JP3876973B2 - Image recording / reproducing method, image reproducing apparatus, and file management method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for recording / reproducing moving images and still images, and in particular, a technique for recording a high-pixel still image during moving image shooting, and reproducing the recorded moving image and still image, and recorded image data The present invention relates to a file management technology that facilitates handling of files.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in the field of digital cameras, cameras that can record not only still images but also moving images have been released. As a moving image recording method in a digital camera, a method generally called Motion JPEG is widely adopted, and an MPEG method is adopted in some cameras. Motion JPEG is a method in which each frame image is compressed by the JPEG method and recorded as a series of images. Each frame is reproduced continuously during reproduction. Since this method requires time for compression / decompression processing of each frame image, the number of pixels and the frame rate cannot be increased so much. The maximum value of moving image recording in a digital camera put on the market at the present time is 640 × 480 pixels and 30 frames / second.
[0003]
On the other hand, the JPEG format is currently widely used as a still image recording format. Recently, a compression technique capable of progressive reproduction such as a wavelet method has been reviewed, and a new method such as JPEG-2000 has been proposed.
[0004]
Digital cameras that can record both moving images and still images are generally those that take pictures by switching the recording target to moving images or still images on the camera side, but only a specific frame is recorded with high pixels during moving image recording. There is a demand to realize the function to do. In this regard, several methods for recording still images during moving image shooting have been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 10-200909, 11-187350, 2000-69407, and 2000). -295568. Many of the conventionally proposed methods record moving image data and still image data as separate files.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when a specific frame is extracted from the moving image and used as a still image, there is a disadvantage that the number of recorded pixels is small because it was originally captured as a moving image. For this reason, if the still image data is used for printing or the like, an image with poor image quality is obtained.
[0006]
On the other hand, a method for recording only still images with high pixels apart from moving images has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2000-352759 and 2000-108121). However, in the existing Motion JPEG and MPEG formats, Since only a specific frame cannot be recorded with the number of pixels changed, a high-pixel still image must be recorded as a separate file. Therefore, in order to associate a still image and a moving image, it is necessary to prepare information for associating separately.
[0007]
  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can record a high-pixel still image during moving image shooting, easily associate a moving image with a still image, and can also handle an image after recording. Convenient image recording and playback methods and imagesStatueAn object of the present invention is to provide a raw device and a file management method and device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the image recording / reproducing method according to the present invention encodes and records the frame data of the moving image captured through the imaging means in accordance with a compression format capable of progressive reproduction, while decoding the recorded image. A method for recording and reproducing an image to be played back, which accepts a high-quality recording instruction from a user during normal moving picture recording for recording moving picture frame data at a predetermined resolution set in response to the input of the instruction Frame data having a resolution higher than the predetermined resolution is acquired, and a group of moving image data composed of a normal frame recorded at the predetermined resolution and a high pixel recording frame recorded at the high resolution is used as one moving image file. When the high-pixel recording frame in the moving image file is saved and played back, the progressive resolution is used to achieve the predetermined resolution. While playing, when reproducing the high pixel recording frame as a still image, line reproduction at a higher resolution than the predetermined resolutionA virtual directory that manages the high-pixel recording frame in the moving image file as a virtual still image file (referred to as a virtual still image file) and includes the virtual still image file in response to a file list display request. Present the structure, extract the corresponding frame from the video file when accessing the virtual still image file, convert it to one still image file, and output itIt is characterized by that.
[0009]
According to the present invention, during normal moving image recording, frame data is recorded at a predetermined fixed resolution. When the user inputs an instruction for high-quality recording during the moving image recording, high-resolution frame data is recorded in response to the input of the instruction. A frame recorded at a high resolution (high pixel recording frame) also functions as one of frame data constituting a moving image, and a frame (normal frame) recorded at a predetermined resolution and a high pixel recording frame constitute a moving image. It is recorded in the same moving image file as a series of frames. It is also possible to record a plurality of high-quality recording frames in one moving image file.
[0010]
The recording method employs a compression method that has a progressive function that can gradually increase the resolution from low-resolution image data during playback. When reproducing to the predetermined resolution equivalent to the frame and reproducing the high pixel recording frame alone as a still image, reproduction is performed at a resolution higher than the predetermined resolution.
