JPH0877325A - Recording device for still image data - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Structure] The storage unit 11 forms intermediate-resolution image data and low-resolution image data based on the high-resolution image data read from the frame memory 3, and compresses and expands these. Fixed-length coding is performed by the circuit 20, and the fixed-length coded image data of three resolutions are recorded on the optical disc 23 having a recording area divided into three for each resolution so as to be continuous in the order of reproduction. [Effect] Image data having a resolution corresponding to a device that outputs image data may be read from any of the recording areas described above, and the image data having each resolution is recorded in a reproduction order and continuously. Therefore, the seek time can be omitted and the reproduction speed can be increased.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a still image data recording apparatus suitable for use as a magneto-optical disk recording apparatus for recording compression-coded still image data on a disk-shaped recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk. In particular, the present invention relates to a still image data recording apparatus that shortens the data transfer time of image data transferred from the outside, shortens the time required for compression encoding, shortens the recording time, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a magneto-optical disk recording apparatus for recording still image data supplied from the outside on a magneto-optical disk is known.

Image data for high resolution is supplied to the magneto-optical disk recording device as the still image data. The magneto-optical disk recording device is
When the high resolution image data is supplied, the image data is divided into blocks for compression encoding processing. Then, compression coding processing is performed for each block, and this is supplied to the magneto-optical recording circuit. The magneto-optical recording circuit is a central processing circuit (C
PU), the CPU detects an empty area of the magneto-optical disk, and the compression-coded still image data is recorded in the empty area for each predetermined recording unit (for example, one cluster). The magneto-optical recording circuit is controlled so that

Here, the magneto-optical disk recording apparatus is
Although one cluster is one recording unit, the data length of still image data formed by the above compression encoding differs depending on the characteristics of the still image data. In particular, in today's demand for high image quality, the amount of still image data supplied from the outside is large, and the data length of the still image data formed by the above compression coding is generally 1
The data length is longer than the cluster.

In the magneto-optical disk recording device, the data length of the still image data formed by the compression encoding is
If the data length is longer than the one cluster, the still image data is divided into a plurality of clusters. Then, if there is a continuous free cluster, the divided still image data is continuously recorded in the cluster, and if there is no continuous free cluster, a plurality of free clusters are searched, and the plurality of free clusters are searched. The still image data is divided and recorded in.

[0006]

However, since the conventional magneto-optical disk recording apparatus detects and records an empty cluster as described above, it takes time to detect the empty cluster and the compression is performed. If the encoded still image data is longer than the data length of one cluster and no continuous empty clusters are detected, seek is performed and recording is performed by dividing the cluster into a plurality of clusters, which requires time. It was Therefore, the conventional magneto-optical disk recording device has a problem that it takes time to record still image data.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to reduce the recording time by shortening the search time of empty areas and the seek time. An object is to provide a recording device for image data.

[0008]

A still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage means for temporarily storing still image data of a predetermined resolution supplied from the outside, and the above-mentioned read-out from the storage means. Still image data forming means for forming and outputting still image data of a plurality of different resolutions from still image data of a predetermined resolution, and still image data from the still image data forming means are recorded on a disk-shaped recording medium. And recording means.

The still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention, as the still image data forming means, thins out high resolution still image data which is still image data of a predetermined resolution read from the storage means. First thinning means for forming still image data of intermediate resolution, intermediate still image storage means for temporarily storing the intermediate image still image data formed by thinning processing by the first thinning means, and Second, still image data of low resolution is formed by further thinning out the intermediate image still image data read from the intermediate still image storage means.
Thinning-out means, high-resolution still image data read from the storage means, intermediate-resolution still image data read from the intermediate still-image storage means, and the second
Switching means for switching and outputting the low-resolution still image data formed by the thinning means.

The still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention further comprises processing block dividing means for dividing still image data of each resolution from the still image data forming means into processing blocks each having a predetermined number of pixels, and the above processing. Orthogonal transformation means for performing orthogonal transformation processing for each still image data of the processing block formed by the block forming means, and quantization means for performing quantization processing on each still image data subjected to orthogonal transformation processing by the orthogonal transformation means. Fixed-length coding means for performing fixed-length coding processing on each of the still image data quantized by the quantizing means.

In this case, as the recording means, a means for recording still image data of each resolution which has been fixed-length coded by the fixed-length coding means on the recording medium is provided.

The still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a coefficient storage means for storing a quantization coefficient used when the high resolution still image data is quantized by the quantization means, and On the basis of the quantization coefficient of the high resolution still image data stored in the coefficient storage means, an intermediate quantization coefficient used for quantization of the intermediate resolution still image data and a quantization of the low resolution still image data. And coefficient forming means for respectively forming low quantized coefficients to be used.

In this case, as the quantization means, the intermediate resolution still image data and the low resolution still image data are quantized in accordance with the intermediate quantization coefficient and the low quantization coefficient formed by the coefficient forming means. To provide the output.

The still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention, as the still image data forming means, thins out high resolution still image data which is still image data of a predetermined resolution read from the storage means. First thinning means for forming still image data of intermediate resolution and intermediate still image storage means for temporarily storing the intermediate resolution still image data thinned and formed by the first thinning means. Low resolution still image storage means for storing still image data of resolution, high resolution still image data read from the storage means, intermediate resolution still image data formed by the first thinning means, and And a switching means for switching and outputting the low resolution still image data read from the low resolution still image storage means. That.

In this case, further, processing block dividing means for dividing still image data of each resolution from the still image data forming means into processing blocks each having a predetermined number of pixels, and processing blocks formed by the processing block forming means. In addition to performing the orthogonal transformation process for each still image data, the direct current component when the processing block of the intermediate resolution still image data is subjected to the orthogonal transformation process is stored in the low resolution still image storage means as low resolution still image data. Among the still image data quantized by the orthogonal transform means for supplying, the quantizing means for quantizing the still image data orthogonally processed by the orthogonal transforming means, and the still image data quantized by the quantizing means, Fixed-length coding processing is applied to the intermediate resolution still image data so that the data length becomes one recording unit, and the high resolution The still image data is output as it is without being subjected to the fixed length encoding process, and the low resolution still image data has a fixed length such that a plurality of still image data subjected to the fixed length encoding process exist in one recording unit. A fixed length coding means for coding processing is provided.

As the recording means, there is provided one for recording the still image data of each resolution and the high resolution still image data which are fixed length coded by the fixed length coding means on the recording medium.

In the still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention, the recording means records the still image data of each resolution separately for each resolution recording area of the disk-shaped recording medium. Have.

In the still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention, the disk-shaped recording medium has a recording area from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side for a low resolution recording area, an intermediate resolution recording area, Some are divided into high-resolution recording areas. In this case, as the recording means,
A device for recording still image data having a resolution corresponding to each recording area of the disc-shaped recording medium is provided.

The still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention, as the recording means, records the intermediate resolution still image data in a predetermined recording unit and records the high resolution still image data in a plurality of records. The recording is performed in units, and the low-resolution still image data is recorded so that a plurality of still image data are present in one recording unit.

Further, the still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention has, as the recording means, a device for recording at least the intermediate resolution still image data and the low resolution still image data so as to be continuous in the order of reproduction.

[0021]

In the apparatus for recording still image data according to the present invention, when still image data having a predetermined resolution, for example, is supplied from the outside, the storage means temporarily stores this. The still image data of a predetermined resolution stored in this storage means is read out and supplied to the still image data forming means.

The still image data forming means forms still image data of a plurality of different resolutions from the still image data of the predetermined resolution read from the storage means, and supplies these to the recording means.

The recording means records each still image data from the still image data forming means on a disk-shaped recording medium.

Specifically, the still image data having the predetermined resolution is high resolution still image data, and the still image data forming means includes the first thinning means, the intermediate still image storing means, and the second thinning data. And switching means.

In this case, the high resolution still image data is supplied to the switching means and the first thinning means. The first thinning means thins the high resolution still image data to form intermediate resolution still image data, and supplies the intermediate resolution still image data to the switching means and the intermediate still image storage means.

The intermediate still image storage means temporarily stores the intermediate resolution still image data from the first thinning means.

The second thinning means further thins out the intermediate resolution still image data read from the intermediate still image storage means to form low resolution still image data, which is switched to. Supply to.

The switching means includes high resolution still image data read from the storage means, intermediate resolution still image data read from the intermediate still image storage means, and the second thinning means. The formed low-resolution still image data is switched and supplied to the recording means.

Here, the above three types of still image data may be recorded as they are, but it is preferable to record them by compression encoding in order to reduce the recording area. For this reason,
The switching means switches the three types of still image data
Each is supplied to the processing block dividing means.

The processing block dividing means divides the still image data of each resolution into processing blocks each having a predetermined number of pixels, and supplies this to the orthogonal transformation means. The orthogonal transform means performs an orthogonal transform process on each still image data of the processing block.

