computer to function as such an information recording apparatus. Means for solving the problem

Hereinafter, an information recording apparatus and method, and a computer program according to an embodiment of the present invention as the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described in order.

(Embodiment of Information Recording Device)

Hereinafter, an information recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] In the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, recording information including a plurality of still image information (JPEG data) recorded on the first recording medium (SD card) is recorded on the second recording medium (R / RW An information recording device for recording to a disk), an acquisition means for reading out and acquiring the recording information from the first recording medium, and a plurality of representative image information (thumbnail images) respectively corresponding to the plurality of still image information ), A recording unit for recording the recording information, and the extracted representative image information so as to continuously exist in a lump.

And a control means for controlling the recording means so as to record the plurality of representative image information on the second recording medium.

[0013] According to the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, first, the recording information is read out from the first recording medium such as a non-volatile memory such as a CF card or an SD card by the obtaining unit. Being acquired. Next, a plurality of representative image information (for example, thumbnail data) respectively corresponding to the plurality of still image information (for example, JPEG data) is extracted from the recorded information by the extracting means. Next, under the control of the control means, the plurality of representative image information is, for example, an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc by the recording means so that the extracted representative image information is continuously present in one lump. Recorded on the second recording medium.

[0014] Thus, after recording, a plurality of representative image information (thumbnail) exists continuously in a lump on a second recording medium such as an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc. Therefore, when a plurality of representative image information is read out by the information reproducing apparatus, unnecessary and unnecessary seek operations can be almost or completely eliminated.

As a result, the information reproducing apparatus can shorten the reading time of a plurality of representative image information recorded on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc. As a result, display of a plurality of representative image information by the information reproducing apparatus can be realized quickly and accurately. It is also possible to fast-forward the display of these representative image information by the information reproducing device.

In one aspect of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, the control means controls the recording means so as to record the plurality of representative image information in a predetermined area of the second recording medium. Control.

[0017] According to this aspect, for example, a plurality of representative image information continuously exist in a lump in a predetermined area which is a predetermined recording area secured in advance by the information recording apparatus. The plurality of representative image information can be recorded more appropriately. [0018] In the aspect related to the predetermined area, the second recording medium may further include a securing unit that secures the predetermined area in advance.

[0019] With this configuration, the predetermined area can be secured in advance more appropriately by the securing means.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, the control means records a plurality of representative image information, and then stores a predetermined amount of buffer data in an unrecorded area in the predetermined area. The recording means is controlled to additionally record (b).

[0021] According to this aspect, under the control of the control means, the recording means

Record multiple photo body data (still image body information to be described later) contained in multiple still image information, side by side, for example, on the boundary of the reference unit of data amount such as sectors and ECC blocks. Is possible.

As a result, the information reproducing apparatus can reproduce a plurality of pieces of photograph main body data more quickly and accurately in addition to a plurality of representative image information.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, the plurality of still image information includes: (i) a plurality of still image main body information; (ii) the plurality of still image main body information; The information processing apparatus further includes a dividing unit that divides the plurality of header information indicating correspondence with the plurality of representative image information and the plurality of representative image information, and the control unit includes: In addition to the plurality of representative image information, the plurality of header information includes the first header information and one representative image information corresponding to the one header information. 2 Control the recording means to record on the recording medium.

[0024] According to this aspect, first, by the dividing means, the plurality of still image information includes (i) a plurality of still image main body information, (ii) the plurality of still image main body information, and the plurality of representatives. Divided into a plurality of header information and a plurality of representative image information respectively indicating the correspondence with the image information.

[0025] Next, under the control of the control means, the recording means sets one header information of the plurality of header information and one representative image information corresponding to the one header information. In this recording unit, a plurality of header information are recorded on the second recording medium in addition to a plurality of representative image information. As a result, in addition to the plurality of representative image information, in addition to the plurality of representative image information, in addition to the plurality of representative image information, in addition to the plurality of representative image information, Multiple header information can be recorded more appropriately.

[0027] In the aspect according to the control means, the control means adds buffer data (a) of a predetermined data amount within the recording unit in order to record in the recording unit having a constant data amount ( In addition to the plurality of representative image information, the recording unit may be controlled to record the plurality of header information on the second recording medium.

With this configuration, under the control of the control unit, the recording unit uses the plurality of still image main body information included in each of the plurality of still image information, for example, as a reference for a data amount such as a sector or an ECC block. It is possible to record them side by side on the unit boundaries.

As a result, in addition to the plurality of representative image information, the information reproducing apparatus can reproduce a plurality of still image main body information more quickly and accurately.

[0030] More specifically, in addition to (i) the representative image information such as thumbnail data, which is image data having a small data amount and resolution, as described above, (ii) Header information indicating the correspondence between the image information and the representative image information, and (iii) still image main body information which is photographic main body data. In particular, the header information and the representative image information are recorded at the head position in the still image information. This header information includes pointer information indicating the relative position of still image main body information. This pointer information

The offset (difference) between the recording position of the header information and the recording position of the still image main body information may be indicated by a data amount such as the number of bytes.

[0031] In particular, still image information is recorded on an information recording medium such as an optical disk based on a multi extent system. Here, the “multi-extent method” according to the present embodiment divides one still image information into a first portion of header information and representative image information and a second portion of still image main body information. For example, in the management information such as a file system, the still image information is recorded on an information recording medium such as an optical disc while defining the association of the plurality of data. Specifically, for example, in management information such as a file system, (1) header information recording start position and data amount, (2) proxy The recording start position and data amount of the surface image information, and (3) the recording start position and data amount of the still image main body information may be defined. In the present embodiment, the header information and the representative image information are recorded adjacent to each other. Specifically, since the total data amount of the header information and the representative image information is about 3 sectors (that is, about 6 Kbytes), the recording area in which the header information and the representative image information are recorded is very large. It can be put together in a compact (small).

