JP2002344865A - Video recording / reproducing system and video recording / reproducing method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a video recording / reproducing system capable of recording video / audio data from a plurality of video output means without being limited to a maximum recordable rate on a storage medium of one terminal. A transfer destination video recording terminal is switched for each data unit capable of reproducing a series of input video / audio data based on a set video / audio data recording rate, and a plurality of transfer is performed together with recording position management information. Video transmission terminals 111 and 112 for distributing and transferring the data to a plurality of video recording terminals 2 and a plurality of video recording terminals 2 for respectively recording a part or all of a series of video and audio data transferred from the video transmission terminals
11 and 212. By distributing and recording a series of video and audio data to a plurality of video recording terminals,
Video and audio data from a plurality of video output units can be recorded without being limited by the recording rate that can be realized by the storage medium of the terminal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video / audio recording / reproducing system for recording and reproducing video / audio data distributed to remote terminals and a method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a video recording / reproducing system is disclosed in
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 1-205781, 11-284987 and 10-304475 are known. FIG. 21 shows a configuration of a conventional video recording / reproducing system. The video recording terminal 2100 records video / audio data, transmits a part of the video / audio data to the video display terminal, and transmits the video / audio data. Transmission means 400 as a medium, video display terminal 2110 for receiving and displaying video / audio data, video output means 500 for acquiring and outputting video or audio from a camera or the like, video display means 600 for displaying video or displaying audio It consists of. Further, the video recording terminal 2100 includes a data control unit 2101 for transferring the input video and audio to the storage unit 2102 and the transmission unit 400, and a storage unit 2102 for recording the video and audio data. The video display terminal 2110 includes a data control unit 2111 that receives video and audio data via the transmission unit 400 and outputs the data to the video display unit 600. FIG. 22 shows a video recording terminal 2
2 shows the concept of the flow of the video and audio data in 100.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the conventional video recording and reproducing system will be described. First, in the video recording terminal 2100 which is the transmission source of the video / audio data, the data control unit 2101 receives the video / audio data input from the video output unit 500, and records it in the storage unit 2102 of the own terminal as shown in FIG. The data recording unit is one frame. Also, as shown in FIG.
101 transmits video / audio data to the transmission means 400 at a prescribed frame interval addressed to the video display terminal 2110. In the video display terminal 2110 on the receiving side, the data control unit 2111 receives the video and audio data with the frames decimated, and outputs the data to the video display unit 600. Image display means 6
00 displays the video and audio output from the video display terminal 2110. The image display terminal 2110 can refer to an image almost in real time even though there is a lack of a frame. The video / audio data once recorded in the video recording terminal 2100 is transmitted to the video recording terminal 2100 by the data control means 2101 in accordance with a request from the video display terminal 2110.
Of the video display terminal 211 by reading from the storage means 2102 included in the
0 can be reproduced.

Further, as another conventional video recording / reproducing system, video / audio data is temporarily stored in a video recording terminal 2100 on the transmission side, and the data is divided into blocks so as to have a transmission rate sufficient for transmission by a transmission means 400. To transmit.
Data that cannot be transmitted is recorded in the storage unit 2102. The video display terminal 2110 on the receiving side temporarily records the blocked data in the storage means, reconstructs the video and audio data, and displays it. Blocked data can be thinned out and transmitted according to the transmittable capacity of the transmission means 400.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional video recording / reproducing system, all the video / audio data is stored by the storage means of the video recording terminal which is the transmitting side of the video / audio data. Therefore, when a plurality of video output units are connected to the video recording terminal and a plurality of series of video / audio data are simultaneously recorded, the number of records that can be simultaneously recorded is the recording capacity per unit time that can be recorded by the storage unit of the video recording terminal, That is, there is a problem that the recording rate is limited by a recording rate that can be realized by the storage unit. In addition, since all video and audio data are recorded by one terminal, there is a problem that if the video recording terminal on which the video and audio data is recorded fails, all of the video and audio data cannot be referred to.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problem, and is capable of recording video and audio data from a plurality of video output means without being limited to a maximum recordable rate on a storage medium of one terminal. It is another object of the present invention to provide an excellent video recording / reproducing system and method, in which all data cannot be referred to even if a terminal on which video / audio data is recorded fails.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an excellent video recording / reproducing system which suppresses loss of video / audio data which may be caused by either the recording capacity of the video recording terminal or the transmission rate to the video recording terminal.

[0008]

A video recording / reproducing system according to the present invention creates recording position management information including a recording rate of video / audio data allocated and set for each recording destination and a recording position of a data storage destination. Transmission terminal control means for switching the transfer destination of the video and audio data according to the set recording rate is provided, and the input video and audio data can be reproduced in data units based on the recording rate of the video and audio data set in the transmission terminal control means. A video transmission terminal that switches a terminal to be transferred and distributes and transfers a series of video and audio data to a plurality of video recording terminals together with recording position management information, and recording of video and audio data based on a recording area securing request from the video transmission terminal. Video recording control means for securing an area and receiving and recording video and audio data addressed to the terminal together with recording position management information. Only has a configuration that includes a plurality of video recorder for recording a part that all or dispersion of a set of audiovisual data transferred from the video transmission terminal. With this configuration, a series of video and audio data can be distributed and recorded by multiple terminals, and the amount of recording per unit time to the storage means per terminal can be reduced and more video can be stored than by recording all at one terminal. Voice input can be recorded. Further, the probability that all data is lost or cannot be referred to due to the failure of one terminal can be reduced, and the reliability of data storage and transmission can be improved.