[0011]
Since the high pixel recording frame is embedded in the moving image file, it is easy to associate the moving image and the still image, and the high pixel recording frame can be handled in the same manner as the still image.
[0013]
  Moreover, according to the present invention,Since the virtual directory management is performed as if the high-pixel-recorded frame in the video file is an independent still image file, and the virtual directory structure is presented to the user, the virtual still image file Easy to operate.
[0015]
  In order to provide an image reproducing apparatus that can be used to implement the above method invention,An image reproduction apparatus according to the present invention is an image reproduction apparatus including signal processing means for decoding image data encoded according to a compression format capable of progressive reproduction, and output means for outputting the decoded image. The apparatus includes a moving image file in which a group of moving image data including a normal frame recorded at a predetermined resolution and a high pixel recording frame recorded at a higher resolution than the predetermined resolution is stored as one file. When the high-pixel recording frame in the moving image file is reproduced as a moving image, it is reproduced up to the predetermined resolution by a progressive method, whereas when the high-pixel recording frame is reproduced as a still image, the predetermined resolution is used. Also equipped with playback control means for playback at higher resolutionsIn addition, the high-pixel recording frame in the moving image file is managed as a virtual still image file (referred to as a virtual still image file), and a virtual directory including the virtual still image file in response to a file list display request. Having a file management means for presenting a structure, and when accessing the virtual still image file, the corresponding frame is extracted from the moving image file, converted into one still image file, and then outputIt is characterized by.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  An image recording / reproducing method, image, andStatueA preferred embodiment of a live device and a file management method and device will be described in detail.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera 10 to which the present invention is applied. The digital camera 10 includes a photographic lens 12, a diaphragm combined mechanical shutter 14, a CCD solid-state imaging device (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 16, an analog signal processing unit 18, an A / D converter 20, a frame memory controller 22, a frame memory 24, Digital signal processing unit 26, compression / decompression circuit 28, card interface 30, memory card 32, image data bus 34, host bus 36, central processing unit (CPU) 38, CPU peripheral circuit 40, various operation switches 41, timing generator 42, a VRAM (Video RAM) 44, an encoder 46, a D / A converter 48, and the like.
[0018]
The CPU 38 is a control device that controls the system, and operates the camera according to a predetermined control program. The CPU 38 comprehensively controls each circuit based on signal inputs from various operation switches 41 received via the CPU peripheral circuit 40. The CPU peripheral circuit 40 includes a timer, a direct memory access (DMA) circuit, an interrupt control circuit, a parallel input / output port, and the like. Further, the CPU 38 controls the timing generator 42, and each circuit is synchronized by a synchronization signal supplied from the timing generator 42 to each block.
[0019]
The light incident through the taking lens 12 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 16 after the amount of light is adjusted by the diaphragm mechanical shutter 14. A large number of photosensors (photosensitive pixels) are arranged in a plane on the light receiving surface of the CCD 16 and converted into signal charges corresponding to the amount of light received by each photosensor. The signal charges accumulated in the photosensors of the CCD 16 are sequentially transferred based on drive pulses applied from a CCD drive circuit (not shown) controlled by the CPU 38 and read out as voltage signals (image signals) corresponding to the signal charges. . The CCD 16 can discharge unnecessary accumulated charges by a shutter gate pulse given from a CCD driving circuit, and has a so-called electronic shutter function for controlling the charge accumulation time.
[0020]
Further, the CCD 16 has a function of thinning out and reading out signal charges from the photosensitive pixels on the light receiving surface. Then, during normal moving image recording, the data is read out by thinning out in the vertical direction, and during still image recording (at the time of high pixel recording), data of all pixels is read out without being thinned out. The signal read from the CCD 16 is subjected to color separation, gain adjustment, and other predetermined analog signal processing in the analog signal processing unit 18, and then converted to a digital signal by the A / D converter 20. The image data converted into a digital signal is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb) by the digital signal processing unit 26 and temporarily stored in the frame memory 24.
[0021]
The image data stored in the frame memory 24 is recorded on the memory card 32 via the card interface 30 while being compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 28. The compression process and the writing (recording) process to the memory card 32 are performed simultaneously in parallel.
[0022]
Normally, when recording a moving image, the frame memory controller 22 reads out the image while thinning out the image in the frame memory 24 in the horizontal direction (or in the horizontal and vertical directions) and passes it to the compression / decompression circuit 28. . Audio data during moving image shooting is acquired by A / D converting a signal from a microphone (not shown), and recorded in the memory card 32 together with the image data.
