U.S. patent application number 10/760092 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-20 for recording apparatus, reproduction apparatus, and file management method.
Invention is credited to Hirabayashi, Mitsuhiro, Ishizaka, Toshihiro, Kawate, Fumitaka.
Application Number | 20050013208 10/760092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32588607 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050013208 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hirabayashi, Mitsuhiro ; et
al. |
January 20, 2005 |
Recording apparatus, reproduction apparatus, and file management
method
Abstract
A recording apparatus, a reproduction apparatus, and a file
management method are disclosed wherein the operability in
management of a large number of files recorded on a recording
medium using an index file can be improved significantly further
than ever. An index file is formed from a series of entries of
extract information from a large number of files. Information
indicative of a relationship between the files is set to the index
file. The index file is used to manage a large number of files and
so forth recorded on a recording medium.
Inventors: |
Hirabayashi, Mitsuhiro;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Kawate, Fumitaka; (Kanagawa, JP)
; Ishizaka, Toshihiro; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William S. Frommer, Esq.
FROMMER LAWRENCE & HAUG LLP
745 Fifth Avenue
New York
NY
10151
US
|
Family ID: |
32588607 |
Appl. No.: |
10/760092 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
369/27.01 ;
369/30.01; 386/E9.013; G9B/27.012; G9B/27.019; G9B/27.05;
G9B/27.051 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 27/034 20130101;
H04N 5/85 20130101; H04N 9/8042 20130101; G11B 2220/20 20130101;
H04N 9/8205 20130101; G11B 27/105 20130101; G11B 27/34 20130101;
G11B 27/329 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
369/027.01 ;
369/030.01 |
International
Class: |
G11B 019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 21, 2003 |
JP |
2003-011827 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A recording apparatus for recording desired files on a recording
medium, comprising: index file generation means for generating an
index file of the files recorded on the recording medium in the
form of a series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files; said
index file generation means setting, as information representative
of a mutual relationship between the entries, information
indicative of a reproduction order of the entries or the files
corresponding to the entries to the index file.
2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said index
file generation means sets the reproduction order within a group of
those entries which are selected from among the entries provided in
the index file.
3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the group
of entries is a group of those entries which correspond to favorite
ones of the files selected by a user.
4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said index
file generation means forms an entry which describes the
reproduction order in the form of a table in the index file to set
information representative of the reproduction order to the index
file.
5. A recording apparatus for recording desired files on a recording
medium, comprising: index file generation means for generating an
index file of the files recorded on the recording medium in the
form of a series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files; said
index file generation means dividing the extract information
relating to any of the files to generate the index file, which
includes a plurality of entries; said index file generation means
setting, to the entry of the divided extract information, as
information representative of a mutual relationship between the
entries, information indicative of an entry in which the succeeding
divisional extract information is recorded.; said index file
generation means setting, to the entry in which the succeeding
divisional extract information is recorded, an identifier
indicating that the entry has the succeeding divisional extract
information recorded therein.
6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said index
file generation means groups pieces of the extract information for
each attribute to generate the index file and sets, to the index
file, an identifier indicating to which one of the groups each of
the pieces of the divisional extract information belongs.
7. A recording apparatus for recording desired files on a recording
medium, comprising: index file generation means for generating an
index file of the files recorded on the recording medium in the
form of a series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files; said
index file generation means setting, where the files recorded on
the recording medium include a plurality of child files generated
by dividing one set of contents and a parent file for managing the
plural child files, to the entries relating to the child files and
the parent file, as information representative of a mutual
relationship between the entries, identifiers indicating that the
files are the child files and the parent file, respectively.
8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said index
file generation means sets, to the entries relating to the child
files, information which indicates the entry relating to the parent
file.
9. A recording apparatus for recording desired files on a recording
medium, comprising: index file generation means for generating an
index file of the files recorded on the recording medium in the
form of a series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files; said
index file generation means registering information of file formats
of the files into corresponding ones of the entries.
10. A recording apparatus for recording desired files on a
recording medium, comprising: index file generation means for
generating an index file of the files recorded on the recording
medium in the form of a series of entries each in the form of a
block of extract information relating to and coordinated with one
of the files; said index file generation means registering
information regarding decoding of the files into corresponding ones
of the entries.
11. A recording apparatus for recording desired files on a
recording medium, comprising: index file generation means for
generating an index file of the files recorded on the recording
medium in the form of a series of entries each in the form of a
block of extract information relating to and coordinated with one
of the files; said index file generation means registering
information unique to processing means for the files and
information for specifying the processing means relating to the
unique information.
12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said
index file generation means registers the unique information into
the index file by setting the unique information to the
corresponding entries.
13. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said
index file generation means registers the unique information into
the index file by setting reference destinations of the unique
information to the corresponding entries.
14. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from a data group
of the extract information and a management data group for managing
the data group.
15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from different
files for the data group of the extract information and the
management data group from each other.
16. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said
index file generation means groups the data group of the extract
information for each attribute and forms the index file from
different files for the individual groups of the data group and the
management data group from one another.
17. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from a data group
of the extract information and a management data group for managing
the data group.
18. The recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from different
files for the data group of the extract information and the
management data group from each other.
19. The recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said
index file generation means groups the data group of the extract
information for each attribute and forms the index file from
different files for the individual groups of the data group and the
management data group from one another.
20. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from a data group
of the extract information and a management data group for managing
the data group.
21. The recording apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from different
files for the data group of the extract information and the
management data group from each other.
22. The recording apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said
index file generation means groups the data group of the extract
information for each attribute and forms the index file from
different files for the individual groups of the data group and the
management data group from one another.
23. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from a data group
of the extract information and a management data group for managing
the data group.
24. The recording apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from different
files for the data group of the extract information and the
management data group from each other.
25. The recording apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said
index file generation means groups the data group of the extract
information for each attribute and forms the index file from
different files for the individual groups of the data group and the
management data group from one another.
26. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from a data group
of the extract information and a management data group for managing
the data group.
27. The recording apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from different
files for the data group of the extract information and the
management data group from each other.
28. The recording apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said
index file generation means groups the data group of the extract
information for each attribute and forms the index file from
different files for the individual groups of the data group and the
management data group from one another.
29. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from a data group
of the extract information and a management data group for managing
the data group.
30. The recording apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said
index file generation means forms the index file from different
files for the data group of the extract information and the
management data group from each other.
31. The recording apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said
index file generation means groups the data group of the extract
information for each attribute and forms the index file from
different files for the individual groups of the data group and the
management data group from one another.
32. A file management method for managing a plurality of files
retained in a predetermined region, comprising the steps of:
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files; and
setting, as information representative of a mutual relationship
between the entries, information indicative of a reproduction order
of the entries or the files corresponding to the entries to the
index file.
33. A file management method for managing a plurality of files
retained in a predetermined region, comprising the steps of:
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files;
dividing the extract information relating to any of the files to
generate the index file, which includes a plurality of entries;
setting, to the entry of the divided extract information, as
information representative of a mutual relationship between the
entries, information indicative of an entry in which the succeeding
divisional extract information is recorded; and setting, to the
entry in which the succeeding divisional extract information is
recorded, an identifier indicating that the entry has the
succeeding divisional extract information recorded therein.
34. A file management method for managing a plurality of files
retained in a predetermined region, comprising the steps of:
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files; and
setting, where the files recorded on the recording medium include a
plurality of child files generated by dividing one set of contents
and a parent file for managing the plural child files, to the
entries relating to the child files and the parent file, as
information representative of a mutual relationship between the
entries, identifiers indicating that the files are the child files
and the parent file, respectively.
35. A file management method for managing a plurality of files
retained in a predetermined region, comprising the steps of:
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files; and
registering information of file formats of the files into
corresponding ones of the entries.
36. A file management method for managing a plurality of files
retained in a predetermined region, comprising the steps of:
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files; and
registering information regarding decoding of the files into
corresponding ones of the entries.
37. A file management method for managing a plurality of files
retained in a predetermined region, comprising the steps of:
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files; and
registering information unique to processing means for the files
and information for specifying the processing means relating to the
unique information.
38. A reproduction apparatus for reproducing files recorded on a
predetermined recording medium based on a predetermined index file
so as to be provided to a user, comprising: the index file being
formed from a series of entries each in the form of a block of
extract information relating to and coordinated with one of the
files; information indicative of a reproduction order of the
entries or the files corresponding to the entries being set, as
information representative of a mutual relationship between the
entries, to the index file; means for successively reproducing the
files recorded on the recording medium in accordance with the
reproduction order set to the index file.
39. A reproduction apparatus for reproducing files recorded on a
predetermined recording medium based on a predetermined index file
so as to be provided to a user, comprising: the index file being
formed from a series of entries each in the form of a block of
extract information relating to and coordinated with one of the
files; the extract information relating to any of the files being
divided to generate the index file which includes a plurality of
entries; the entry of the divided extract information having set
thereto, as information representative of a mutual relationship
between the entries, information indicative of an entry in which
the succeeding divisional extract information is recorded; the
entry in which the succeeding divisional extract information is
recorded having set thereto an identifier indicating that the entry
has the succeeding divisional extract information recorded therein;
means for regenerating the divided extract information based on the
information indicative of the entry in which the succeeding
divisional extract information is recorded and the identifier
indicating that the entry has the succeeding divisional extract
information recorded therein.
40. A reproduction apparatus for reproducing files recorded on a
predetermined recording medium based on a predetermined index file
so as to be provided to a user, comprising: the index file being
formed from a series of entries each in the form of a block of
extract information relating to and coordinated with one of the
files; the entries which relate, where the files recorded on the
recording medium include a plurality of child files generated by
dividing one set of contents and a parent file for managing the
plural child files, to the child files and the parent file having
set thereto, as information representative of a mutual relationship
between the entries, identifiers indicating that the files are the
child files and the parent file, respectively; means for
successively reproducing the plural child files based on the
identifiers.
41. A reproduction apparatus for reproducing files recorded on a
predetermined recording medium based on a predetermined index file
so as to be provided to a user, comprising: the index file being
formed from a series of entries each in the form of a block of
extract information relating to and coordinated with one of the
files; information of file formats of the files being registered in
corresponding ones of the entries; means for selecting those ones
of the files, which can be reproduced based on the information of
the file formats of the files and displaying a user interface of
the selected files.
42. A reproduction apparatus for reproducing files recorded on a
predetermined recording medium based on a predetermined index file
so as to be provided to a user, comprising: the index file being
formed from a series of entries each in the form of a block of
extract information relating to and coordinated with one of the
files; information regarding decoding of the files being registered
in corresponding ones of the entries; means for selecting those
ones of the files which can be decoded normally based on the
information regarding decoding in the index file and displaying a
user interface of the selected files.
43. A reproduction apparatus for reproducing files recorded on a
predetermined recording medium based on a predetermined index file
so as to be provided to a user, comprising: the index file being
formed from a series of entries each in the form of a block of
extract information relating to and coordinated with one of the
files; information unique to processing means for the files and
information for specifying the processing means relating to the
unique information being registered in the index file; means for
processing the files recorded on the recoding medium based on the
unique information relating to the information for specifying the
corresponding processing means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a recording apparatus, a
reproduction apparatus, and a file management method and can be
applied, for example, to an optical disk apparatus. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a recording
apparatus, a reproduction apparatus, and a file management method
wherein a large number of files recorded on a recording medium are
managed with an index file.
[0002] In recent years, many disk apparatus or like apparatus have
been proposed wherein a recording medium of a large capacity, which
can be accessed at random such as an optical disk, is used to
record image pickup results.
[0003] A method for a disk apparatus of the type described is
disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2001-84705
(Patent Document 1) wherein an index file is formed from a large
number of files recorded on a recording medium and is recorded on
the recording medium and used to assure a high operability relating
to the large number of files.
[0004] Another method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No.
2002-278996 (Patent Document 2) wherein a large number of files are
hierarchized and managed in and with an index file generated in
such a manner as described above to further improve the operability
relating to the large number of files.
[0005] It is considered preferable if the operability with such an
index file as described above can be improved further than
ever.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
recording apparatus, a reproduction apparatus, and a file
management method wherein the operability in management of a large
number of files recorded on a recording medium using an index file
can be improved significantly further than ever.
[0007] In order to attain the object described above, according to
the present invention, an index file which is formed from a series
of entries of extract information from a large number of files
recorded on a recording medium and has information indicative of a
relationship between the files set thereto is used to manage the
large number of files recorded on the recording medium.
[0008] In particular, according to an aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for recording
desired files on a recording medium, including index file
generation means for generating an index file of the files recorded
on the recording medium in the form of a series of entries each in
the form of a block of extract information relating to and
coordinated with one of the files, the index file generation means
setting, as information representative of a mutual relationship
between the entries, information indicative of a reproduction order
of the entries or the files corresponding to the entries to the
index file.
