Reproducing device, reproducing method and computer readable recording medium

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a rewritable recording medium, the recording device and the reproducing device, and a recording method for the recording medium and a computer program for realizing the recording method. In particular, as a recording medium, it is suitable for an optical disc on which a large amount of still image data is recorded.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Large-capacity, rewritable optical disc recording media such as DVD-RAM and DVD-RW have appeared, and technologies for recording data such as images and sounds are being actively developed. As the moving image data, data encoded by the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) method described in the ISO / IEC 11172 standard, ISO / IEC 13818 standard, etc. is generally used. As the still image data, the in-frame coded data (I picture) of the MPEG method and the data encoded by the JPEG method described in the ISO / IEC10918-1 standard are generally used.

【0003】

In addition, as a device for recording encoded moving images and still images together with audio, an electronic still that uses a memory such as a digital VCR (digital video cassette recorder) that uses a magnetic tape as a recording medium or a flash memory (flash memory) as a recording medium. Cameras (electrical still camera?) Have already been put into practical use.

【0004】

A recording device that uses an optical disc as a recording medium, such as a DVD-RAM, has random accessibility and flash that are difficult to achieve when using a magnetic tape, as compared with the conventional digital VCR and electronic still camera described above. It has features such as large capacity, which is difficult to realize when using memory, and low cost per bit. Therefore, a recording device using an optical disc recording medium can freely define a playback order different from the recorded data order and can handle a large number of still images of tens of thousands of sheets, which is a new AV recording medium. It is expected to spread as a product.

【0005】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

DVD-RAM can record a mixture of moving images and still images. In particular, for still images, a huge number of still images can be recorded as compared with conventional electronic still cameras.

【0006】

For example, assuming that the recording capacity of DVD-RAM is 4.7 GB and the data size of a still image (I picture) encoded by the MPEG method is about 80 KB, about 64,000 still images will be stored before the disc is full. The picture can be recorded.

【0007】

Unlike the case of recording media such as digital VCRs that play back in the order in which they were recorded, optical disc media such as DVD-RAM allow random access. In order to realize this, management information such as the address and size of the still image data recorded on the optical disk and the reproduction time of the audio data recorded accompanying the still image are also recorded.

【0008】

When playing back a still image on a playback device, two steps are required: a step of reading the address of the still image data from the management data recorded on the optical disc medium, and a step of playing back the still image data recorded at the read address. Is. Therefore, when reproducing a plurality of still images, the above two steps are required for each reproduction of one image.

【0009】

Further, when recording still image data or the like on an optical disc by a recording device, two steps are required: a step of recording the still image data and a step of recording management information such as the address of the still image. Therefore, even when recording a plurality of still images, the above two steps are required for each recording of one image.

【0010】

The optical disc recording or reproducing device has an optical head for recording or reading information, but the optical head is larger and heavier than the magnetic head, so that the access speed is slow. Therefore, if the above two steps are required, it takes time to reproduce or record a plurality of still images, and it is difficult to realize high-speed random access.

【0011】

In order to solve this problem, the optical disc recording device and the playback device record the management information read from the optical disc in the memory in the device. In the playback device, once the management information is recorded in the memory inside the device, it is not necessary to read the management information on the disc each time a still image is played back, and the time required to play back a plurality of still images can be shortened. .. Further, in the recording device, if the management information of a plurality of still image data is recorded in the memory in the device and these are collectively recorded on the disk, it is not necessary to record the management information on the disk every time one sheet is recorded. , The time for recording a plurality of still images can be shortened.

【0012】

However, since a large-capacity recording medium such as DVD-RAM records a large amount of still images amounting to tens of thousands of sheets, the amount of information for managing the recorded still image data becomes enormous, and the inside of the device for recording this becomes enormous. The memory of is also required to be large. Although the unit price of memory has been decreasing in recent years, it is difficult to install megabytes of memory as a consumer AV device, and considering the battery backup of memory in case of emergency, megabytes of management information can be used. It is unrealistic to handle as a consumer AV device.

【0013】

In order to solve this problem, for example, some of the inventors of the present application have proposed the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491. According to this, management information such as the above-mentioned address and size of still image data and playback time of audio data is recorded in a variable length size management information table proportional to the number of still images and the number of audios. As a result, the increase in the data size of management information is suppressed.

【0014】

However, the above technique does not consider the following cases.

【0015】

The first is the management of the recording time of still image data. Since the above technique cannot perform a search using the recording time, it is inconvenient for a request to search for a desired still image from a huge number of still images.

【0016】

For example, as shown in Figure 3, the recording time (RECTM) is year (2 bytes), month (1 byte), day (1 byte), hour (1 byte), minute (1 byte), second (1 byte). When the data structure is represented by a total of 7 bytes and the recording time (RECTM) is added to each of the approximately 64,000 still images and recorded, the management information is approximately 438 kilobytes in addition to the data size assumed by the above technology. (= 64000 * 7) also increases.

【0017】

As described above, in order to realize high-speed random access, management information should always be recorded in the memory of the system control unit in the device, but the memory capacity of consumer AV equipment can be reduced, that is, , In order to reduce costs, it is necessary to minimize the data size of management information.

【0018】

A first object of the present invention is a recording device, a playback device, and a recording device and a playback device mainly for optical discs, which have a data management structure that realizes a search based on a recording time and suppresses an increase in the data size of management information. The purpose is to provide a computer program to realize the above.

【0019】

The second is the case where the still image is deleted.

【0020】

FIG. 12 shows the still image management method described in the above technique. First, still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) for managing a plurality of still image data (VOB) (101) as a still image group (VOBG) (102) is provided. The still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) includes the still image group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104), the start and end address information (VOBG_Address) (105) of the still image group (VOBG) (102), and the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103). Image management information that summarizes only the image number information (V_I_Number) (1015) indicating the number of still images managed by this group and the image part management information (V_I) (1017) of the still images (VOB) (101). A voice management information table that summarizes only the table (V_I_Table) (1016), the voice number information (A_I_Number) (1018) indicating the number of voices managed by this group, and the management information (A_I) (1020) of the voice part. It consists of (A_I_Table) (1019). The image management information (V_I) (1017) is a voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) that links to the image data size (V_Size) (1021) and the voice management information (A_I) (1020) corresponding to the sound to be played back in synchronization. ) (1022). Voice management information (A_I) (1020) includes voice data address information (A_Address) (1023), voice data size (A_Size) (1024), voice playback time (A_PTM) (1025), and other voices. It consists of voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1026) that links to management information (A_I) (1020). If there is no voice to be linked, the voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1022) (1026) is recorded as NULL indicating an invalid value.

【0021】

In the above technology, the image management information table (V_I_Table) (1016) and the voice management information table (A_I_Table) (1019) are separately held, and the voice address information (A_Address) (1023) is contained in the voice management information (A_I) (1020). )have.

【0022】

Still image and audio data are recorded on the recording medium in the form of files. At this time, since the addresses in the file are continuous, if the still image and the sound to be reproduced in synchronization with the still image are deleted, the file is reconstructed so that the addresses in the file are continuous except for the deleted part. Therefore, when the recording position of voice data is managed by the address information (A_Address) (1023) in the file, all the address information (A_Address) (1023) in the part after the deleted part is reconstructed into new address information. Need to be replaced with. Therefore, when a large amount of still image data of up to tens of thousands is recorded, the time required for replacing the address information becomes enormous. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), the address information (1023) is simply deleted from the management information configuration shown in FIG. 12, and the image and audio data sizes (1021) and (1024) are integrated from the beginning. By doing so, a method of obtaining address information can be considered.

【0023】

When this method is used, the above-mentioned replacement after reconstruction becomes unnecessary, but the following problems occur.