[0009] The video recording and reproducing system according to the present invention comprises:
Creates recording position management information that manages the recording position of the data storage destination, including the recording rate of the video and audio data assigned and set for each recording destination, and instructs the switching of the transfer destination of the video and audio data according to the set recording rate A transmission terminal control means for switching a terminal for transferring input video / audio data in a reproducible data unit based on the video / audio data recording rate set by the transmission terminal control means, and controlling a series of video / audio data recording positions; A video transmission terminal that distributes and transfers information to a plurality of video recording terminals, and a recording area for video and audio data is secured based on a recording area securing request from the video transmission terminal, and a recording rate setting by the video transmission terminal is performed. If the maximum recordable rate is exceeded, transfer to another video recording terminal, set to distribute and temporarily record, and Video recording control means for receiving and recording the video and audio data together with the recording position management information, and receiving and recording the video and audio data temporarily recorded in another terminal during or after the recording, and transferring from the video transmission terminal. And a plurality of video recording terminals for temporarily recording all or a part of the series of video and audio data thus obtained. With this configuration, even if there is a recording request exceeding the recordable rate of the main video recording terminal, a series of video / audio data can be recorded in real time without omission by temporarily recording the video at another video recording terminal.

[0010] The video recording and reproducing system according to the present invention comprises:
Refers to the management information of a series of video and audio data, identifies a playable terminal that records a part of the specified series of video and audio data, requests video and audio data according to the management information, and receives the received video and audio. A video display terminal having video display control means for outputting data in an order according to management information, wherein each video recording control means of the plurality of video recording terminals manages video / audio data requested by the video display terminal, respectively. The information is read out according to the information, transmitted to the video display terminal, and a series of video and audio data distributed and recorded in the plurality of video recording terminals is reproduced. With this configuration, a series of video and audio data recorded in a plurality of terminals can be collected and played back by one terminal. Further, even in a situation where data of some terminals is lost or cannot be transferred, all data can be reproduced without losing even if some data is lost, thereby improving the reliability of video and audio data reproduction. .

[0011] The video recording and reproducing system according to the present invention comprises:
A configuration in which the video transmission terminal collects information on transmittable capacity per unit time between each video recording terminal and determines a recording rate for each terminal according to a ratio of transmittable capacity per unit time. Have. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent data loss due to an excessive transmission rate during data transmission and record video and audio data without omission.

A video recording / reproducing system according to the present invention comprises:
The video transmission terminal collects information on recordable capacities of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal, and determines a recording rate for each terminal according to a ratio of the recordable capacity. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent data loss due to insufficient recording capacity and record video and audio data without omission.

The video recording / reproducing system according to the present invention comprises:
The video transmission terminal collects information on a transmittable capacity per unit time between each video recording terminal, and collects information on a recordable capacity of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal,
It has a configuration in which the recording rate for each terminal is determined according to the ratio of the recordable capacity under the condition that the transferable capacity per unit time is equal to or less. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent data loss due to insufficient recording capacity and excessive transmission rate, and to record video and audio data without omission.

The video recording / reproducing system according to the present invention comprises:
When the video recording terminal moves or deletes the recorded video and audio data to another terminal, the correction information of the recording position management information is transmitted to another video recording terminal that records a series of video and audio data. And the result of the movement or deletion is reflected on the video recording terminal that records the series of video and audio data. With this configuration, data can be moved or deleted without causing inconsistency in management information between video recording terminals existing in the video recording / reproducing system, and video / audio data can be referenced.

The video recording / reproducing system according to the present invention comprises
A video recording terminal to be used for recording is selected based on a recording request from the video transmission terminal, a series of video / audio data is received from the video transmission terminal, and recording position management information including a recording position of a data storage destination is created. Comprising a video recording arbitration terminal having arbitration terminal control means for transferring and recording a series of video and audio data to the selected video recording terminal, without the video transmission terminal grasping the existence of a plurality of video recording terminals, By transmitting a video or audio data recording request or a reproduction request to the video recording and arbitration terminal, distributed recording or reproduction is performed. With this configuration, the video transmission terminal or the video display terminal collects information such as addition or reduction of the video recording terminals in the video recording / reproducing system, and manages the video transmission terminals. Recording or reproduction can be performed by making a recording or reproduction request only to the video recording arbitration terminal without grasping the existence of. In addition, each video recording terminal does not notify its presence to all video transmission terminals connected to the video recording / reproducing system, but only registers in the video recording arbitration means without transmitting any video transmission terminal or video display terminal. The video display terminal can use its own terminal for recording or reproduction.