[0023]
The form of the recording medium is not limited to the memory card 32, and various media such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a memory stick can be used. A signal processing means and an interface corresponding to the medium to be used are applied. The recording medium (internal memory) built in the digital camera 10 is not limited to the removable medium.
[0024]
The luminance / color difference signal (YC signal) obtained by the digital signal processing unit 26 during imaging is supplied to the VRAM 44, and the data stored in the VRAM 44 is connected to the video output terminal via the encoder 46 and the D / A converter 48. Is output to the outside and supplied to a display device 50 such as a television monitor. As a result, an image captured by the CCD 16 is displayed on the display device 50. A configuration in which a liquid crystal display or the like is used as the display device 50 and is built in the main body of the digital camera 10 is also possible.
[0025]
In the reproduction mode, an image recorded on the memory card 32 is read out, decompressed by the compression / expansion circuit 28, and then supplied to the VRAM 44. The data stored in the VRAM 44 in this way is externally output from the video output terminal via the encoder 46 and the D / A converter 48 and supplied to the display device 50 and the like. Thereby, the content of the image stored in the memory card 32 can be confirmed on the screen of the display device 50.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera 10. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 10 includes a shutter button 52, a viewfinder 53, a mode switching dial 54, a liquid crystal monitor 55, a cursor key 56, a high image quality mode button 57, a menu / execution button 58, and the like.
[0027]
The menu / execution button 58 is a function as a menu button used when transitioning from the normal screen to the menu screen in each mode, and the execution of inputting the content selected with the cursor key 56 and the execution (confirmation) instruction This is an operation button that also functions as a button.
[0028]
The cursor key 56 is an operation unit for moving the position of a cursor (or pointer) (not shown) displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 55, and can freely specify each of the upper, lower, left and right directions. The user can select and input according to the position of the cursor by operating the cursor key 56 to move the cursor to a desired point and then pressing the menu / execution button 58. The cursor key 56 is also used for forward / backward operation during image reproduction. Note that other pointing devices such as a touch pad, a trackball, or a joystick can be used instead of the cursor key 56 shown in the drawing, and a touch panel may be disposed on the liquid crystal monitor 55.
[0029]
The shutter button 52 functions as a shooting instruction unit in the still image shooting mode and is also used as a recording start / stop button in the moving image shooting mode. The mode switching dial 54 is an operation unit for switching the operation mode of the camera, and can be switched between <still image shooting mode / playback mode / moving image shooting mode> by rotating the dial. The “still image shooting mode” is an operation mode for recording a still image. Still image data recorded in this mode is stored as a progressively compressed image file. “Reproduction mode” is an operation mode in which image data stored in the memory card 32 is reproduced and output to the liquid crystal monitor 55, or data is output to an external device via a video terminal or the like. The playback mode is also used as an editing mode for editing various data associated with image data. The “movie shooting mode” is an operation mode for recording a movie. In this example, conditions such as the maximum time that can be recorded in one shooting, image size, frame rate, etc. are preset, for example, with a maximum of about 160 seconds of audio (8 kHz, 8 bit, monaural) in one shooting. It is assumed that a movie can be recorded at a recording condition of 320 × 240 pixels and 10 frames / second. Note that the recordable time varies depending on the remaining capacity of the memory card 32. The moving image data recorded in this mode is stored as a progressively compressed moving image file for each frame.
[0030]
When the shutter button 52 is pressed in the moving image shooting mode, the moving image recording is started, and when the shutter button 52 is pressed again, the moving image recording is ended. When the high image quality mode button 57 is pressed during moving image recording, the image data captured at the timing when the button is pressed is recorded as high pixels without being thinned out when reading out the CCD. In this example, high pixel recording of 1280 × 960 pixels is performed in response to pressing of the high image quality mode button 57, but higher pixel recording may be performed according to the performance of the CCD. Further, an aspect in which the user can appropriately set the pixels at the time of high pixel recording is also preferable.