[0009] With the recording apparatus, as information representative
of a mutual relationship between the entries, information
indicative of a reproduction order of the entries or the files
corresponding to the entries is set to the index file.
Consequently, the reproduction order can be designated with the
index file. Consequently, the operability can be further improved
than ever as much making use of the index file effectively.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a recording apparatus for recording desired files on a
recording medium, including index file generation means for
generating an index file of the files recorded on the recording
medium in the form of a series of entries each in the form of a
block of extract information relating to and coordinated with one
of the files, the index file generation means dividing the extract
information relating to any of the files to generate the index file
which includes a plurality of entries, the index file generation
means setting, to the entry of the divided extract information, as
information representative of a mutual relationship between the
entries, information indicative of an entry in which the succeeding
divisional extract information is recorded, the index file
generation means setting, to the entry in which the succeeding
divisional extract information is recorded, an identifier
indicating that the entry has the succeeding divisional extract
information recorded therein.
[0011] With the recording apparatus, to the entry of the divided
extract information, as information representative of a mutual
relationship between the entries, information indicative of an
entry in which the succeeding divisional extract information is
recorded is set. Further, to the entry in which the succeeding
divisional extract information is recorded, an identifier
indicating that the entry has the succeeding divisional extract
information recorded therein is set. Therefore, for example, where
an entry is added through editing or the like and extract
information of one file is represented with a plurality of entries,
the entry in which succeeding extract information is recorded can
be detected simply and rapidly. Consequently, the operability can
be further improved than ever.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a recording apparatus for recording desired files
on a recording medium, including index file generation means for
generating an index file of the files recorded on the recording
medium in the form of a series of entries each in the form of a
block of extract information relating to and coordinated with one
of the files, the index file generation means setting, where the
files recorded on the recording medium include a plurality of child
files generated by dividing one set of contents and a parent file
for managing the plural child files, to the entries relating to the
child files and the parent file, as information representative of a
mutual relationship between the entries, identifiers indicating
that the files are the child files and the parent file,
respectively.
[0013] With the recording apparatus, to the entries relating to the
child files and the parent file, as information representative of a
mutual relationship between the entries, identifiers indicating
that the files are the child files and the parent file are set,
respectively. Consequently, for example, where one file is divided,
because of a limitation of a file management system or from some
other reason, into a plurality of child files to be recorded on a
recording medium and one set of contents is represented virtually
with the parent file for managing the child files, entries of the
parent file and the child files which are associated with each
other can be detected simply and rapidly. Consequently, the
operability can be further improved than ever.
[0014] According to a still further aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for recording
desired files on a recording medium, including index file
generation means for generating an index file of the files recorded
on the recording medium in the form of a series of entries each in
the form of a block of extract information relating to and
coordinated with one of the files, the index file generation means
registering information of file formats of the files into
corresponding ones of the entries.
[0015] With the recording apparatus, information of file formats of
the files is registered into corresponding ones of the entries.
Therefore, whether or not each of a large number of files can be
reproduced can be detected simply and rapidly by a search of the
index file. Consequently, the operability can be further improved
than ever.
[0016] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a recording apparatus for recording desired files
on a recording medium, including index file generation means for
generating an index file of the files recorded on the recording
medium in the form of a series of entries each in the form of a
block of extract information relating to and coordinated with one
of the files, the index file generation means registering
information regarding decoding of the files into corresponding ones
of the entries.
[0017] With the recording apparatus, information regarding decoding
of the files is registered into corresponding ones of the entries.
Therefore, whether or not each of a large number of files can be
decoded normally can be detected simply and rapidly by a search of
the index file beforehand. Consequently, the operability can be
further improved than ever.
[0018] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a recording apparatus for recording desired files
on a recording medium, including index file generation means for
generating an index file of the files recorded on the recording
medium in the form of a series of entries each in the form of a
block of extract information relating to and coordinated with one
of the files, the index file generation means registering
information unique to processing means for the files and
information for specifying the processing means relating to the
unique information.
[0019] With the recording apparatus, information unique to
processing means for the files and information for specifying the
processing means relating to the unique information are registered
into the index file. Therefore, information regarding a processing
situation, information relating to a source, and so forth can be
retained in the index file in accordance with an application
program, which may be the processing means, or/and an editing
apparatus, a reproduction apparatus, or the like. Consequently, the
application program, editing apparatus, reproduction apparatus, or
the like can effectively utilize the information retained in the
index file to simplify management and processing of a large number
of files. Consequently, the operability can be further improved
than ever.
[0020] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a file management method for managing a plurality
of files retained in a predetermined region, including the steps of
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files, and
setting, as information representative of a mutual relationship
between the entries, information indicative of a reproduction order
of the entries or the files corresponding to the entries to the
index file.
[0021] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a file management method for managing a plurality
of files retained in a predetermined region, including the steps of
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files,
dividing the extract information relating to any of the files to
generate the index file which includes a plurality of entries,
setting, to the entry of the divided extract information, as
information representative of a mutual relationship between the
entries, information indicative of an entry in which the succeeding
divisional extract information is recorded, and setting, to the
entry in which the succeeding divisional extract information is
recorded, an identifier indicating that the entry has the
succeeding divisional extract information recorded therein.
[0022] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a file management method for managing a plurality
of files retained in a predetermined region, including the steps of
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files, and
setting, where the files recorded on the recording medium include a
plurality of child files generated by dividing one set of contents
and a parent file for managing the plural child files, to the
entries relating to the child files and the parent file, as
information representative of a mutual relationship between the
entries, identifiers indicating that the files are the child files
and the parent file, respectively.
[0023] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a file management method for managing a plurality
of files retained in a predetermined region, including the steps of
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files, and
registering information of file formats of the files into
corresponding ones of the entries.
[0024] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a file management method for managing a plurality
of files retained in a predetermined region, including the steps of
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files, and
registering information regarding decoding of the files into
corresponding ones of the entries.
[0025] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a file management method for managing a plurality
of files retained in a predetermined region, including the steps of
generating an index file of the plural files in the form of a
series of entries each in the form of a block of extract
information relating to and coordinated with one of the files, and
registering information unique to processing means for the files
and information for specifying the processing means relating to the
unique information.
[0026] With the file management methods, the operability can be
further improved than ever.
[0027] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a reproduction apparatus for reproducing files
recorded on a predetermined recording medium based on a
predetermined index file so as to be provided to a user, including,
the index file being formed from a series of entries each in the
form of a block of extract information relating to and coordinated
with one of the files, information indicative of a reproduction
order of the entries or the files corresponding to the entries
being set, as information representative of a mutual relationship
between the entries, to the index file, means for successively
reproducing the files recorded on the recording medium in
accordance with the reproduction order set to the index file.
[0028] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a reproduction apparatus for reproducing files
recorded on a predetermined recording medium based on a
predetermined index file so as to be provided to a user, including,
the index file being formed from a series of entries each in the
form of a block of extract information relating to and coordinated
with one of the files, the extract information relating to any of
the files being divided to generate the index file which includes a
plurality of entries, the entry of the divided extract information
having set thereto, as information representative of a mutual
relationship between the entries, information indicative of an
entry in which the succeeding divisional extract information is
recorded, the entry in which the succeeding divisional extract
information is recorded having set thereto an identifier indicating
that the entry has the succeeding divisional extract information
recorded therein, means for regenerating the divided extract
information based on the information indicative of the entry in
which the succeeding divisional extract information is recorded and
the identifier indicating that the entry has the succeeding
divisional extract information recorded therein.
[0029] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a reproduction apparatus for reproducing files
recorded on a predetermined recording medium based on a
predetermined index file so as to be provided to a user, including,
the index file being formed from a series of entries each in the
form of a block of extract information relating to and coordinated
with one of the files, the entries which relate, where the files
recorded on the recording medium include a plurality of child files
generated by dividing one set of contents and a parent file for
managing the plural child files, to the child files and the parent
file having set thereto, as information representative of a mutual
relationship between the entries, identifiers indicating that the
files are the child files and the parent file, respectively, means
for successively reproducing the plural child files based on the
identifiers.
[0030] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a reproduction apparatus for reproducing files
recorded on a predetermined recording medium based on a
predetermined index file so as to be provided to a user, including,
the index file being formed from a series of entries each in the
form of a block of extract information relating to and coordinated
with one of the files, information of file formats of the files
being registered in corresponding ones of the entries, means for
selecting those ones of the files which can be reproduced based on
the information of the file formats of the files and displaying a
user interface of the selected files.
[0031] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a reproduction apparatus for reproducing files
recorded on a predetermined recording medium based on a
predetermined index file so as to be provided to a user, including,
the index file being formed from a series of entries each in the
form of a block of extract information relating to and coordinated
with one of the files, information regarding decoding of the files
being registered in corresponding ones of the entries, means for
selecting those ones of the files which can be decoded normally
based on the information regarding decoding in the index file and
displaying a user interface of the selected files.
[0032] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a reproduction apparatus for reproducing files
recorded on a predetermined recording medium based on a
predetermined index file so as to be provided to a user, including,
the index file being formed from a series of entries each in the
form of a block of extract information relating to and coordinated
with one of the files, information unique to processing means for
the files and information for specifying the processing means
relating to the unique information being registered in the index
file, means for processing the files recorded on the recoding
medium based on the unique information relating to the information
for specifying the corresponding processing means.
[0033] With the reproduction apparatus, the operability can be
further improved than ever.
[0034] In summary, according to the invention, to an index file,
which is formed from a series of entries of extract information
from a large number of files, information indicative of a
relationship between the files is set. The index file is used to
manage a large number of files and so forth recorded on a recording
medium. Consequently, the operability can be further improved than
ever.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] These and other objects of the invention will be seen by
reference to the description, taken in connection with the
accompanying drawing, in which;
[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an optical disk apparatus
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an example of a
configuration of a QT movie file;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a video media
information atom illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an index
file;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a property track
of the index file of FIG. 4;
[0041] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a text track of
the index file of FIG. 4;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a thumbnail track
of the index file of FIG. 4;
[0043] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an intro track of
the index file of FIG. 4;
[0044] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view illustrating actual data of
the property;
[0045] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a property entry
header illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0046] FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrammatic views illustrating a
structure of the index file;
[0047] FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrammatic views illustrating a
relationship between the index file and a file management
system;
[0048] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a property entry
flag;
[0049] FIGS. 14A and 14B diagrammatic views illustrating a virtual
file structure;
[0050] FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrammatic views illustrating
extension of an entry;
[0051] FIGS. 16A and 16B diagrammatic views illustrating division
of a file;
[0052] FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrammatic views illustrating
different extension of an entry;
[0053] FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrammatic views illustrating a play
order;
[0054] FIGS. 19A and 19B are similar views but illustrating another
play order;
[0055] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic view illustrating basic property
data;
[0056] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a flag relating
to contents;
[0057] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic view illustrating property
extension data;
[0058] FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a reference file
list;
[0059] FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a grouping file
list;
[0060] FIGS. 25A and 25B are diagrammatic views illustrating
operation relating to the grouping file list;
[0061] FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a URL;
[0062] FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic view illustrating private property
data;
[0063] FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a private
property entry;
[0064] FIGS. 29A to 29C are diagrammatic views illustrating
operation relating to the private property entry;
[0065] FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a QT movie
file;
[0066] FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a configuration
of a file type compatibility atom;
[0067] FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a configuration
of a profile atom;
[0068] FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a configuration
of a list of the profile atom of FIG. 32;
[0069] FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a type of
information relating to decoding;
[0070] FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an example of a
configuration of a profile atom;
[0071] FIG. 36 is a flow chart illustrating a processing procedure
of a system controlling microcomputer in a process of generating
and updating an index file;
[0072] FIG. 37 is a flow chart illustrating a processing procedure
of the system controlling microcomputer relating to a user
interface;
[0073] FIG. 38 is a flow chart illustrating a common processing
procedure for the contrast with the processing procedure
illustrated in FIG. 37;
[0074] FIGS. 39A to 39D are diagrammatic views illustrating an
index file according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0075] FIG. 40 is a diagrammatic view illustrating reference
information of the index file of FIGS. 39A to 39D;
[0076] FIG. 41 is a diagrammatic view illustrating part of an index
file according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0077] FIGS. 42A to 42E are diagrammatic views illustrating an
index file according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
1. First Embodiment
1-1. Configuration of the Optical Disk Apparatus
[0078] FIG. 1 shows an optical disk apparatus according to a first
embodiment of the present invention. The optical disk apparatus 1
acquires a video signal and an audio signal of an image pickup
object by means of an image pickup section and a sound acquisition
section not shown and records a result of image pickup as the video
signal and audio signal on an optical disk 2. Further, the optical
disk apparatus 1 reproduces the result of the image pickup recorded
on the optical disk 2 and outputs it from a displaying section in
the form of a liquid crystal display panel and a sound outputting
section in the form of a speaker and further outputs it to an
external equipment. The optical disk apparatus 1 converts such a
video signal and an audio signal of the image pickup result into
streaming data in accordance with a format of the MPEG (Moving
Picture Experts Group) and then records the streaming data in
accordance with a predetermined file format on the optical disk 2.