【0024】

For example, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), after recording the image part (V_Part # 1) (1027) of the still image # 1, the audio part (A_Part # 1) (1028) is added to the still image # 1. After dubbing, the image part (V_Part # 2) (1029) of the still image # 2 is recorded, and the image part (V_Part # 1) (1030) of the still image # 1 as shown in FIG. 13 (c). When the image part (V_Part # 2) (1031) of the still image # 2 is recorded and then the audio part (A_Part # 1) (1032) is dubbed to the still image # 1, the data structure in the file is different. Nevertheless, as shown in Fig. 13 (a), V_I # 1 (1017-1) in the image management information table (V_I_Table) (1016) is the image data of V_Part # 1 (1027) or V_Part # 1 (1030). It consists of size (V_Size # 1) (1021-1) and voice pointer information (A_I_PTR # 1) (1022-1) for linking to A_Part # 1 (1028) or A_Part # 1 (1032), and V_I # 2 (1017-2) is V_Part Voice pointer information (NULL) (1022-2) to indicate that there is no sound to link with the image data size (V_Size # 2) (1021-2) of # 2 (1029) or V_Part # 2 (1031). A_I # 1 (1020) is linked to the audio data size (A_Size # 1) (1024) and audio playback time (A_PTM # 1) (1025) of A_Part # 1 (1028) or A_Part # 1 (1032). It is composed of voice pointer information (NULL) (1026) to indicate that there is no voice to be added, and there arises a problem that the two cannot be distinguished.

【0025】

Further, the configurations of the image management information (V_I) (1017) and the voice management information (A_I) (1020) shown in FIG. 12 are redundant, and there is room for further reducing the data size.

【0026】

A second object of the present invention is to manage still image data and audio data to be reproduced in synchronization with the still image data without any problem, significantly reduce the time required for reconstructing the management information when the still image is deleted, and further manage the management information. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical disk recording device and a reproducing device having a data management structure capable of suppressing the data size of the above, and a computer program for realizing these.

【0027】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above problem, at least still image data (VOB) is recorded on a recording medium, and N (however, N is an integer of 1 or more) still image data (VOB) is recorded as a still image group (VOBG). The still image group management information (VOBGI) managed as is recorded, and the first recorded still image data (VOB) in the still image group (VOBG) is recorded in the still image group management information (VOBGI). Record the time (F_RECTM) and the recording time (L_RECTM) of the last recorded still image data (VOB).

【0028】

In order to solve the above problem, at least still image data (VOB) is recorded on a recording medium, and N (however, N is an integer of 1 or more) still image data (VOB) is recorded as a still image group (VOBG). The still image group management information (VOBGI) managed as is recorded, the still image group management information (VOBGI) has a still image management information table (VOBI_Table), and the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) is a still image. Management information for still images (hereinafter, first still image management information (V_I)) that does not have audio (hereinafter, audio) to be played back in synchronization with, and audio recorded at approximately the same time as the still image recording time (hereinafter, still image recording time). Still image management information (hereinafter, second still image management information (V_OA_I)) having only original sound (hereinafter, original sound) and sound additionally recorded (hereinafter, dubbing) to the already recorded still image (hereinafter, dubbing) , Still image management information having only dubbing sound (hereinafter, third still image management information (V_AA_I)) and still image management information having both original sound and dubbing sound (hereinafter, fourth still image) It has still image management information (VOBI) classified into any of management information (V_OA_AA_I)), and the storage order of still image management information (VOBI) in the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) is still image (VOB). ) Make the same recording order.

【0029】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention for achieving the first object will be described.

【0030】

FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of the first embodiment. In the figure, first, N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) of still images (VOB) (1) encoded by the MPEG system I picture or the like are grouped together to form a still image group (VOBG) (2). .. When the number N of still images (VOB) (1) in the still image group (VOBG) (2) reaches a certain value (for example, 64) during still image recording, it operates from moving image recording to still image recording. When the mode is switched, the next still image group (VOBG) (2) is controlled to be generated. The still image (VOB) (1) data (encoded stream data) is recorded on the recording medium as a VOB file (11) described later, and the information for defining the still image group (VOBG) (2) is VOB. Record on the recording medium as a management file (12).

【0031】

The VOB management file (VOBGI) (12) consists of each still image group (VOBG) (2) and the corresponding management information (VOBGI) (3). That is, management information (VOBGI) (3) is provided for each still image group (VOBG) (2). Information for managing M (however, M is an integer of 1 or more) management information (VOBGI) (3) may be separately stored in the VOB management file (VOBGI) (12), but here. The illustration will be omitted. The management information (VOBGI) (3) includes the still image group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4), VOB number information (5), VOB map (6), first recording time (F_RECTM) (7), and last recording time (7). It consists of L_RECTM) (8). Each item will be described below.

【0032】

The still image group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4) is information for identifying the management information (VOBGI) (3) and the corresponding still image group (VOBG) (2) in the VOB management file (12). Make it a unique value. It is also possible to substitute the serial number from the beginning in the VOB management file (12), in which case the still image group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4) can be omitted.

【0033】

The VOB number information (5) is information representing the number of still images (VOB) (1) existing in the still image group (VOBG) (2) (integer N described above). The data length of the VOB map (6) described below is determined according to this number of VOBs.

【0034】

The VOB map (6) holds the information of the address (9) and the attribute (10) of the still image (VOB) (1) for each still image (VOB). It is also possible to obtain a desired address by holding the data size instead of the address (9) and summing the data size from the beginning. Further, as the attribute (10), the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the still image, the display time of the still image, the presence / absence of sound to be reproduced in synchronization with the still image, the reproduction time of the sound, the address of the sound data, and the like can be considered.

【0035】

As described above, it is conceivable to hold the recording time (RECTM) for each still image (VOB) (1) as management information, but in that case, the data size of the management information becomes too large. The first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) and the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) are one of the feature parts of the present invention. Therefore, by holding the recording time (RECTM) for each still image group (VOBG) (2) that summarizes N (however, N is an integer of 1 or more) still images (VOB) (1), the data size To reduce. Furthermore, of the still image recording time (RECTM) in the still image group (VOBG) (2), both the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) and the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) must be retained. This makes it possible to search using time as a key. That is, the user inputs the recording time (TM) of the still image that the user wants to play or search, and the recording time (TM) corresponds to the still image group (VOBG) (2), that is, TM is in the future in terms of time than F_RECTM. Alternatively, select and play only the still image group (VOBG) (2) that is equal and the TM satisfies the past or equal relationship (relationship of F_RECTM (7) TM L_RECTM (8)) in time than L_RECTM. Alternatively, it becomes possible to search. According to the present invention, by recording the data management structure shown in FIG. 1 on an optical disk, it is not necessary to manually search for a desired one from a maximum of about 64,000 still images, and a still image group (VOBG). Since it is possible to search from the maximum number of still images (for example, 64), usability is greatly improved.

【0036】

FIG. 2 shows an example of a directory structure used in the first embodiment of the present invention. In a recording medium such as a DVD-RAM, encoded stream data such as a still image, management information data, and the like are recorded as a file that is a set of logical data. The recording medium has a directory structure starting from the root directory (13), and generally generates and holds the above-mentioned VOB file (11) and VOB management file (12) in the subdirectory (14). The VOB file (11) and VOB management file (12) may be recorded directly under the root directory (13) without using the subdirectory (14), or further subdirected in the subdirectory (14). A directory may be provided to record files (11) and VOB management files (12).

【0037】

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the time information used in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the recording time (RECTM) is 2 bytes for the year (15), 1 byte for the month (16), 1 byte for the day (17), 1 byte for the hour (18), and 1 byte for the minute (19). This is an example of a data structure in which seconds (20) are represented by 1 byte. Similarly, this data structure may be used for the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) and the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) described above. In this case, only 14 bytes are added for F_RECTM and L_RECTM per still image group (VOBG), and if 64 still images are grouped, the disk will be full for about 64,000 still images. It only increases the management information of about 14 kilobytes (= (64000 * 14) / (64 * 1024)). As described above, when the recording time is added to each still image and recorded, the increase in management information can be suppressed to about 3% compared to the increase of about 438 kilobytes.