[0031]
FIG. 3 shows the file structure of the moving image file. As shown in FIG. 3, the moving image file 70 recorded by the digital camera 10 includes a file header 72, an image data header 73, an audio data header 74, an attached information portion 75, and a moving image data portion 76. In the file header 72, information regarding the entire moving image file is recorded. For example, information such as the total number of frames is recorded. In addition, when the high image quality mode button 57 is pressed during moving image recording to execute high image quality recording, the index of the high pixel recording frame is recorded in the file header 72. An example of the index is shown in FIG. In the index, information on the total number of frames, frame numbers, and addresses recorded with high pixels in the moving image file is written. The index information is used for file management to be described later.
[0032]
Information relating to image data is recorded in the header 73 of the image data shown in FIG. For example, information such as playback size and data format is recorded in the header 73. In the audio data header 74, information related to the audio data is recorded. For example, the sample rate (frequency), the number of channels, the number of bits of one sample, and the like are recorded.
[0033]
In the attached information section 75, attached information at the time of shooting is recorded. Information such as the shooting date and the camera used is recorded. The moving image data main body is recorded in the moving image data portion 76. Image data and audio data are recorded interleaved.
[0034]
Next, a method for recording / reproducing moving images and still images with the digital camera 10 configured as described above will be described.
[0035]
In this embodiment, a compression method using wavelet conversion is used for compressing image data. This method has a “progressive function” of gradually increasing the resolution from low-resolution image data during reproduction. FIG. 5 shows a conceptual diagram of the progressive function. As shown in the figure, when reproducing image data recorded with high pixels (high resolution), the resolution is gradually increased from the low resolution image and finally the high resolution image is reproduced. It is possible to output an image at a resolution that matches the resolution required for display or the like.
[0036]
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the pixel size of moving image data. A normal moving image frame is recorded with a pixel size of 320 × 240, but a frame image acquired when the high image quality mode button 57 is pressed is recorded with a pixel size of 1280 × 960.
[0037]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the moving image shooting mode. When the moving image shooting mode is selected by the mode switching dial 54, the moving image shooting control is started. The CPU 38 determines whether or not the shutter button 52 has been pressed (step S110). When the CPU 38 detects that the shutter button 52 has been pressed (recording start instruction), it starts the moving image recording process (step S112). As already described, during normal moving image recording, thinning readout of the CCD 16 is performed, and recording is performed with a low pixel size (320 × 240). During the moving image recording, the CPU 38 monitors the pressing of the high image quality mode button 57 (step S114). When the CPU 38 detects the pressing of the high image quality mode button 57, the image data captured at the pressing timing is read out, and the high pixel is read. Recording with a size (1280 × 960) is performed (step S116). If the high image quality mode button 57 is not pressed in step S114, the normal moving image recording process is continued.
[0038]
Next, in step S118, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 52 has been pressed. If it is not detected that the shutter button 52 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S120, where it is determined whether or not the predetermined recordable time has been recorded. If it is within the recordable time, the process returns to step S112, and the above-mentioned moving image recording process is continued. If the pressing of the shutter button 52 (recording stop instruction) is detected in step S118, or if the recordable time is reached in step S120, the moving image recording process is stopped (step S122).
[0039]
Thus, a frame recorded with high pixels during moving image recording can be reproduced as one frame in the moving image and can also be handled as image data of a still image. As will be described later in detail, a frame recorded with high pixels is virtually directory-managed as a still image file and can be handled in the same manner as a normal still image file.
[0040]
The method of reproducing a frame recorded with high pixels differs between when reproducing a moving image and when reproducing a still image. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, at the time of moving image reproduction, an image having a target number of pixels (320 × 240 in this example) is reproduced in order from the image having the minimum number of pixels. If the processing is not in time for other interrupt processing or the like, the playback processing is stopped halfway and playback of the next frame is started. On the other hand, at the time of still image reproduction, the recorded still image of the highest pixel (1280 × 960 in this example) is reproduced.
[0041]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the reproduction mode. When the playback mode is selected by the mode switching dial 54, playback control starts and the file recorded on the memory card 32 is read (step S210). Immediately after switching to the reproduction mode, the last file (last recorded file) in the memory card 32 is read.
[0042]
The image data of the read file is decompressed (step S212) and then displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 55 (step S214). When the file to be read is a still image file or a virtual still image file of a frame recorded with high pixels, the image content of the still image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 55 as a single frame. When the file to be read is a moving image file, the image content of the first frame is displayed, and a screen for accepting an instruction input for starting moving image reproduction is displayed.