In the present embodiment, the QuickTime is applied as the
predetermined file format just described.
[0079] In the optical disk apparatus 1, a video encoder 11 performs
an analog/digital conversion process for a video signal of a result
of image pickup to generate video data and then encodes the video
data in accordance with the format of the MPEG. Consequently, an
elementary stream of the video data is outputted from the video
encoder 11.
[0080] An audio encoder 12 performs an analog/digital conversion
process for an audio signal of a result of image pickup to generate
audio data and then encodes the audio data in accordance with the
format of the MPEG. Consequently, an elementary stream of the audio
data is outputted from the audio encoder 12.
[0081] A file generator 15 performs, upon recording, a multiplexing
process for the elementary streams outputted from the video encoder
11 and the audio encoder 12 and generates a QuickTime movie file
under the control of a system controlling microcomputer 19.
[0082] A memory controller 18 changes over operation thereof under
the control of the system controlling microcomputer 19. Upon
recording, the memory controller 18 successively records and
temporarily retains a data string of a QuickTime movie file
outputted from the file generator 15 and various data outputted
from the system controlling microcomputer 19 into a memory 17 and
then outputs the retained data so as to be processed by a
succeeding error correction encoder/decoder 21. On the other hand,
upon reproducing, the memory controller 18 temporarily retains
output data from the error correction encoder/decoder 21 and
outputs the retained data to a file decoder 16 and the system
controlling microcomputer 19.
[0083] The error correction encoder/decoder 21 changes over
operation thereof under the control of the system controlling
microcomputer 19, and upon recording, temporarily records output
data from the memory controller 18 into a memory 20 and adds an
error correction code to the temporarily recorded data. Further,
the error correction encoder/decoder 21 reads out and outputs the
data retained in the memory 20 in such a manner as just described
in accordance with a predetermined order. Thereupon, the data are
interleaved, and the interleaved data are outputted to a data
modulator/demodulator 23. On the other hand, upon reproduction, the
error correction encoder/decoder 21 temporarily records data
outputted from the data modulator/demodulator 23 into the memory 20
in accordance with a predetermined order and then outputs the data
conversely to those upon recording. Thereupon, the error correction
encoder/decoder 21 performs a deinterleave process for the data
outputted from the data modulator/demodulator 23 and outputs the
interleaved data to the memory controller 18. Further, at this
time, the error correction encoder/decoder 21 performs an error
correction process with the error correction code added upon
recording.
[0084] The data modulator/demodulator 23 changes over operation
thereof under the control of the system controlling microcomputer
19. Upon recording, the data modulator/demodulator 23 converts
output data from the error correction encoder/decoder 21 into a
serial data string and then performs a modulation process for the
serial data string and outputs the modulated serial data string to
a magnetic field modulation driver 24 or an optical pickup 33. On
the other hand, upon reproduction, the data modulator/demodulator
23 reproduces a clock from a reproduction signal outputted from the
optical pickup 33 and performs a binary identification process and
a demodulation process for the reproduction signal with reference
to the clock. Consequently, the data modulator/demodulator 23
acquires reproduction data corresponding to the serial data string
generated upon recording and outputs the reproduction data to the
error correction encoder/decoder 21.
[0085] Where a magneto-optical disk is used as the optical disk 2,
upon recording, the magnetic modulation driver 24 drives a magnetic
field head 32 with an output signal of the data
modulator/demodulator 23 under the control of the system
controlling microcomputer 19. Here, the magnetic field head 32 is
held so as to face the optical pickup 33 with the optical disk 2
interposed therebetween and applies a modulation magnetic field
based on the output data from the data modulator/demodulator 23 to
an irradiation position of a laser beam of the optical pickup 33.
Consequently, in the optical disk apparatus 1, where a
magneto-optical disk is used as the optical disk 2, a QuickTime
movie file and so forth are recorded on the optical disk 2 using a
thermomagnetic recording method.
[0086] The optical disk 2 is a disk type recording medium. In the
present embodiment, as the optical disk 2, a rewritable optical
disk such as a magneto-optical disk (MO), a phase change type disk,
or the like is used. A spindle motor 31 drives the optical disk 2
to rotate in accordance with a condition such as a constant linear
velocity (CLV), a constant angular velocity (CAV), a zone constant
linear velocity, or the like suitable for the optical disk 2 under
the control of a servo circuit 30.
[0087] The servo circuit 30 controls operation of the spindle motor
31 based on various signals outputted from the optical pickup 33 to
perform a spindle controlling process. Further, the servo circuit
30 similarly controls the optical pickup 33 to perform a tracking
control and a focusing control process, further causes the optical
pickup 33 and the magnetic field head 32 to perform seeking
operation, and executes a process such as a focus searching
process.
[0088] A drive controlling microcomputer 22 controls operation of
seeking and so forth of the servo circuit 30 in accordance with an
instruction of the system controlling microcomputer 19.
[0089] The optical pickup 33 irradiates a laser beam upon the
optical disk 2, receives the reflected light by means of a
predetermined light reception element, and then arithmetically
operates a result of the light reception to generate various
controlling signals. The optical pickup 33 outputs the controlling
signals and further outputs a reproduction signal whose signal
level varies in response to a pit string or a mark string formed on
the optical disk 2. Further, the optical pickup 33 changes over
operation thereof under the control of the system controlling
microcomputer 19, and where the optical disk 2 is a magneto-optical
disk, upon recording, the optical pickup 33 intermittently raises
the luminous energy of the laser beam to be irradiated upon the
optical disk 2. Consequently, in the optical disk apparatus 1, a
QuickTime movie file or a like file is recorded onto the optical
disk 2 by a pulse train method. On the other hand, where the
optical disk 2 is a phase change type disk or the like, the optical
pickup 33 raises the luminous energy of the laser beam to be
irradiated upon the optical disk 2 from that upon reproduction to
that upon writing. Consequently, a QuickTime movie file or the like
is recorded on the optical disk 2 by applying a thermal recording
method.
[0090] The optical disk apparatus 1 compresses a video signal and
an audio signal of a result of image pickup by means of the video
encoder 11 and the audio encoder 12 to individually convert them
into elementary streams and then converts the elementary streams
into a QuickTime movie file by means of the file generator 15. Data
of the QuickTime movie file is sent successively through the memory
controller 18, error correction encoder/decoder 21, and data
modulator/demodulator 23 to the optical pickup 33. The data of the
QuickTime movie file is recorded on the optical disk 2 by the
optical pickup 33 or by the optical pickup 33 and the magnetic
field head 32 together with data of an index file and so forth. The
index file is a file for indexing in which QuickTime movie files
recorded on the optical disk 2 are recorded as object files for
management.
[0091] Further, the optical disk apparatus 1 processes a
reproduction signal obtained by the optical pickup 33 by means of
the data modulator/demodulator 23 to obtain reproduction data and
then processes the reproduction data by means of the error
correction encoder/decoder 21. Consequently, a QuickTime movie
file, the index file, and so forth recorded on the optical disk 2
can be reproduced, and the reproduced QuickTime movie file, index
file, and so forth are outputted from the memory controller 18.
[0092] The file decoder 16 receives data of the QuickTime movie
file outputted from the memory controller 18, decomposes the data
into elementary streams of video data and audio data, and outputs
the elementary streams. A video decoder 13 decompresses the
elementary stream of the video data and outputs the decompressed
elementary stream to a display apparatus or external equipment not
shown. An audio decoder 14 decomposes the elementary stream of the
audio data outputted from the file decoder 16 and outputs the
decompressed elementary stream to a sound outputting apparatus or
external equipment not shown. Consequently, in the optical disk
apparatus 1, a result of image pickup reproduced from the optical
disk 2 can be monitored.
[0093] It is to be noted that the optical disk apparatus 1 includes
an interface for allowing connection of an external apparatus such
as a computer thereto. Consequently, the optical disk apparatus 1
can record output of the external apparatus in place of data of an
image pickup result on the optical disk 2 and reproduce a file
recorded on the optical disk 2 so that the file can be processed by
the external apparatus.
[0094] An operation section 26 includes various operation elements
of the optical disk apparatus 1 and a touch panel disposed on a
liquid crystal display panel, and issues a notification of various
operations by the user to the system controlling microcomputer
19.
[0095] The system controlling microcomputer 19 controls operation
of the entire optical disk apparatus 1. If loading of the optical
disk 2 is detected through execution of a predetermined processing
procedure recorded in a memory not shown, then the system
controlling microcomputer 19 causes the optical pickup 33 to
perform seeking operation to the innermost circumference of the
optical disk 2 and reproduce management information of a file
managing system regarding the optical disk 2. Further, the system
controlling microcomputer 19 acquires the reproduced management
information from the memory controller 18 and stores it into a
built-in memory. Consequently, the system controlling microcomputer
19 detects an address each file recorded on the optical disk 2 and
a free region of the optical disk 2.
[0096] If the system controlling microcomputer 19 searches the
management information acquired in this manner and detects that an
index file is recorded on the optical disk 2, then it controls the
optical pickup 33 to perform seeking operation to the recorded
position of the index file and reproduce the index file. Then, the
system controlling microcomputer 19 acquires the reproduced index
file from the memory controller 18 and records and retains it into
and in the built-in memory. Consequently, in the present
embodiment, the overall operability is improved in processing of
files recorded on the optical disk 2 through utilization of the
index file. It is to be noted that the index file can be recorded
on the innermost circumference side of a user area of the optical
disk 2 to reduce the built-up time.
[0097] The system controlling microcomputer 19 controls operation
of the entire optical disk apparatus 1 using the index file in
response to an operation of the user. In particular, the system
controlling microcomputer 19 causes thumbnail images and so forth
to be displayed on a liquid crystal display panel for monitoring
based on the index file to introduce contents of QuickTime movie
files recorded on the optical disk 2. Then, the system controlling
microcomputer 19 accepts selection of a file by the user from among
the introduced QuickTime movie files and causes the file selected
by the user to be reproduced based on corresponding management
information.
[0098] On the other hand, if an instruction to record an image
pickup result is issued by the user, then the system controlling
microcomputer 19 detects a free region in accordance with the
management information and causes the optical pickup 33 to perform
seeking operation to the free region and records successively
obtained image pickup results onto the optical disk 2. Further, the
system controlling microcomputer 19 updates the management
information retained in the memory so as to correspond to records
of QuickTime movie files by such recording of the image pickup
results. Then, upon ejection of the optical disk 2 or the like, the
system controlling microcomputer 19 updates the management
information of the optical disk 2 in accordance with the updated
management information. It is to be noted that the updating of the
management information is executed by outputting the management
information retained and updated in the memory to the error
correction encoder/decoder 21 through the memory controller 18.
[0099] In the processes described above, the system controlling
microcomputer 19 outputs various kinds of information necessary for
generating a QuickTime file to be used for recording to the file
generator 15. Further, the system controlling microcomputer 19
acquires information necessary generating an index file through the
file generator 15. The system controlling microcomputer 19 uses the
thus acquired information, information outputted to the file
generator 15, and other necessary information to update the index
file retained in the memory regarding a QuickTime movie file to be
recorded newly on the optical disk 2. Then, the system controlling
microcomputer 19 updates the index file recorded on the optical
disk 2 with the updates index file retained in the memory in a
similar manner as in the updating process of management
information.
[0100] On the other hand, if an instruction to edit a file recorded
on the optical disk 2 is issued by the user, then the system
controlling microcomputer 19 updates the index file and the
management information retained in the memory in a similar manner
as upon recording so as to cope with processing in the editing.
Then, the system controlling microcomputer 19 updates the index
file and the management information of the optical disk 2 with the
index file and the management information retained in the memory.
It is to be noted that, if the index file is not recorded although
QuickTime movie files are recorded on the optical disk 2, the
system controlling microcomputer 19 generates an index file in
accordance with an instruction of the user. Then, the system
controlling microcomputer 19 stores the index file into the memory
and records the index file on the optical disk 2. In this process,
the system controlling microcomputer 19 reproduces pertaining
portions of QuickTime movie files from the optical disk 2 to
acquire information necessary for generating an index file from the
memory controller 18.
[0101] Thus, in the present embodiment, the system controlling
microcomputer 19 serves as an index file generation means for
generating an index file together with the file generator 15.
1-2. Index File
[0102] The index file is used to manage information necessary for
reproduction by a file management system of the optical disk 2 such
as an address of a recorded position, a file name, and a file
length similarly to various files recorded on the optical disk 2
such as a QuickTime movie file. The index file includes information
for introduction of contents of QuickTime movie files of an object
of management recorded on the optical disk 2. If a QuickTime movie
file recorded on the optical disk 2 is selected with reference to
the index file, then the optical disk apparatus 1 reproduces the
selected file from the optical disk 2 based on the file management
system. Consequently, even where a large number of QuickTime files
are recorded on the optical disk 2, the optical disk apparatus 1
can select a desired file rapidly and accurately, and therefore,
the operability can be improved as much.