[0032] The header information and the representative image information are set to constant data so that the still image main body information is recorded just side by side on the boundary of the reference unit of the data amount such as a sector or ECC block. In order to enable recording in units of recording quantity, adjustment data (buffer data) “a” such as “zero” or “Null” is attached at the end of the header information and representative image information. It may be padded). In this case, the header information, the representative image information, and the still image main body information can be appropriately associated and linked by adjusting the pointer information to the still image main body information in the header information.

[0033] In the aspect according to the control means, the second recording medium can record management information (file system) for managing the recording position or the reproduction position of the recording information on the second recording medium. The control means further includes, in the second recording medium, the management information that can define associations between the plurality of still image main body information, the plurality of representative image information, and the plurality of header information. You may comprise so that the said recording means may be controlled to record.

[0034] With this configuration, the still image information configured by the header information, the representative image information, and the still image main body information is converted based on, for example, management information defined by the multi-extent method. Still image information can be recorded more appropriately such that a plurality of representative image information is continuously present in a lump on the second recording medium. Here, the “multi-etent scheme” according to the present embodiment divides one still picture information into a first part of header information and representative picture information and a second part of still picture main body information. For example, in management information such as a file system, the still image information is recorded on an information recording medium such as an optical disk while defining the association of the plurality of data.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, the plurality of representative image information Storage means for storing at least the information, and the control means first records the plurality of still image information on the second recording medium, and then stores the plurality of representative image information stored therein. 2. Control the recording means to record at least on the recording medium.

[0036] According to this aspect, under the control of the control means, the recording means records a plurality of still image information having a large data amount ratio at the same time when, for example, first read and acquired. . At the same time or before and after, a plurality of representative image information with a small data amount ratio is stored by the storage means.

[0037] Next, under the control of the control means, the recording means records a plurality of pieces of representative image information with a small proportion of the stored data amount.

As a result, in the information recording apparatus, a plurality of still image information is recorded in addition to a plurality of representative image information more quickly and accurately while using storage means such as a memory more efficiently. It is possible.

[0039] In another aspect of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, the information recording apparatus further comprises other extracting means for extracting a plurality of still image information (JPEG data) included in the recorded information, and the control means includes Further, the recording means is configured to record the plurality of still image information on the second recording medium so that the extracted plurality of still image information (JPEG data) is continuously present in a lump. Control.

[0040] According to this aspect, a plurality of still image information extracted by the recording unit is recorded under the control of the control unit. Therefore, after recording, a plurality of still image information continuously exist in a lump on a second recording medium such as an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc. Therefore, when a plurality of pieces of still image information are read out by the information reproducing apparatus, unnecessary and unnecessary seek operations can be hardly or completely eliminated.

As a result, the information reproducing apparatus can shorten the time for reading a plurality of still image information recorded on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc. As a result, it is possible to quickly and accurately display a plurality of still image information by the information reproducing apparatus. It is also possible to fast-forward the display of these pieces of still image information by the information reproducing device.

[0042] An embodiment of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of still image information (JPEG data). An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing a second recording medium (R / RW disc) on which recorded recording information and management information (file system) for managing the recording position or reproducing position of the recorded information are recorded. A plurality of representative image information (thumbnail) corresponding to each of a plurality of still image information and a plurality of representative images recorded continuously in a lump on the second recording medium. Control means for controlling the reproduction means to reproduce image information based on the management information.

[0043] According to the embodiment of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of representative image information continuously recorded in a lump on the second recording medium is managed by the reproducing means under the control of the control means. Played based on information. That is, when the information reproducing apparatus reads a plurality of pieces of representative image information, unnecessary and unnecessary seek operations can be almost or completely eliminated.

As a result, the information reproducing apparatus can shorten the time for reading a plurality of representative image information recorded on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc. As a result of the above, it is possible to quickly and accurately display a plurality of representative image information by the information reproducing apparatus. In addition, it is also possible to fast-forward display of the plurality of representative image information by the information reproducing apparatus.

(Embodiment of Information Recording Method)

Hereinafter, an information recording method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0046] In the embodiment of the information recording method of the present invention, recording information including a plurality of still image information (JPEG data) recorded on the first recording medium (SD card) is recorded on the second recording medium (R (RW disc) is an information recording method in an information recording apparatus provided with a recording means for recording, and corresponds to each of the acquisition step of reading out and acquiring the recording information from the first recording medium, and the plurality of still image information. The plurality of representative image information (thumbnail) is extracted, and the plurality of representative image information is extracted from the second step so that the extracted representative image information continuously exists in a lump. A control step of controlling the recording means to record on a recording medium.

[0047] According to the embodiment of the information recording method of the present invention, it is possible to receive various benefits of the above-described embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention. Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the information recording method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[0049] (Embodiment of information reproduction method)

Hereinafter, an information reproduction method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0050] Embodiments according to the information reproducing method of the present invention include recording information including a plurality of still image information (JPEG data), and management information (file system) for managing a recording position or a reproducing position of the recording information. An information reproducing method in an information reproducing apparatus comprising reproducing means for reproducing a second recording medium (R / RW disc) on which is recorded, a plurality of representative image information respectively corresponding to the plurality of still image information Based on the management information, the reproduction step for controlling the reproduction means to reproduce each (thumbnail) and the plurality of representative image information continuously recorded in a lump on the second recording medium. And a control step of controlling the reproducing means so as to reproduce.

[0051] According to the embodiment of the information reproducing method of the present invention, it is possible to receive various benefits of the above-described embodiment of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the information reproducing method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[0053] (Embodiment of Computer Program)

The computer program according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0054] A computer program for recording control of the present invention is a computer for recording control that controls a computer provided in the above-described embodiment (including various aspects thereof) of the information recording apparatus of the present invention. A program that causes the computer to function as at least part of the acquisition unit, the extraction unit, the recording unit, and the control unit.