The video recording / reproducing system according to the present invention comprises:
A video recording terminal to be used for recording is selected based on a recording request from the video transmission terminal, a series of video / audio data is received from the video transmission terminal, recording position management information including a recording position of a data storage destination, and charging information. A video recording arbitration terminal having arbitration terminal control means for transferring and recording a series of video / audio data to the selected video recording terminal, wherein the video transmission terminal grasps the existence of a plurality of video recording terminals Instead, the video recording and arbitration terminal transmits a recording request or a reproduction request of video / audio data to perform distributed recording or reproduction of the video / audio data, and also performs billing. With this configuration, the video transmission terminal or the video display terminal collects information such as addition and reduction of the video recording terminals in the video recording and reproducing system, and records or reproduces only the video recording arbitration terminal without managing a plurality of video recording terminals. Recording or reproduction can be performed by request. In addition, each video recording terminal does not notify its presence to all video transmission terminals connected to the video recording / reproducing system, but only registers in the video recording arbitration means without transmitting any video transmission terminal or video display terminal. It is possible to make the video display terminal use its own terminal for recording or reproduction, and perform billing.

In the video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention, the transmitting / receiving side of the video / audio data sets the allocation of the recording rate of the video / audio data for each recording destination; A step of creating management information; a step of switching the transfer destination of video and audio data in a reproducible data unit based on a set recording rate; And transmitting the video and audio data, on the receiving side of the video and audio data, securing a recording area for the video and audio data based on the recording area reservation request, Receiving and recording, and recording a series of video / audio data in a distributed manner to a plurality of terminals. The it has. With this configuration,
A series of video and audio data can be distributed and recorded by multiple terminals, and the amount of recording per unit time to the storage means per terminal can be reduced compared to recording all on one terminal, and many video and audio inputs can be Can be recorded. Further, the probability that all data is lost or cannot be referred to due to the failure of one terminal can be reduced, and the reliability of data storage and transmission can be improved.

In the video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention, in the video / audio data transmitting terminal, the step of setting the allocation of the recording rate of the video / audio data and the recording position management information for managing the recording position of the data storage destination are performed. Creating, switching the destination of the video and audio data based on the set recording rate in a reproducible data unit, and switching the terminal that transfers the input video and audio data based on the set recording rate of the video and audio data And a step of distributing and transferring a series of video and audio data to a plurality of receiving terminals together with the recording position management information. On the receiving side of the video and audio data, recording of the video and audio data is performed based on a recording area securing request. Securing the area and setting the recording rate by the video transmission terminal to a maximum recordable level. If the number exceeds the limit, a step of setting the data to be transferred to another receiving terminal and setting it to be temporarily recorded in a distributed manner; a step of receiving and recording the video and audio data addressed to the own terminal together with the recording position management information; Receiving and recording the video and audio data that has been distributed and temporarily recorded to another terminal after the recording has been completed, and that a series of video and audio data is distributed and temporarily recorded to a plurality of terminals. With this configuration, even if there is a recording request exceeding the recordable rate of the main video recording terminal, a series of video / audio data can be recorded in real time without omission by temporarily recording the video at another video recording terminal.

The video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention includes a step of reading and transmitting requested video / audio data in accordance with management information on the transmitting terminal side, and a step of transmitting / receiving a series of video / audio data on the receiving terminal side. Referring to the management information; identifying a reproducible terminal recording a part of the specified series of video / audio data; requesting video / audio data according to the management information; And outputting the video and audio data in a sequence in accordance with the management information. With this configuration, a series of video and audio data recorded in a plurality of terminals can be collected and played back by one terminal. Further, even in a situation where data of some terminals are lost or cannot be transferred, even if some data is lost, all data can be reproduced without being lost, and the reliability of video / audio data reproduction can be improved. .

In the video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention, the transmitting terminal collects information on a transmittable capacity per unit time between the transmitting terminal and each of the receiving terminals; And determining a recording rate for each terminal according to the ratio of. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent data loss due to an excessive transmission rate during data transmission, and record video and audio data without omission.

In the video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention, the transmitting terminal collects information on the recordable capacity of each receiving terminal, and determines the recording rate for each terminal according to the ratio of the recordable capacity. Is provided. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent data loss due to insufficient recording capacity and record video and audio data without omission.

In the video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention, the transmitting terminal collects information on a transmittable capacity per unit time between the transmitting terminal and each receiving terminal, and a recordable capacity of each receiving terminal. And a step of determining a recording rate for each terminal according to a ratio of recordable capacity under a condition of being equal to or less than a transmittable capacity per unit time. . With this configuration, it is possible to prevent data loss due to insufficient recording capacity and excessive transmission rate, and to record video and audio data without omission.

In the video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention, when moving or erasing the recorded video / audio data to another terminal on the receiving terminal side, the video data is transmitted to another terminal recording a series of video / audio data. The method includes a step of transmitting and correcting the correction information of the recording management information, and has a configuration in which a result of the movement or the deletion is reflected on a terminal that records a series of video and audio data. With this configuration, data can be moved or deleted without causing inconsistency in management information between video recording terminals existing in the video recording / reproducing system, and video / audio data can be referenced.