【0038】

As a result, the amount of management information can be suppressed, and the capacity of the memory in the recording / playback device can be reduced, so that high-speed access can be realized and costs can be reduced.

【0039】

The present invention is not limited to the data structure shown in the figure, and the recording time can be represented by bytes other than the above. In addition, the recording time can be represented by the total number of seconds from a specific time (for example, 0:00:00 on January 1, 1990).

【0040】

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention for achieving the first object. The figure shows the structure of management information that holds the recording time (RECTM) of each still image (VOB) as recording information on an optical disk medium, but can reduce the memory capacity of the system control unit in the device. Is shown. In the management information (VOBGI) (3), the still image group identifier (VOBG_ID) (4), VOB number information (5), VOB map (6), first recording time (F_RECTM) (7), last recording time Having (L_RECTM) (8) is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. In addition to this, the management information (VOBGI) (3) has pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21) to the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22). This pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21) indicates the address in the VOB management file (12) of the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22), and further, the data of the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22). You may have a size and so on. Further, the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22) may be stored as a separate file from the VOB management file (12), and the file name or the like may be retained as pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21).

【0041】

The still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22) holds the still image (VOB) (1) individual recording times (RECTM) (23) for each still image group (VOBG) (2). In the figure, as an example, a case where five still images (VOB) are set as a still image group (VOBG) is shown. Each recording time (RECTM) may be represented by the data structure shown in FIG.

【0042】

Here, only the management information (VOBGI) (3) is always held in the memory of the system control unit, and when the recording time of each still image (VOB) is required, the still image (VOB) is stored. By reading only the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) corresponding to the still image group (VOBG) to which the memory belongs, the capacity of the memory can be suppressed to a small size. For example, the size of the pointer information (RECTMI_P) is 4 bytes, the maximum number of still images per still image group (VOBG) is 64, the maximum number of still image groups is 1000 (= 64000/64), and the recording time (RECTM) is set. Assuming 7 bytes, the required memory capacity increase is 4448 bytes (= 4 * 1000 + 64 * 7), which is combined with the above-mentioned increase in F_RECTM (7) and L_RECTM (8) (about 14 kilobytes). , About 4% of the increase required for the above-mentioned technology (about 438 kilobytes).

【0043】

FIG. 5 shows the directory structure used in the third embodiment of the present invention for achieving the first object. Still image (VOB) (1) Individual recording time (RECTM) is often used for searching. The recording time is generally displayed together with a thumbnail image, which is a reduced still image, and used for searching. Therefore, in addition to the directory structure shown in Fig. 2, a THM file (24) that records thumbnail images for search as described later and a THM management file (25) that records information for managing them are added. Then, the still image (VOB) (1) individual recording time (RECTM) is managed in the THM management file (25). In the figure, the THM file (24) and THM management file (25) are placed in the same subdirectory (14) as the VOB file (11) and VOB management file (12), but this is not the case. Instead, you may set up another subdirectory and put it there.

【0044】

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows how to keep the still image (VOB) (1) individual recording time (RECTM) (32) in the THM management file (25). Thumbnail management information (THMI) (29) for managing thumbnail images (28) is always in memory like still image management information (VOBI) (26) for managing still images (VOB) (1). It is not necessary to keep it in the memory, and it is only necessary to read it in the memory at the time of searching. Therefore, if the recording time (RECTM) (32) is recorded in the thumbnail management information (THMI) (29), it is not necessary to greatly increase the memory capacity of the system control unit, and the still image (VOB) (1) can be obtained. Since the thumbnail image (28) and the thumbnail management information (THMI) (29) have a one-to-one correspondence as shown in the figure, the recording time (RECTM) (32) of each still image (VOB) (1) is retained. can do. In the figure, thumbnail identifiers (THM_ID) (27) (30) are identification information for associating VOB management information (VOBI) (26) with thumbnail management information (THMI) (29), and are VOB management files (VOB management files). Make it a unique value in 12) and in the THM management file (25).

【0045】

It is also possible to substitute the thumbnail identifier (THM_ID) (27) with the serial number from the beginning in the VOB management file (12), in which case the thumbnail identifier (THM_ID) (30) can be omitted. In addition, the thumbnail management information (THMI) (29) and the thumbnail image (THM) (28) are associated with each other by the address information (31) in the THM file held in the thumbnail management information (THMI) (29). Can be done. In the method shown in the figure, it is necessary to have still image management information (VOBI) (26) for each still image (VOB) (1), and the VOB management file (12) that should always be kept in the memory. Capacity will increase. Next, a method for improving this is shown.

【0046】

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention for achieving the first object. First, as in the method shown in FIG. 1, the still image (VOB) (1) is grouped into N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) to form a still image group (VOBG) (2), and each still image group (2) is formed. It is managed by the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) corresponding to VOBG) (2). In addition to the data structure shown in FIG. 1, the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) has pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) to the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) described later. ..

【0047】

This pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) indicates the address in the THM management file (25) of the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34), and further indicates the data size and THM management of the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34). It may have the address name of the file (25).

【0048】

Thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) is a collection of L (however, L is an integer of 1 or more) thumbnail images (THM) (28) in the THM file (24), and thumbnail group (THMG) (40). ) Is the information to be managed. When this L matches the number N of the still images (VOB) (1) in the still image group (VOBG) (2), the divisions of both groups match, and management becomes easy. Collect all thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) and record it as a THM management file (25).

【0049】

Thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) consists of THM number information (35) and THM map (36). The THM number information (35) indicates the above-mentioned integer L, and when it matches the integer N as described above, the VOB number information (5) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) is substituted. Since it can be done, it may be omitted. The THM map (36) holds information on the address (37), attribute (38), and recording time (RECTM) (39) of the thumbnail image (THM) (28) for each thumbnail image (THM). .. It is also possible to obtain a desired address by holding the data size of the thumbnail image (THM) instead of the address (37) and integrating the data size from the beginning. Further, as the attribute (38), the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the thumbnail image (THM) (28) and the coding method can be considered, but these can be omitted by fixing them in the system.

【0050】

By adopting such a method, when searching based on the time, first, the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) for each group recorded in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) The desired still image group (VOBG) is obtained using the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8). Next, only the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) corresponding to the still image group (VOBG) is read into the memory. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the memory capacity of the system control unit. For example, assuming that the pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) is 4 bytes and the maximum number of still image groups (VOBG) is 1000 (= 64000/64), the number of VOB management files increases compared to the method shown in Fig. 1. Minutes are 4000 bytes. Assuming that the maximum number of thumbnail images (THM) (28) per thumbnail group (THMG) (40) is 64, the THM number information (35) is omitted with L = N, and the address (37). Is 4 bytes, attribute (38) is omitted, and assuming that the recording time (RECTM) (39) is 7 bytes, the thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) is 704 bytes per group (= 64 * (4+)). 7)). Therefore, compared to the method shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to search using the time information (RECTM) (39) for each still image (VOB) (1) only by increasing the memory by 4704 bytes, and the above-mentioned F_RECTM (7) can be searched. ) And L_RECTM (8) increase (about 14 kilobytes), it is only about 4.3% of the memory increase (about 438 kilobytes) required when recording the recording time for each still image.

【0051】

The thumbnail group management information (THMGI) (34) shown in FIG. 7 can be considered to be information for collectively managing the recording time (RECTM) (39) of each still image (VOB) (1). Therefore, it can be considered that the function of the still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (22) shown in FIG. 4 is included. Therefore, the pointer information (THMGI_P) (33) shown in FIG. 7 also includes the function of the pointer information (RECTMI_P) (21) shown in FIG.

【0052】

FIG. 8 shows a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the recording / reproducing device of the present invention.