[0055] A computer program for reproduction control according to the present invention is a computer for reproduction control that controls a computer provided in the above-described embodiment (including various aspects thereof) according to the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention. A program that causes the computer to function as at least a part of the reproduction unit and the control unit.

[0056] According to the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention, the computer program If the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or hard disk that stores the program and executed by the computer, or the computer program is downloaded to the computer via communication means If executed after that, the embodiment of the information recording apparatus or information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above can be realized relatively easily.

[0057] Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus or information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, the embodiments of the computer program of the present invention can also take various forms. Is possible.

[0058] In order to solve the above problems, a computer program product in a computer-readable medium can be executed by a computer provided in the above-described information recording apparatus of the present invention (including various aspects thereof). The program instructions are clearly embodied, and the computer is caused to function as at least part of the reproducing means and the control means.

[0059] According to the computer program product of the present invention, if the computer program product is read into a computer from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or hard disk storing the computer program product, or For example, if the computer program product, which is a transmission wave, is downloaded to a computer via communication means, the information recording apparatus or information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above can be implemented relatively easily. More specifically, the computer program product may also be configured with a computer-readable code (or computer-readable instruction) that functions as the above-described information recording apparatus or information reproducing apparatus of the present invention. .

[0060] Such an operation and other advantages of the present embodiment will be clarified from examples described below.

[0061] As described above, according to the embodiment of the information recording apparatus and method of the present invention, the acquisition means, the extraction means, the recording means, and the control means are provided. As a result, it becomes possible to shorten the time for reading a plurality of representative image information recorded on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc, for example, by an information reproducing apparatus described later. As a result, it is possible to quickly and accurately display a plurality of representative image information by the information reproducing apparatus. It is also possible to fast-forward the display of these representative image information by the information playback device. The

[0062] Further, according to the embodiment of the information reproducing apparatus and method of the present invention, it is provided with reproducing means and control means. As a result, the information reproducing apparatus can shorten the time for reading a plurality of representative image information recorded on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc. As a result, display of a plurality of representative image information by the information reproducing apparatus can be realized quickly and accurately. Power! Furthermore, it is also possible to fast-forward the display of these representative image information by the information reproducing apparatus.

[0063] Further, according to the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention, since the computer functions as the above-described embodiment of the information recording apparatus or information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the above-described recording type information It is possible to shorten the time for reading a plurality of representative image information recorded on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc by using an information reproducing apparatus to be described later for the recording medium. As a result, it is possible to quickly and accurately display a plurality of representative image information by the information reproducing apparatus. In addition, it is possible to fast-forward the display of the plurality of representative image information by the information reproducing apparatus.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a basic structure of an optical disc having a plurality of recording areas according to an embodiment of an information recording medium of the present invention, and a radial direction associated with the schematic plan view. FIG. 2 is a schematic conceptual diagram of a recording area structure in a direction.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual graph showing a relationship between a recording area of an optical disc according to an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention and an address capable of specifying the position of the recording area.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the data structure of a file system of the latest standard such as UDF Virtual Partition, which is recorded in the recording area of the optical disc in the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention.

[Fig. 4] Recording area of information recording medium on which multiple JPEG data and multiple thumbnail data included in each of these JPEG data are recorded when a general recording method is used It is the schematic diagram which showed the data structure of no.

FIG. 5 shows a data structure of a recording area of an information recording medium on which a plurality of JPEG data and a plurality of thumbnail data are recorded when a specific example of the recording method according to the present embodiment is performed. It is the schematic diagram which showed the structure schematically.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of recording processing by the information recording apparatus in the example.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram (FIG. 8 (a) and FIG. 8 (b)) showing the flow of information (data) inside the information recording apparatus in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the data structure of a recording area of an information recording medium on which a plurality of JPEG data and a plurality of thumbnail data are recorded when another specific example of the recording method according to the present embodiment is performed. It is the schematic diagram shown.

FIG. 10 is a table showing an example of information included in the file system based on the multi-extent method in the recording method according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of another specific example of the recording process by the information recording apparatus in the example.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a predetermined area of the information recording medium when another specific example of the recording method according to the present embodiment is performed.

Explanation of symbols

[0065] 1 ··· Center Hall, 10 ··· Track, ll 'ECC block, 100 · · · Optical disc, 101 · · · Lead-in area, 102 · · · Data area, 103 · · · Lead-out area, 300 ... information recording / reproducing device, 301 ... optical pickup, 302 ... signal recording / reproducing means, 303 ... address detector, 30 5 to CPU (drive control means), 306 ... spindle motor, 307 "memory, 308" data Input / output control means, 309 ... bus, 403 ... operation control means, 404 ... operation buttons, 405 ... display panel, CDZ ... control data zone, RMA ... recording management area, LB ... laser light

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in each embodiment in order with reference to the drawings.

[0067] (1) Examples of general information recording media Next, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, an example of an information recording medium (hereinafter referred to as the information recording medium of the present invention) as a recording target of the information recording apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0068] (1 1) Basic configuration

First, the basic structure of an optical disc according to an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a basic structure of an optical disc having a plurality of recording areas according to an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention, and the schematic plan view corresponding to the schematic plan view. FIG. 3 is a schematic conceptual diagram of a recording area structure in a radial direction.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1, the optical disc 100 has, for example, a recording management area RMA according to the present embodiment centered on the center hole 1 on the recording surface on the disc main body having a diameter of about 12 cm as in the DVD. An in area 101, a data area 102, and a lead out area 103 are provided. In addition, at least one recording layer is laminated on, for example, a transparent substrate (not shown) of the optical disc 100. In each recording area of the recording layer, for example, tracks 50 such as a groove track and a land track are alternately provided in a spiral shape or a concentric shape centering on the center hole 1. On the track 50, recording information (data) is divided and recorded in units of ECC blocks 51. ECC (Error Correction Code) block 51 is a recording information management unit capable of error correction of recording information.