Each still image data which has been subjected to the orthogonal transformation process is quantized by the quantizing means, and
The fixed-length encoding means subjects the intermediate resolution still image data to a fixed-length encoding process for each recording unit, the high-resolution still image data is subjected to a fixed-length encoding process for a plurality of recording units, and the low-resolution still image is obtained. Fixed-length encoding processing is performed so that a plurality of image data are present in one recording unit.

When performing such quantization processing and fixed-length coding processing, in order to finally fix the data length to a desired data length, first, the quantization processing and fixed-length processing are performed using appropriate quantization coefficients. Performs the encoding process, then finds the optimum quantized coefficient based on the result of this quantization and fixed length encoding,
Quantization and fixed-length coding are performed again to fix the desired data length (2-pass method).

Therefore, if the above two-pass processing is performed for each still image data of each resolution, a total of six passes are required, and the time required for compression encoding becomes long.

Therefore, in the still image data recording apparatus, the coefficient storage means temporarily stores the quantization coefficient used when the high resolution still image data is quantized.
The quantized coefficients stored in the coefficient storage means are read out and supplied to the coefficient forming means during the above-mentioned intermediate resolution still image data quantization processing and low resolution quantization processing.

The high resolution still image data includes all information of intermediate resolution still image data and low resolution still image data. Therefore, the coefficient forming means uses the intermediate resolution still image data quantization based on the quantization coefficient of the high resolution still image data during the quantization processing of the intermediate resolution still image data. A quantized coefficient is formed and supplied to the quantizing means. Further, at the time of the quantization processing of the low resolution still image data, a low quantization coefficient used for quantization of the low resolution still image data is formed based on the quantization coefficient of the high resolution still image data, This is supplied to the quantizing means.

The quantization means quantizes the intermediate resolution still image data and the low resolution still image data in accordance with the intermediate quantization coefficient and the low quantization coefficient formed by the coefficient forming means, and quantizes them. It is supplied to the fixed length coding means. The fixed length coding means performs fixed length coding processing on each of the still image data and supplies them to the recording means.

As described above, the high-resolution still image data is quantized and fixed-length coded, and the intermediate-resolution still image data and the low-resolution still image data are quantized based on the quantization coefficient used at this time. The number of passes required for compression coding is calculated by predicting and forming a quantization coefficient, and performing quantization processing on the intermediate resolution still image data and the low resolution still image data using the predicted and formed quantization coefficient. The high-resolution still image data can be reduced to 2 passes, the intermediate resolution still image data can be reduced to 1 pass, and the low resolution still image data can be reduced to 1 pass. Therefore, the time required for recording can be shortened by shortening the time required for compression encoding.

The compression-coded still image data of each resolution is recorded on the disk-shaped recording medium by the recording means. The recording area of the disk-shaped recording medium is low resolution from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side. Is divided into a recording area for recording, a recording area for intermediate resolution, and a recording area for high resolution, and the recording means records still image data of a resolution corresponding to each recording area of the disc-shaped recording medium. .

Specifically, as described above, the intermediate resolution still image data is fixed length coded in one recording unit,
The high-resolution still image data is fixed-length coded in a plurality of recording units, and the low-resolution still image data is fixed-length encoded so that a plurality of recording images exist in one recording unit.

For this reason, the recording means is provided with the predetermined one.
The intermediate resolution still image data of the recording unit is recorded in the recording area for the intermediate resolution of the disk-shaped recording medium, and the high resolution still image data of the plurality of recording units is recorded in the recording area for the high resolution, Fixed-length encoded low-resolution still image data is recorded in the low-resolution recording area so that a plurality of fixed-length encoded image data exist.

Further, at this time, the recording means records at least the intermediate resolution still image data and the low resolution still image data in the respective recording areas so as to be continuous in the order of reproduction.

In this way, the still image data recording apparatus forms still image data of a plurality of resolutions based on one type of still image data of a predetermined resolution supplied from the outside. When recording still image data of a plurality of resolutions, it is not necessary to transfer the plurality of still image data in time division, and the time required for data transfer can be shortened. Further, it is possible to shorten the binding time of the memory of the external device that transfers the still image data.

Further, the quantized coefficients of the intermediate-resolution and low-resolution still image data are predicted and formed based on the quantized coefficients obtained when the high-resolution still image data is compression-encoded. Since each still image data is used for quantization processing, the time required for compression encoding can be shortened.

Further, since the fixed length encoded still image data is recorded in the above compression encoding,
It is possible to fix the recording time of the still image data and the number of recorded images, and to fix the reading time at the time of reading. Therefore, since the data size to be handled is fixed, it is possible to contribute to simplification of the data filing management system.

Further, when data is recorded, the data is recorded in each of the divided predetermined recording areas, and each of the fixed-length coded data is continuously recorded in the reproduction order. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for searching the empty area, seeking, and the like, and it is possible to shorten the recording time.

Further, when only still image data of one type of resolution is recorded, it is necessary to perform data processing such that the resolution is variable so as to correspond to the equipment to be handled. In this case, since still image data of a plurality of resolutions of the same image are recorded respectively, still image data of a required resolution can be selected and read at the time of reproduction, and data processing relating to variable resolution can be performed. Can be omitted, which can contribute to simplification of the memory of the peripheral circuit device.

Next, the still image data forming means forms the intermediate resolution still image data and the low resolution still image data by the first thinning means and the second thinning means, respectively. Of these, the second thinning means for forming the low resolution still image data can be omitted for the following reason.

That is, in the orthogonal transformation means, a DC component and an AC component are generated by subjecting the still image data of the intermediate resolution to the orthogonal transformation process, and this DC component is
It represents the low resolution still image data.

Therefore, the apparatus for recording the still image data is provided with a low resolution still image storage means instead of the second thinning means, and the direct current component from the orthogonal transformation means is supplied to the low resolution still image storage means. It is stored as low-resolution still image data. Then, at the time of recording the low-resolution still image data, the DC component stored in the low-resolution still image storage means is read as low-resolution still image data and recorded.

As a result, the second thinning means can be omitted in the still image data forming means, and the cost of the still image data recording apparatus can be reduced by reducing the number of parts and simplifying the configuration. You can

The amount of low-resolution still image data corresponding to the DC component is not so large. Therefore, a part of the storage area of the intermediate still image storage means that temporarily stores the intermediate resolution still image data may be used as the storage area of the low resolution still image data. In this case, the low resolution still image storage means can be omitted, and the cost can be further reduced.

[0052]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of a still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, the still image data recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a still image recording / reproducing system as shown in FIG.

This still image recording / reproducing system includes a scanner section 1 for reading an image from a film, a photograph, etc., a video input section 2 for taking in image data from a video tape recorder device, a camera device, etc., and the above-mentioned scanner. The storage unit 11 includes a storage unit 11 that records and reproduces image data captured by the unit 1 or the video input unit 2.

The still image recording / reproducing system has the scanner unit 1, the video input unit 2 or the storage unit 1.
1, a frame memory 3 for storing the image data from 1; an image processing block 4 for performing image processing such as enlargement processing and reduction processing on the image data read from the frame memory 3 and outputting the image data; A monitor device 9 for displaying the image data read from the image data or the image data that has been subjected to the image processing by the image processing block 4;
The printer unit 10 prints an image corresponding to the image data read from the frame memory 3 or the image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing block 4.

The still image recording / reproducing system also includes a memory controller 5 for controlling writing and reading of image data to / from the frame memory 3, and a central processing circuit (C) for controlling the operation of the entire still image recording / reproducing system.
PU) 6 and image data acquisition from the scanner unit 1,
The printer unit 10 has an operation unit 7 provided with various keys for designating printing and the like.

The still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied to the storage section 11 in the still image recording / reproducing system.

The frame memory 3 reads / writes red (R) image data from the R frame memory, green (G) image data from / to the G frame memory, and blue (B) image data from / to. It is composed of a B frame memory.

The frame memory for each color is logically, for example, four D × vertical × horizontal × depth 1024 pixels × 1024 pixels × 4 bits and having a storage area of 4 Mbits in total.
By arranging RAMs (Dynamic RAMs) so as to form a square shape, and stacking four square DRAMs arranged in two stages in the depth direction,
Each of the eight DRAMs has a storage area of 2048 × 2048 × 8 bits.

The frame memory 3 is logically constructed by stacking the frame memories for the respective colors having the storage areas of 2048 × 2048 × 8 bits in the depth direction, for example, in the order of RGB. ing. Therefore,
The frame memory 3 has a storage area of 2048 × 2048 × 24 bits.

The storage section 11 forms and records and reproduces three kinds of image data of high resolution image data read from the frame memory 3 and supplied with the intermediate resolution image data and low resolution image data. It is supposed to do.

That is, the storage section 11 temporarily stores the interface circuit 13 to which the high resolution image data read from the frame memory 3 is supplied and the image data supplied via the interface circuit 13. The buffer circuit 14 and the buffer circuit 1
4 has a 1/4 decimation circuit 15 which forms and outputs intermediate resolution image data from high resolution image data supplied via the H.4.