In the video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention, the receiving terminal selects a terminal to be used for recording based on a recording request from the transmitting terminal, a step of receiving a series of video / audio data, Creating recording management information including the storage location of the storage location;
Arbitrating to transfer and record a series of video and audio data to the selected terminal, wherein the transmitting terminal transmits a video or audio data recording request or a reproduction request without grasping the existence of a plurality of receiving terminals. In such a case, distributed recording or reproduction is performed. With this configuration, the video transmission terminal or the video display terminal collects information such as addition and reduction of the video recording terminals in the video recording and reproducing system, and records or reproduces only the video recording arbitration terminal without managing a plurality of video recording terminals. Recording or reproduction can be performed by request. In addition, each video recording terminal does not notify its presence to all video transmission terminals connected to the video recording / reproducing system, but only registers in the video recording arbitration means without transmitting any video transmission terminal or video display terminal. The video display terminal can use its own terminal for recording or reproduction.

In the video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention, the receiving terminal selects a terminal to be used for recording based on a recording request from the transmitting terminal, receiving a series of video / audio data, Creating recording management information and accounting information including the recording location of the storage location, transmitting the accounting information to the recording requesting terminal, and arbitrating to transfer and record a series of video and audio data to the selected terminal. And the transmitting terminal does not know the existence of a plurality of video recording terminals,
It has a configuration in which distributed recording or reproduction is performed by transmitting a video or audio data recording request or reproduction request, and billing is performed at the same time. With this configuration, the video transmission terminal or the video display terminal collects information such as addition and reduction of the video recording terminals in the video recording and reproducing system, and records or reproduces only the video recording arbitration terminal without managing a plurality of video recording terminals. Recording or reproduction can be performed by request. Also, each video recording terminal does not notify its presence to all video transmission terminals and video display terminals connected to the video recording and playback system,
Simply by registering in the video recording arbitration means, any video transmission terminal or video display terminal can use its own terminal for recording or reproduction, and charge.

The program according to the present invention has a configuration for causing a computer to function as each component of the video recording / reproducing system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. With this configuration, a series of video and audio data is distributed and recorded in a plurality of video recording terminals in a minimum unit that can be reproduced, so that a plurality of video outputs can be output without being limited to a maximum recordable rate on a storage medium of one terminal. It is possible to record the video and audio data from the means, and it is possible to suppress the possibility that all data cannot be referred to even if the terminal on which the video and audio data is recorded fails.

The program according to the present invention has a configuration for causing a computer to execute each component procedure of the video recording / reproducing method according to any one of claims 10 to 18. With this configuration, a series of video and audio data is distributed and recorded in a plurality of video recording terminals in a minimum unit that can be reproduced, so that a plurality of video outputs can be output without being limited to a maximum recordable rate on a storage medium of one terminal. It is possible to record the video and audio data from the means, and it is possible to suppress the possibility that all data cannot be referred to even if the terminal on which the video and audio data is recorded fails.

A recording medium on which a program according to the present invention is recorded has a configuration in which a program for causing a computer to function as each component of the video recording / reproducing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is recorded. I have. According to this configuration, a series of video / audio data is distributed and recorded in a plurality of video recording terminals in a minimum unit that can be reproduced, so that a plurality of videos can be recorded without being limited to a maximum recordable rate on a storage medium of one terminal. The video and audio data from the output means can be recorded, and the possibility that all data cannot be referred to even if the terminal on which the video and audio data is recorded fails can be suppressed.

A recording medium on which the program according to the present invention is recorded has a configuration in which a program for causing a computer to execute each component procedure of the video recording / reproducing method according to any one of claims 10 to 18 is recorded. I have.
With this configuration, a series of video and audio data is distributed and recorded in a plurality of video recording terminals in a minimum unit that can be reproduced, so that a plurality of video outputs can be output without being limited to a maximum recordable rate on a storage medium of one terminal. It is possible to record the video and audio data from the means, and it is possible to suppress the possibility that all data cannot be referred to even if the terminal on which the video and audio data is recorded fails.

[0030]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, first to ninth embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. (First Embodiment) First, a video recording / reproducing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the configuration of the video recording / reproducing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The video recording / reproducing system shown in FIG.
2. Video recording terminals 211 and 212 for receiving and recording a part or all of video and audio data, a medium connected to one or more video transmission terminals and one or more video recording terminals to perform data transmission between the terminals , A video output unit 511 for acquiring and outputting video or audio,
512. FIG. 1 shows a state in which two video transmission terminals and two video recording terminals are connected, but one or more arbitrary numbers may be connected. The video output unit 500 includes an imaging unit such as a video camera. Further, the transmission means 400 is, for example, an IP
(Internet Protocol) based on LAN or WAN, Ethernet (registered trademark), IEEE
This is a network realized by a transmission medium such as E1394, the Internet, or a combination thereof.

Next, the configurations of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The video transmission terminal 100 and the video recording terminal 200 temporarily store the input data and output the data to the specified destination.
01, storage means 102 and 202 for storing data,
Transmission terminal control means 103 for controlling the recording destination by issuing a switching instruction of the video / audio data transmission destination, and recording terminal control means 203 for controlling the recording of the video / audio data received via the transmission means 400 to its own storage means It consists of.
Although one or more video output units can be connected to the video transmission terminal 100, the example of FIG. 2 shows an example in which three video output units 511 to 513 are connected.