[0103] In the present embodiment, the index file is formed from a
series of entries each in the form of a block of information
(hereinafter referred to as extract information) extracted from
information relating to QuickTime movie files and other necessary
information, which are allocated to information introducing
contents of the QuickTime movie files and so forth. Therefore, the
contents of the QuickTime movie files can be grasped simply and
readily from the index file.
[0104] The index file has a file structure same as that of a
QuickTime movie file and includes an index data atom, which is a
set of data of extract information, and an index atom, which is a
set of management data for managing the data set. Thus, the index
file can be generated and processed using the file generator 15,
which is a tool for generating a QuickTime movie file, and
therefore, the optical disk apparatus 1 is simplified in
configuration as much.
[0105] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of a
QuickTime movie file. It is to be noted that the QuickTime is
disclosed in "INSIDE MACINTOSH: QuickTime (Japanese version)
(Addison Wesley)" and so forth. A QuickTime movie file is formed
using a data unit called atom as a reference, and each atom is
formed from a size, type information, and information allocated to
the atom.
[0106] The QuickTime movie file is formed from a movie atom 40 and
a movie data atom 41. The movie data atom 41 is a data unit to
which elementary streams of video data and audio data, which are
actual data of the QuickTime movie file, are allocated. In the
QuickTime movie file, a minimum unit of actual data is handled as a
sample, and a chunk is defined as a set of samples. To the movie
data atom 41, chunks from an elementary stream of video data and
chunks from an elementary stream of audio data are successively
allocated, and further, information representative of the size and
the type is allocated.
[0107] To the movie atom 40, information necessary for reproduction
of the movie data atom 41 and other necessary information are
allocated in a hierarchical structure. In particular, the movie
atom 40 is defined by a movie header atom 42, a movie clipping atom
43, a user definition data atom 44, one or more track atoms 45, and
so forth. The movie header atom 42 accommodates information
relating to the entire QuickTime movie file. The movie clipping
atom 43 designates a clipping region.
[0108] Each of the track atoms 45 is provided for one track in the
QuickTime movie file and includes a track header atom 46, a track
clipping atom 47, a track matte atom 48, an edit atom 49, and a
media atom 50. The track atom 45 describes information relating to
individual data in the movie data atom 41. It is to be noted that
only one track atom 45 for a video movie is illustrated while the
other track atoms are omitted.
[0109] The media atom 50 from among the atoms forming the track
atom 45 is formed from a media header atom 51, a video media
information atom 52, and a media handler reference atom 53, and
data of a movie track, information for defining a component for
interpretation of media data, and so forth are allocated to the
media atom 50. It is to be noted that a media handler by the media
handler reference atom can use the information atom of the video
media information atom 52 to perform mapping from media time to
media data.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 3, the video media information atom 52 is
formed from a data handler reference atom 60, a media information
header atom 61, a data information atom 62, and a sample table atom
63 and describes information relating to media.
[0111] In particular, the data handler reference atom 60 describes
information relating to handling of media data and includes
information for designating a data handler component for providing
accessing means to the media data. The data information atom 62
includes a data reference atom and describes information relating
to the data.
[0112] To the sample table atom 63, information necessary to
convert media time into a sample number representative of a sample
position is allocated in the form of a table. The sample table atom
63 includes a sample size atom, a time-to-sample atom, a sync
sample atom, a sample description atom, a sample-to-chunk atom, a
chunk offset atom, a shadow sync atom, and so forth.
[0113] The sample size atom among the atoms mentioned above
describes the size of a sample, and the time-to-sample atom
describes time information of recorded data in the form of a
relationship between a sample and the time axis. The sync sample
atom describes information relating to synchronism and designates a
key frame in a media. It is to be noted that the key frame is a
frame of a self-contained type, which does not rely upon any
preceding frame. The sample description atom retains information
relating to decoding of samples in a media. It is to be noted that
the media can have one or a plurality of sample description atoms
in accordance with the compression type used in the media.
[0114] The sample-to-chunk atom is used to refer to a table in the
sample description atom to identify a sample description
corresponding to each of samples in the media. The sample-to-chunk
atom describes a relationship between samples and chunks such that
a sample position in the media can be discriminated based on
information of the top chunk, the number of samples per one chunk,
and a sample description-ID. The chunk offset atom describes the
start bit position of a chunk in the movie data and defines the
position of each chunk in the data stream.
[0115] With the QuickTime movie file having such a configuration as
described above, if a sample table is expanded in a memory based on
the atoms in the sample table atom 63, then a relationship between
data in the movie data atom 41 can be identified from the sample
table. Consequently, it is possible to successively trace the
hierarchies of the movie atom 40 to detect the atoms in the sample
table atom 63 and reproduce the data in the movie data atom 41 in
synchronism along the time axis.
[0116] It is to be noted that, while, in the present embodiment,
elementary streams of compressed video data and audio data are
allocated to the movie data atom 41, such data in a QuickTime movie
file need not necessarily be allocated in a compression coded form,
but may be stored otherwise in the form of linear data. Further,
for example, text data, actual data of a MIDI file or the like may
be allocated to the movie data atom 41. In this instance, text
tracks, MIDI tracks and so forth are provided in the movie atom 40
in conformity with the configuration of the movie data atom 41.
[0117] The index file is configured in such a manner as illustrated
in FIG. 4 in conformity with such a configuration of a QuickTime
movie file as described above. In particular, the index file is
formed from an index atom 70 and an index data atom 71
corresponding to the movie atom 40 and the movie data atom 41 of
the QuickTime movie file, respectively. The index data atom 71
includes actual data of a disk title, actual data of extract
information of the files, and forth allocated as chunks thereto.
Meanwhile, management information of the actual data allocated to
the index data atom 71 is allocated to the index atom 70.
[0118] The extract information is information extracted partly from
manage object files, which introduce contents of the management
files in the index file. Therefore, although the extract
information varies depending upon the types of the management
object files, where the management object files are QuickTime movie
files of video data and audio data as in the present embodiment,
three kinds of data, that is, text data, thumbnail picture data,
and intro data corresponding to property data are applied to the
extract data.
[0119] The index data atom 71 manages extract information of each
management object file with an entry, which includes three kinds of
data, that is, text data, thumbnail picture data, and intro data,
in combination with respect to a property corresponding to the
management object file. It is to be noted that, in the top entry
#1, extract information of the disk title is allocated in place of
a management object file. Further, in the index data atom 71,
property data, text data, thumbnail data, and intro data are set to
chunks and allocated thereto.
[0120] The property data represents a property of the disk title or
a management object file, and extract information in the form of
binary data set to the disk title or a management object file is
allocated together with management information of the entry. It is
to be noted that the property data is provided without fail even
where the succeeding text, thumbnail picture, and intro data are
not provided because the type of the management object file is
different.
[0121] The text data includes data representative of a character
string of the disk title or the title of a management object
file.
[0122] The thumbnail picture data includes data of a still picture
representative of the disk title or a management object file, and,
for example, the top picture of a management object file is
allocated to the thumbnail picture of the management object file.
In contrast, to the thumbnail picture of the disk title, a
thumbnail picture, for example of a specific entry of a management
object file is allocated in accordance with selection of the user.
It is to be noted that the thumbnail picture of each management
object file may otherwise be set by selection of the user.
[0123] The intro data is audio data for a short period of time
representative of contents of a management object file. To the
intro data of a management object file, audio data for several
seconds, typically for 5 seconds, for example, after reproduction
of a corresponding file is started is allocated. In contrast, to
the intro data of the disk title, intro data of a specific entry
of, for example, each management object file is allocated by
selection of the user. It is to be noted that also the intro data
of a management object file may otherwise be set by selection of
the user.
[0124] Thus, in the optical disk apparatus 1, the system
controlling microcomputer 19 acquires and decodes video data and
audio data compressed by the file generator 15 and generates a
thumbnail picture from the video data through sampling of pixels of
the video data. Meanwhile, with regard to the audio data, a
required portion of it is cut out to generate intro data. Further,
the system controlling microcomputer 19 generates title data from
file information of each management object file stored in the file
management system of the optical disk 2 in accordance with setting
of the user. In contrast, the property data is generated by the
system controlling microcomputer 19 in response to an operation of
the user. It is to be noted that such thumbnail picture and intro
data are compressed and allocated to the index data atom as
occasion demands.
[0125] The index atom 70 includes track atoms 81, 82, 83, and 84
corresponding to the property, text, thumbnail picture, and intro
data of the index data atom 71, and a movie header atom 85, which
supervises the tracks 81, 82, 83, and 84. The track atoms 81, 82,
83, and 84 are hereinafter referred to as property track, text
track, thumbnail track, and intro track, respectively. It is to be
noted that, since only the property data is essentially required in
the index data atom 71, only the movie header atom and the property
track are essentially required in the index atom 70.
[0126] To the movie header atom 85, information relating to the
entire index file is allocated similarly as in the case of a
QuickTime movie file. In contrast, to each of the property track
81, text track 82, thumbnail track 83, and intro track 84, position
information of corresponding actual data is allocated in order of
entries in the form of a table.
[0127] FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate the property track 81, text track
82, thumbnail track 83, and intro track 84, respectively. To each
of them, relative positions (RBP: Relative Byte Number) of start
bytes and data lengths of corresponding chunks are allocated.
Consequently, when the optical disk apparatus 1 performs a search
for a desired file with reference to a thumbnail picture, for
example, in accordance with an instruction of the user, it can
acquire a corresponding chunk from the index data atom 71 based on
the thumbnail track 83 to successively acquire data of thumbnail
pictures. Further, the optical disk apparatus 1 can detect a chunk
of a corresponding property from the thumbnail track 81 and process
data of a thumbnail picture acquired in this manner and so
forth.
1-3. Property
[0128] FIG. 9 illustrates actual data of the property set to each
chunk. The property is formed from a Property Entry Header, Basic
Property Data, and Property Extension Data. To the property entry
header, attribute information of property information, which is
necessary to manage management object files in a hierarchical
structure, is allocated, and to the basic property data, basic
extract information relating to the property is allocated. While
each of the property entry header and the basic property data is
formed with a fixed length, the property extension data is set with
a variable length and is used for an option of the property entry
header or the like.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 10, the property entry header is formed
from an Entry Number, a Parent Entry Number, Popery Entry Flags, a
Play-order, an Entry Data Size, a Next-extends-entry, and the
Reserved.
[0130] The entry number is identification data of an entry, and a
unique code is allocated to each entry and may be, for example, a
number which increments from the value 0 in order of entry. It is
to be noted that, where the entry number is defined as an order
number in the order of entry, the entry number field can be
omitted.
[0131] The parent entry number is formed from an entry number of an
entry to which some other entries belong. Consequently, regarding a
QuickTime movie file corresponding to each entry, a folder to which
a QuickTime movie file belongs can be specified in a file
management system regarding an optical disk 2 on which QuickTime
movie files are recorded or in a virtual file structure set by the
user as seen in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B. In particular, in
FIGS. 11A to 12B, it is illustrated that several QuickTime movie
files according to the file management system of the optical disk 2
are managed with the index file. More particularly, a folder and
QuickTime movie files having the entry numbers 1, 2 and 3 belong to
another folder having the entry number 0 (which is a root folder in
the example). Further, a folder and a QuickTime movie file having
the entry numbers 4 and 5 belongs to the folder having the entry
number 3. Furthermore, QuickTime movie files having the entry
numbers 6 and 7 belong to the folder having the entry number 4.
[0132] It is to be noted that, in the example illustrated in FIGS.
11A to 12B, the parent entry number with respect to the entry whose
entry number is 0 and represents that it is the root folder is set
to a code (represented by reference character X), which has no
meaning. Further, File-a to File-e indicate the file names of
corresponding QuickTime movie files.
[0133] To the property entry flags, attributes of the entry are
set. In particular, as seen in FIG. 13, the 0th bit of the property
entry flags is used as a flag, which indicates whether the entry is
Original or Favorite. The favorite here is a group of entries
selected from among entries provided in the index file based on
setting of the user. In the present embodiment, a desired file of
the user can be managed in a virtual hierarchical structure based
on the group.
[0134] The first bit of the property entry flags is allocated to a
flag for identification of whether the entry is an entry (File) of
a file or an entry (Folder) of a folder, which collectively
includes some other entries. Thus, in the example described
hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A and 12B, the 0bit
(represented by PE-Flags(0)) of the property entry flags is set to
the value 0 in all of the entries having the entry numbers 0 to 7.