【0053】

The recording / playback device may be configured as dedicated hardware, or may be configured to control general-purpose hardware such as a personal computer by a control procedure (hereinafter, program) described later. In either case, the control unit (41) operates based on the program stored in the memory (101) in which the program is stored. The memory (101) in which the program is stored may be the same recording medium as the memory (102) in which the management information described later is recorded, or the memory (101) may be a play-only memory (ROM) or a flash. Use memory as a recording medium that is not suitable for frequent data rewriting, and use memory (102) as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) or Static Random Access Memory. Both may be configured separately, such as by using a recording medium suitable for frequently rewriting data such as (SRAM). The contents (program) of the memory (101) in which the program is stored may be set in advance by the device manufacturer before the device is shipped, or as shown in FIG. 11, another recording medium in which the program is stored before the device is operated. It may be configured to read from (a computer-readable recording medium).

【0054】

FIG. 20 shows an example of a case where the recording / reproducing device of the present invention is configured by a computer. In the figure, the recording / playback device includes a computer (101003), a monitor for displaying images (101001), a speaker for outputting audio (101002), a mouse (101004) for inputting operation instructions from the user, and a keyboard (101005). It consists of a drive (101006) for recording and reproducing data on a recording medium (101007). The recording medium (101007) stores a program that controls the computer (101003), and reads the program into the memory (10101) in the computer via the drive (101006) before operating as a recording / playback device (installation). ). As a computer-readable recording medium (101007), a read-only disc such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, a floppy disk, or the like can be considered. Further, the recording medium (101007) may be a rewritable medium such as DVD-RAM, and the program and data such as images and sounds described below may be mixed and recorded on the same medium.

【0055】

In the recording / playback device shown in FIG. 8, the operation unit (42) first receives an operation instruction from the user, and then the control unit (41) controls the operation of each unit to be described later. At the time of recording, signals such as images and sounds are input from the input unit (43), and the encoder (44) encodes the MPEG method or the like. Encoded data such as moving images, still images, and sounds are input to the drive (46) via the track buffer (45) and recorded on the recording medium (47). At this time, the control unit also records the management information generated by the methods shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 6, and 7.

【0056】

Since it is difficult to record the management information at the same time during the period in which the coded data is recorded in real time, the management information is once recorded in the memory (102) in which the management information is recorded, and then the recording medium is recorded after the coding data recording is completed. (47) Control to record on. It is one of the objects of the present invention to suppress the capacity of the memory (102).

【0057】

On the other hand, at the time of reproduction, the management information is once read from the recording medium (47) into the memory (102) by the drive, and then the encoded data is read out based on the information and input to the track buffer (45). The coded data from the track buffer (45) is decoded by the decoder (48) and output from the output unit (49).

【0058】

Hereinafter, a computer-readable recording medium that realizes the still image recording method and the still image reproduction method of the present invention will be described with a focus on the operation of the control unit (41) (that is, the content of the program).

【0059】

FIG. 9 shows an example of the still image recording method used in the present invention. Recording is started from step (50), and first, in step (51), the coded stream data of the still image (VOB) (1) shown in FIG. 1 is recorded on the recording medium as a VOB file (11), and the step Proceed to (52).

【0060】

In step (52), it is determined whether or not the still image group (VOBG) (2) including the still image (VOB) (1) and the corresponding still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) already exist. , If it exists, go to step (53), if it does not exist, go to step (58).

【0061】

In step (53), the number of still images (VOB) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) is increased by 1, and the address (9) of the still image (VOB) (1) recorded in step (51). ) And attribute (10) to the VOB map (6) and proceed to step (54).

【0062】

In step (54), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is compared with the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) in the still image group, and RECTM is more temporal than F_RECTM. If the past (RECTM <F_RECTM), proceed to step (55), otherwise proceed to step (56). In normal operation, RECTM will never be older than F_RECTM, but if a common recording medium is used between different recording devices and there is an error in each built-in clock, it will be (RECTM <F_RECTM). Therefore, this comparison is necessary.

【0063】

In step (55), replace the value of F_RECTM with the value of RECTM. That is, the past time in the still image group is set as the value of F_RECTM. After this, the process proceeds to step (56).

【0064】

In step (56), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is compared with the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) in the still image group, and RECTM is more temporal than L_RECTM. If the future (RECTM> L_RECTM), proceed to step (57), otherwise proceed to step (61). Usually, RECTM will be in the future than L_RECTM. However, when a common recording medium is used between different recording devices and there is an error in each built-in clock, (RECTM <L_RECTM) may occur, so this comparison is necessary.

【0065】

In step (57), replace the value of L_RECTM with the value of RECTM. That is, the future time in the still image group is set as the value of L_RECTM. After this, the process proceeds to step (61).

【0066】

In step (58), the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) is newly generated, the number of VOBs (5) = 1, and the address of the still image (VOB) (1) recorded in step (51). Register (9) and attribute (10) in the VOB map (6) and proceed to step (59).

【0067】

In step (59), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is set in the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) in the still image group, and the process proceeds to step (60).

【0068】

In step (60), the recording time (RECTM) of the still image recorded in step (51) is set in the last recording time (L_RECTM) (8) in the still image group, and the process proceeds to step (61).

【0069】

In step (61), the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) whose value is generated or updated as described above is recorded on the recording medium as a VOB management file (12), and the recording operation is performed in step (62). To finish.

【0070】

FIG. 10 shows an example of the still image reproduction method used in the present invention. In the figure, a method of inputting a desired time (TM) from the operation unit (42) shown in FIG. 8 and selectively playing back only a still image (VOB) (1) having a recording time (RECTM) close to the desired time (TM) is shown. Shown.

【0071】

First, playback is started from step (63), a desired time (TM) is input in step (64), and the process proceeds to step (65).

【0072】

In step (65), the first still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) is set as the processing target. Here, the first still image group management information (VOBGI) may be, for example, the still image group management information (VOBGI) registered first when viewed from the beginning to the end of the VOB management file (12). .. After this, the process proceeds to step (66).

【0073】

In step (66), the time (TM) entered in step (64), the first recording time (F_RECTM) (7) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) to be processed, and the last Comparing with the recording time (L_RECTM) (8), the relationship that TM is in the future or equal in time than F_RECTM, and TM is in the past or equal in time than L_RECTM, that is, the relationship (F_RECTM TM L_RECTM) If it is, proceed to step (67), otherwise proceed to step (68).

【0074】

In step (67), the still image (VOB) (1) belonging to the still image group (VOBG) (2) managed by the still image group management information (VOBGI) (3) to be processed is played back, and the step (67) is performed. Proceed to (68).

【0075】

In step (68), it is determined whether or not the next still image group management information (VOBGI) exists, and if it exists, the process proceeds to step (69), and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step (70). Here, the next still image group management information (VOBGI) is registered next to the still image group management information (VOBGI) currently being processed, for example, when viewed from the beginning to the end of the VOB management file (12). It may be the still image group management information (VOBGI).

【0076】

In step (69), the next still image group management information (VOBGI) is set as the next processing target, and the process proceeds to step (66).

【0077】

In step (70), the playback operation is terminated.

【0078】

By the above operation, only the still image (VOB) (1) belonging to the still image group (VOBG) having the relationship of (F_RECTM TM L_RECTM) is selectively reproduced at the desired time (TM). Can be done.

【0079】

Although DVD-RAM has been described as an example in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is clear that other recording media can be used in the same manner.

【0080】

From the above, the first object of the present application can be achieved. That is, a search using the recording time (RECTM) of a still image can be realized for a huge number of still images recorded on a large-capacity optical disk medium, and an increase in the data size of management information can be suppressed. Hereinafter, examples of the present invention for achieving the second object will be described with reference to the drawings.

【0081】

FIG. 11 shows a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, and describes a method of recording the recording order and attributes of still images in the management information. In the figure, first, N (where N is an integer of 1 or more) of still images (VOB) (101) encoded by the MPEG system I picture or the like are grouped together to form a still image group (VOBG) (102). .. When the number N of still images (VOB) (101) in the still image group (VOBG) (102) reaches a certain value (for example, 1064) during still image recording, or from moving image recording to still image recording. When the mode is switched, the next still image group (VOBG) (102) is controlled to be generated. The still image (VOB) (101) data (encoded stream data) is recorded on a recording medium as a VOB file (1013) described later, and the information for defining the still image group (VOBG) (102) is VOB. Record on a recording medium as a management file (1014).