Note that the present invention is not particularly limited to an optical disc having such three areas.

For example, even if the lead-in area 101 or the lead-out area 103 does not exist, the data structure described below can be constructed. Further, the lead-in area 101 or the lead-out 103 may be further subdivided.

[0071] (1 2) Detailed configuration

Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the detailed configuration of the optical disc according to the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention will be described.

[0072] (1-2-1) Address that can specify the position of the recording area of the optical disc

First, referring to FIG. 2, the recording area of the optical disc and the position of the recording area can be specified. A relationship with a unique address will be described. FIG. 2 is a conceptual graph showing the relationship between the recording area of the optical disc according to the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention and the address at which the position of the recording area can be specified. The vertical axis in FIG. 2 indicates an address value such as an LBA (Logical Block Address), for example, and the horizontal axis indicates a relative position in the radial direction of the optical disc. Further, a specific example of “address” according to the present invention may be constituted by, for example, an LBA or a physical sector number (sector number) constituting an ECC block.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 2, the recording area of the optical disc 100 according to the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention is such that the recording area which is a specific example of the management area (i) Recording Management Area RMA, (ii) Another specific example of the management area, Control Data Zone, Lead Area 101-0 with CDZ, (iii) Data Area 102a, and (iv ) It is configured with a lead-out area 103. Various management information may be recorded in the management area. Here, the management information includes (i) information on recording characteristics such as optimum recording power, (ii) attribute information for specifying the type of medium, and (iii) positions for various recording areas. Information, and (iv) various information for managing the information recording medium, such as various file systems described later.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a specific example of an address that can uniquely identify the position of the recording area of the optical disc 100 described above, for example, an LBA (Logical Block Address), an optical pickup power The address in the recording area of the optical disc 100 may be increased as the peripheral force moves to the outer peripheral side (see the thick solid line in FIG. 2). In general, (i) LBA “0” is a character that indicates the existence of a file system such as Windows File System, FAT File System, Unix File System, MAC File System, etc. Information related to the column and the address where the information (contents) of the file system itself is recorded is recorded. (Ii) Information on the presence or absence of a file system based on the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard is recorded in LBA “16”! (Iii) In the LBA “256”, a file system based on the IS01334 UDF standard is recorded, and information relating to the address is recorded. (Iv) In LBA “512”, a file system based on the UDF Virtual Partition described later. Information about the address to be recorded is recorded.

[0075] (1-2-2) UDF Virtual Partition file system

Here, with reference to FIG. 3, the data structure in an information recording medium in which a general recording method based on the latest standard file system such as UDF Virtual Partition is performed by a general information recording apparatus will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the data structure of the file system of the latest standard such as UDF Virtual Partition recorded in the recording area of the optical disc according to the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention. Is. In FIG. 3, “UD1” and “UD2” indicate file data such as user data. “F0”, “F1”, and “F2” indicate file management information. “V0”, “VI”, and “V2” indicate VAT. “VI0”, “VII”, and “VI2” indicate VATICB. “LBA n” indicates the position at which file data such as user data was recorded last.

[0076] As shown in step S1 of FIG. 3, when a general recording method is performed by a general information recording apparatus based on a file system such as UDF Virtual Partition, first, for example, user data Are recorded (see UD1 in Figure 3). Subsequently, file management information (see F1 in Fig. 3), which will be described later, is recorded, including information about the recording location and information about the type of recorded file data. Finally, VAT (Virtual Allocation Table: see VI in Fig. 3) and VATICB (VAT Information Control Block: see VII in Fig. 3) are recorded. Here, the VAT is a table in which various pointer information for uniquely specifying the recording position is registered in the UDF Virtual Partition in which various information is updated, as will be described later. VATICB indicates the VAT recording position. The address indicating the position of this VATICB or the content recorded in the VATICB itself is recorded in the sector where the file data was last recorded, that is, the LBA of the largest address (see LBA n in Fig. 3). It is a rule.

[0077] In general, when a general recording method based on a file system such as UDF Virtual Partition is performed by a general information recording device as shown in step S2 of FIG. 3, First, file data such as user data is recorded (see UD 2 in FIG. 3). Next, file management information (see F2 in Fig. 3), which will be described later, is recorded, including information about the recording location and information about the type of recorded file data. Most Later, VAT (Virtual Allocation Table: see V2 in Fig. 3) and VATICB (VAT Information Control Block: see VI2 in Fig. 3) are recorded. Incidentally, in the recording area where the LBA is from “0” to “511”, it is in an unrecorded state, and in order to carry out the compatibility according to the present invention, a file system that maintains compatibility described later is recorded. In order to do that, Reserved RZone will be placed at the top,

In this way, a file system such as UDF Virtual Partition is configured! Therefore, an information recording / reproducing apparatus such as a general player first has a sector in which file data is recorded last (described above). Get the address indicating the position of VATICB from LBA n) and grasp the position of VAT. When file data is reproduced, first, it is recorded at the smallest position of the LBA and reproduced from the file management information F0. This file management information (F0, Fl, F2) includes so-called indirect pointer, which is pointer information indicating the position where the file data is indirectly recorded via VAT. The updated part of the file management information F0 can be played back by referring to the VAT (V0 in Fig. 3). The file management information F1 includes information related to the file data UD1, and the file management information F2 includes information related to the file data UD2. As a result, an information recording / reproducing apparatus such as a general player can reproduce file data (UD1 and UD2).