Further, the storage unit 11 has
Memory 16 for temporarily storing the intermediate resolution image data from the 4 thinning circuit 15; 1/64 thinning circuit 17 for forming low resolution image data from the intermediate resolution image data read from the memory 16; A selector 18 for selectively switching and outputting the high resolution image data from the buffer circuit 14, the intermediate resolution image data from the memory 16 and the low resolution image data from the 1/64 thinning circuit 17; ing.

The storage unit 11 also divides the image data of each resolution selected by the selector 18 into blocks of predetermined pixels suitable for compression encoding processing, and the raster-block conversion circuit. It has a compression / expansion circuit 20 for performing compression / expansion processing and fixed-length coding processing for the image data blocked by the conversion circuit 19.

Further, the storage section 11 processes the image data from the compression / expansion circuit 20 by EFM modulation processing (8-
14 modulation processing), and the above EF
A disk recording / reproducing section 22 for recording the image data from the M modulation circuit 21 on the optical disk 23, and the storage section 1 concerned.
1 a system controller 24 for controlling the operation of the whole,
An operation unit 25 provided with various keys for recording / reproducing image data in the storage unit 11 or inputting an image name and an album name, which will be described later, and an album number, an input album name, and the like are displayed. And a display unit 26.

Next, the operation of the still image recording / reproducing system having such a configuration will be described.

First, when recording desired image data on the optical disc 23 of the storage unit 11, the user operates the operation unit 7 to specify a capture destination (the scanner unit 1 or the video input unit 2) of the image data. At the same time, the output destination of the captured image data is set in the storage unit 11. As a result, the CPU 6 controls the scanner unit 1 or the video input unit 2 to the operating state.

The scanner unit 1 can read both images of a reflective original and a transparent original. Specifically, the scanner unit 1 uses, for example, E as the reflection original.
A size photograph, an L size photograph, and an A6 size photograph can be read, and a 35 mm, Brownie size negative film can be read as the transparent original. It should be noted that the scanner section 1 is also capable of reading, as the reflective original, an original printed with the 35 mm, Brownie size negative film as it is.

When the film, photograph, etc. are mounted on the original reading table, the scanner unit 1 CCDs the original.
The line sensor 1a is scanned and read. The CCD line sensor 1a forms an image signal corresponding to the read image and supplies it to the A / D converter 1b. The A / D converter 1b forms image data by digitizing the image signal supplied from the CCD line sensor 1a, and supplies this to the correction system 1c. For example, when an image is read from the 35 mm film, the correction system 1c corrects the image data into image data having a size of 1200 pixels × 1700 pixels in the length × width and outputs the image data.

Further, when the read original is a Brownie size film, an E size photograph, an L size photograph, or an A6 size photograph, the scanner unit 1 reads 1298 respectively.
Pixels x 975 to 1875 pixels, 1050 x 1450 pixels, 1120 pixels x 1575 pixels, 1325 pixels x 18
The image data having a size of 25 pixels is corrected and output.

The video input section 2 is a composite video signal from a video tape recorder device, Y
It is possible to input video signals in three formats: a video signal supplied in the (luminance) / C (chroma) separate format and a video signal supplied in the RGB format. These video signals are respectively input. It is supplied to the video processing system 2d via the input terminals 2a to 2c.

The video processing system 2d uses the pixels of the video signal of each format as the pixels of a square lattice and sets the image size to 480 pixels × 640 pixels, and supplies this to the A / D converter 2e. The A / D converter 2e
Digitizes the video signal to form image data corresponding to the video signal of each format and outputs the image data.

The image data formed by the scanner unit 1 or the video input unit 2 is, for example, 1024 (vertical) × horizontal (horizontal).
It is high resolution image data of pixels × 1536 pixels and is supplied to the frame memory 3.

When the high resolution image data is supplied to the frame memory 3, the CPU 6 controls the writing of the frame memory 3 via the memory controller 5 so as to temporarily store the image data. And the above CP
The U6 controls the reading of the frame memory 3 via the memory controller 5 so as to read the high resolution image data stored in the frame memory 3. The high-resolution image data is transferred to the interface circuit 13 of the storage unit 11 via the interface block 12, and is also converted into intermediate-resolution image data for monitor display of, for example, 512 pixels × 768 pixels by the image processing block 4. It is converted and supplied to the D / A converter 8.
The D / A converter 8 forms an image signal for intermediate-resolution monitor display by converting the intermediate-resolution image data into an analog signal, and supplies the image signal to the monitor device 9.

As a result, the image captured by the scanner section 1 or the video input section 2 is displayed on the monitor device 9.
Is displayed in.

When the image processing such as the enlargement processing and the reduction processing of the image data is designated by the operation of the operation unit 7, the CPU 6 reads out from the frame memory 3. The image processing block 4 is controlled so that the specified image processing is performed on the image data. The image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing block 4 is the same as the image data read from the frame memory 3 together with the data indicating the image processing (image processing information) and the interface block 12 described above.
It is supplied to the interface circuit 13 of the storage unit 11 via the above and is also supplied to the monitor device 9.

As a result, the image subjected to the designated image processing is displayed on the monitor device 9.

Next, when the image displayed on the monitor device 9 is a desired image, the user operates the operation unit 25 of the storage unit 11 to specify recording of the image.

When the recording of the image is designated, the system controller 24 of the storage section 11 detects it and controls the interface circuit 13 so as to fetch the image data supplied from the image processing block 4. . As described above, image processing information and the like are added to the image data taken in through the interface circuit 13 as described above. Therefore, the system controller 24 fetches only the image processing information from the high resolution image data and the image processing information fetched through the interface circuit 13,
The image data is supplied to the buffer circuit 14.

The buffer circuit 14 supplies the high resolution image data to, for example, the 1/4 thinning circuit 15 and the selector 18 for each line.

The 1/4 decimation circuit 15 forms an image data having an intermediate resolution of 512 pixels × 768 pixels by subjecting the high resolution image data to a decimation process for reducing the pixels to 1/4. Then, this is supplied to the memory 16 and the selector 18.

The intermediate resolution image data stored in the memory 16 is read out and supplied to the 1/64 thinning circuit 17.

The 1/64 decimating circuit 17 performs a decimating process on the image data of the intermediate resolution read from the memory 16 so as to reduce the number of pixels to 1/64. It forms low-resolution image data and supplies it to the selector 18.

The selector 18 is switching-controlled by the system controller 24. The system controller 24 controls switching of the selector 18 so that image data of each resolution supplied to the selector 18 is output in the order of high resolution image data, intermediate resolution image data, and low resolution image data. To do.

The image data of each resolution from the selector 18 is supplied to the raster-block conversion circuit 19, divided into a predetermined processing block which is a processing unit of compression encoding, and supplied to the compression / expansion circuit 20.

The compression / expansion circuit 20 is composed of a discrete cosine conversion circuit (DCT circuit), a quantization circuit, and a fixed-length coding circuit. It is supplied to the DCT circuit.

The DCT circuit performs orthogonal transform processing for transforming the image data of each resolution on the frequency axis to form DCT coefficients, and the image data of each resolution subjected to this orthogonal transform processing is respectively quantized by a quantizing circuit. Supply to.

The quantizing circuit quantizes the image data of each resolution using an appropriate quantizing coefficient set by the system controller 24, for example, and supplies them to the fixed length coding circuit.

The fixed length coding circuit performs fixed length coding processing on the DCT coefficient of each resolution quantized by the appropriate quantization coefficient, and feeds back the result of the fixed length coding processing to the system controller 24. To do. The system controller 24 forms a quantization coefficient optimum for quantizing the image data according to the result of the fixed length coding process, and supplies this to the quantization circuit. The quantizing circuit quantizes the image data using the optimum quantized coefficient set for the second time, and supplies the quantized image data to the fixed length coding circuit.

As a result, in the fixed length coding circuit, the image data of each resolution can be fixed length so as to have a predetermined data length.

Specifically, by such compression encoding processing, the intermediate resolution image data is subjected to fixed length encoding processing to a data length of one cluster which is one recording unit, and the high resolution image data is Fixed-length encoding processing is performed to a data length of 9 clusters, and the low-resolution image data is 1/1
Fixed-length coding processing is performed to a data length of 5 clusters.

The EFM modulation circuit 21 performs so-called EFM modulation processing (8-14 modulation processing) on the fixed-length coded image data of each resolution, and supplies this to the disc recording / reproducing section 22.

The disc recording / reproducing unit 22 adds the image processing information and the like supplied from the system controller 24 to the image data of each resolution and records it on the optical disc 23.

Specifically, the optical disk 23 is a magneto-optical disk having a diameter of 64 mm, for example, and 200 pieces of image data can be recorded for each resolution. The image data for 200 sheets is managed by dividing the image data for 50 sheets into four albums in total. Therefore,
When the user records this image data, the operation unit 2
5, the album to record the image data is selected. As a result, the system controller 24 controls the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 to record the image data supplied to the album selected by the user in the order of capturing.