【0082】

The VOB management file (1014) consists of each still image group (VOBG) (102) and the corresponding management information (VOBGI) (103). That is, management information (VOBGI) (103) is provided for each still image group (VOBG) (102). Information for managing M (however, M is an integer of 1 or more) management information (VOBGI) (103) may be separately stored in the VOB management file (1014). Since it is not directly related, the illustration is omitted here. The management information (VOBGI) (103) includes still image group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104), still image group address information (VOBG_Address) (105), still image number information (VOBI_Number) (106), and still image management information table (106). It consists of VOBI_Table) (107). Each item will be described below.

【0083】

The still image group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104) is information for identifying the management information (VOBGI) (103) and the corresponding still image group (VOBG) (102) in the VOB management file (1014). And make it a unique value. It is also possible to substitute the serial number from the beginning in the VOB management file (1014), in which case the still image group identification information (VOBG_ID) (104) can be omitted.

【0084】

The still image group address information (VOBG_Address) (105) has the start address of the coded stream data belonging to this still image group (VOBG) (102) in the VOB file. In addition to this, it may have an end address.

【0085】

The still image number information (VOBI_Number) (106) has the number of still images (VOB) (101) belonging to this still image group (VOBG) (102).

【0086】

The still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) is composed of still image management information (VOBI) (108) corresponding to each still image (VOB) (101) in the still image group (VOBG) (102). At this time, the still image management information (VOBI) (108) in the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) is stored so that the storage order is the same as the recording order of the still image (VOB) (101). For example, the still image management information (VOBI) (108-1) shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the still image (VOB) (101-1).

【0087】

The still image management information (VOBI) (108) is the management information of a still image having no sound (hereinafter referred to as sound) to be played back in synchronization with the still image according to the attribute of the corresponding still image (VOB) (101). (First still image management information (V_I)) (109), Still image management information (second still image management) that has only the sound recorded at approximately the same time as the still image recording time (hereinafter referred to as the original sound). Information (V_OA_I)) (1010), management information for still images (third still image management information) that has only the audio (hereinafter, dubbing audio) that has been additionally recorded (hereinafter, dubbing) for the already recorded still image. It is classified into either (V_AA_I)) (1011) or still image management information (fourth still image management information (V_OA_AA_I)) (1012) having both original sound and dubbing sound.

【0088】

By configuring the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) in this way, the recording order and attributes of the still image (VOB) (101) can be saved in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103). Can be done. When the still image (VOB) (101) is deleted in the middle, the corresponding still image management information (VOBI) (108) is also deleted at the same time.

【0089】

Next, the detailed configuration of the still image management information (VOBI) (108) is shown with reference to FIG. 14, and a method of suppressing the data size of the management information is described.

【0090】

FIG. 14 (a) shows the configuration of the still image management information (first still image management information (V_I)) (109) having no sound. V_I (109) is composed of identification information (V_I_ID) (1033) for identifying the first still image management information as still image identification information (VOBI_ID) and image data size (V_Size) (1034). .. This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image without sound, and the data size of management information is minimized by eliminating redundant parts. The method of obtaining the address of the image part (V_Part) will be described later.

【0091】

FIG. 14 (b) shows the configuration of the still image management information (second still image management information (V_OA_I)) (1010) having only the original sound. V_OA_I (1010) includes identification information (V_OA_I_ID) (1035) for identifying the second still image management information as still image identification information (VOBI_ID), image data size (V_Size) (1036), and It consists of the original audio data size (OA_Size) (1037) and the original audio playback time (OA_PTM) (1038). This is a necessary and sufficient data structure for reproducing a still image having only the original sound, and the data size of the management information is minimized by eliminating the redundant part. The method of obtaining the addresses of the image part (V_Part) and the original audio part (OA_Part) will be described later.

【0092】

FIG. 14 (c) shows the configuration of the still image management information (third still image management information (V_AA_I)) (1011) having only the dubbing sound. V_AA_I (1011) includes identification information (V_AA_I_ID) (1039) for identifying the third still image management information as still image identification information (VOBI_ID), image data size (V_Size) (1040), and It consists of dubbing voice pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041), which will be described later. This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image having only dubbing sound, and the data size of management information is minimized by eliminating redundant parts. The method of obtaining the addresses of the image part (V_Part) and the dubbing audio part (AA_Part) will be described later.

【0093】

FIG. 14 (d) shows the configuration of the still image management information (fourth still image management information (V_OA_AA_I)) (1012) having both the original sound and the dubbing sound. V_OA_AA_I (1012) includes identification information (V_OA_AA_I_ID) (1042) for identifying the fourth still image management information as still image identification information (VOBI_ID), image data size (V_Size) (1043), and It consists of the original audio data size (OA_Size) (1044), the original audio playback time (OA_PTM) (1045), and the dubbing audio pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1046) described later.

【0094】

This is a data structure necessary and sufficient for reproducing a still image having both original sound and dubbing sound, and the data size of management information is minimized by eliminating redundant parts. The method of obtaining the addresses of the image part (V_Part), the original audio part (OA_Part), and the dubbing audio part (AA_Part) will be described later. FIG. 14 (e) shows the detailed configuration of the still image identification information (VOBI_ID) (1047) described above. The still image identification information (VOBI_ID) (1047) is a TY (Type) for identifying any of V_I_ID (1033), V_OA_I_ID (1035), V_AA_I_ID (1039), and V_OA_AA_ID (1042), and this still image identification. It consists of a PP (Playback Permission) indicating whether or not to play a still image (VOB) (101) corresponding to the information (VOBI_ID) (1047). This PP is a flag indicating that 0 can be reproduced as usual and 1 is a flag indicating that reproduction is prohibited, and has the same function as that described in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.

【0095】

As shown in FIGS. 14 (a) to 14 (d), VOB management is performed by classifying the attributes of still images into four types and providing still image management information (VOBI) (108) with a necessary and sufficient data size for each. It is possible to reduce the data size of the file (1014) as much as possible. For example, in the above technique, (a) a still image having no sound, (b) a still image having only the original sound, (c) a still image having only the dubbing sound, and (d) a still image having both the original sound and the dubbing sound. When images are recorded, the total data size of image management information (V_I) (1017) and voice management information (A_I) (1020) is (a) 2 bytes, (b) 11 bytes, (c) 11 bytes, respectively. In contrast to (d) 20 bytes, in the method shown in FIG. 14, the data sizes of the still image management information (VOBI) (108) are (a) 2 bytes, (b) 6 bytes, and (c) 4 respectively. Bytes, (d) Can be suppressed to 8 bytes. Regarding (c) and (d), the management information of the dubbing audio part (AA_Part) is required separately, which will be described later.

【0096】

In addition, by placing the still image identification information (VOBI_ID) (1047) for identifying the attribute at the beginning of each still image management information (VOBI) (108), the data of the still image management information (VOBI) (108) is placed. The size can be determined. For example, if the TY of VOBI_ID (1047) is 00, it is known that the VOBI_ID (1047) is V_I (109), and the total data size is 2 bytes. Therefore, for example, when obtaining the recording position of VOBI # 3 (108-3) in VOBI_Table (107) shown in FIG. 11, VOBI # 2 (108-2) is obtained from the data size of VOBI # 1 (108-1). ), And the recording position of VOBI # 3 (108-3) can be obtained from the data size of VOBI # 2 (108-2).

【0097】

FIG. 15A shows an example of the file structure used in one embodiment of the present invention. In a recording medium such as DVD-RAM, encoded stream data such as still images, management information data, and the like are recorded as logical files. The recording medium has a directory structure starting from the root directory (1048), and generally generates and holds the above-mentioned VOB file (1013) and VOB management file (1014) in the subdirectory (1049). The VOB file (1013) and VOB management file (1014) may be recorded directly under the root directory (1048) without using the subdirectory (1049), or further subdirected in the subdirectory (1049). A directory may be provided to record files (1013) and VOB management files (1014).