Therefore, it can be seen that the hierarchical structure indicated
by the entry numbers and the parent entry numbers is an original
hierarchical structure of files managed by the file management
system relating to the optical disk 2. Also it can be seen from the
first bit (represented by PE-Flags(1)) of the property entry flags
that the entries having the entry numbers 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 are
entries of original data each in the form of a QuickTime movie
file.
[0135] As can be seen from the contrast of FIGS. 14A and 14B with
FIGS. 12A and 12B, the 0th bit (represented by PE-Flags(0)) of the
property entry flags in the QuickTime movie files (File-d and
File-c) having the entry numbers 6 and 5 is set to the value 1 and
entries (entry numbers 9 and 10) of the property according to the
favorite are added. Further, a folder according to the favorite,
which collectively includes the added entries, is placed into a
different entry (entry number 8). Consequently, a file management
system having a virtual hierarchical structure according to the
favorite can be constructed. It is to be noted that, in FIGS. 14A
and 14B, the first bit of the property entry flags in the entry
(entry number 8) of the folder according to the favorite is set to
the value 1, and the parent entry numbers in the entries of the
entry numbers 9 and 10 following the entry of the entry number 8
indicate the entry number 8 of the folder. Consequently, in the
display of the file structure according to the favorite, the folder
of the entry number 8 is set to a root folder, and the QuickTime
movie files of the entry numbers 9 and 10 are virtually disposed in
a lower hierarchy with respect to the root folder. Consequently,
the system controlling microcomputer 19 sets the property entry
flags through an editing process by the user for the files recorded
on the optical disk 2.
[0136] The second bit of the property entry flags (FIG. 13) is set
to a flag (Extends) representing that the region is an extension
region of the entry. Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, in the present
embodiment, each chain has a fixed data length including a
predetermined amount of data so that a process by the system
controlling microcomputer 19 or the like can be simplified.
Further, where each chain is formed so as to have a fixed data
length in this manner, if the data length of a chain is short, then
an entry can be added so that extract information of one QuickTime
movie file can be represented with a plurality of entries (chains).
Therefore, even if the data amount of thumbnail picture data or the
like exceeds the data amount set to one chain as a result of
editing or the like, this can be coped with by the present
embodiment. The extension region of an entry signifies that it is a
region, which relates to such an additional entry, and in the
example illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the entry of the entry
number 8 is set as an extension region to the entry of the entry
number 2. Thus, the system controlling microcomputer 19 supervises
the data amount of the property, thumbnail picture and so forth to
be allocated to each chain and suitably sets an entry as an
extension region, and places, for the property of the entry
relating to the extension region, the value 1 into the flag
(Extends) which indicates an extension region of the entry.
[0137] The third bit of the property entry flags (FIG. 13) is set
to the reserved, and the fourth bit is set to a flag (Valid), which
represents whether the entry is valid or invalid. Consequently, in
the present embodiment, for example, when one QuickTime movie file
is deleted, the index file can be updated only by merely changing
over the setting of the flag (Valid) of the fourth bit in
accordance with the deletion of the file.
[0138] The fifth to seventh bits of the property entry flags (FIG.
13) are set to the reserved, and the eighth bit is set to a flag
(Reference) representing that the file registered in the entry
refers to another file. Further, the ninth bit is set to a flag
(Child File) representing that the file registered in the entry is
a divided child file, and the tenth bit is set to a flag (Parent
File) representing that the file registered in the entry is a
parent file of the divided child file. In particular, in the file
management system applied to the optical disk 2 or the like, it is
necessary to set the data length of one file to a value lower than
a predetermined upper limit value. However, the data amount of
streaming contents based on a QuickTime movie file or the like
sometimes exceeds the upper limit value by the file management
system. Therefore, according to the QuickTime, a file having such
an excessively great data amount is divided intermediately, and
files obtained by the division are managed with a management file.
Consequently, also a file, which exceeds the limit by the file
management system, can be recorded.
[0139] In the present embodiment, since such a management file as
just described refers to a plurality of files obtained by division,
a flag (Reference), which indicates such reference, is set to the
entry of the management file. Further, the flags (Parent File and
Child File) representative of a parent file and a child file are
set to the entries of the management file and the divisional files,
respectively. In other words, where files to be recorded on the
optical disk 2 as a recording medium are a plurality of child files
generated by dividing one set of contents and a parent file which
manages the child files, identifiers (Parent File and Child File)
representing that the child files and the parent file are entries
of child files and a parent file, respectively, are set to the
child files and the parent file as information representing a
mutual relationship among the entries.
[0140] Consequently, it can be seen in an example of FIGS. 16A and
16B that files corresponding to entries of the entry numbers 2 and
3 are files obtained by division in this manner and the management
file for the files corresponding to the entries of the entry
numbers 2 and 3 is registered with the entry number 1. Similarly,
it can be seen that files corresponding to entries of the entry
numbers 5 and 6 are files obtained by division in such a manner as
described above and the management file for the files corresponding
to the entries of the entry numbers 5 and 6 is registered with the
entry number 4. It is to be noted that, according to such a
reference relationship as just described, for example, if an
editing process is performed, then a file of a source of editing is
sometimes referred to by a plurality of files by different editing
processes, and in such an instance, a single child file is referred
to by a plurality of parent files.
[0141] Consequently, in the present embodiment, a relationship of a
parent file, a child file and a reference file can be grasped
readily from the index file. Further, if contents spanning
successive records have a data amount exceeding a predetermined
data amount, the system controlling microcomputer 19 divides the
contents and sets a management file, and then registers the files
obtained by the division and the management file as entries into
index data and sets flags for them. Further, the system controlling
microcomputer 19 determines, in response to an operation of the
user, for example, the child files among the files as hidden files
so that they may not be displayed. Further, if the parent file is
designated by the user, then the system controlling microcomputer
19 successively reproduces the child files as reference files of
the parent file in accordance with the settings of the flags.
[0142] The 11th to 13th bits of the property entry flags (FIG. 13)
are set to flags representative of whether or not the title,
thumbnail picture and intro entries corresponding to the property
entry have an extension region, respectively. As can be seen from
the contrast of FIGS. 17A and 17B with FIGS. 15A and 15B, in the
present embodiment, an extension region to the entry of the entry
number 2 is set as the entry of the entry number 8, and if data
required for the setting of the extension region is data of the
title, then the 11th bit of the property entry flags is set to the
value 1 so as to represent that the entry of the title has an
extension region. Consequently, in the present embodiment, it is
possible to search the flags of the 11th to 13th bits based on the
settings of the flag (Extends) of the third bit to rapidly search
out data relating to an extension region. Consequently, where the
flag (Extends) of the third bit is set in accordance with an
editing process or the like by the user, the system controlling
microcomputer 19 suitably sets the three flags and searches the
index data in accordance with the settings of the flags.
[0143] The 14th and 15th bits of the property entry flags are set
to the reserved.
[0144] The property entry header (FIG. 10) includes, next to the
property entry flags described above, the Play-order to which
information representative of a reproduction order of entries or
files corresponding to the entries is set as information
representative of a mutual relationship between the entries.
Consequently, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, if
the user designates reproduction by the original file management
system, then the title, thumbnail picture, intro entries of the
entry numbers 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 according to the original files are
reproduced in the set order in the Play-order, and further, the
corresponding QuickTime movie files can be reproduced in the order
set in the Play-order. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14A and
14B, data acquired from corresponding tracks (82 to 84) are sorted
and reproduced in the order of the entry numbers 1, 5, 7, 6 and
2.
[0145] On the other hand, if the user selects reproduction
according to the favorite, then the files of the entry numbers 9
and 10 in the group according to the favorite can be reproduced in
the order set in the Play-order, and then corresponding QuickTime
movie files can be reproduced in the order set in the Play-order.
It is to be noted that, in this instance, where one of the entries
is a folder, then since an object of reproduction does not exist
actually in the entry, the Play-order in the present embodiment is
set with a code (indicated by a mark X), which has no meaning.
[0146] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate the Play-order where the
favorite setting is removed from the example illustrated in FIGS.
14A and 14B in contrast with FIGS. 12A and 12B. The Play-order may
be set in various manners. In particular, the Play-order may be set
such that the entry to be generated first is set to the value 1
whereas the entries to be successively reproduced are set to
successively incremented values in this manner. Or, the Play-order
may otherwise be set such that, for example, the entry to be
generated first is set to the value 0 whereas the entries to be
successively reproduced are set to successively incremented values
as seen through the contrast of FIGS. 19A and 19B with FIGS. 18A
and 18B.
[0147] The data size of the property regarding each entry is set to
the Entry Data Size next to the Play-order in the property entry
header (FIG. 10).
[0148] In the succeeding Next-extends-entry, the number of an entry
to be connected is recorded. In particular, where an extension
region (the entry of the entry number 8) is set in the entry of the
entry number 2 as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.
15A, 15B, 17A and 17B, the entry number 8 which is data indicative
of the extension region is set to the Next-extends-entry.
Consequently, in the present embodiment, if extract information
regarding a management object file is divided into a plurality of
entries and the index file is generated based on the divisional
entries, to one of the entries in which the divisional extract
information is record, information indicative of another one of the
entries in which the succeeding divisional extract information is
recorded is set in the Next-extends-entry. Further, an identifier
(Extends of the property entry flags) indicating that the entry has
the succeeding divisional extract information recorded therein is
set to the entry. Consequently, even if all entries are not
searched, a coupling relationship between the entries can be
detected rapidly, and the time required for the process can be
reduced as much. Further, pieces of extract information can be
grouped with regard to the property, title, thumbnail picture and
intro which are attributes to generate an index file and
identifiers (the 11th to 13th bits of the property entry flags)
indicative of to which one of groups the extract information
divided into a plurality of entries belongs is set so that the time
required for the process can be further reduced.
[0149] In contrast, the Basic Property Data includes, as seen from
FIG. 20, information (Format Brand) of the format of the
corresponding management object file, information (Media Profile)
relating to decoding of the corresponding management object file,
and flags (Contents status flags) relating to contents of the
management object file. The Basic Property Data further includes
Creation Time of the management object file, editing date and hour
(modification time) of the management object file, a Duration, a
file identifier (Binary File Identifier) and a reference file
number (Referred Counter).
[0150] The format information (Format Brand) in the basic property
data represents the format of a management object file specified
with the extension of the management object file, information
stored in the file or the like and is acquired, for example, by the
file management system of the optical disk 2. Meanwhile, the
information (Media profile) regarding decoding is acquired, for
example, from a control code set in elementary streams of video
data and audio data, which form the QuickTime movie file. More
particularly, the information (Media Profile) regarding decoding
includes the types of codecs in elementary streams of video data
and audio data, the bit rate, the number of frames of the video
data, the sampling frequency of the audio data, the picture sizes
of the video data in the vertical and horizontal directions and so
forth.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 21, the flags (Contents status flags)
regarding contents in the basic property data includes flags
allocated to the first to third bits thereof and representative of
whether or not chunks of the title, thumbnail picture, and intro
data are present in the index data, respectively. Further, the
flags include flags allocated to the fourth to sixth bits and
representative of whether or not the title, thumbnail picture and
intro data corresponding to the chunks of the title, thumbnail
picture, and intro data are present in the original management
object file, respectively. Further, the seventh and eighth bits are
allocated to the reserved, and the ninth to sixteenth bits are
allocated to information representative of the type of contents of
the management object file (the type such as, for example, moving
picture contents, still picture contents, or audio contents).
[0152] Referring back to FIG. 20, the 11th and 12th bites of the
basic property data are set to the reserved, and the succeeding
13th to 16th bytes and the further succeeding 17th to 20th bytes
are set to the Creation Time and the editing date and hour
(modification time). To the Duration, reproduction time of the
management object file is set.
[0153] The file identifier (Binary File Identifier) describes the
location of the management object file, and in the present
embodiment, the file name of a corresponding management object file
or the folder name of a corresponding folder recorded on the
optical disk 2 is allocated to the file identifier (Binary File
Identifier). It is to be noted that, in case the location of a file
cannot be represented with the region of the file identifier, the
location of the file is represented by a URL (Uniform Resource
Locator) of Property Extension Data hereinafter described.
Therefore, in this instance, the property is represented with a
variable length. Consequently, a management object file
corresponding to any of the entries described hereinabove with
reference to FIGS. 12A, 12B, 14A, and 14B can be detected based on
the file identifier (Binary File Identifier) or the URL set to the
Property Extension Data.
[0154] Meanwhile, to the reference file number (Referred Counter)
in the basic property data, the number of the other child files
with regard to a child file referred to as described above with
reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B is set. Consequently, in the example
illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the reference file number of the
value 1 is set to the entries of the child files having the entry
numbers 2, 3, 5 and 6.
[0155] FIG. 22 illustrates the property extension data. The
property extension data includes a reference file list (Referring
File List), a Grouping File List, a URL, Private Property Data, and
a Private Property Entry.