The video transmission terminal 100 is a terminal that sets recording, issues a recording instruction to another terminal, and transmits video / audio data, and the video recording terminal 200 is transferred according to an instruction from the other terminal. A terminal that records video and audio data. The video transmission terminal 100 and the video recording terminal 200 may have both functions.

Next, the operation of the video recording / reproducing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a control procedure of the video transmission terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the transmission terminal control unit 103 performs, as control of recording preparation, based on recording setting information including information set by an operator,
A recording preparation request is transmitted to each terminal (step S30).
1, the letters of the steps are omitted below). The recording setting information includes at least a recording end condition such as a recording time and a recording capacity, a terminal used for recording, and a recording rate for each terminal. Upon receiving the request, the video recording terminal 200 secures a recording area and sets a recording pattern, and transmits recording preparation completion. When the video transmission terminal 100 also performs recording on its own terminal, a recording area is secured from the free space of the storage unit 102. Also, the recording capacity per unit time in the storage means 102, that is, the recording rate is secured, and it is ensured that the received video / audio data can be recorded at the previously secured recording rate. When the recording preparations for all the used terminals are completed, the recording pattern of the video / audio data for each used terminal is determined, and the recording preparation is completed (S302). The recording pattern is a timing setting for switching the data transmission destination.

Next, the transmission terminal control means 103 notifies the video recording terminal 200 of the start of recording as recording control (S303). Further, the transmission terminal control means 103 instructs the data control means 101 to receive data from the specific video output means 500 (S304). The data control means 101 receives the video and audio transmitted from the video output means 500. The data handled by the data control means 101 is digitized video and audio data, and may be intra-frame compression such as JPEG or inter-frame compression such as MPEG. The unit of data handled by the data control unit 101 is a lump of video / audio data that can be reproduced alone,
It is desirable to perform this in a video recording unit consisting of one frame or a plurality of frames. The video recording unit may be one or a plurality of GOP (Group of Pictures) units in the case of MPEG. If the video and audio output from the video output means 500 are analog signals, a means for digitizing and compressing the data and the data control means 101 may be provided. The transmission terminal control means 103 receives the notification of the data reception amount from the data control means 101, and determines whether or not the reception data amount of the video / audio data has reached the amount specified by the recording pattern (S305).

When the received data amount of the video and audio data reaches the amount specified by the recording pattern, the recording position in the free space of the storage means 102, which is the recording destination of the video recording unit,
Alternatively, the management information is generated by specifying the video recording terminal 200 (S306). Further, it instructs the data control means 101 to transmit data to the storage means 102 or the video recording terminal 200. When the video / audio data is to be transferred to the storage unit 102 of the own terminal, an instruction is given to record the video / audio data at the recording position specified by the storage unit 102 (S307), and the management information is transmitted to the data control unit 101 and recorded in the storage unit 102. (S308). Video recording terminal 200
When transferring the management information to the data control unit 101,
To the video recording terminal 200 (S3).
08), and instruct to transmit the video / audio data to the video recording terminal 200 (S309).

The data control means 101 transfers video / audio data and management information to a designated output destination in accordance with an instruction from the transmission terminal control means 103. Thereafter, the steps from the input of the video and audio data to the transfer to the video recording terminal 200 or the storage means 102 are repeated until the recording is completed. Transmission terminal control means 1
03, when the recording end condition is satisfied, the data control unit 101 is instructed to stop the data transfer, and the recording at the terminal is stopped (S310). The transmission means 400
A recording stop request is transmitted to the video recording terminal 200 via the terminal (S311). Upon receiving the recording stop request, the video recording terminal 200 stops receiving data from the video transmission terminal 100 and recording on the storage unit 202. With the above method, a series of video / audio data, that is, video / audio content, input from one video output unit is recorded. When an input from another video output means, that is, a plurality of video / audio contents is simultaneously recorded, each content is recorded by going through the same procedure as described above.

Next, a control procedure of the video recording terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and mainly FIG. First, the recording terminal control means 203 of the video recording terminal 200
The recording preparation request is received from the video transmission terminal 100 via the transmission unit 400. The recording terminal control means 203 calculates and secures a recording area in its own terminal based on the request content, secures a recording capacity (recording rate) per unit time in the storage means 202, and stores the received video / audio data in advance. Ensure that recording can be performed at the recording rate secured. Also, it prepares to receive video / audio data and management information from the video transmission terminal 100, transmits a possible recording capacity to the video transmission terminal 100, and completes the recording preparation (S401). Video recording terminal 2
00 secures an area for recording video and audio data for other terminals when securing the recording area, and secures an area in which a series of video and audio data can all be recorded. Recording terminal control means 20
3 receives the recording start request,
To start reception (S402).