[0079] (2) One specific example of recording method on information recording medium

Next, a specific example of a recording method on an information recording medium such as an optical disc according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. A specific example of “still image information” according to the present invention is composed of JPEG data. A specific example of “representative image information” according to the present invention is composed of thumbnail data.

[0080] (2-1) General recording method of multiple JPEG data

First, referring to FIG. 4, a general recording method of a plurality of JPEG data and a plurality of thumbnail data included in each of the plurality of JPEG data onto an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc, for example. Will be described. Here, FIG. 4 shows a plurality of JPEG data when an ordinary recording method is performed, and an information recording medium on which a plurality of thumbnail data included in each of the plurality of JPEG data is recorded. Data structure of recording area It is the schematic diagram which showed schematically.

As shown in FIG. 4, even if a plurality of JPE G data Jl, J2, J3, etc. are continuously recorded on an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc, the plurality of JPEG data J 1 A plurality of thumbnail data Tl, 含ま 2, Τ3, etc. included in J2, J3, etc. are distributed and recorded discontinuously. Specifically, if each data amount of JPEG data Jl, J2, J3, etc. is 1.5 MB (resolution is equivalent to 8M pixels), each data amount of JPEG data Jl, J2, J3, etc. Occupies 768 sectors (48 ECC blocks). JPE G data Jl, J2, J3, etc. The thumbnail data Tl, Τ2, Τ3 etc. has about 5Κ bytes (about 2 sectors) respectively, so the thumbnail data Tl, Τ2, Τ3 etc. For example, on an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc, every 766 sectors are distributed and recorded discontinuously. As will be described later, the headers HI, H2, H3, etc. are also paired with the thumbnail data Tl, Τ2, 等 3, etc., and are recorded on the information recording medium in a discontinuous manner. It will be.

[0082] In this way, when a plurality of thumbnail data Tl, Τ2, Τ3, etc., which are dispersed on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc and recorded discontinuously, are read out, they are unnecessary and unnecessary. Seek operation is performed, and reading takes time. Specifically, for example, when displaying 9 images of thumbnail data T1, T2, 等 3, etc. recorded on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc, the first (T1) and subsequent 8 images are displayed. In order to read and acquire thumbnail data (Τ2, Τ3, Τ4, ···, Τ8), 8 seek operations are performed. When displaying one thumbnail data recorded on an optical disc, an information playback device with relatively fast operation takes about 60 msec for one seek operation, and the battery is relatively slow. In an information reproducing device that operates, it takes about 100 msec for a single seek operation. Therefore, it takes about 1 second in total to display only 9 screens of thumbnail data (T1, T2, Τ3, Τ4, ···, Τ8) recorded on the optical disc. Even when the thumbnail data is displayed in the buffer memory of the DVD drive and the thumbnail data is displayed, that is, the pre-reading operation is performed, it does not effectively reduce the reading time.

[0083] Therefore, for example, recording is performed on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc and the recording is skipped discontinuously. The display of multiple thumbnail data screens is generally delayed, and it is generally difficult to fast-forward the display of these multiple thumbnail data screens. End up. The above-mentioned read-ahead operation capability using the above-mentioned noffer memory, such as a small digital camera, portable electronic recorder such as Portable Photo Recorder / Viewer, etc. As a result, power consumption for operation increases and the battery is consumed.

[0084] (2-2) One specific example of a method for recording a plurality of JPEG data according to this embodiment

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a specific example of a recording method according to the present embodiment for recording a plurality of JPEG data and a plurality of thumbnail data on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc will be described. . FIG. 5 shows the data structure of the recording area of the information recording medium on which a plurality of JPEG data and a plurality of thumbnail data are recorded when a specific example of the recording method according to the present embodiment is performed. It is the schematic diagram shown schematically.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 5, in one specific example of the recording method according to the present embodiment, a plurality of thumbnail data Tl, Τ2, Τ3, etc. extracted by the information recording device to be described later are batched. For example, the information is recorded in a recording area of an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc. It may be recorded in a recording area of an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc so that the extracted multiple JPEG data Jl, J2, J3, etc. exist continuously in one lump. ,.

In this way, after recording, a plurality of thumbnail data Tl, Τ2, Τ3, etc. exist continuously in a lump in the recording area of an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc. Therefore, when the information reproducing apparatus reads a plurality of thumbnail data Tl, Τ2, Τ3, etc., it is possible to almost or completely eliminate unnecessary and unnecessary seek operations.

As a result, the information reproducing apparatus can shorten the reading time of a plurality of thumbnail data Tl, Τ2, Τ3, etc. recorded in the recording area of an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc. . As a result, it is possible to quickly and accurately display a plurality of thumbnail data Tl, Τ2, による 3, etc. by the information reproducing apparatus. In addition, it is possible to fast-forward the display of these multiple thumbnail data Tl, Τ2, Τ3, etc. by the information playback device. Is possible.

(3) Embodiment of information recording apparatus

Next, the configuration of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In particular, the present embodiment is an example in which the information recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an information recording / reproducing apparatus for an optical disc.

[0089] (3— 1) Basic configuration

First, the basic configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 in the embodiment according to the information recording apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 has a function of recording recording data on the optical disc 100 and a function of reproducing recording data recorded on the optical disc 100.

The internal configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIG. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 is an apparatus that records information on the optical disc 100 and reads information recorded on the optical disc 100 under the control of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 305 for driving.

The information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 includes an optical disc 100, an optical pickup 301, a signal recording / reproducing means 302, an address detecting unit 303, a CPU (drive control means) 305, a spindle motor 306, a memory 307, and a data input / output control means 308. A bus 309, an operation control means 403, an operation button 404, and a display panel 405.