[0156] The reference file list is a list corresponding to a setting
of the reference file number (Referred Counter) set in the basic
property data and is formed by registering the entry numbers of
referring side entries with respect to entries on the referring
side which are in a referring relationship relative to each other
into a list. Referring to FIG. 23, the reference file list includes
information (Size) representative of the size of the reference file
list, information (Type) representing that the list is a reference
file list, and the entry number of a referring side entry.
Consequently, for example, for entries (entry numbers 2, 3 and 5,
6) of two files obtained by division by the processing relating to
the QuickTime described hereinabove, the entry numbers 1 and 4 are
registered in the entry list as seen in FIGS. 16A and 16B.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, to an entry of a child file,
information indicative of an entry of a parent file is set in the
reference file list.
[0157] In contrast, the Grouping File List is a list of entries,
which belong to the same group, and includes information (Size)
representative of the size of the grouping file list, information
(Type) representing that the list is a grouping file list, and an
entry number of an entry belonging to a group. The entry number is
registered in order of reproduction among entries belonging to the
group. Consequently, in the present embodiment, an entry, which
describes the order of reproduction by the grouping file list in
the form of a table, can be provided.
[0158] Consequently, for example, as can be seen from the contrast
of FIGS. 25A and 25B with FIGS. 14A and 14B, if an entry of a
folder of favorites is registered based on the grouping file list,
then a favorite can be registered even if an entry (entry numbers 9
and 10) corresponding to each favorite file is not registered newly
as seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B. Consequently, increase of the data
amount of the index file can be prevented as much. Therefore, the
system controlling microcomputer 19 registers a favorite based on
the grouping file list or through registration of individual
entries described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B
in accordance with the description of the processing program.
Further, the system controlling microcomputer 19 provides the
titles or the like in a predetermined order in accordance with the
favorites registered in such a manner as described above and
further reproduces corresponding QuickTime movie files in the
predetermined order.
[0159] In contrast, the URL describes locations of management
object file corresponding to the individual entries when a location
of a file cannot be represented with a file identifier of the basic
property data as seen in FIG. 26. Consequently, in the present
embodiment, a management object file corresponding to each entry
can be detected.
[0160] To the Private Property Data, other extract information is
allocated together with the Private Property Entry. The extract
information described hereinabove is considered to be extract
information, which can be utilized commonly by various application
programs and various apparatus processing a QuickTime movie file,
which is a management object file of the index file. In other
words, the extract information can be regarded as information
common to processing means for a management object file.
[0161] Such application programs and apparatus which manage a
QuickTime movie file as described above sometimes record and retain
unique information regarding a QuickTime movie file of an object of
processing in such processing means as application programs and
apparatus mentioned above. In such an instance, if a plurality of
QuickTime movie files can be managed collectively with an index
file, then the convenience in use can be further improved. In
particular, the unique information may be information regarding a
source of contents of each QuickTime movie file (such as, for
example, a subtitle, the name of a broadcasting station from which
the information is broadcast, camera information relating to image
pickup conditions, or information of an apparatus used for the
image pickup), information relating to contents (such as the name
of the artist or the name of an album), or information relating to
processing such as recording and reproduction (for example,
information of self recording, an edit file, or picture quality
correction or the like in an editing process, information
representing that the file has been copied to an external
apparatus, completion of reproduction, completion of editing or the
like).
[0162] It is to be noted that, where there is no problem in
compatibility in an application having a narrow range, the
information described above can be defined as common information
with a flag. However, where a plurality of applications are
involved or an application having a wide range is involved, the
Private Property Data of other extract information makes it
possible to manage information unique to the application programs
and apparatus relating to the management object files which is
information not common to the application programs collectively
with the index file making use of the Private Property Entry.
[0163] Therefore, the Private Property Data stores the unique
information by processing means relating to the entry. FIG. 27
illustrates the private property data. The private property data
includes information (Size) representative of the data amount of
the private property data, information (Type) representing that the
data is private property data, information (Owner) for specifying
processing means of the application program, apparatus, and so
forth relating to the private property data, and actual data
(Private Data) of the unique information relating to the processing
means.
[0164] Consequently, in the present embodiment, the application
program or apparatus which is the processing means detects a
registration of the private property data which specifies the
private property data itself based on the information (Owner) which
specifies the processing means. Then, the application program or
apparatus acquires the unique information registered in the private
property data and can therefore grasp a processing procedure and so
forth regarding a large number of files which are an object of
management of the index file.
[0165] On the other hand, the Private Property Entry registers
unique information into the index file by such processing means as
described above through reference to an external file. FIG. 28
illustrates the private property entry. The private property entry
includes information (Size) representative of the data amount of
the private property entry, information (Type) representing that
the entry is a private property entry, information (Owner) for
specifying processing means such as an application, an apparatus or
the like relating to the private property entry, and information of
the destination of reference. The information of the destination of
reference is formed from information (Private File URL)
representative of a location of an external file, an offset value
(File Offset) representative of a location of corresponding
information in the external file, and a Data Size.
[0166] Thus, as seen in FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 29C, in the present
embodiment, an application program or apparatus which is the
processing means can detect a registration of a private property
entry which specifies the private property entry itself with the
information (Owner) which specifies the processing means and
acquire data recorded in an external file based on information of
the reference destination registered in the detected entry thereby
to acquire information unique to the processing means. The unique
information acquired in this manner can be utilized to grasp a
processing procedure and so forth of a large number of files, which
is an object of processing of the index file.
1-4. QuickTime Movie File
[0167] FIG. 30 illustrates a configuration on the movie atom 40
side regarding a QuickTime movie file recorded on the optical disk
2 by the optical disk apparatus 1. In the QuickTime movie file, a
header atom 91, a file type compatibility atom 92 and a profile
atom 93 are provided in a higher hierarchy above the movie atom 40.
In the QuickTime movie file, information corresponding to the
information (Format Brand) of the file format set to the property
of the index data atom described hereinabove is set to the file
type compatibility atom 92. Further, information corresponding to
the information (Media profile) regarding decoding set to the
property of the index data atom is allocated to the profile atom
93.
[0168] Consequently, in the QuickTime movie file, a criterion
regarding whether or not reproduction and decoding are possible is
provided on the top side of the file. Consequently, even if the
QuickTime movie file is recorded separately from the index file on
some other recording medium or the like, the discrimination of
whether or not decoding is possible can be executed simply and
rapidly.
[0169] FIG. 31 illustrates a configuration of the file type
compatibility atom 92. In the file type compatibility atom 92,
information (Size) representative of the size of the file type
compatibility atom is allocated to the four top bytes. Further,
information (Type) representing that the atom is a file type
compatibility atom is allocated to the next four bytes. It is to be
noted that ftyp is set to the information (Type).
[0170] In the file type compatibility atom 92, a Major-Brand is
registered in the further next 4 bytes. To the Major-Brand, an
identifier corresponding to the extension of the QuickTime movie
file is set. Consequently, in the present embodiment, it is
possible to discriminate based on the Major-Brand whether or not
the QuickTime movie file can be processed. It is to be noted that,
in the present embodiment, the major brand is set, for example, to
mqt.
[0171] To the following 4 bytes of the file type compatibility atom
92, a Minor-Version is allocated. To the Minor-Version, a version
of specifications relating to the QuickTime movie file in the
Major-Brand is allocated. Consequently, in the present embodiment,
the Minor-Version can be utilized for discrimination of whether or
not the processing is possible.
[0172] It is to be noted that the value provided by the
Minor-Version is reference information, and it is not discriminated
finally based on the value of the minor version whether or not the
application or reproduction apparatus can interpret the format of
the file. Accordingly, the form of the data to be stored in the
minor version may differ among different specifications of the
format indicated by the Major-Brand. Further, it is a possible idea
to partition the field of the minor version in a unit of 4 bits in
accordance with the format of the Major-Brand and place, for
example, the version 1.3 as 0X00013000. In addition, an identifier
of the file producer and/or the application program may be placed
in the minor version. It is to be noted that, in this instance, it
is a possible idea to use the most significant 8 bits as the
integer part of the version number and use the succeeding 8 bits as
the fractional part of the version number while the further
succeeding 10 bits are used as the identifier of the file producer
and the last 6 bits are used as an identifier of the application
with which the file is generated such that, for example, the
version number 1.16, the identifier 0 of the file producer and the
identifier 1 of the application are represented as 0X01100001.
[0173] In the file type compatibility atom 92, a format (format
compatible with the Major-Brand) relating to another extension with
which the QuickTime movie file can be reproduced and decoded is
recorded in the form of repetitions of the compatibility brand
(Compatible-Brand). In particular, where the major brand is mqt,
mqt, and qt are placed in the compatibility brand. Consequently, in
the present embodiment, it can be detected that, also where a
compatible application program or the like is used, the file can be
reproduced.
[0174] FIG. 32 illustrates a configuration of the profile atom 93.
To the profile atom 93, information (Size) indicative of the size
of the profile atom 93 and information (Type (in this instance,
prfl is set)) indicating that the atom is a profile atom are set.
Further, a Version, various flags and a count value
(feature-record-count) are set, and furthermore, various kinds of
information regarding decoding are recorded in the form of
repetitions of a list (feature-record-list). The count value
(feature-record-count) indicates the number of the lists.
[0175] FIG. 33 illustrates a structure of the list
(feature-record-list). The list (feature-record-list) includes a
track-ID for successively specifying track atoms, a sub part track
ID (sub-track-ID) for specifying a sub part track, information
(feature) indicative of a type of information regarding decoding,
and corresponding actual data (value). To the information (feature)
indicative of a type of information regarding decoding, various
items such as a type of a codec, a bit rate of data and a frame
rate of video data can be set as seen in FIG. 34. Further,
corresponding to the items, actual data can be set in the items. It
is to be noted that FIG. 35 illustrates an example of setting of
information regarding coding according to the list
(feature-record-list). Consequently, in the present embodiment, it
can be discriminated based on the profile atom 93 whether or not
the QuickTime movie file can be processed without any trouble.
1-5. System Controlling Microcomputer 19
[0176] If an optical disk 2 is loaded into the optical disk
apparatus 1, then the system controlling microcomputer 19
reproduces the index file together with management information
regarding the file management system of the optical disk 2 and
stores the index file into the built-in memory. Then, in response
to an operation by the user, the system controlling microcomputer
19 updates the index file retained in the memory. Then, upon
ejection of the optical disk 2 or the like, the system controlling
microcomputer 19 updates the index file of the optical disk 2 with
the index file retained in the memory. Further, the system
controlling microcomputer 19 executes a reproduction process and so
forth of a file recorded on the optical disk 2 based on the index
file retained in the memory in this manner.
[0177] FIG. 36 illustrates a processing procedure of the system
controlling microcomputer 19 in the process of generation and
updating of the index file where the optical disk apparatus 1 is
connected to a microcomputer so that it executes various processes
under the control of the microcomputer. If an instruction to record
a file is issued by the user, then the system controlling
microcomputer 19 advances the processing from step SP1 to step SP2,
at which it controls operation of the entire optical disk apparatus
1 to record video data and audio data successively inputted thereto
on the optical disk 2. After the recording on the optical disk 2
comes to an end, the system controlling microcomputer 19 advances
the processing to step SP3, at which it acquires extract
information of the recorded file and registers the extract
information into the index file retained in the built-in memory.
Then at step SP4, the system controlling microcomputer 19 acquires
unique extract information regarding an apparatus and an
application program from the microcomputer serving as a source and
registers the unique extract information into the index file.
Further, at step SP5, the system controlling microcomputer 19
acquires information of processing states relating to the processes
described from the microcomputer and registers the information into
the index file.
[0178] After the index file is updated in this manner, if the user
issues an instruction to operate the file such as deletion of the
file at step SP6, then the system controlling microcomputer 19
controls the entire optical disk apparatus 1 so as to operate the
file and then updates the index file so as to satisfy the
instruction at step SP7. Thereafter, the system controlling
microcomputer 19 advances the processing to step SP8, at which it
ends the processing procedure.
[0179] After the index file is updated in this manner, if the user
issues an instruction to display files recorded on the optical disk
2 in a table display, then the system controlling microcomputer 19
searches the property of each entry registered in the index data
atom based on the property track of the index file. Further, in
accordance with a designation of the user in such a table display
as described above, the system controlling microcomputer 19 detects
the corresponding entries of the title, thumbnail picture, and so
forth through the search of the property. Then, the system
controlling microcomputer 19 detects actual data of the title,
thumbnail picture, and so forth of each entry registered in the
index data atom in accordance with the records of the corresponding
title track, thumbnail picture track, and so forth based on a
result of the detection (refer to FIGS. 11A and 11B). For example,
if the user issues an instruction to display a table of titles,
then the system controlling microcomputer 19 detects actual data
relating to the title in this manner and displays the thus detected
titles in a table display. On the other hand, if the user issues an
instruction to display thumbnail pictures in a table display, then
the system controlling microcomputer 19 detects actual data
relating to the thumbnail picture in this manner and displays the
detected thumbnail pictures in a table display.