When transmission of video / audio data and management information from the video transmission terminal 100 is started, the video transmission terminal 1
The video / audio data and management information from 00 are received and transferred to the data control means 201. Recording terminal control means 2
In step S403, the data control unit 201 makes a transfer determination to the storage unit 203 for each recording unit of a fixed amount of video / audio data (S403). Upon receiving a certain amount, the recording terminal control means 2
03 generates management information for managing data recorded in its own terminal based on the received management information (S40).
4). The recording terminal control means 203 is a data control means 201
And the received video / audio data is recorded in the area secured by the storage means 203 (S405). Further, the management information is transferred to the data control means 201 and recorded in the storage means 203 (S406). The management information and the video / audio data are recorded in dedicated areas in the recording area of the storage means 203. The above-described recording from the data reception to the storage unit 202 is repeated until the recording stop notification is received. When the recording stop notification is received, a recording stop instruction is instructed to the data control means 201 to end the recording (S407).

Next, referring to FIG. 5, the recording pattern of the video / audio data will be described. FIG. 5 shows a recording pattern of the video / audio data set in the video transmission terminal 100. The video output unit 511, the video transmission terminal 111, and the video recording terminal 211 shown in FIG. 5 are the same as those shown in FIG. Also, in the example of FIG. 5, a description will be given on the assumption that a video recording unit is a frame unit. The data rate of video and audio input to the video transmission terminal 111 is Nin frames / second, the recording rate for recording inside the video transmission terminal 111 is NO, and the recording rate for recording on the video recording terminal 211 is N1.
N0 and N1 are set under the condition of Nin or less.
For example, if N0 + N1 = Nin and N0 = N1 are set, the data transfer destination is switched by the data control unit 101 (FIG. 2) for each video recording unit as shown in FIG. It is recorded on the transmission terminal 111 and the video recording terminal 211. Similarly, when there are a plurality of video recording terminals to be used for recording, they are recorded in each terminal as shown in FIG. As another example, the transmission means 4
When it is desired to halve the data transmission amount via 00 or to halve the recording capacity of the video recording terminal 211, it is set so that N0: N1 = 2: 1, and FIG. Can be recorded as follows.

When the recording area of the entire video recording / reproducing system is used most efficiently and all input video and audio are recorded, switching is performed so that the recording data of all terminals does not overlap, and Nin = N0 + N1 +. It is desirable to set the recording rate so as to satisfy + Nn. However, this condition does not limit the recording setting condition, and N0, N
1,..., Nn may be set to an arbitrary value as long as the value is equal to or less than Nin. If it is not necessary to record all the input video and audio, Nin> N0 + N1 +.
The recording rate may be set so as to satisfy + Nn.
For example, as shown in (D) of FIG. 5, all video and audio data are not recorded but a part is discarded, and the load of data transfer to the storage means 102 and 202 is reduced to allow a margin in a recordable rate. Video and audio data from another video output means 512 and more video output means can be simultaneously recorded. Further, the recording data may be switched between the terminals so as to overlap. When a plurality of video / audio contents are input to the video transmission terminal 111 and are recorded simultaneously, the recording is performed so that the total recording rate of the video transmission terminal 111 to the storage unit 102 does not exceed the maximum possible recording rate of the storage unit 102. A pattern may be set, and video / audio data that cannot be recorded may be transmitted to the video recording terminal 211 or discarded.

As described above, in the video recording / reproducing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a series of video / audio data is not recorded in real time in the storage means of one terminal. Recording amount per unit time. Therefore, video and audio inputs from a larger number of video output units can be accepted, and recording to the storage unit and transfer to the transmission unit can be performed than when all of a series of video and audio data are recorded in the video transmission terminal. As described above, the video recording / reproducing system according to the present embodiment is particularly effective in applications such as a video monitoring field for recording video from a plurality of video sources, for example, a plurality of cameras in real time.

In the video recording / reproducing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, data can be stored without overlapping between terminals. Does not increase as. Also, the required recording capacity per terminal can be reduced as compared with recording by a single terminal. By recording video and audio data in a distributed manner to a plurality of terminals, the probability of losing all data due to a failure of one terminal can be reduced, and the reliability of data storage can be improved.

Also, in the present invention, when recording video and audio data in a distributed manner to a plurality of terminals, the video and audio data are recorded using a video recording unit that can be reproduced independently, for example, a recording unit having a frame or GOP as a unit. The data recorded in the terminal can be displayed independently of each other. Therefore, even if the data stored in one terminal is lost,
Although there is a missing frame, it can be referred from the start to the end of recording. For example, in the field of video surveillance, there is a case where a frame is missing, for example, by thinning out and recording a frame in order to extend a recording time. The method of recording without overlapping between terminals as in the present embodiment is particularly effective in applications where such thinned recording is formed or allowed.

Next, an example of the management information will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The management information includes at least the identifier of the video / audio data of the video recording unit or the recording unit obtained by subdividing the video recording unit, and the recording position management information including the storage location of the video / audio data in the storage unit 102 or 202. The storage location of the recording management information may include a terminal identifier for identifying the terminal. Further, as higher-level management information, there is content management information for associating a video / audio content identifier for identifying a series of video / audio data with recording position management information. Each piece of information has a hierarchical structure, and the recording position of the video / audio content can be specified from the content management information. Also,
The terminal on which the video and audio data recorded on the other terminal that is not recorded on the own terminal can also be specified, and the data can be referred to by accessing the terminal. The management information transmitted by the video transmission terminal 100 together with the video / audio data to the video recording terminal 200 includes at least a video recording unit identifier and a storage location.