【0098】

FIG. 15 (b) shows an example of the VOB file (1013), and shows a method of obtaining an address from the data size information shown in FIG. First, as shown in the figure, in one still image group (VOBG) (102), only the image part (V_Part) and the original audio part (OA_Part) of the still image (VOB) (101) are continuous. Make sure it is recorded in the VOB file (1013). That is, when recording other data such as moving image data in the VOB file (1013) on the way, it is controlled to generate another still image group (VOBG) (102) as described above. As an example, the figure shows the image part (V_Part # 1) (1050) of the still image # 1 (VOB # 1), the image part (V_Part # 2) (1051) of the still image # 2 (VOB # 2), and it. Original audio part (OA_Part # 2) (1052) recorded almost at the same time, image part (V_Part # 3) (1053) of still image # 3 (VOB # 3), image part of still image # 4 (VOB # 4) ( V_Part # 4) (1054) and the original audio part (OA_Part) recorded almost at the same time # 4) Shows the contents of the VOB file when (1055) is recorded in order. At this time, for example, when you want to find the start address of the image part (V_Part # 3) (1053) of the still image # 3 (VOB # 3), the data size (V_Size # 1) and V_Part # 2 of V_Part # 1 (1050). The data size (V_Size # 2) of (1051) and the data size (OA_Size # 2) of OA_Part # 2 (1052) are integrated in order, and the V_Part recorded in the still image group address information (VOBG_Address) (105) described above. You can see that it should be added to the start address of # 1 (1050). In this way, if there is a method to obtain the address by integrating the data sizes, for example, even if the still image # 3 (VOB # 3) is deleted, the still image # 4 (VOB # 4) after that is deleted. It is not necessary to update the contents of the management information of the above, and the time required for reconstructing the management information can be significantly reduced.

【0099】

The dubbing audio part (AA_Part) is additionally recorded regardless of the recording order of the image part (V_Part), and it is expected that the number is significantly smaller than that of the image part (V_Part) and the original audio part (OA_Part). Therefore, the data structure is different from V_Part and OA_Part. For example, voice management information (A_I) (1020) is provided as in the voice management information table (A_I_Table) (1019) shown in FIG. 12, and the address information (A_Address) (1023) and voice data of the dubbing voice part (AA_Part) are provided. The size (A_Size) (1024) and audio playback time (A_PTM) (1025) may be recorded. If the dubbing voice pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041) (1046) shown in FIG. 14 points to the number (# 1 etc.) of the voice management information (A_I) (1020), the still image management information (# 1 etc.) The address, data size, and playback time of the dubbing audio part (AA_Part) corresponding to VOBI) can be obtained. At this time, since the number of dubbing voices is limited to one, the voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1026) for linking to other voice data is no longer necessary, and the voice pointer information (A_I_PTR) (1026) can be omitted.

【0100】

In addition, if the data structure is such that only the dubbing audio part (AA_Part) is collected, the address can be obtained by integrating the audio data size (A_Size) (1024) from the beginning, so that the address information (A_Address) (1023) Can also be omitted.

【0101】

FIG. 16 shows a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the recording / reproducing device of the present invention. The recording / playback device may be configured as dedicated hardware, or may be configured to control general-purpose hardware such as a personal computer by a control procedure (hereinafter, program) described later. In both cases, the control unit (1056) operates based on the program stored in the memory (10101) in which the program is stored. The memory (10101) in which the program is stored may be the same recording medium as the memory (10102) in which the management information described later is recorded, or the memory (10101) may be used as a play-only memory (ROM) or a flash. Use memory (10102) as a recording medium that is not suitable for frequent data rewriting, such as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) or Static Random Access Memory. Both may be configured separately, such as by using a recording medium suitable for frequently rewriting data such as (SRAM). The contents (program) of the memory (10101) in which the program is stored may be set in advance by the device manufacturer before the device is shipped, or as shown in FIG. 20, another recording medium in which the program is stored before the device is operated. It may be configured to read from (a computer-readable recording medium).

【0102】

FIG. 20 shows an example of a case where the recording / reproducing device of the present invention is configured by a computer. In the figure, the recording / playback device includes a computer (101003), a monitor for displaying images (101001), a speaker for outputting audio (101002), a mouse (101004) for inputting operation instructions from the user, and a keyboard (101005). It consists of a drive (101006) for recording and reproducing data on a recording medium (101007). The recording medium (101007) stores a program that controls the computer (101003), and reads the program into the memory (1010101) in the computer via the drive (101006) before operating as a recording / playback device (installation). ). As a computer-readable recording medium (101007), a read-only disc such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, a floppy (registered trademark) disc, or the like can be considered. Further, the recording medium (101007) may be a rewritable medium such as DVD-RAM, and the program and data such as images and sounds described below may be mixed and recorded on the same medium.

【0103】

In the recording / playback device shown in FIG. 16, the operation unit (1057) first receives an operation instruction from the user, and then the control unit (1056) controls the operation of each unit to be described later. At the time of recording, signals such as images and sounds are input from the input unit (1058), and the encoder (1059) encodes the MPEG method or the like. Encoded data such as moving images, still images, and sounds are input to the drive (1061) via the track buffer (1060) and recorded on the recording medium (1062). At this time, the control unit (1056) also records the management information generated by the methods shown in FIGS. 11 and 14. Since it is difficult to record the management information at the same time during the period when the coded data is recorded in real time, the management information is once recorded in the memory (10102) in which the management information is recorded, and then the recording medium is recorded after the coding data recording is completed. (1062) Control to record on. It is one of the objects of the present invention to suppress the capacity of this memory (10102).

【0104】

On the other hand, at the time of reproduction, the management information is once read from the recording medium (1062) into the memory (10102) by the drive (1061), and then the encoded data is read out based on the information and input to the track buffer (1060). The coded data from the track buffer (1060) is decoded by the decoder (1063) and output from the output unit (1064). The detailed operation of each of the above parts is described in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491, and the detailed configuration can be realized by a known technique, and thus is not particularly shown here. Hereinafter, the recording method and the reproduction method of the present invention will be described with a focus on the operation of the control unit (1056) (that is, the contents of the program).

【0105】

FIG. 17 shows an example of the original recording method used in the present invention. Recording is started from step (1065), and the still image group (VOBG) (102) to which the still image (VOB) (101) should be recorded in step (1066) and the corresponding still image group management information (VOBGI). Determine (103) and proceed to step (1067). At this time, for example, immediately after recording the still image (VOB) (101), the same still image group (VOBG) (102) and the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) may be continuously used. Also, if the number of still images in the still image group (VOBG) (102) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 1064) or after recording other data such as a moving image, a new still image is generated. Image groups (VOBG) (102) and still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) may be generated.

【0106】

In step (1067), the encoded stream data of the image part (V_Part) of the still image (VOB) (101) is recorded as a VOB file (1013) on the recording medium (1062), and the process proceeds to step (1068).

【0107】

In step (1068), it is determined whether or not to record the original voice, and if it is not recorded, the process proceeds to step (1069), and if it is recorded, the process proceeds to step (1070). At this time, before recording the still image, the operation mode indicating whether or not the user records the original sound is determined, and the result is stored in a mode switch, a mode memory, or the like provided in the recording device, and the stored state is stored. The above judgment may be made based on the above.

【0108】

In step (1069), the still image management information (No. 1) having no sound is added to the end of the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) shown in FIG. 1 still image management information (V_I)) (109) is added, and as shown in FIG. 14, identification information for identifying that it is the first still image management information in (V_I) (109). Record (V_I_ID) and image data size (V_Size) (1034) and proceed to step (1072). In step (1070), the encoded stream data of the original audio part (OA_Part) to be reproduced in synchronization with the still image (VOB) (101) is additionally recorded in the VOB file (1013), and the process proceeds to step (1071).