At this time, the low resolution image data is recorded as an index for displaying a plurality of images recorded in the album on one screen, and the intermediate resolution image data is recorded in the album. The desired high-resolution image data is recorded for monitor display, and the high-resolution image data is recorded for printing.

The operation up to the compression encoding and recording of the image data of each resolution is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2. In this flowchart, the system controller 24 of the storage unit 11 makes the user When it is detected that the image data recording has been designated by, the process starts and the process proceeds to step S1.

In step S1, the system controller 24 first controls the selector 18 so as to select the high-resolution image data, and proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, the system controller 24 sets the quantization coefficient and the like used in the compression / expansion circuit 20 in the compression / expansion circuit 20, and proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the compression / expansion circuit 20 performs the above-described fixed-length coding process on the high-resolution image data, so that the high-resolution image data has a data length of 9 clusters. Fixed length coding is performed and the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the system controller 24 detects an empty area on the optical disk 23 for recording high-resolution image data of 9 clusters, and the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the system controller 24 determines whether or not the optical disk 23 has an empty area for recording the high-resolution image data of 9 clusters. If NO, Until the empty area is detected, step S5 and step S5
6 is repeated, and if YES, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the disc recording / reproducing unit 2 is controlled by the system controller 24.
2 records the high-resolution image data of 9 clusters in the empty area on the optical disc 23 detected in steps S5 and S6, and proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the system controller 24 determines whether or not all three types of image data of high resolution, intermediate resolution, and low resolution image data have been recorded, and if YES, the processing ends. , NO
In the case of, it progresses to step S9.

In this case, only the recording of the high resolution image data has been completed, so NO is determined in the above step S8, and the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the system controller 24 controls the switching of the selector 18 so as to select the intermediate resolution image data, and the process returns to step S2.

Then, in step S2, the system controller 24 calculates the quantized coefficient for fixed-length coding into one cluster, and in step S3, the fixed-length code is calculated based on the calculated quantized coefficient. Image processing is performed to form intermediate-resolution image data having a fixed data length of one cluster. Then, the above step S
In 4 to step S7, an empty area is detected, and the image data of the intermediate resolution of one cluster is recorded in this empty area.

At this point, the recording of the high resolution image data and the intermediate resolution image data is completed. Therefore, in step S8, NO is determined and the process returns to step S9.

In step S9, the system controller 24 controls the switching of the selector 18 so as to select the low-resolution image data next, and returns to step S2.

Thereafter, in the step S2, the system controller 24 calculates the quantized coefficient for fixed-length coding into 1/15 clusters, and the step S2.
In 3, the fixed length coding process is performed based on the calculated quantized coefficient and the like to form low resolution image data having a fixed data length of 1/15 cluster. Then, in steps S4 to S7, an empty area is detected, and the low-resolution image data of 1/15 cluster is recorded in the empty area.

At this point, the recording of the image data of each resolution is completed. Therefore, in the step S8, YES is determined and the recording is ended.

As described above, based on the high resolution image data read from the frame memory 3, the intermediate resolution image data and the low resolution image data are formed, and the same resolution image data of different resolution is formed. By recording on the optical disk 23, at the time of reproduction, it is possible to select and reproduce image data having a resolution according to the output device or the application of the image data.

That is, if only the high resolution image data is recorded as the image data to be recorded on the optical disc 23, when displaying an image on the monitor device, the number of pixels in the high resolution image data is too large. It will be processed and supplied to the monitor device. However, by recording the above-mentioned three types of image data, the intermediate resolution image data for the monitor can be read out directly, so that the time until the display on the monitor device can be shortened. Specifically, in this case,
Since the intermediate resolution image data obtained by thinning out the high resolution image data into 1/4 can be directly read out, the time required for displaying on the monitor device can be shortened to 1/4 time.

Further, since the image data of the required resolution can be directly read out, it is not necessary to perform the thinning-out processing or the like depending on the device, and the circuit for the thinning-out processing can be omitted.

Since the two types of image data are formed on the basis of the high resolution image data from the frame memory 3, the image data is more than the case where the three types of image data are supplied separately. Data transfer time is 1
In addition, the frame memory 3 can be shortened to / 3 and the frame memory 3 only needs to be read and controlled once. Therefore, the constraint time of the frame memory 3 can be shortened.

Further, since the image data of each of the above resolutions is recorded with fixed length coding, it is possible to fix the recording and reading times and the number of image recordings, and to handle the data size to be handled. Since is fixed, the configuration of the file management system can be simplified.

Here, when the image data of each resolution is recorded in an appropriate empty area, the optical disk 23 is
The image data of each resolution will be mixed and recorded. The storage unit 11 has, for example, a minimum recording unit of 1 cluster (64 Kbytes), a data recording speed of 150 Kbytes, and a recording time of 6 per cluster.
4K / 150K≈0.43 sec, the maximum seek time is 0.5 sec, and the maximum seek time exceeds the recording time per cluster. Therefore, if the image data of each resolution is disorderly recorded on the optical disc 23, the desired image data is recorded and reproduced by performing a plurality of seeks, so that it takes time to record and reproduce.

Further, if the image data of each of the above resolutions are mixedly recorded, when the image data is deleted or edited, an empty area having a data size corresponding to each resolution is generated on the disc. , It becomes difficult to search for empty areas.

Therefore, in the still image recording / reproducing system according to the present embodiment, the image data of each of the above resolutions is recorded on the optical disc 23.
At the time of recording, the image data of each resolution is divided into predetermined recording areas and recorded.

That is, the operation of the storage unit 11 in this case is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, in which the system controller 24 of the storage unit 11 allows the user to specify the recording of the image data. When it is detected, the process starts and the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the system controller 24 formats the divided recording for each recording area and proceeds to step S12.

The total recording area of the optical disk 23 is, for example, 2200 clusters. Therefore, in step S12, the system controller 24 sets 200 clusters in the recording area IA of the image data having a low resolution of 14 clusters from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side as shown in FIG. 3 minutes so that 1800 clusters become the recording area PA of the high-resolution image data in the recording area MA of the intermediate-resolution image data.
The recording areas IA, MA, and PA are divided, and the process proceeds to step S13. Hereinafter, the system controller 24 causes the recording areas IA, M of the recognized image data to be recognized.
The disc recording / reproducing unit 22 is controlled based on A and PA.

In the step S13, the system controller 24 controls the switching of the selector 18 so as to select the high resolution image data, and then the step S1.
Go to 4.

In step S14, the system controller 24 sets the quantization coefficient and the like used in the compression / expansion circuit 20 in the compression / expansion circuit 20, and in step S1.
Go to 5.

In step S15, the compression / expansion circuit 20 performs the above-described fixed-length encoding processing on the high-resolution image data, so that the high-resolution image data has a data length of 9 clusters. Fixed length coding is performed and the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, the system controller 24 sets the data size for the 9 clusters in the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 and then in step S17.
Proceed to.

In step S17, the system controller 24 sets the recording area PA for the high resolution image data in the disc recording / reproducing section 22, and the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 detects an empty area of the optical disc 23 based on the data size and recording area set by the system controller 24, and then in step S19.
Proceed to.

In step S19, the system controller 24 only records the high resolution image data of 9 clusters on the optical disc 23 based on the free area information detected by the disc recording / reproducing unit 22. It is determined whether or not there is a vacant area, and if NO, the above step S18 is performed until the vacant area is detected.
And step S19 is repeated, and if YES, the process proceeds to step S20.

In the step S20, the disc recording / reproducing section 22 is controlled by the system controller 24 so that the high resolution of 9 clusters is provided in the empty area on the optical disc 23 detected in the steps S18 and S19. Image data is recorded and step S2
Go to 1.

In step S21, the system controller 24 determines whether or not all three types of image data of high resolution, intermediate resolution, and low resolution image data have been recorded, and if YES, the process ends. , N
In the case of O, the process proceeds to step S22.

In this case, only the recording of the high resolution image data has been completed, so NO is determined in the above step S21 and the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, the system controller 24 controls the switching of the selector 18 so as to select the intermediate resolution image data, and the process returns to step S14.

Then, in step S14, the system controller 24 calculates the quantized coefficient for fixed-length coding into one cluster, and the like, and in step S15.
In, the fixed length encoding process is performed based on the calculated quantized coefficient and the like to form the intermediate resolution image data having the fixed data length of one cluster. Then, in steps S16 to S20, the data size of the intermediate resolution image data and the recording area MA are set, the empty area is detected, and the intermediate resolution image data having the data length of one cluster is recorded therein. It

At this point, recording of the high resolution image data and the intermediate resolution image data is completed. Therefore, in step S21, the determination is NO, and the process returns to step S22.

In step S22, the system controller 24 switches and controls the selector 18 so as to select the low-resolution image data next, and returns to step S14.