[0043]
Next, the CPU 38 determines whether or not an instruction to start moving image reproduction has been input (step S216). When the user inputs an instruction to start moving image reproduction in accordance with a predetermined operation procedure while the image of the first frame of the moving image file is displayed, the CPU 38 detects this and starts moving image reproduction processing of the moving image file (step S220). ). During reproduction of a moving image, it is determined whether the processing target frame is a normal moving image frame or a high pixel recording frame (step S222). If it is a high pixel recording frame, a predetermined resolution (320 × 240) is determined by a progressive method. (Step S224). On the other hand, when the target frame is a normal moving image frame, the recorded pixel size is reproduced.
[0044]
Next, in step S226, it is determined whether an instruction to stop moving image playback has been input. If an instruction to stop playback is input during moving image playback, the processing of moving image playback is stopped and the process returns to step S214. On the other hand, if no stop instruction is input in step S226, the process proceeds to step S228, and it is determined whether or not the reproduction of the moving image file has ended. If it is in the middle of reproduction, the process returns to step S220 to continue the moving image reproduction process. If it is detected in step S228 that the reproduction of the moving image file has been completed, the process returns to step S214 to return to the display of the first frame.
[0045]
If an instruction to start moving image reproduction is not input in step S216, the process proceeds to step S240, and it is determined whether an instruction to change the file to be reproduced (so-called frame advance / frame return instruction) is input. If an instruction to change the playback file is not input in step S240, the process returns to step S214, and the current display state is maintained. On the other hand, if an instruction to change the playback file is input in step S240, the process returns to step S210, the file to be read is changed, and another file is read from the memory card 32. Thus, the reproduced image is changed.
[0046]
Next, a method of handling a frame recorded with high pixels in a moving image file will be described. The image data of a frame recorded with high pixels is actually stored in a moving image file, but is virtually managed as a still image file. FIG. 10 shows the real directory structure of the memory card, and FIG. 11 shows the virtual directory structure.
[0047]
According to the actual directory structure shown in FIG. 10, a still image storage directory (directory name: “STILL”) and a movie storage directory (directory name: “MOVIE”) are stored in an appropriate hierarchy below the root directory. Three still image files are recorded in the “STILL” directory, and two moving image files are recorded in the “MOVIE” directory. Each file is automatically assigned a file number in accordance with the recording order, and a file name that is a combination of the file number and an extension indicating a file attribute is assigned.
[0048]
Two frames in the moving image file “0001.MJ2” are recorded with high pixels, and three frames in the moving image file “0002.MJ2” are recorded with high pixels.
[0049]
When a directory list is displayed for such a real directory structure, a virtual directory structure shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. According to FIG. 11, the high pixel recording frames in the moving image file “0001.MJ2” are “0004.JP2” and “0005.JP2,” and the high pixel recording frames in the moving image file “0002.MJ2” are “0006. JP2 "," 0007.JP2 ", and" 0008.JP2 "are virtually presented as if they were still image files. A file list as shown in FIG. 11 may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 55 of the digital camera 10, and with the digital camera 10 via a communication interface unit (not shown) (for example, a USB terminal) mounted on the digital camera 10. A personal computer (not shown) may be connected to display the file list of the memory card 32 on the personal computer display.
[0050]
Access to the virtual still image file corresponding to the high pixel recording frame is performed as follows.
<Reading of Virtual Still Image File> When the virtual still image file is accessed, the data of the corresponding frame is automatically extracted from the moving image file, converted into one still image file format, and the data is passed to the access source. For example, when an image is copied to another medium, one still image file is copied to the other medium.
<Overwriting and Erasing Virtual Still Image Files> For virtual still image files, write protection protection (Write Protected) is automatically set, and overwriting and erasing processing is prohibited. This is to prevent images from being recorded with a different number of pixels and format from the previous and subsequent frames due to image editing operations.
[0051]
In this example, the virtual still image file is treated as being write-protected, but it is also possible to replace the file with the data of the corresponding frame of the moving image after converting the file into a predetermined format.
[0052]
In the above-described embodiment, only one resolution (1280 × 960 pixel size) is presented as a virtual still image file. However, it is also possible to present each image having a plurality of resolutions as a separate file (virtual file). It is.
[0053]
The index of the high pixel recording frame is not limited to the aspect of recording in the file header of the moving image file, and may be recorded at another position in the moving image file or as a separate file.