[0180] Where the extract information of the property, title or the
like is divided with a variable length and recorded in a plurality
of entries, in the processes described above, the system
controlling microcomputer 19 successively acquires the divisional
pieces of extract information of the files and regenerates the
original extract information prior to the division based on the
setting of the Property Entry Flags and provides the regenerated
extract information to the user (FIGS. 17A and 17B). On the other
hand, if the corresponding file is a plurality of files obtained by
dividing one set of contents, then the system controlling
microcomputer 19 provides only actual data of the parent file to
the user based on the setting of the property entry flags and the
setting of the reference file list (FIG. 23).
[0181] If the user does not issue any instruction, then the system
controlling microcomputer 19 selectively acquires the title and so
forth regarding the original entry in this manner based on the
setting of the Property Entry Flags and displays the acquired
information in a table display. On the other hand, if the user
issues an instruction to display in a table display based on the
favorite, then the system controlling microcomputer 19 selectively
acquires the titles and so forth of the favorite entries based on
the setting of the Property Entry Flags and further based on the
setting of the group entry list (FIG. 24) and displays the acquired
information in a table display (FIGS. 14A and 14B). In the table
display, the information is displayed in the set order of the play
order in a table display.
[0182] In such a user interface display as just described, the
system controlling microcomputer 19 selectively acquires only
actual data regarding those files which can be processed normally
by the optical disk apparatus 1 with reference to the information
(Format Brand) regarding file format set in the basic property
data, and to the information (Media Profile) regarding decoding and
forms a table display of the actual data. Consequently, in the
present embodiment, a user interface is provided only with regard
to those files, which can be processed normally through a search of
the index file performed beforehand.
[0183] FIG. 37 illustrates a processing procedure of the system
controlling microcomputer 19 in the search process performed
beforehand in this manner. Referring to FIG. 37, if an instruction
for a table display is issued by the user, then the system
controlling microcomputer 19 advances the processing from step SP11
to step SP12, at which the system controlling microcomputer 19
reads out information from an entry of the index file. Then at step
SP13, the system controlling microcomputer 19 discriminates based
on the information (Format Brand) of the file format set to the
entry whether or not the management object file of the entry has a
format which can be processed by the optical disk apparatus 1, that
is, whether or not the management object file has a format which
can be processed normally by the file decoder 16.
[0184] If an affirmative result is obtained at step SP13, then the
system controlling microcomputer 19 advances the processing to step
SP14, at which it is discriminated based on the information (Media
Profile) regarding decoding whether or not the management object
file of the entry can be decoded normally by the optical disk
apparatus 1. More particularly, it is discriminated whether or not
the management object file can be decoded without suffering from
such a fault as a frame miss or a freeze by the video decoder 13
and besides whether or not the management object file can be
decoded without suffering from a sound interruption, a sound skip
or the like by the audio decoder 14.
[0185] If an affirmative result is obtained at step SP14, then the
system controlling microcomputer 19 advances the processing to step
SP15, at which it sets the entry as an entry of a reproducible file
to a display object of the user interface, whereafter it advances
the processing to step SP16. At step SP16, the system controlling
microcomputer 19 discriminates whether or not the processing is
completed for all of the entries registered in the index file. If a
negative result is obtained, then the system controlling
microcomputer 19 returns the processing to step SP12, at which it
starts processing for the next entry.
[0186] On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained at step
SP13 or SP14, then the system controlling microcomputer 19 advances
the processing to step SP17, at which it determines the entry as en
entry which is difficult to reproduce and excludes the entry from a
display object by the user interface, whereafter the system
controlling microcomputer 19 advances the processing to step SP16.
Consequently, the system controlling microcomputer 19 repeats the
pressing procedure of steps
SP12.fwdarw.SP13.fwdarw.SP14.fwdarw.SP15.fwdarw.SP16.fwdarw.SP12 or
steps SP12.fwdarw.SP13.fwdarw.SP17.fwdarw.SP16.fwdarw.SP12 or else
steps
SP12.fwdarw.SP13.fwdarw.SP14.fwdarw.SP17.fwdarw.SP16.fwdarw.SP12
for each entry thereby to successively select display objects of
the user interface. Then, after the system controlling
microcomputer 19 completes the processing for all of the entries,
since an affirmative result is obtained at step S16, the processing
now advances from step SP16 to step S18. At step SP18, the system
controlling microcomputer 19 displays the user interface based on
the entries of the display objects detected in this manner.
Thereafter, the system controlling microcomputer 19 advances the
processing step SP19, at which it ends the processing
procedure.
[0187] Consequently, in the present embodiment, even if the
management information of the file management system is not
searched to discriminate the format thereof every time and a file
is not decoded actually in accordance with the discriminated
format, only a notification of those files which can be processed
normally can be issued to the user in such a manner as to allow
selection by the user.
[0188] When the original files or favorite files are displayed in a
table display in this manner, if the user issues an instruction to
reproduce the files, then the system controlling microcomputer 19
issues an instruction to reproduce the files successively in
accordance with the play order set to the entries displayed in the
table display or with the reproduction order set to the index file
in accordance with the records of the group file list (FIGS. 25A
and 25B). Further, if the user selects a file from within the table
display and issues an instruction to reproduce the file, then the
system controlling microcomputer 19 issues an instruction to
reproduce the selected file. Consequently, in the present
embodiment, a desired file can be detected rapidly from among a
large number of files recorded on an optical disk with reference to
the index file.
1-6. Operation of the First Embodiment
[0189] In the optical disk apparatus 1 (FIG. 1) having the
configuration described above, video data and audio data acquired
by the image pickup section and the sound acquisition section are
encoded by the video encoder 11 and the audio encoder 12,
respectively, and then converted into a data stream of a QuickTime
movie file by the file generator 15. The data stream is recorded on
the optical disk 2 through a recording system including the memory
controller 18, error correction encoder/decoder 21, data
modulator/demodulator 23, magnetic field modulation driver 24 and
optical pickup 33. Consequently, in the optical disk apparatus 1,
an image pickup result is recorded in the form of a QuickTime movie
file on the optical disk 2. Further, output data of the system
controlling microcomputer 19 is outputted to the recording system
of the optical disk apparatus 1 so as to be applied to recording of
a file on the optical disk 2, and consequently, management
information regarding the file management system of the optical
disk 2 is updated so as to correspond to the record of the
QuickTime movie file.
[0190] The QuickTime movie file recorded in such a manner as
described above is successively reproduced through the optical
pickup 33, data modulator/demodulator 23, error correction
encoder/decoder 21 and memory controller 18 based on the management
information of the file management system and then decomposed into
elementary streams of video data and audio data by the file decoder
16. Then, the elementary streams of video data and audio data are
decoded by and outputted from the video decoder 13 and the file
generator 15, respectively.
[0191] In the optical disk apparatus 1, upon such recording of a
QuickTime movie file, data for a thumbnail image and data for intro
are acquired from the file generator 15 by the system controlling
microcomputer 19. Further, data of the title is acquired as a
result of inputting of the user or the like before or after the
recording of the file by the system controlling microcomputer 19.
Further, information of the file name and so forth relating to the
file management system is acquired. Thus, extract information of
the QuickTime movie file recorded on the optical disk 2 is
collected by the system controlling microcomputer 19. In the
optical disk apparatus 1, an index file is generated from the
extract information acquired in such a manner as described above in
the memory built in the system controlling microcomputer 19
similarly to management information relating to the file management
system of the optical disk 2. The index file is recorded on the
optical disk 2 similarly to the QuickTime movie file. Further, the
management information of the file management system is updated so
as to correspond to the record of the index file.
[0192] In the generation process of the index file in the system
controlling microcomputer 19, the extract information is classified
for each attribute, and an index data atom 71 (FIG. 4) is formed
from an entry of a chuck so as to correspond to the record of the
QuickTime movie file for each attribute. Further, the track atoms
81 to 84 are formed with the reference information of the index
data atom 71. Further, information representative of an attribute
of each entry, information representative of a relationship between
entries and so forth are set to the entry of the property. Further,
the information representative of the relationship between the
entries is updated corresponding to the processing of the file
recorded on the optical disk 2.
[0193] For example, if an instruction of a reproduction order,
which is, in a default state, same as an order in which the files
are recorded, is issued as the information representative of the
relationship between the entries, then information (Play-order)
representative of the entries and a reproduction order of the files
corresponding to the entries are set in accordance with the order
(FIGS. 14A and 14B). On the other hand, if the user registers
desired files as files of a favorite group, then an entry of a
virtual file structure including of the favorite group is
registered, and information (Play-order) of a reproduction order in
the group is set (FIGS. 14A and 14B). An entry of a favorite folder
is registered in place of the entry according to such a virtual
file structure, and information of a reproduction order is set in
the form of a reference list in the entry (FIGS. 25A and 25B).
[0194] Consequently, in the present embodiment, a reproduction
order can be designated with the index file, which collectively
manages a large number of files recorded on the optical disk 2, and
the operability can be further improved than ever as much making
use of the index file effectively. In other words, if a
reproduction order is not designated in this manner, then the
reproduction order relies upon an apparatus or an application
program. However, where the application order can be designated in
this manner, a large number of files can be reproduced in
accordance with an order intended by the user, and also a simple
editing process or the like can be executed on the index file.
[0195] Further, in regard to a favorite, if an entry of a favorite
folder is registered in place of an entry according to a virtual
file structure and information of a reproduction order is set in
the form of a reference list into the entry, then where a plurality
of different favorites are registered, or even where a large number
of files are registered in one favorite, increase of the data
amount in the index file can be prevented. Consequently, the
processing time can be reduced as much with the index file, and
also by this, the operability can be further improved than
ever.
[0196] Further, when the actual data amount of property data,
thumbnail picture data or the like exceeds a data amount set to
each chunk as a result of addition of a sub title or the like, for
example, by an editing process, an entry relating to an extension
region is registered additionally, and corresponding extract
information is divided into and recorded as a plurality of entries
including the original entry and the additional entry or entries
(FIGS. 15A and 15B). Then, as information representative of a
relationship between the entries, information (Next Extends Entry)
representative of an entry in which succeeding extract information
is recorded is set to the entry relating to the extract information
divided, and an identifier (Extends) representing that the entry
has the succeeding extract information recorded therein is set to
the entry in which the extract information is recorded.
[0197] Consequently, in the present embodiment, even if all entries
are not searched, an entry can be detected simply and rapidly.
Consequently, the operability can be improved further than
ever.
[0198] For an extension region relating to each title entry,
thumbnail entry or intro entry generated by grouping extract
information for each attribute, an identifier representative of to
which group the divisional extract information belongs is set to
the entry relating to the corresponding property (FIGS. 17A and
17B). Consequently, where extract information relating to, for
example, the title is recorded with a variable length, it is
possible to detect from the property that the data relating to the
extension is the title and regenerate the extract information prior
to the division through the property. Consequently, the extract
information can be detected simply and rapidly, and as a result,
the operability can be improved further than ever.
[0199] If a continuous record of an image pickup result becomes so
long that contents by the image pickup result approaches a limit by
the file management system, then recording of the image pickup
result on the film is stopped once, and a succeeding image pickup
result is recorded into another file. Consequently, in this
instance, one piece of contents is recorded in a plurality of child
files. Further, a management file for managing the plural child
files is generated as a parent file in accordance with the
prescriptions of the QuickTime and recorded on the optical disk 2.
Consequently, in this instance, the plural child files are
successively reproduced in accordance with an instruction to
reproduce the management file. Thus, a long and great piece of
contents exceeding the limit to the capacity by the file management
system can be recorded on and reproduced from the optical disk 2.
Further, also when one of files obtained by an editing process of a
single file tries to refer to the original file, a relationship of
reference files occurs wherein the original file and the files
obtained by the editing serve as a parent file and child files,
respectively.
[0200] In such an instance as just described, an identifier
representing that an entry relates to a child file or a parent file
is set as information representative of a relationship between the
entries in each of entries of the child files and the parent file,
respectively (FIGS. 16A and 16B). Further, in an entry of a child
file, information representative of the entry of the parent file is
set. In addition, an entry relating to another file to be referred
to is recorded in a reference file list.
[0201] Consequently, in the present embodiment, a relationship
between a plurality of entries having a mutually referring
relationship to each other can be grasped simply and rapidly. Also
this can improve the operability further than ever.
[0202] Further, information (Format Brand) of the file format of a
management object file and information (Media Profile) relating to
decoding are registered in each entry. Consequently, a file, which
is difficult to reproduce and decode, can be hidden against the
user or prevented from being selected by the user. Also this can
improve the operability further than ever.
[0203] In particular, in the present embodiment, information
(Format Brand) of the file format and information (Media Profile)
regarding decoding of each entry registered in the index file are
searched, and only the entries of those files, which can be
processed normally, are selected. Then, the user interface
according to the title, thumbnail picture, or the like regarding
each of the selected entries is displayed. Consequently, only those
files, which can be reproduced normally, can be selectively
provided to the user, and also this can further improve the
operability.