Hereinafter, in step S14, the system controller 24 calculates quantized coefficients for fixed-length coding into 1/15 clusters and the like, and in step S15, based on the calculated quantized coefficients and the like,
Fixed-length encoding processing is performed to form low-resolution image data having a fixed data length of 1/15 cluster. Then, in steps S16 to S20, the data size of the low-resolution image data and the recording area IA are set, and this empty area is detected, and the 1 /
Low-resolution image data having a data length of 15 clusters is recorded.

At this point, the recording of the image data of each resolution is completed. Therefore, in the step S21, YES is determined and the recording is ended.

As described above, the recording area on the optical disk 23 is divided into three parts according to the data amount of the image data of each resolution, and the fixed-length-encoded image of each resolution is formed in each of the recording areas IA, MA, and PA. By recording the data, the recording / reproducing time can be shortened because the recording / reproducing can be performed by seeking to the recording area of the resolution at the time of recording / reproducing.

Further, even if image data is deleted or edited and an empty area having a data size corresponding to each resolution is generated on the disk, image data having the same data size is recorded in the empty area. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the search for an empty area and contribute to shortening the recording time.

Next, even if the image data is recorded by dividing the recording area of each resolution in this way, if the recorded data is not recorded in the reproduction order in the recording area, the recorded image is recorded as 1
When it is necessary to continuously read out images such as during auto-play for automatically reading out one by one continuously or during browsing while further speeding up the auto-play, the seek also takes time.

Therefore, in the still picture recording / reproducing system according to the present embodiment, the image data of each resolution is continuously recorded in the reproducing order in each of the divided recording areas.

That is, the operation of the storage unit 11 in this case is as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5, in which the system controller 24 of the storage unit 11 allows the user to designate recording of image data. When it is detected, the process starts and the process proceeds to step S31.

In step S11, the system controller 24 formats the reproduction order divided recording for each recording area and proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, the system controller 24 causes the optical disk 23 to move as shown in FIG.
14 clusters in the recording area IA of the low resolution image data and 200 clusters in the recording area MA of the intermediate resolution image data from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side.
Recording area P of high-resolution image data for 800 clusters
The recording area IA, MA,
The PA is recognized and the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, the system controller 24 controls the selector 18 so as to switch the selector 18 so as to select the high resolution image data, and then step S3.
Go to 4.

In step S34, the system controller 24 sets the quantization coefficient and the like used in the compression / expansion circuit 20 in the compression / expansion circuit 20, and in step S3.
Go to 5.

In step S35, the compression / expansion circuit 20 performs the above-mentioned fixed-length coding processing on the high-resolution image data, thereby converting the high-resolution image data into a data length of 9 clusters. Fixed length coding is performed and the process proceeds to step S36.

In step S36, the system controller 24 sets the data size of the 9 clusters in the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 and then in step S37.
Proceed to.

In step S37, the system controller 24 sets the recording area PA of the high resolution image data in the disc recording / reproducing section 22, and the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S38, the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 detects an empty area for 9 consecutive clusters on the optical disc 23 based on the data size and recording area set by the system controller 24, Proceed to S39.

In step S39, when the system controller 24 records the current high resolution image data in the empty area detected by the disc recording / reproducing unit 22, the recorded image data is recorded in the reproduction order. If NO, the process proceeds to step S42, and if YES, the process proceeds to step S40.

In step S42, the system controller 24 rearranges the image data in the recording area PA of the high-resolution image data so that the recorded image data is in the reproduction order, and the process proceeds to step S40. .

In step S40, the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 records image data in the reproduction order on the optical disc 23 under the control of the system controller 24, and then the process proceeds to step S41.

In step S41, the system controller 24 determines whether or not all three types of image data of the high resolution image data, the intermediate resolution image data, and the low resolution image data are recorded, and if YES, the process ends. , N
In the case of O, the process proceeds to step S43.

In this case, only the recording of the high resolution image data has been completed, so NO is determined in the above step S41, and the process proceeds to step S43.

In step S43, the system controller 24 controls the switching of the selector 18 so as to select the intermediate resolution image data, and the process returns to step S34.

Hereinafter, in step S34, the system controller 24 calculates a quantization coefficient and the like for fixed-length encoding the intermediate resolution image data into one cluster, and in step S35, the calculated quantization coefficient and the like. Based on, the fixed length encoding process is performed to form the intermediate resolution image data having the fixed data length of one cluster. Then, the steps S36 to S40 described above.
In, the data size of the intermediate resolution image data and the recording area MA are set, and the intermediate resolution image data having the data length of one cluster is continuously recorded in the reproduction area in the empty area of the recording area MA.

At this point, recording of the high resolution image data and the intermediate resolution image data is completed. Therefore, in step S41, the determination is NO, and the process returns to step S43.

In step S43, the system controller 24 switches and controls the selector 18 so as to select the low resolution image data next, and returns to step S34.

Thereafter, in step S34, the system controller 24 calculates a quantization coefficient or the like for fixed-length encoding low-resolution image data into 1/15 clusters, and in step S35, the calculated quantization coefficient is calculated. Fixed-length encoding processing is performed based on the coefficient and the like to form low-resolution image data having a fixed data length of 1/15 cluster. Then, in steps S36 to S40, the data size of the low resolution image data and the recording area IA are set, and the low resolution image data having the data length of 1/15 cluster is set in the empty area of the recording area IA. It is recorded continuously in the order of reproduction.

At this point, the recording of the image data of each resolution is completed. Therefore, in step S41, YES is determined, and the recording ends.

As described above, by recording the image data of each resolution having a fixed data length in each of the divided recording areas, the image data can be continuously displayed without seeking during the auto play or the browsing. Since it can be read, the auto play and browsing are facilitated,
In addition, it is possible to further increase the speed.

In step S39, if it is not possible to continuously record in the reproduction order, step S39 is performed.
In step 42, the data is rearranged and recorded. However, when recording cannot be continuously performed in the reproduction order, the data is recorded in an empty area at that time, and when recording is completed, You may make it rearrange inside. In this case, the recording time viewed from the user side can be shortened as compared with the case where the rearrangement is performed and the recording is performed.

Next, the storage section 11 forms the intermediate resolution image data by thinning out the high resolution image data by the 1/4 thinning circuit 15, and further forms this by the 1/64 thinning circuit 17. Although the thinning processing is performed to form the low resolution image data, the low resolution image data may be formed by configuring the storage unit 11 as shown in FIG.

Note that the same operation as that of the storage unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In other words, in this case, the storage unit 1
Reference numeral 1 designates a first memory 30a for storing the intermediate resolution image data from the ¼ thinning circuit 15, a second memory 30b for storing the low resolution image data, and a DCT for the intermediate resolution image data. A compression / expansion circuit 32 having a DCT circuit that supplies the DC component formed by processing to the second memory 30b as low-resolution image data.

In such a storage unit 11, at the time of recording, the 1/4 thinning circuit 15 thins out high resolution image data supplied via the input terminal 33, the interface circuit 13 and the buffer circuit 14. To form intermediate resolution image data. Then, the image data of the intermediate resolution is supplied to the first memory 30a.

The selector 31 uses the switching control data supplied from the system controller 24 via the input terminal 31 to generate high-resolution image data as described above.
Switching control is performed in the order of intermediate resolution image data and low resolution image data. Therefore, the compression / expansion circuit 32
Are supplied with the image data of each resolution in the above order, subjected to fixed length coding processing, supplied to the disk recording / reproducing unit 22 through the output terminal 34, and recorded on the optical disk 23.

Since the compression / expansion circuit 20 performs DCT processing for each processing block of 8 pixels × 8 pixels, the DC component formed by this DCT processing is 1 / th of the intermediate resolution image data. The same data as the image data subjected to the thinning processing is shown in 64, that is, low resolution image data. Therefore, the compression / expansion circuit 32
The (DCT circuit) supplies a DC component formed when the intermediate resolution image data is DCT-processed to the second memory 30b as low resolution image data. The low-resolution image data stored in the second memory 30b is subjected to fixed-length coding processing as described above and recorded on the optical disc 23.

Thus, the DC of the compression / expansion circuit 32 is
By storing the DC component obtained when DCT processing the intermediate resolution image data in the T circuit as the low resolution image data in the second memory 30b,
The thinning circuit 17 can be omitted, and the cost of the still image recording / reproducing system can be reduced by reducing the number of parts and simplifying the configuration.

The amount of low-resolution image data, which is the DC component of the DCT process, is not very large. Therefore, it is possible to substitute the empty area of the memory 16 for storing the intermediate resolution image data shown in FIG. As a result, the second memory 30b can also be omitted, and the cost can be further reduced.

Next, the compression / expansion circuit 20 first performs quantization processing using a suitable quantization coefficient to perform fixed-length encoding processing on the image data of each resolution, and then performs fixed-length encoding processing. In addition, a two-pass method in which an optimum quantized coefficient is calculated according to the result of the fixed-length coding process, the quantization process and the fixed-length coding process are performed, and the image data of each resolution has a fixed data length Although it was adopted, if this 2-pass method is performed for each image data of each resolution, a total of 6 passes are required.
This compression processing requires time, and the recording time becomes long. Therefore, it is preferable to add each circuit as shown in FIG. 7 to the compression / expansion circuit 20 to shorten the compression time.