[0092] In particular, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 may be configured to be able to communicate with an external network by housing a computer (not shown) having a communication means such as a modem in the same housing. . Alternatively, the CPU of the computer equipped with communication means such as i-link can communicate with the external network by directly controlling the information recording / reproducing device 300 via the data input / output control means 308 and the bus 309. It may be configured to be possible.

The optical pickup 301 performs recording / reproduction with respect to the optical disc 100, and includes a semiconductor laser device and a lens. More specifically, the optical pickup 301 irradiates the optical disc 100 with a light beam such as a laser beam at a first power as read light during reproduction. When recording, the recording light is irradiated with the second power and modulated.

The signal recording / reproducing means 302 records or reproduces the optical disc 100 by controlling the optical pickup 301 and the spindle motor 306. More specifically, the signal recording / reproducing means 302 is constituted by, for example, a laser diode driver (LD dryer) and a head amplifier. The laser diode driver drives a semiconductor laser (not shown) provided in the optical pickup 301. The head amplifier amplifies the output signal of the optical pickup 301, that is, the reflected light of the light beam, and outputs the amplified signal. More specifically, the signal recording / reproducing means 302 determines the optimum laser power by OPC pattern recording and reproduction processing together with a timing generator (not shown) under the control of the CPU 305 during OPC (Optimum Power Control) processing. A semiconductor laser (not shown) provided in the optical pickup 301 is driven so that the above can be performed. In particular, the signal recording / reproducing means 302 constitutes one example of the “recording means” according to the present invention together with the optical pickup 301. Further, the signal recording / reproducing means 302 may be able to acquire management information recorded in, for example, the control data zone CDZ or the recording management area RMA. Therefore, the signal recording / reproducing means 302 may constitute an example of the “reading means” according to the present invention.

The address detection unit 303 also detects an address (address information) in the optical disc 100 for the reproduction signal power output by the signal recording / reproducing means 302, for example, including a pre-format address signal.

The CPU (drive control means) 305 controls the entire information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 by giving instructions to various control means via the bus 309. Note that software or firmware for operating the CPU 305 is stored in the memory 307. In particular, the CPU 305 constitutes an example of “control means” according to the present invention.

The spindle motor 306 rotates and stops the optical disc 100 and operates when accessing the optical disc. More specifically, the spindle motor 306 is configured to rotate and stop the optical disc 100 at a predetermined speed while receiving spindle servo from a servo unit or the like (not shown).

The memory 307 is used by the recording / playback data buffer area and the signal recording / playback means 302. It is used in the compatibility processing, the overall data processing, and the OPC processing according to the present invention in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 such as an area used as an intermediate buffer when converting to incoming data. In addition, the memory 307 stores a program for operating as a recorder device, that is, a ROM area in which firmware is stored, a buffer for temporarily storing recording / playback data, and variables necessary for the operation such as a firmware program. Consists of RAM area.

The data input / output control means 308 controls external data input / output to / from the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300, and stores and retrieves data in the data buffer on the memory 307. Connected to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 via an interface such as SCSI or ATAPI, the drive control command issued by the external computer is transmitted to the CPU 305 via the data input / output control means 308. Similarly, recording / reproduction data may be transmitted / received to / from the computer via the data input / output control means 308.

[0100] The operation control means 403 is for receiving and displaying an operation instruction for the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300. For example, the operation control means 403 transmits an instruction by the operation button 404 such as recording or reproduction to the CPU 305. The CPU 305 may be configured to control the entire information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 by transmitting a control command (command) to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 based on the instruction information from the operation control means 403. Similarly, the CPU 305 can transmit a command requesting the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 to transmit the operation state to the host. As a result, since the operation state of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 such as recording or reproducing can be grasped, the CPU3 051 displays the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 on the display panel 405 such as a fluorescent tube or LCD via the operation control means 403. The operating state can be output.

One specific example of using the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 described above is a small electronic device such as a small digital camera or a portable electronic device.

[0102] (3-2) Principle of operation

Next, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the flow of recording processing by the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the recording process by the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the inside of the information recording apparatus according to this embodiment. It is the schematic diagram which showed the flow of information (data) in.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 (a), first, under the control of the CPU 305, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a CF card or an SD card that can be mounted on a small electronic device such as a digital camera. The stored JPEG data is read (step S101).

[0104] Next, under the control of the CPU 305, a plurality of read JPEG data is recorded on an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc (step S102).

At the same time or before and after, under the control of the CPU 305, a plurality of thumbnail data respectively corresponding to the plurality of JPEG data is extracted from the recording information (step S103). Then, under the control of the CPU 305, it is stored in a storage means such as an internal memory provided in the extracted plurality of thumbnail data force information recording devices (step S104).

Next, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8B, under the control of the CPU 305, a plurality of thumbnail data stored in the storage means such as the internal memory is converted into, for example, a DVD-R disc or the like. It is recorded on the information recording medium (step S105). Specifically, the thumbnail data is recorded on the information recording medium, for example, every 90 parts of JPEG data (for example, 90 sheets) is recorded on the information recording medium, for example, 90 thumbnails stored in the internal memory. Data (about 450K Bytes) may be recorded on the information recording medium in a lump. If necessary, all or part of the file system may be recorded on the information recording medium at the same time as or after the recording of the thumbnail data.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, after the recording of JPEG data and thumbnail data is completed under the control of the CPU 305, a file for managing the recorded JPEG data and thumbnail data is recorded. System power Recorded on an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc (step S106).

[0108] (4) Another specific example of a method for recording a plurality of JPEG data according to this embodiment

Next, referring to FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, another specific example of the recording method according to this embodiment for recording a plurality of JPEG data and a plurality of thumbnail data on an optical disc such as a DVD-R disc, for example. Will be described.