[0204] FIG. 38 illustrates a possible processing procedure, which
can be used where the user interface is not selectively provided
with reference to information (Format Brand) of the file format and
information (Media Profile) necessary for decoding in contrast with
the processing procedure of FIG. 37. The processing procedure is
executed, for example, in order to reproduce an optical disk 2
loaded in a microcomputer. In this instance, the microcomputer
advances its processing from step SP21 to step SP22, at which it
displays the interface of management object files including those
files which cannot be reproduced or decoded normally with an index
file.
[0205] Then at step SP23, the microcomputer accepts selection of an
entry based on the user interface, and then at step SP24, the
microcomputer reproduces a file corresponding to the selection of
the user from the optical disk 2. Then, at step SP25, the
microcomputer selects an application program, which can be used for
the reproduction based on the extension of the file using the
extension of the file, and passes the file reproduced from the
optical disk 2 to the selected application program.
[0206] If the microcomputer discriminates at next step SP26 that
the file can be processed and decoded using the application
program, then it advances the processing from step SP26 to step
SP27, at which the file decoded using the application program is
provided to the user. Thereafter, the microcomputer advances the
processing to step SP28, at which it ends the processing procedure.
In the series of processes described, for example, where the
processing speed of the central processing unit is low or where the
capacity of the memory is insufficient, the display may temporarily
freeze or the image is displayed in a frame skipping state. This
gives a very disagreeable feeling to the user, and in an extreme
case, a doubt of a failure of the apparatus is given to the
user.
[0207] On the other hand, for example, if a corresponding
application program cannot be detected, then the microcomputer
advances the processing from step SP25 to step SP29, at which the
microcomputer displays an error message representing that the file
cannot be reproduced. Thereafter, the microcomputer advances the
processing to step SP28, at which it ends the processing procedure.
On the other hand, if it is difficult to decode the file because,
for example, the application program is not ready for the version
of the file, then the microcomputer advances the processing from
step SP26 to step SP29. Consequently, also in this instance, a
doubt of a failure of the apparatus is given to the user.
[0208] In contrast, where the user interface only of those files,
which can be processed normally, is provided through selection
performed beforehand as in the present embodiment, such a
disagreeable feeling to the user as described above can be
eliminated. Further, since the user interface only of those files,
which can be processed normally, is provided in this manner, also
the user interface to be provided to the display can be made neat,
and the convenience in use by the user can be improved.
[0209] On the other hand, for example, where the optical disk
apparatus 1 is connected to a computer and a file is processed
using an application program of the computer, information unique to
the processing means is registered together with information for
specifying the processing means based on a record of the entry or
through reference to an external file. Consequently, for example,
where the application program is for editing a file recorded on the
optical disk 2, a large number of files of picked up images can be
classified into processed scenes and non-processed scenes based on
the unique information so as to facilitate later processing of the
file.
[0210] As such unique information, also information regarding a
source is recorded. This information can be utilized for
identification between a file generated by dubbing on an optical
disk 2 using the computer connected to the optical disk apparatus 1
and another file obtained using the image pickup system of the
optical disk apparatus 1.
[0211] From the foregoing, in the present embodiment, an
application program, an editing apparatus, a reproduction
apparatus, or a like apparatus can effectively utilize the unique
information retained in the index file to simplify management and
processing of a large number of files. Consequently, the
operability can be improved further than ever.
1-7. Advantages of the First Embodiment
[0212] With the configuration described above, an index file of
files recorded on a recording medium is generated from a series of
entries in the form of blocks of extract information coordinated
with the files, and information representative of the entries and a
reproduction order of files corresponding to the entries is set as
information representative of a mutual relationship between the
entries. Consequently, the files can be reproduced in an intended
order, and the operability can be improved significantly further
than ever.
[0213] Further, in this instance, where a reproduction order is set
within a group of entries selected from among the entries provided
in the index file, since the group includes favorite entries
selected by the user, also the favorite files can be reproduced in
an intended order. Consequently, the operability can be improved
significantly further than ever.
[0214] Further, where an entry, which describes a reproduction
order in the form of a table, is provided, an increase of the data
amount of the index file can be reduced thereby to prevent a drop
of the processing speed.
[0215] Further, where extract information regarding one file is
divided to generate an index file from a plurality of entries and
information indicative of an entry in which succeeding extract
information is recorded and an identifier indicating that the entry
has the succeeding extract information recorded therein are set as
information representative of a mutual relationship between the
entries, the extract information divided into the plural entries
can be regenerated simply and rapidly. Thus, a drop of the
processing speed can be prevented effectively as much, and the
operability can be improved significantly further than ever.
[0216] Further, where an index file is generated from different
pieces of the extract information grouped for each attribute and an
identifier is set such that it indicates to which one of the groups
each of the divisional extract information belongs, the extract
information can be managed in a unified manner and the divided
extract information can be regenerated simply and rapidly. Thus, a
decrease of the processing speed can be prevented effectively as
much, and the operability can be improved significantly further
than ever.
[0217] Further, in such a case that a plurality of child files are
generated by dividing one set of contents and a parent file manages
the plural child files, if an identifier corresponding to each of
entries of the child files and the parent file is set as
information representative of a mutual relationship between the
entries, then a reference relationship between the parent and child
files can be grasped simply and rapidly. Thus, a drop of the
processing speed can be prevented effectively as much, and the
operability can be improved significantly further than ever.
[0218] At this time, also where information indicating an entry of
the parent file is set to the entry of each of the child files, a
reference relationship between the parent and child files can be
grasped further simply and rapidly. Thus, a drop of the processing
speed can be prevented effectively as much, and the operability can
be improved significantly further than ever.
[0219] Further, where information of the file format is registered
into a corresponding entry and besides information regarding
decoding of a file is registered into a corresponding entry, the
operability can be improved significantly further than ever.
[0220] Further, where information unique to processing means for a
file and information for specifying processing means regarding the
unique information are registered, the operability can be improved
significantly further than ever.
[0221] At this time, where the unique information is set to the
corresponding entry to register the unique information or a
reference destination of the unique information is set to the
corresponding entry to register the unique information, an increase
of the processing time relating to the index file can be coped with
effectively. Consequently, the operability can be improved
significantly further than ever.
[0222] Further, where the index file is formed from an index data
atom, which is a group of data of extract information, and a track,
which is a group of management data for managing the data group,
resources relating to QuickTime movie files can be utilized
effectively with a hierarchical structure of the QT movie files to
generate the index file. The overall configuration can be
simplified as much.
2. Second Embodiment
[0223] FIGS. 39A to 30D illustrate an index file according to a
second embodiment of the present invention. In the present
embodiment, different pieces of extract information are grouped for
each attribute to generate different files. Further, management
data for managing the data groups are allocated to a property file
generated by such grouping. It is to be noted that the optical disk
apparatus according to the present embodiment has a same
configuration as the optical disk apparatus 1 according to the
first embodiment except that it is different in configuration of
the index file.
[0224] In particular, the index file according to the present
embodiment includes a property file to which data of the property
are applied, a title file to which data of the title are allocated,
a thumbnail file to which data of the thumbnail picture are
allocated, and an intro file to which intro data are allocated.
Each of the files includes a header and entries.
[0225] To each entry of the property file of the index file, a
property entry header, basic property data, property extension
data, and reference data are allocated. The property entry header,
basic property data, and property extension data are formed in a
similar manner as in the first embodiment. In contrast, the
reference data is provided corresponding to the title file,
thumbnail file, and intro file such that corresponding entries of
the title file, thumbnail file, and intro file can be detected from
the property file.
[0226] In particular, referring to FIG. 40, the reference data
includes information (Size) indicative of the size of the reference
data, information (Type) indicative of the type of the reference
data, information (File URL) indicative of the location of a
corresponding file, a start position (File Offset) of a
corresponding entry of the file, and a data length (Data size) of
the corresponding entry.
[0227] Consequently, the system controlling microcomputer 19
according to the present embodiment adds or updates an entry with
respect to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 39A to 39D and
40.
[0228] Also where an index file is formed from different files in
which extract information for each attribute is placed, similar
advantages to those of the first embodiment can be anticipated.
3. Third Embodiment
[0229] FIG. 41 illustrates part of an index file according to a
third embodiment of the present invention. In the present
embodiment, extract information is grouped for each attribute to
form different files including a property file, a title file, a
thumbnail file, and an intro file similarly as in the second
embodiment. Further, to the property file from among the files,
reference data of the other files are allocated. Where the property
file, title file, thumbnail file, and intro file are formed, each
entry of the property file is formed from a property entry header,
basic property data, and property extension data similarly as in
the first embodiment. Further, the basic property data is formed in
such a manner as illustrated in FIG. 41.
[0230] The basic property data is formed from information (Offset
and Size) representative of the positions of a corresponding entry
in the title tile, thumbnail file, and intro file in addition to
the basic property data described hereinabove with reference to
FIG. 20. The present embodiment has a configuration same as that of
the second embodiment except that it is different in configuration
regarding the basic property data. It is to be noted that, in this
instance, where the size is defined as a fixed size, the
information of the Size can be omitted.
[0231] Also where an index file is formed from extract information
grouped for each attribute into different files such that reference
data is included in the basic property data, similar advantages to
those of the second embodiment can be anticipated.
4. Fourth Embodiment
[0232] In the present embodiment, data groups of extract
information are formed as external files to form an index file. In
particular, as seen in FIG. 42, the index file includes a resource
file, a property file, a title file, a thumbnail file, and an intro
file. The resource file is formed from an index file atom described
hereinabove with reference to FIG. 4. Further, information
indicative of the locations of the property file, title file,
thumbnail file, and intro file is registered for each entry on
tracks of the resource file.
[0233] Each of the property file, title file, thumbnail file, and
intro file is formed from a header and a series of entries of
actual data.
[0234] Also where data groups of extract information and a
management data group for managing the data groups are formed as
separate files, similar advantages to those of the first embodiment
can be anticipated. Further, where the configuration just described
is employed, only when it is tried to access only particular
extract information, a high processing speed can be achieved. Also
it is possible to output a file of corresponding extract
information to an external apparatus so as to be used for
processing by the external apparatus.
5. Fifth Embodiment
[0235] In the present embodiment, information regarding a file
structure is registered into an index file in addition to
information regarding decoding described hereinabove in connection
with the first embodiment.
[0236] In particular, the QuickTime format has a high extensibility
and can use, for example, as a data storage system, an external
reference system wherein an external file is referred to, and a
self-contained type wherein data is stored in a file. Consequently,
for example, where the optical disk apparatus 1 is not ready for
the external reference system, it cannot process a file of the
external reference system at all. Therefore, in the present
embodiment, information regarding the file structure is registered
into an index file, and it is discriminated whether or not a file
can be reproduced normally based on the information regarding the
file structure and information regarding decoding.
[0237] In the present embodiment, the information relating to the
file structure is set as a profile atom to each QuickTime movie
file similarly to the information regarding decoding, and the
information set to the profile atom is registered as actual data
into the corresponding property of the index file. Particularly,
the information regarding the file structure includes information
of whether or not a fragment movie atom is present, whether or not
a modification track is present, whether or not an alternative
track is present, whether or not external reference is possible,
whether or not self-containment is present, and whether or not a
chunk size atom is present.
[0238] If information regarding decoding and information regarding
a file structure are registered in the index file as in the present
embodiment, then where further various files are recorded, it is
possible to provide only those files, which can be reproduced
normally, to the user thereby to improve the convenience in
use.
6. Other Embodiments
[0239] While, in the first embodiment described hereinabove, groups
of data of extract information and groups of management data for
managing the groups of data are retained integrally with a
QuickTime file structure to form an index file, the present
invention is not limited to this, but various formats can be
applied as occasion demands.
[0240] While the embodiments described above relate to a case
wherein the present invention is applied to an optical disk
apparatus to record an image pickup result, an output of a personal
computer, and so forth, the present invention is not limited to
this. The present invention can be applied widely to another case
wherein a large number of files recorded on various recording media
such as a magneto-optical disk and a hard disk are managed or
another case wherein a large number of files retained in a
predetermined server are managed.
[0241] Further, in the embodiments described above, a management
object file in the form of a QuickTime movie file is managed.
However, the present invention is not limited to this but can be
applied widely to various cases such as a case wherein files of
video data and files of audio data of various formats are
managed.
[0242] Further, in the embodiments described above, an index file
is recorded together with a management object file. However, the
present invention is not limited to this and can be applied widely
to various cases such as a case wherein the index file is recorded
on a recording medium different from that on which the management
object file is recorded or another case wherein the index file is
retained on a server different from that on which the management
object file is recorded.
[0243] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described using specific terms, such description is for
illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes
and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the following claims.
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