Incidentally, the same reference numerals are given to the portions showing the same operation as that of the storage section 11 shown in FIG. 1, and the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

In other words, in this case, the storage unit 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes a coefficient memory 42 that stores a quantization coefficient when the high resolution image data is quantized in the compression / expansion circuit 20, and a quantization coefficient of the high resolution image data stored in the coefficient memory 42. The intermediate resolution coefficient predicting circuit 43 for predicting and forming the quantized coefficient of the intermediate resolution image data, and the quantization of the low resolution image data based on the quantized coefficient of the high resolution image data. And a low-resolution coefficient prediction circuit 44 for predicting and forming coefficients. In addition, the storage unit 11 switches and outputs the intermediate resolution quantization coefficient from the intermediate resolution coefficient prediction circuit 43 and the low resolution quantization coefficient from the low resolution coefficient prediction circuit 44. Switch 45 and the quantized coefficients of the high resolution image data are supplied to the coefficient memory 42, and the quantized coefficients for the intermediate resolution and the low resolution from the second switch are compressed and expanded. It has a first changeover switch 41 for supplying to the quantization circuit in the circuit 20.

In such a storage unit 11,
The high resolution image data is supplied through the input terminal 38. Then, the buffer circuit 14, the 1/4 thinning circuit 15, the memory 16, and the 1/64 thinning circuit 17 form the intermediate resolution image data and the low resolution image data, respectively, and supply them to the selector 18. Above selector 1
Reference numeral 8 denotes the image data of each resolution in the order of high resolution image data, intermediate resolution image data, and low resolution image data in accordance with the switching control data supplied from the system controller 24 via the input terminal 40. They are selected and supplied to the compression / expansion circuit 20 via the raster-block conversion circuit 19.

The compression / expansion circuit 20 performs fixed length coding processing on the high resolution image data by the two-pass method as described above, and supplies it to the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 via the EFM modulation circuit 21 and the output terminal 39. However, at this time, the quantization coefficient used when the high resolution image data is quantized by the quantization circuit provided in the compression / expansion circuit 20 is selected by the first changeover switch 41. It is supplied to the terminal 41a.

The first changeover switch 41 is controlled to be changed over by the system controller 24. In this case, the system controller 24 causes the selection terminal 41a to select the selected terminal 41c. The changeover switch 41 is controlled to be changed over. As a result, the quantization coefficient used when quantizing the high resolution image data is supplied to the coefficient memory 42 and temporarily stored therein.

The quantized coefficients stored in the coefficient memory 42 are the variable resolution circuits 43a and 44 in the intermediate resolution coefficient prediction circuit 43 and the low resolution coefficient prediction circuit 44, respectively.
is supplied to a.

The resolution variable circuit 43a of the intermediate-resolution coefficient predicting circuit 43 compresses the quantized coefficient used in the quantization of the high-resolution image data by changing it for intermediate resolution from the aspect of resolution. It is supplied to the rate variable circuit 43b.

The compression rate variable circuit 43b varies the quantization coefficient from the resolution variable circuit 43a for intermediate resolution in terms of compression rate, and this is changed to the second changeover switch 45.
To the selected terminal 45b.

Similarly, the low-resolution coefficient predicting circuit 44 is used.
The resolution variable circuit 44a changes the quantization coefficient used in the quantization of the high resolution image data for low resolution from the aspect of resolution and supplies it to the compression rate variable circuit 44b.

The compression rate variable circuit 44b varies the quantization coefficient from the resolution variable circuit 44a for low resolution in terms of compression rate, and supplies this to the selected terminal 45c of the second changeover switch 45. .

As a result, the intermediate-resolution quantized coefficient and the low-resolution quantized coefficient capable of performing fixed-length coding on the image data once are supplied to the selected terminals 45b and 45c of the second changeover switch. Will be done.

The second selector switch 45 is also controlled to be switched by the system controller 24. When the image data of the intermediate resolution is supplied to the compression / expansion circuit 20, the system controller 24 uses the selection terminal 45a to select the selected terminal 45.
b is selected, and when the compression / expansion circuit 20 is supplied with the low resolution image data, the selection terminal 45a selects the selected terminal 45c,
The second changeover switch 45 is switched and controlled.
Further, the system controller 24 causes the selection terminal 41a to select the selected terminal 41b when the intermediate resolution image data or the low resolution image data is supplied to the compression / expansion circuit 20. The first changeover switch 41 is controlled to be changed over.

Accordingly, when the image data of the intermediate resolution is supplied to the compression / expansion circuit 20, the quantization coefficient for the intermediate resolution from the intermediate resolution coefficient prediction circuit 43 is also reduced to the compression / expansion circuit 20. When the image data of the resolution is supplied, the low-resolution coefficient prediction circuit 44
Quantized coefficients for low resolution from
It is supplied to the quantization circuit of the compression / expansion circuit 20 through the first changeover switches 45 and 41 in order. Then, the image data of each resolution, in the quantization circuit,
The optical disc 2 is quantized by the quantized coefficient for each resolution and has a fixed data length by a fixed length encoding circuit.
It is recorded in 3.

As described above, the quantization coefficient for the intermediate resolution image data and the quantization coefficient for the low resolution image data are the quantization coefficient used when the high resolution image data is quantized. The quantized coefficient is calculated so that fixed-length coding can be performed at one time based on. Therefore, the number of passes performed when the image data of each resolution is fixed-length-encoded in the compression / expansion circuit 20 is twice for high-resolution image data, once for intermediate-resolution image data, and low-resolution image data. It is possible to shorten the time required for fixed-length coding to one, that is, four times in total.

[0187] Next, when the recording of the image data of each resolution is completed in this way, the storage section 11 records the album name of each album, the image name of each image of each album,
A keyword and a disk name for searching for a desired image can be input.

In this case, the user is the storage unit 1
The light key provided on the first operation unit 25 is turned on. When the light key is turned on, the system controller 24 detects it and enters a light mode in which character information is input.

Next, the user operates the up and down keys. Each time the up / down key is operated once, the system controller 24 displays, for example, an album name, an image name, a keyword,
The display unit 26 is controlled to display the characters of the disc name in order. The user looks at the characters displayed on the display unit 26, decides which information is to be input, and turns on the EXEC key provided on the operation unit 25. As a result, the system controller 24 is
Recognize the information that will be entered.

Next, the user operates the ten keys provided on the operation section 25. As a result, the system controller 24 controls the display of the display unit 26 so as to display the character corresponding to the operation of the ten keys. Then, when the album name or the like displayed on the display unit 26 becomes the desired album name or the like, the user turns on the EXEC key again.

The system controller 24 uses the E
When the XEC key is turned on again, this is detected, the write mode is terminated, and the character information such as the input album name is recorded on the optical disk 23 as a so-called ASCII code. 22 is controlled.

Specifically, when recording a desired image name, the user turns on the light key to set the system controller 24 in the write mode, and
The up and down keys are turned on to select "image name" which is information to be input. Then, the ten key is operated to input the image name of the image. As a result, the system controller 24 forms an ASCII code corresponding to the input character and supplies it to the disc recording / reproducing unit 22. As a result, the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 records the ASCII code corresponding to the image name on the optical disc 23.

The number of characters that can be input as the image name is 16 characters, and the number of characters that can be input as the album name is 32 characters, which can be input in alphabets, katakana, kanji, and the like. That is, 432 characters (16 characters x 25 sheets of image + 32 characters of album name) can be input in one screen.

Next, the operation of the still image recording / reproducing system in the case of reproducing the image data and the character data (ASCII code) recorded on the optical disk 23 in this way and displaying them on the monitor device 9 will be described.

In this case, the user first operates the album key provided in the operation section 25 of the storage section 11. Each time the album key is turned on once, the system controller 24 detects it and controls the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 and the display unit 26 to reproduce and display the album name of the album. . As described above, since four albums are recorded on the optical disc 23, each time the album key is turned on, four album names are sequentially displayed on the display unit 26. The Rukoto.

Next, the user turns on the reproduction key after selecting a desired album from the above four albums. The system controller 24 detects when the reproduction key is turned on and reproduces low-resolution image data and an ASCII code (album name, image name, etc.) for the index of the selected album. The disc recording / reproducing unit 22 is controlled.

As described above, one album is composed of image data for 50 images, and these 50 images may be displayed on the display screen at one time, but inevitably one image is displayed. The area becomes small, which may make it difficult for the user to select a desired image. Therefore, the system controller 24 controls the reading and writing of the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 so as to read the low-resolution image data for 25 sheets with one designation. As a result, the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 first reads the low resolution image data for 25 sheets, the ASCII code of the album name, and the ASCII code of each image name from the inner circumference side of the optical disc 23, and the images are read. The data is supplied to the compression / expansion circuit 20 via the EFM circuit 21, and the ASCII code is directly supplied to the buffer circuit 14.