【0109】

In step (1071), the management information of the still image (second still image) having only the original sound is added to the end of the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103). Management information (V_OA_I)) (1010) is added, and as shown in FIG. 14, identification information (V_OA_I_ID) for identifying the second still image management information is included in (V_OA_I) (1010). Record the image data size (V_Size) (1036), the original audio data size (1037), and the original audio playback time (OA_PTM) (1038), and proceed to step (1072).

【0110】

In step (1072), the original recording operation is terminated.

【0111】

FIG. 18 shows an example of the dubbing method used in the present invention. Recording is started from step (1073), the user selects a still image (VOB) (101) on which the dubbing sound should be recorded in step (1074), and the control unit (1056) of the recording device selects the still image (1056). Determine the still image group (VOBG) (102) to which (VOB) (101) belongs, and the corresponding still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) and still image management information (VOBI) (108), and take steps. Proceed to (1075).

【0112】

In step (1075), which type of still image management information (VOBI) (108) selected in step (1074) is V_I (109), V_OA_I (1010), V_AA_I (1011), or V_OA_AA_I (1012). Judging by VOBI_ID (1047) shown in FIG. 14, V_I (109) goes to step (1076), V_OA_I (1010) goes to step (1077), and V_AA_I (1011) or V_OA_AA_I (1012) goes to step (1012). Proceed to 1078).

【0113】

In step (1076), change V_I (109) to V_AA_I (1011) and proceed to step (1079). That is, as shown in Fig. 14, the TY value of VOBI_ID (1047) is changed from 00 to 1010, and the management information after this VOBI_ID (1047) is copied by shifting it by 2 bytes on the memory. Then, an area (2 bytes) for storing the dubbing voice pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041) is freed.

【0114】

In step (1077), change V_OA_I (1010) to V_OA_AA_I (1012) and proceed to step (1079). That is, the TY value of VOBI_ID (1047) is changed from 01 to 11, and the management information after this VOBI_ID (1047) is copied by shifting it by 2 bytes on the memory, so that the dubbing voice pointer information ( Free up space (2 bytes) to store AA_I_PTR) (1046).

【0115】

In step (1078), using AA_I_PTR (1041) recorded in V_AA_I (1011) or AA_I_PTR (1046) recorded in V_OA_AA_I (1012), this still image and the corresponding dubbing audio part ( Find AA_Part), delete it, and proceed to step (1079).

【0116】

In step (1079), the coded stream data of the dubbing audio part (AA_Part) is recorded on the recording medium (1062), and the process proceeds to step (1080).

【0117】

In step (1080), the pointer information (AA_I_PTR) (1041 or 1046) for linking to the dubbing audio part (AA_Part) recorded in step (1079) is set in VOBI_ID (1047), and in step (1081). And finish the dubbing.

【0118】

FIG. 19 shows an example of the still image reproduction method used in the present invention. Playback is started from step (1082), and in step (1083), which still image group (VOBG) (102) is to be played is determined, and the corresponding still image group management information (VOBGI) (103). And proceed to step (1084). At this time, the user may directly select and decide, the order in which the still image group (VOBG) (102) is actually recorded, or the still image group management information (VOBGI) in the VOB management file (1014). The still image group management information (VOBGI) (103) may be selected in order according to the order in which (103) is recorded or the playback order predetermined by the user. The reproduction order predetermined by the user may be recorded as Cell I in the PGCI in the PGCI table described in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.

【0119】

In step (1084), according to the order of the still image management information (VOBI) (108) in the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107) recorded in the still image group management information (VOBGI) (103). , Play a still image (VOB) (101). The procedure is shown in steps (1085) to (1092).

【0120】

In step (1085), the still image management information (VOBI) (108) corresponding to the still image (VOB) (101) to be displayed first is selected and processed, and the process proceeds to step (1086). At this time, the first VOBI (108) recorded in VOBI_Table (107) (VOBI # 1 (108-1) in the case of FIG. 11) may be processed, or the user-determined VOBI ( 108) may be processed. The VOBI (108) predetermined by the user may be recorded as Cell_Start_Video in CellI described in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.

【0121】

In step (1086), V_Size (1034, 1036, 1040) recorded in VOBI (108) from VOBI (108) recorded at the beginning of VOBI_Table (107) to just before VOBI (108) to be processed. , 1043) and OA_Size (1037, 1044), and add the integrated value to the start address in the still image group address information (VOBG_Address) (105) to obtain the desired image part (V_Part). ) Is obtained, and the data size of V_Part is obtained from the recording medium (1062) by V_Size (any of 1034, 1036, 1040, 1043) recorded in VOBI (108) determined in step (1085). Read V_Part, perform processing such as decoding with the decoder (1063), reproduce the image from the output unit (1064), and proceed to step (1087).

【0122】

In step (1087), VOBI_ID (1047) is used to determine which type of VOBI (108) to be processed is V_I (109), V_OA_I (1010), V_AA_I (1011), or V_OA_AA_I (1012). If it is 109), it goes to step (1091), if it is V_OA_I (1010), it goes to step (1088), if it is V_AA_I (1011), it goes to step (1089), and if it is V_OA_AA_I (1012), it goes to step (1090).

【0123】

In step (1088), the data size of the original audio part (OA_Part) is obtained from OA_Size (1037) recorded in V_OA_I (1010), and the data of V_Part is added to the address of V_Part obtained in step (1086). Add the size to the address of OA_Part, read the OA_Part from the recording medium (1062), perform processing such as decoding with the decoder (1063), reproduce the audio from the output unit (1064), and proceed to step (1091). In step (1089), the AA_I_PTR (1041) recorded in V_AA_I (1011) is used to search for the dubbing audio part (AA_Part) corresponding to this still image, read from the recording medium (1062), and then the decoder (1089). Perform processing such as decoding in 1063) to reproduce the audio from the output unit (1064), and proceed to step (1091).

【0124】

In step (1090), which of the original audio part (OA_Part) and the dubbing audio part (AA_Part) is to be reproduced is determined by the user's selection, and when the OA_Part is reproduced, the procedure is the same as in step (1088). Read and play OA_Part using OA_Size (1044) recorded in V_OA_AA_I (1012), and when playing AA_Part, record in V_OA_AA_I (1012) in the same procedure as in step (1089) above. AA_Part is read and reproduced using AA_I_PTR (1046), and the process proceeds to step (1091).

【0125】

In step (1091), it is determined whether or not the VOBI (108) to be processed is the last VOBI, and if it is the last, the process proceeds to the step (1093), and if it is not the last, the process proceeds to the step (1092). At this time, as the last VOBI, the last VOBI (108) recorded in VOBI_Table (107) (VOBI # 5 (108-5) in the case of FIG. 11) may be used, or the user may use it in advance. The defined VOBI (108) may be used. The VOBI (108) predetermined by the user may be recorded as Cell_End_Video in CellI described in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-169491.

【0126】

In step (1092), the next VOBI (108) recorded in VOBI_Table (107) is processed, and the process proceeds to step (1086).

【0127】

In step (1093), the playback operation is terminated.

【0128】

By the above operation, the still image (VOB) (101) can be reproduced in the order of the still image management information (VOBI) (108) in the still image management information table (VOBI_Table) (107).

【0129】

Although DVD-RAM and DVD-R have been described above as examples, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is clear that other recording media can be used in the same manner. Further, the data size (1 byte, etc.) of each part shown in FIG. 14 is an example for explaining the operation, and is not limited to this data size.

【0130】

As described above, the second object of the present invention can be achieved. That is, even when a huge amount of still image data and audio data to be reproduced in synchronization with the large amount of still image data are recorded on a large-capacity optical disk medium and some still images are deleted, the time required for reconstructing the management information and the said. The data size of management information can be significantly reduced.