[0109] (4-1) Data structure of information recording medium in which another specific example of recording technique was performed

First, referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, another specific example of the recording method according to this embodiment is performed. In this case, the data structure of the information recording medium will be described. FIG. 9 shows the data structure of the recording area of the information recording medium on which a plurality of JPEG data and a plurality of thumbnail data are recorded when another specific example of the recording method according to the present embodiment is performed. FIG. FIG. 10 is a table showing an example of information included in the file system based on the Marquetas tent method in the recording method according to the present embodiment.

[0110] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 9, in another specific example of the recording method according to this embodiment, JPEG data J1 includes (i) image data with a small data amount and resolution as described above. In addition to some thumbnail data T1, (ii) header hi (header information or header data) indicating the correspondence between this JPEG data J1 and this thumbnail data T1, and (iii) photo body data P1 It is. Note that one specific example of the “still image main body information” of the present invention is composed of photographic body data. In particular, the header hi and the thumbnail data T1 are recorded at the head position in the JPE G data J1. This header hi includes pointer information indicating the relative position of the photo body data P1. This pointer information may indicate the offset (difference) between the recording position of the header hi and the recording position of the photo body data P1, for example, by the amount of data such as the number of bytes.

[0111] In particular, in another specific example of the recording method according to the present embodiment, a plurality of headers and thumbnail data extracted by the information recording apparatus described above as shown in the lower part of FIG. The parts Η1, Η2,..., Hn are recorded in a recording area of an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc so that they are continuously present in one lump. In this embodiment, the header hi etc. and the thumbnail data T1 etc. are recorded as a partial HI etc. adjacent to each other. Specifically, since the total data amount of the header hi etc. and the thumbnail data T1 etc. is about 3 sectors (ie about 6 Kbytes), the recording area in which the header hi etc. and thumbnail data T1 etc. are recorded Can be combined in a very compact (small) manner. In addition, a plurality of extracted photo body data Ρ1, Ρ2, ..., Pn is recorded in a recording area of an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc so as to be continuously present in one lump. You may do it.

[0112] In another specific example of the recording method according to this embodiment, the JPEG data is Recording is performed on an information recording medium such as an optical disk based on the multi extents method. Here, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), the “multi-extent method” according to the present embodiment refers to one JPEG data J1, the first partial extent corresponding to the header hi, and thumbnail data. The second part Extent2 corresponding to T1 and the third part Extent3 corresponding to the photo body data P1, etc. The JPEG data J 1 is recorded on an information recording medium such as an optical disc while prescribing the correspondence. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), for example, in management information such as a file system, (1) the recording start position “N1” of the header, the data amount “x”, and (2) thumbnail data Record start position “N2” and data amount “y”, and (3) photo body data record start position “N3” and data amount “z” may be specified !, .

[0113] Returning again to FIG. 9, in order to enable recording of the header hi and the thumbnail data T1 in a recording unit of a certain amount of data in the portion HI, the tail of the header hi and the thumbnail data T1. For example, adjustment data (buffer data) “a” such as “zero” or “Null” may be added (padding). In this case, by adjusting the pointer information to the photo body data P1 etc. in the header hi etc., the header hi etc., the thumbnail data T1 etc., and the photo body data P1 etc. can be appropriately associated and linked. Is possible.

[0114] As a result, based on the buffer data “a” on the information recording medium, the photo body data Ρ1, Ρ2,..., Pn force Recorded side by side on the boundary of the reference unit. As a result of the above, the information reproducing apparatus can reproduce a plurality of photo body data P1 etc. more quickly and accurately in addition to a plurality of thumbnail data T1.

[0115] Alternatively, in another specific example of the recording method according to the present embodiment, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 9, the extracted header and thumbnail data are recorded by the information recording apparatus described above. A plurality of partial HI equal forces that are a set may be recorded in a predetermined area, for example, a recording area secured in advance, so as to be continuously present in one lump. In addition, after recording a plurality of portions HI by the information recording apparatus described above, a predetermined amount of buffer data “b” may be additionally recorded in an unrecorded area in the predetermined area! . As a result, in the information recording medium, based on the buffer data “b”, the photo body data 本体 1, Ρ2,..., Pn force For example, the boundary of the reference unit of the data amount such as the sector or ECC block Above, just recorded side by side. As a result of the above, the information reproducing apparatus can reproduce a plurality of photo body data P1 etc. more quickly and accurately in addition to a plurality of thumbnail data T1.

[0117] (4 2) Other specific examples of operation principle (recording process)

Next, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the flow of another specific example of the recording process by the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of another specific example of the recording process performed by the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a predetermined area of the information recording medium when another specific example of the recording method according to the present embodiment is performed.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 11, first, under the control of the CPU 305, the number of JPEG data files to be recorded is confirmed on the information recording medium, and the data amount of the header and thumbnail data portions is determined. The total is predicted (step S 201).

Next, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, under the control of the CPU 305, for example, a predetermined command such as a Reserved Track command is output, and an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc is output.

Thus, a predetermined area corresponding to the total amount of data in the header and thumbnail data portions is reserved and secured (step S202). For example, in the case of a DVD-RW disc or a DV D-RAM disc, instead of outputting a predetermined command such as a Reserved Track command, for example, it is continuous and corresponds to the total amount of data in the header and thumbnail data portions. You can also assign unused unused areas (free areas) as specified areas.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, under the control of the CPU 305, a predetermined command such as a Reserved Track command is output, for example, on an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc. In the recording area that follows the predetermined area, a recording area for recording the photo body data portion is reserved and secured (step S203).

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, under the control of the CPU 305, for example, a small digital camera, a small electronic device such as a Portable Photo Recorder / Viewer, or a portable electronic device, an SD card ( SD Card) or JROM stored in non-volatile memory such as Flush ROM PEG data is read (step S204).