The compression / expansion circuit 20 applies low-resolution expansion processing to the image data and supplies it to the buffer circuit 14 via the raster-block conversion circuit 19 and the selector 18.

The buffer circuit 14 temporarily stores the image data and ASCII code.

When the low resolution image data and the ASCII code are stored in the buffer circuit 14 as described above, the memory controller 5 causes the buffer circuit 14 to operate.
The buffer circuit 14 is read out and controlled so that the ASCII code stored in (1) is transferred at high speed together with the image data. As a result, the ASCII code is transferred at high speed to the frame memory 3 through the interface circuit 13 and the interface block 12 together with the image data without the intervention of the CPU 6.

The storage area of the frame memory 3 is 2048 pixels × 2048 pixels vertically and horizontally as a whole, of which 1024 pixels × 1536 pixels (vertical × horizontal).
Is a storage area of image data (image data area), and 16 pixels of an extra area other than the area of the image data × 3
A storage area of 2 pixels (512 bytes) is a command area which is a storage area of the ASCII code.

When the image data and the ASCII code are transferred from the buffer circuit 14 at a high speed, the memory controller 5 controls the writing of the image data in the image data area of the frame memory 3 to write the ASCII code in the command area. Write control to.

When the image data and the ASCII code are written in the respective storage areas of the frame memory 3 in this way, the memory controller 5 reads the ASCII code written in the command area and interprets the ASCII code. I do. Then, the characters of the interpreted ASCII code are written in the frame memory 3 as image data and controlled.

Specifically, when the ASCII code read from the command area is "41H", this ASCII code indicates the letter "A" of the alphabet.
Image data of a character "A" of 24 pixels is formed, and the frame memory 3 is write-controlled so that the character "A" is displayed below the image.

As described above, the frame memory 3 stores image data and image data indicating ASCII code characters (hereinafter,
The two image data are collectively referred to as image data. When the writing of () is completed, the memory controller 5 controls the reading of the image data written in the frame memory 3. This image data is converted into an analog image signal via the D / A converter 8 and supplied to the monitor device 9.

As a result, the monitor screen of the monitor 9 is displayed with the album name of the selected album, 25
The index images and the image name of each image are displayed.

When the user wants to display the remaining 25 images of the selected album, he or she operates the operation unit 25 of the storage unit 11 to specify the display of the remaining 25 images. As a result, the system controller 24
Controls the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 so as to reproduce the remaining 25 low-resolution image data and the ASCII code of each image data. As a result, the remaining 25
The low-resolution image data and ASCII code for one sheet are transferred at a high speed as described above, and remain in the monitor device 25.
One image is displayed.

Next, when 25 images for index are displayed on the monitor device 9, the user operates the operation unit 25 of the storage unit 11 so as to select a desired image from the images. To do.

The system controller 24 detects when a desired image is designated by operating the operating section 25, and reads out image data of an intermediate resolution corresponding to the selected image from the optical disc 23. The disc recording / reproducing unit 22 is controlled. As a result, the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 reads the image data having the intermediate resolution for display recorded in the intermediate area of the optical disc 23. The image data of the intermediate resolution is supplied to the frame memory 3 via the interface circuit 13 and the interface block 12 as described above.

When the intermediate resolution image data is supplied to the frame memory 3, the memory controller 5
This is once stored, read out, and supplied to the monitor device 9 via the D / A converter 8.

As a result, the image selected by the user is fully displayed on the display screen of the monitor device 9.

Here, the still image recording / reproducing system is
A desired image can be selected and displayed on the monitor device 9 without displaying the index image.

That is, when the user knows the album in which the desired image is recorded and the image number, the user operates the ten-key pad provided in the operation unit 25 of the storage unit 11 as described above, and the album is selected. And the image number.

As described above, one album has 50
Since a single image can be recorded, the user selects a desired image by inputting a desired image number with the ten keys. Then, after selecting the desired image number, the reproduction key is turned on.

When the system controller 24 detects that the reproduction key has been turned on, the system controller 24 controls the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 to read out the intermediate resolution image data of the image number of the designated album.
As a result, the intermediate resolution image data of the designated image number is read from the optical disk 23, and the image corresponding to the intermediate resolution image data is displayed on the monitor device 9.

Further, such a desired image selection can be performed by using the search key provided in the operation unit 25. That is, when the search key is turned on, the system controller 24 enters the search mode. In the search mode, the system controller 24 controls the display unit 26 to sequentially display the characters of the image name, the keyword, the recording date, and the recording time each time the up and down keys are operated. The user can use the above image name,
When the input information is selected from the keyword, recording date, and recording time, the image name of the image to be searched, the keyword, the recording date, or the recording time is input using the ten-key pad, and the EXEC key is turned on.

As a result, the system controller 2
4 detects that the EXEC key is turned on and starts the search. Then, an image corresponding to the image name, the keyword, etc. is searched, and the display unit 26 is display-controlled so as to display the album number, the album name, the image name, the image number, etc. of the searched image. When there are a plurality of corresponding images, the display unit 26 is display-controlled so as to display a plurality of album numbers, album names and the like.

Next, the user selects a desired image from the image names and the like displayed on the display unit 26 by using the up and down keys, and turns on the reproduction key.

When the reproduction key is turned on, the system controller 24 detects it and controls the disc recording / reproducing unit 22 to reproduce the image data of the selected image.

As a result, the designated image data is read from the optical disk 23, supplied to the monitor device 9 and displayed.

Next, the operation of the still image recording / reproducing system in the case of printing an image captured via the scanner unit 1 or the video input unit 2 or an image recorded on the optical disc 23 will be described.

First, when printing an image captured via the scanner unit 1 or the video input unit 2, the user operates the operation unit 7 to operate the scanner unit 1 or the video input unit 2 in the same manner as described above. The image captured via the display is displayed on the monitor device 9. When the image displayed on the monitor device 9 is a desired image, the operation unit 7
Operate to specify the print of the image.

The image data captured via the scanner unit 1 or the video input unit 2 is stored in the frame memory 3
Remembered in. Therefore, the CPU 6 controls the reading of the frame memory 3 via the memory controller 5 so that the image data stored in the frame memory 3 is read when the print is designated. The image data read from the frame memory 3 is supplied to the data conversion circuit 10a of the printer unit 10.

The data conversion circuit 10a subjects the image data read from the frame memory 3 to data conversion processing suitable for printing. That is, when the image data is supplied in the form of R, G, B or Y, Cr, Cb, it is converted into the form of Y (yellow), M (magenta), (cyan) by color coordinate conversion. Image data for printing is formed and supplied to the thermal head 10b.

The thermal head 10b prints an image corresponding to the image data on the A6 size print paper 10c at about 300 DPI. As a result, it is possible to print an image according to the image data captured via the scanner unit 1 or the video input unit 2.

Next, when printing the image recorded on the optical disc 23, the user displays the index image recorded on the optical disc 23 on the monitor device 9 by the above-mentioned operation. Then, a desired image is selected from the images for this index. As a result, the selected image is displayed on the monitor device 9.

When the image displayed on the monitor device 9 is a desired image, the user operates the operation unit 7 to designate the printing of the image. Thereby, the CP
U6 forms and outputs print control data that specifies reading of image data for printing the image currently displayed on the monitor device 9. The print control data is supplied to the interface circuit 13 of the storage unit 11 via the interface block 12, and is supplied to the system controller 24 of the storage unit 11 via the interface circuit 13.

As described above, the optical disc 23 has
Three types of image data are stored: low-resolution image data for index, intermediate-resolution image data for monitor display, and high-resolution image data for printing.

When the print control data is supplied, the system controller 24 controls the disc recording / reproducing section 22 so as to read out the high resolution image data for printing designated by the print control data. As a result, high-resolution image data corresponding to the image displayed on the monitor device 9 is recorded on the optical disc 2 as described above.
3 is read from the outer peripheral side. The high resolution image data is supplied to the data conversion circuit 10a of the printer unit 10 via the interface circuit 13 and the interface block 12.

The data conversion circuit 10a performs a data conversion process suitable for printing on the high resolution image data and supplies it to the thermal head 10b. As a result, an image corresponding to the image data read from the optical disc 23 is printed on the print paper 10c.

The image processing block 4 is connected to the frame memory 3 via the scanner unit 1 or the video input unit 2.
The image data captured in the above or the image data captured in the frame memory 3 from the optical disk 23 of the storage unit 11 is subjected to image processing such as enlargement processing and reduction processing according to a user's operation, and the image processing is performed. Device 9,
It is supplied to the printer unit 10 or the storage unit 11.

As a result, a desired image can be displayed, printed or recorded by performing image processing such as enlargement processing or reduction processing.

As described above, the optical disc 23 has
Image data of each resolution is fixed-length coded and continuously recorded in the order of reproduction in each recording area for image data of each resolution.