【0131】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, it is possible to search a huge number of still images recorded on a large-capacity optical disk medium using the still image recording time (RECTM), and it is possible to suppress an increase in the data size of management information. ..

【0132】

Further, even when a huge amount of still image data and audio data to be reproduced in synchronization with the large amount of still image data are recorded on a large-capacity optical disk medium and some still images are deleted, the time required for reconstructing the management information and the said. The data size of management information can be significantly reduced.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram of the 1st Example of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a figure which showed the directory structure used in the 1st Example of this invention.

[Fig. 3]

It is a figure which showed the structure of the time information used in the 1st Example of this invention.

[Fig. 4]

It is a block diagram of the 2nd Example of this invention.

[Fig. 5]

It is a figure which showed the directory structure used in the 3rd Example of this invention.

[Fig. 6]

It is a block diagram of the 3rd Example of this invention.

[Fig. 7]

It is a block diagram of the 4th Example of this invention.

[Fig. 8]

It is a block diagram of the Example of the recording / reproduction apparatus of this invention.

[Fig. 9]

This is an example of the still image recording method used in the present invention.

[Fig. 10]

This is an example of the still image reproduction method used in the present invention.

[Fig. 11]

It is a block diagram of one Example of this invention.

[Fig. 12]

It is explanatory drawing of the technique which concerns on the proposal of the present inventors.

[Fig. 13]

It is explanatory drawing of the technique which concerns on the proposal of the present inventors.

[Fig. 14]

It is a more detailed block diagram of one Example of this invention.

[Fig. 15]

It is a figure which showed an example of the file used in one Example of this invention.

[Fig. 16]

It is a block diagram of the Example of the recording / reproduction apparatus of this invention.

[Fig. 17]

This is an example of the recording method used in the present invention.

[Fig. 18]

This is another example of the recording method used in the present invention.

[Fig. 19]

This is an example of the reproduction method used in the present invention.

[Fig. 20]

It is a block diagram of the Example of the recording / reproduction apparatus of this invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Still image (VOB); 2 ... Still image group (VOBG); 3 ... Still image group management information (VOBGI); 4 ... Still image group identifier (VOBG_ID); 5 ... VOB number information; 6 ... VOB map; 7 ... First recording time (F_RECTM); 8 ... Last recording time (L_RECTM); 9,31,37 ... Address; 10,38 .. .Attributes; 11 ... VOB files; 12 ... VOB management files; 13 ... root directories; 14 ... subdirectories; 15 ... years; 16 ... months; 17 ... days; 18 ... hours; 19 ... minutes; 20 ... seconds; 21 ... pointer information to still image recording time management information (RECTMI) (RECTMI_P); 22 ... still image recording time management information (RECTMI) RECTMI); 23 ... Recording time (RECTM); 24 ... THM file; 25 ... THM management file; 26 ... Still image management information (VOBI); 27,30 ... Thumbnail identifier (THM_ID) ); 28 ... Thumbnail image data (THM); 29 ... Thumbnail management information (THMI); 32,39 ... Recording time (RECTM); 33 ... Pointer to thumbnail group management information (THMGI) Information (THMGI_P); 34 ... Thumbnail group management information (THMGI); 35 ... THM number information; 36 ... THM map; 40 ... Thumbnail group; 41 ... Control unit; 42 ... Operation unit; 43 ... Input unit; 44 ... Encoder; 45 ... Track buffer; 46 ... Drive; 47 ... Recording medium; 48 ... Decoder; 49 ... Output unit; 50 , 51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60, 61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70 ... Steps; 101 ... Programs Memory to store; 102 ... Memory to record management information; 101 ... Still image (VOB); 102 ... Still image group (VOBG); 103 ... Still image group management information (VOBGI) );104 ... Still image group identification information (VOBG_ID); 105 ... Still image group address information (VOBG_Address); 106 ... Still image number information (VOBI_Number); 107 ... Still image management information table (VOBI_Table); 108 ... Still image management information (VOBI); 109 ... Still image management information without sound (first still image management information (V_I)); 1010 ... Still image with only original sound Management information (second still image management information (V_OA_I)); 1011 ... Still image management information with only dubbing sound (third still image management information (V_AA_I)); 1012 ... Original sound and dubbing Still image management information with both audio (4th still image management information (V_OA_AA_I)); 1013 ... VOB file; 1014 ... VOB management file; 1015 ... Image number information (V_I_Number); 1016 ... image management information table (V_I_Table); 1017 ... image management information (V_I); 1018 ... voice number information (A_I_Number); 1019 ... voice management information table (A_I_Table); 1020 ... voice Management information (A_I); 1021,1034,1036,1040,1043 ... Image data size (V_Size); 1022,1026 ... Voice pointer information (A_I_PTR); 1023 ... Voice address information; 1024 ... Audio data size (A_Size); 1025 ... Audio playback time (A_PTM); 1027,1029,1030,1031,1050,1051,1053,1054 ... Image part (V_Part); 1028,1032 ... Audio part (A_Part); 1033 ... Identification information for identifying the first still image management information (V_I_ID); 1035 ... Identification information for identifying the second still image management information (V_OA_I_ID); 1037,1044 ... Original audio data size (OA_Size); 1038,1045... Original audio playback time (OA_PTM); 1039 ... Identification information to identify that it is the third still image management information (V_AA_I_ID); 1041,1046 ... Dubbing audio pointer information (AA_I_PTR); 1042 ... Identification information (V_OA_AA_I_ID) to identify the fourth still image management information; 1047 ... Still image identification information (VOBI_ID); 1048 ... Root directory; 1049 ... Subdirectory; 1052,1055 ... Original audio part (OA_Part); 1056 ... Control unit; 1057 ... Operation unit; 1058 ... Input unit; 1059 ... Encoder; 1060 ... Track buffer; 1061 .. Drive; 1062 ... Recording medium; 1063 ... Decoder; 1064 ... Output section; 1065,1066,1067,1068,1069,1070,1071,1072,1073,1074,1075,1076,1077,1078 , 1079,1080,1081,1082,1083,1084,1085,1086, 1087,1088,1089,1090,1091,1092,1093 ... Steps; 10101 ... Memory where programs are stored; 10102 ... Memory in which management information is recorded; 101001 ... Monitor; 101002 Speaker; 101003 ... Computer; 101004 ... Mouse; 101005 ... Keyboard; 101006 ... Drive; 101007 ... Recording medium.1055 ... Original audio part (OA_Part); 1056 ... Control unit; 1057 ... Operation unit; 1058 ... Input unit; 1059 ... Encoder; 1060 ... Track buffer; 1061 ... Drive 1062 ... Recording medium; 1063 ... Decoder; 1064 ... Output section; 1065,1066,1067,1068,1069,1070,1071,1072,1073,1074,1075,1076,1077,1078,1079 , 1080,1081,1082,1083,1084,1085,1086, 1087,1088,1089,1090,1091,1092,1093 ... Step; 10101 ... Memory where the program is stored; 10102 ... Management information Memory for recording; 101001 ... Monitor; 101002 Speaker; 101003 ... Computer; 101004 ... Mouse; 101005 ... Keyboard; 101006 ... Drive; 101007 ... Recording medium.1055 ... Original audio part (OA_Part); 1056 ... Control unit; 1057 ... Operation unit; 1058 ... Input unit; 1059 ... Encoder; 1060 ... Track buffer; 1061 ... Drive 1062 ... Recording medium; 1063 ... Decoder; 1064 ... Output section; 1065,1066,1067,1068,1069,1070,1071,1072,1073,1074,1075,1076,1077,1078,1079 , 1080,1081,1082,1083,1084,1085,1086, 1087,1088,1089,1090,1091,1092,1093 ... Step; 10101 ... Memory where the program is stored; 10102 ... Management information Memory for recording; 101001 ... Monitor; 101002 Speaker; 101003 ... Computer; 101004 ... Mouse; 101005 ... Keyboard; 101006 ... Drive; 101007 ... Recording medium.