Next, under the control of the CPU 305, the read header and thumbnail data portion is recorded in a predetermined area for the header and thumbnail data portion (step S205). Simultaneously or in succession, under the control of the CPU 305, the read photo body data portion is recorded in the recording area for the photo body data portion (step S206). In particular, in order to reduce the seek operation for recording the header and thumbnail data portions and speed up the recording process, the header and thumbnail data portions are cached (stored) in the internal memory of the information recording device. ) After all the photo body data is recorded in the recording area for the photo body data part, the header and thumbnail data may be recorded in the predetermined area for the header and thumbnail data part.

Next, when the recording of all the JPEG data is completed under the control of the CPU 305, the file system is recorded on the information recording medium (step S207). As described above with reference to FIG. 9, in an information recording medium such as a DVD-R disc, for example, an unrecorded recording area (corresponding to “b” in FIG. 9) in a predetermined area for header and thumbnail data portions. If there is a recording area), padding may be performed with buffer data.

[0124] In the above-described embodiments, the optical disc 100 is described as an example of the information recording medium, and the recorder or player related to the optical disc as an example of the information recording device. Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to various information recording media compatible with other high-density recordings or high transfer rates, as well as recorders or players of the various information recording media.

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be appropriately changed within the scope of the claims and the entire specification without departing from the gist or concept of the invention which can be read. The apparatus and method, the information reproducing apparatus and method, and the computer program for recording control are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Industrial applicability

[0126] The information recording medium, information recording apparatus and method, information reproducing apparatus and method, and computer program according to the present invention can be used for an information recording medium such as a DVD. Further, the present invention can also be used for an information recording device such as a DVD recorder, for example, an information reproducing device such as a DVD player. Further, the present invention can also be used for an information recording device and an information reproducing device that are mounted on various consumer devices for consumer use or for commercial use or can be connected to various computer devices.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An information recording apparatus for recording recorded information including a plurality of still image information recorded on a first recording medium onto a second recording medium,

An acquisition means for reading out and acquiring the recording information from the first recording medium; an extraction means for extracting a plurality of representative image information respectively corresponding to the plurality of still image information;

Recording means for recording the recording information;

Control means for controlling the recording means so as to record the plurality of representative image information on the second recording medium so that the extracted representative image information is continuously present in a lump.

An information recording apparatus comprising:

[2] The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the recording unit to record the plurality of representative image information in a predetermined area of the second recording medium. Information recording device.

[3] The information recording apparatus according to [1], further comprising securing means for securing the predetermined area in advance in the second recording medium.

[4] After recording the plurality of representative image information, the control means controls the recording means to additionally record a predetermined amount of buffering data in an unrecorded area in the predetermined area. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

[5] The plurality of still image information includes: (i) a plurality of still image main body information; and (ii) a plurality of header information indicating correspondence between the plurality of still image main body information and the plurality of representative image information. And a dividing means for dividing the plurality of representative image information,

The control means records the plurality of representative images in a recording unit in which one header information of the plurality of header information and one representative image information corresponding to the one header information are combined. 2. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording means is controlled to record the plurality of header information in the second recording medium in addition to the information.

[6] In order to perform recording in the recording unit having a constant data amount, the control means adds the buffer data of a predetermined data amount to the recording unit, and the plurality of representative image information 6. The information recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the recording unit is controlled so as to record the plurality of header information on the second recording medium.

[7] The second recording medium can record management information for managing a recording position or a reproduction position of the recording information in the second recording medium,

The control means further records the management information on the second recording medium, which can define associations between the plurality of still image main body information, the plurality of representative image information, and the plurality of header information. 6. The information recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the recording means is controlled to do so.

[8] It further comprises storage means for storing at least the plurality of representative image information,

The control means first records the plurality of still image information on the second recording medium, and then records at least the stored plurality of representative image information on the second recording medium. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording means is controlled.

[9] The image processing apparatus further includes another extraction unit that extracts a plurality of still image information included in the recording information. The control unit further includes the extracted plurality of still image information continuously in a lump. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit is controlled to record the plurality of still image information on the second recording medium.

[10] An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing a second recording medium on which recording information including a plurality of still image information and management information for managing a recording position or a reproduction position of the recording information is recorded.

Playback means for playing back each of the plurality of representative image information respectively corresponding to the plurality of still image information;

Control means for controlling the reproduction means so as to reproduce the plurality of representative image information recorded in a lump on the second recording medium based on the management information. Information playback device.

[11] An information recording method in an information recording apparatus comprising recording means for recording recording information including a plurality of still image information recorded on a first recording medium onto a second recording medium, An acquisition step of reading out and acquiring the recording information from the first recording medium, and an extraction step of extracting a plurality of representative image information respectively corresponding to the plurality of still image information,

A control step of controlling the recording means so as to record the plurality of representative image information on the second recording medium so that the extracted representative image information continuously exists in a lump.

An information recording method comprising:

[12] Information in the information reproducing apparatus provided with reproducing means for reproducing the recording information including a plurality of still image information and the management information for managing the recording position or the reproducing position of the recording information. A playback method,

A reproduction step of controlling the reproduction means to reproduce a plurality of representative image information respectively corresponding to the plurality of still image information;

And a control step of controlling the reproducing means to reproduce the plurality of representative image information recorded continuously in a lump on the second recording medium based on the management information. Information reproduction method.

[13] A computer program for recording control for controlling a computer provided in the information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the computer includes the acquisition unit, the extraction unit, the recording unit, And a computer program which functions as at least a part of the control means.

[14] A computer program for playback control for controlling a computer provided in the information playback device according to claim 10, wherein the computer is set to at least one of the playback means and the control means. A computer program that functions as a part.