Therefore, during reproduction, image data for index (low resolution image data), monitor display (intermediate resolution image data), or print (high resolution image data) is output according to the output device. Since the reproduction can be selectively performed and the reproduction is performed by seeking the recording area of the resolution handled by the device that outputs the image data, the reproduction time can be shortened. Therefore, the time required for displaying on the monitor or the time required for printing can be shortened.

Further, since the image data of each resolution described above is fixed-length coded, the reproduction time can be fixed, and the data size to be handled is fixed. Can be simplified.

Further, since the image data of each resolution is continuously recorded in the order of reproduction, it is possible to continuously reproduce the image data without seeking during auto play or browsing. Browsing speed can be increased.

In the description of the above embodiment, for example, the frame memory 1 has a storage area of 2048 × 2048, of which 1024 × 1536 is an image storage area and 16 × 32 is a command area. As described above, specific numerical values are given in each description, but this is merely an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. Is.

[0238]

The still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention forms still image data of a plurality of resolutions based on one type of still image data of a predetermined resolution supplied from the outside. When recording still image data of a plurality of resolutions, it is not necessary to transfer the plurality of still image data in a time division manner, and the time required for data transfer can be shortened. Further, it is possible to shorten the binding time of the memory of the external device that transfers the still image data.

Further, the quantization coefficients of the intermediate resolution and low resolution still image data are predicted and formed based on the quantization coefficients when the high resolution still image data is compression-encoded, and these quantization coefficients are calculated. Since each still image data is used for quantization processing, the time required for compression encoding can be shortened.

Further, since the fixed length coded still image data is recorded in the above compression coding,
It is possible to fix the recording time of the still image data and the number of recorded images, and to fix the reading time at the time of reading. Therefore, since the data size to be handled is fixed, it is possible to contribute to simplification of the data filing management system.

Further, at the time of data recording, the data is recorded in each of the predetermined divided recording areas, and the fixed-length coded data are continuously recorded in the reproduction order. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for searching the empty area, seeking, and the like, and it is possible to shorten the recording time.

Further, when only still image data of one type of resolution is recorded, it is necessary to perform data processing such that the resolution is variable so as to correspond to the equipment to be handled. In this case, since still image data of a plurality of resolutions of the same image are recorded respectively, still image data of a required resolution can be selected and read at the time of reproduction, and data processing relating to variable resolution can be performed. Can be omitted, which can contribute to simplification of the memory of the peripheral circuit device.

Further, in the orthogonal transformation means, the DC component obtained by subjecting the intermediate resolution still image data to the orthogonal transformation process is used as the low resolution still image data to form the low resolution image data. The second thinning-out means can be omitted, and the cost of the still image data recording apparatus can be reduced by reducing the number of parts and simplifying the configuration.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment in which a still image data recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a still image recording / reproducing system.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a recording operation of a storage unit provided in the still image recording / reproducing system.

FIG. 3 shows that the storage unit has high resolution, intermediate resolution,
7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of recording low-resolution image data in a recording area of an optical disc divided for each resolution.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an optical disc having a recording area divided into three for each resolution by the storage unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a case where the storage section stores the image data of each resolution on an optical disc having a recording area divided into three.
7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of recording in reproduction order and continuously.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a storage unit having a configuration in which a DC component formed by DCT processing intermediate-resolution image data in a compression / expansion circuit is used as low-resolution image data.

FIG. 7 shows a quantization coefficient of image data of intermediate resolution and a quantization coefficient of image data of low resolution based on the quantization coefficient used when quantizing the high resolution image data in the compression / expansion circuit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a storage unit having a configuration of forming image data and performing a quantization process on image data of a corresponding resolution by using these.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Scanner Section 2 Video Input Section 3 Frame Memory 4 Image Processing Block 5 Memory Controller 6 CPU 7 Operation Section 8 D / A Converter 9 Monitor Device 10 Printer Section 11 Storage Section 12 Interface Block 13 Interface Circuit of Storage Section 14 Buffer Circuit 15 1/4 decimation circuit 16 memory 17 1/64 decimation circuit 18 selector 19 raster-block conversion circuit 20 compression / expansion circuit 21 EFM modulation circuit 22 disc recording / reproducing unit 23 optical disc 24 system controller 25 operation unit 26 display unit 30a, 30b 1st , Second memory 32 compression / expansion circuit 41 first changeover switch 42 coefficient memory 43 intermediate resolution coefficient prediction circuit 44 low resolution coefficient prediction circuit 45 second changeover switch IA optical disk Recording area for low resolution image data of MA Optical disk recording area for intermediate resolution image data PA Optical disk recording area for high resolution image data

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Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A storage unit for temporarily storing still image data of a predetermined resolution supplied from the outside, and a plurality of still image data of different resolutions from the still image data of the predetermined resolution read from the storage unit. A still image data recording apparatus having a still image data forming means for forming and outputting each, and a recording means for recording each still image data from the still image data forming means on a disk-shaped recording medium. 2. The still image data forming means thins out high resolution still image data, which is still image data of a predetermined resolution read from the storage means, to form intermediate resolution still image data. No. 1 thinning means, an intermediate still image storage means for temporarily storing intermediate resolution still image data formed by the first thinning means, and the intermediate read from the intermediate still image storage means. Second thinning means for forming still image data of low resolution by further thinning still image data of resolution; high resolution still image data read from the storage means; and intermediate intermediate image storage means The read intermediate-resolution still image data and the low-resolution still image data formed by the second thinning means are respectively provided. Recording apparatus of still image data according to claim 1, characterized in that it is composed of a switching means for outputting Te Rikae. 3. A processing block dividing unit that divides still image data of each resolution from the still image data forming unit into processing blocks each having a predetermined number of pixels, and each still of the processing blocks formed by the processing block forming unit. Orthogonal transforming means for performing orthogonal transforming processing for each image data, quantizing means for performing quantizing processing on each still image data subjected to orthogonal transforming processing by the orthogonal transforming means, and each for quantizing processing by the quantizing means Of the still image data, the intermediate resolution still image data is subjected to fixed length encoding processing so that the data length is one recording unit, and the high resolution still image data is not subjected to fixed length encoding processing. It is output as it is, and the low-resolution still image data is fixed so that a plurality of still image data subjected to the fixed-length coding process exist in one recording unit. Fixed-length encoding means for performing long-length encoding processing, wherein the recording means stores the still image data of each resolution and the high-resolution still image data that have been fixed-length encoded by the fixed-length encoding means. The still image data recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the still image data is recorded on a recording medium. 4. A coefficient storage unit for storing a quantization coefficient used when the high resolution still image data is quantized by the quantization unit, and the high resolution still image stored in the coefficient storage unit. Coefficient forming means for respectively forming an intermediate quantization coefficient used for quantization of intermediate resolution still image data and a low quantization coefficient used for quantization of low resolution still image data based on the quantization coefficient of image data. And the quantization means quantizes the intermediate resolution still image data and the low resolution still image data according to the intermediate quantization coefficient and the low quantization coefficient formed by the coefficient forming means. The still image data recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus outputs the still image data. 5. The still image data forming means thins out high resolution still image data, which is still image data of a predetermined resolution read from the storage means, to form intermediate resolution still image data. No. 1 thinning means, intermediate still image storage means for temporarily storing intermediate resolution still image data formed by thinning processing by the first thinning means, and low resolution still image storing low resolution still image data. Storage means, high resolution still image data read from the storage means, intermediate resolution still image data formed by the first thinning means, and low resolution still image storage means And a switching means for switching and outputting the low resolution still image data, and the still image of each resolution from the still image data forming means. Processing block dividing means for dividing the data into processing blocks each having a predetermined number of pixels, and orthogonal transformation processing for each still image data of the processing blocks formed by the processing block forming means, and still image data of the intermediate resolution. Orthogonal transformation means for supplying the low-resolution still image storage means with a direct current component when the processing block of the above is subjected to orthogonal transformation processing, and each still image data subjected to orthogonal transformation processing by the orthogonal transformation means. And a fixed-length coding means for performing fixed-length coding processing on each still image data quantized by the quantizing means. The still image data of each resolution that has been fixed-length coded by the long coding means is recorded on the recording medium. Recording apparatus of the still image data of the mounting. 6. The recording means records the still image data of each resolution separately for each recording area for each resolution of the disk-shaped recording medium.
Alternatively, the recording device for still image data according to claim 5. 7. The recording area of the disk-shaped recording medium is divided into a recording area for low resolution, a recording area for intermediate resolution, and a recording area for high resolution from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side. 7. The apparatus for recording still image data according to claim 6, wherein the recording means records still image data having a resolution corresponding to each recording area of the disk-shaped recording medium. 8. The recording means records the intermediate resolution still image data in a predetermined recording unit, the high resolution still image data in a plurality of recording units, and the low resolution still image data. 8. The apparatus for recording still image data according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of data are recorded in one recording unit. 9. The apparatus for recording still image data according to claim 8, wherein the recording means records at least the intermediate resolution still image data and the low resolution still image data so as to be continuous in the order of reproduction. .