[0054]
In the above description, the index information is used when presenting the virtual directory or accessing the virtual still image file. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the video file is not prepared without preparing the index. A high pixel recording frame may be searched by scanning each of the frames.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since a high pixel recording frame is embedded and recorded in a moving image file, it is easy to associate a moving image with a still image. Since the present invention employs a compression method capable of progressive reproduction, when reproducing a high-pixel recording frame as a moving image, it can reproduce up to the predetermined resolution equivalent to a normal frame, In the case of reproducing alone as a still image, reproduction can be performed at a resolution higher than the predetermined resolution.
[0056]
Further, according to the present invention, a high pixel recording frame embedded in a moving image can be easily handled in the same manner as a normal still image.
[0057]
Since the present invention does not record a still image as a separate file, there is an effect that the recording capacity can be reduced. In addition, there is an advantage that even if the processing speed of the playback device that plays back the recorded moving image file is slow, it can be played back without dropping frames.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera of this example.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the file structure of a moving image file.
FIG. 4 is a chart showing an example of an index of a high pixel recording frame recorded in a moving image file.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the progressive playback function.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the pixel size of moving image data.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the moving image shooting mode.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for reproducing a high pixel recording frame.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a playback mode control procedure;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a real directory structure
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a virtual directory structure
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 16 ... CCD, 24 ... Frame memory, 26 ... Digital signal processing part, 28 ... Compression / decompression circuit, 32 ... Memory card, 38 ... CPU, 40 ... CPU peripheral circuit, 50 ... Display apparatus, 52 ... Shutter Button 54 mode switching dial 55 liquid crystal monitor 57 high image quality mode button

Claims (4)

An image recording and reproducing method for encoding and recording frame data of a moving image captured through an imaging unit according to a compression format capable of progressive reproduction, and decoding and reproducing the recorded image,
During normal video recording, which records video frame data at a predetermined resolution set in advance, an instruction for high-quality recording is received from the user, and frame data having a resolution higher than the predetermined resolution is input in accordance with the input of the instruction Acquired,
A group of moving image data composed of a normal frame recorded at the predetermined resolution and a high pixel recording frame recorded at the high resolution is stored as a moving image file.
When the high pixel recording frame in the moving image file is reproduced as a moving image, it is reproduced up to the predetermined resolution by a progressive method, while when the high pixel recording frame is reproduced as a still image, it is higher than the predetermined resolution. There line playback on the resolution,
A high-pixel recording frame in the moving image file is managed as a virtual still image file (referred to as a virtual still image file), and a virtual directory structure including the virtual still image file is displayed in response to a file list display request. Presented,
An image recording / reproducing method characterized in that, when accessing the virtual still image file, the corresponding frame is extracted from the moving image file, converted into one still image file, and then output . An image reproduction apparatus comprising: a signal processing unit that decodes image data encoded according to a compression format that can be progressively reproduced; and an output unit that outputs the decoded image.
For a moving image file in which a group of moving image data composed of a normal frame recorded at a predetermined resolution and a high pixel recording frame recorded at a higher resolution than the predetermined resolution is stored as one file, When the high-pixel recording frame is played back as a moving image, it is played back to the predetermined resolution by a progressive method. for example Bei the playback control means for performing,
A high-pixel recording frame in the moving image file is managed as a virtual still image file (referred to as a virtual still image file), and a virtual directory structure including the virtual still image file is displayed in response to a file list display request. An image reproduction apparatus comprising file management means for presenting, extracting a corresponding frame from the moving image file and converting it to a single still image file when accessing the virtual still image file . File management of at least one frame among a plurality of frame data stored in the video file as a virtual still image file (referred to as a virtual still image file),
In response to a file list display request, a virtual directory structure including the virtual still image file is presented, and when accessing the virtual still image file, the corresponding frame is extracted from the moving image file to form a single still image file. A file management method characterized by outputting after conversion. File management means for managing at least one frame as a virtual still image file (referred to as a virtual still image file) out of a plurality of frame data recorded in the video file;
Virtual directory structure presenting means for presenting a virtual directory structure including the virtual still image file in response to a file list display request;
File conversion means for extracting the corresponding frame from the moving image file when accessing the virtual still image file, and converting it to a single still image file;
A file management apparatus comprising:

Images