The same video / audio data in the video transmission terminal 100 is not necessarily transmitted to the storage means 102 and the transmission means 400, but the management information is transmitted to all recording terminals and the same data is retained. You may do so. By doing so, any terminal can refer to the management information to specify which terminal has the video / audio data lacking in the terminal itself.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when recording video and audio data, the recording position of the video and audio data to be recorded in another video transmission terminal or video recording terminal,
By providing the recording terminal control means 203 (FIG. 2) or the transmission terminal control means 103 for additionally recording management information including the recording position of the storage means of the own terminal, recording of audio / video data not recorded on the own terminal You can also know the location.

In the present embodiment, the recording setting is performed on the video transmission terminal side, but may be performed from the video recording terminal or other terminals. In addition,
The storage unit 102 of the video transmission terminal 100 (FIG. 2) does not necessarily have to have an area for recording video and audio data. In this case, all the video and audio data can be transmitted to the video recording terminal 200 (FIG. 2) and recorded.

In the above description, it is assumed that the video recording terminal is predetermined or determined by the operator. Alternatively, the secure success notification that arrives earliest may be adopted. In the above description, the data transmission from the video transmission terminal is assumed to be transmitted by designating a specific video recording terminal. However, the transmission destination is not limited to one terminal using broadcast transmission or multicast transmission. You may make it transmit. In this embodiment, the transmission terminal control means and the recording terminal control means may use a general-purpose processor and may be realized by software operating thereon, or may be realized by software stored in a storage medium and read out again. May be.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, recording rate allocation for video and audio data is set for each of a plurality of terminals, and recording for managing the recording position of the data storage destination is performed. A video transmission terminal having transmission terminal control means for creating location management information and instructing switching of a video / audio data transfer destination based on a set recording rate; and video / audio data based on a recording area securing request from the video transmission terminal. A video recording terminal equipped with video recording control means for receiving video and audio data addressed to the own terminal together with the recording position management information, and instructing recording, thereby forming a series of video and audio data. Since it is possible to record in a distributed manner on multiple terminals, the amount of recording per unit time on the storage means per terminal is suppressed more than recording all on one terminal. It is possible to record the video and audio input, lowering the probability that all the data due to a failure of one terminal can not be lost or the reference, it is possible to improve the reliability of data storage and transmission.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a video recording / reproducing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the configuration of the video recording / reproducing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Video transmission terminal 111 and video recording terminal 2
The configurations of 11 and 212 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. The main video recording terminal 213 is a terminal that finally stores video and audio data,
1 and 212 have the same configuration.

Next, referring to FIG. 8 showing the control procedure of the main video recording terminal 213, and FIGS. The operation of the system will be described. First, as the control of the recording preparation, the transmission terminal control means 103 of the video transmission terminal 100 (FIG. 2) finally determines a video recording terminal that records all of a series of video and audio data. In the following description, this video recording terminal is referred to as a main video recording terminal 213. The main video recording terminal 213 can be set in advance in the video transmission terminal 100, specified by the operator, or inquire of the plurality of video recording terminals 211 to 213 about information of a reservable recording area and a recording rate, and can be reserved. This is determined by selecting a video recording terminal having a recording area with a large value. Note that the main video recording terminal 213 may be the video transmission terminal 100 itself. Next, the transmission terminal control means 103 transmits a recording preparation request to the main video recording terminal 213 based on the recording setting information including the information set by the operator.

The recording setting information includes at least recording termination conditions such as recording time and recording capacity, terminals used for recording, a recording rate for each terminal, and identification information of the main video recording terminal 213. Upon receiving the request, the main video recording terminal 213 secures a recording area and sets a recording pattern, and transmits a recording preparation completion. The recording terminal control means 203 starts the recording of the video and audio data requested by the video transmission terminal 100, and when the recording capacity per unit time that can be recorded in the storage means 202 exceeds the maximum possible recording rate. Transmits a possible recording rate to the video transmission terminal 100. When the recording rate received from the main video recording terminal 213 is lower than the recording rate of the recording setting information, the transmission terminal control means 103 transmits a recording preparation request to another video recording terminal and Be able to record. When recording is performed by the terminal itself, a recording area is secured from the free space of the storage unit 102. When the recording preparations for all the used terminals are completed, the recording pattern of the video / audio data for each used terminal is determined, and the recording preparation is completed. The operation of the video transmission terminal 100 after the start of recording is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the main video recording terminal 213 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 2, and mainly to FIG.
In the video recording terminal 200 on the receiving side, first, the recording terminal control unit 203 receives a recording preparation request from the video transmission terminal 100 via the transmission unit 400. Recording terminal control means 20
3 calculates and secures a recording capacity and a recording rate in the own terminal based on the request content, prepares to receive video / audio data and management information from the video transmission terminal 100, and sets a possible recording area and a recording rate to a video. The data is transmitted to the transmission terminal 100 to complete the recording preparation (S801). Main video recording terminal 21
Reference numeral 3 also secures an area in which video and audio data for other terminals can be recorded when securing a recording area, and secures an area in which a series of video and audio data can all be recorded. Recording terminal control means 20
3 receives the recording start request,
To start reception (S802). Video transmission terminal 10
When the transmission of the video / audio data and the management information starts, the video recording terminal 200 receives the video / audio data and the management information and transfers the data to the data control unit 201. The recording terminal control means 203 stores the storage means 202 for each of a fixed amount of video and audio data recording units for the data control means 201.
A transfer determination is made (S803).

When a certain amount is received, the recording terminal control means 20
3 generates management information for managing data recorded in its own terminal based on the received management information (S804).
The recording terminal control means 203 instructs the data control means 201 to record the received video / audio data in the area secured by the storage means 202 (S805). However, the main video recording terminal 213 records while leaving a recording area for video / audio data for other terminals. Further, the management information is transferred to the data control unit 201 and recorded in the storage unit 202 (S8).
06). The management information and the video / audio data are stored in the storage unit 20.
Recording is performed in each dedicated area in the second recording area. The above-described process from data reception to recording on the storage unit 202 is repeated until a recording stop notification is received. When the recording stop notification is received, the data control unit 201 is instructed to receive data from another video recording terminal (S807).

After the recording is completed, the video transmission terminal 10 other than the main video recording terminal 213 that does not store the video and audio data finally.
0 transmission terminal control means 103 or video recording terminal 21
The recording terminal control means 203 of 1, 212 instructs the data control means 101 or 201 to read out the management information of the recorded video / audio data from the storage means 102 or 202. The transmission terminal control unit 103 or the recording terminal control unit 203 refers to the read management information, specifies the recording position of the video / audio data, and instructs the data control unit to transfer the video / audio data. The data control means 101, 201 notifies the transmission terminal control means 103 or the recording terminal control means 203 of the transfer of a certain amount from the storage means 102, 202. Transmission terminal control means 10
3 or the recording terminal control means 203 is the data control means 1
01, 201, the data control means 1
01 and 201 are instructed to transmit to the main video recording terminal 213. The data control means 101 and 201 receive the transmission instruction and transfer the video / audio data and the management information to the transmission means 400.
Thereafter, until the transmission of all the video and audio data is completed, the process from the reading of the management information to the data transfer to the transmission unit 400 is repeated.

Data control means 2 of main video recording terminal 213
01 receives video / audio data and management information from another terminal, and notifies the recording terminal control unit 203 of the received data. The recording terminal control means 203 refers to the management information, and stores the storage means 2 of its own terminal.
02 and determines the recording position management information. Next, the data control unit 201 instructs the storage unit 202 to record the video / audio data received. The data control means 201 stores the video / audio data
In the empty recording area of It is determined whether or not a series of video / audio data is all recorded (S808). If recording has not been completed, the procedure from data reception to recording in the storage means 202 is repeated until all video and audio data are recorded. When the entire series of video / audio data has been recorded, a 201 recording stop instruction is issued to the data control means, and the recording operation ends (S809).

Next, a method for recording video and audio data in the main video recording terminal 213 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 shows the main video recording terminal 21.
3 shows the concept of the arrangement of video and audio data in the storage means 202 of No. 3. The method of arranging the video and audio data in the storage means 202 is, as shown in FIG.
During the data recording from the terminal, the video / audio data addressed to the own terminal is arranged for each recording unit while skipping the recording area for the other video recording terminals 211 and 212. Then, data received from the other video recording terminals 211 and 212 is recorded in an empty area, and a series of video / audio data is continuously arranged in the storage unit 202. By this operation, for example, reading from the storage means 202 provided with a disk-type recording medium can be continuously performed without interruption by an operation such as a seek operation of a head, and optimization is performed to increase transfer efficiency. Alternatively, when importance is placed on the transfer efficiency during recording, as shown in FIG. 9B, during recording of data from the video transmission terminal 100, video and audio data addressed to the terminal itself are packed and arranged for each recording unit. . Then, the data received from the other video recording terminals 211 and 212 later is arranged continuously in the vacant area behind, so that a series of video and audio data can be continuously recorded in the storage means 202.

In this embodiment, the transmission means 4
Transmission of video and audio data during recording in 00 is realized by real-time recording by transmitting the video data using a best effort protocol, for example, UDP / IP, and recording video and audio data by transmitting from another video recording terminal after recording. Includes protocols that ensure reliability, such as TCP /
You may make it transmit by IP. Note that, in the present embodiment, the transmission terminal control means 103 and the recording terminal control means 203 may be realized by software that operates on a general-purpose processor, or the software is stored in a storage medium, and It may be realized by the read software. Note that the recording request to the other video recording terminal is made in the recording preparation stage, but the recording request to the other video recording terminal can be made according to the increase or decrease of the recordable rate even during the recording, and the video and audio data can be recorded without omission. You may do so.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a part of the video / audio data is distributed and temporarily recorded in another video recording terminal, and after the recording is completed or during the recording, another video / audio data is recorded. By providing the recording terminal control means 203 for controlling to receive and record the video and audio data temporarily recorded in the video recording terminal again, even if there is a recording request exceeding the recordable rate of the main video recording terminal 213, another recording request can be made. A series of video / audio data temporarily recorded in the video recording terminal can be received and recorded in real time without omission.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a video recording / reproducing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG.
The configuration of the video recording / reproducing system according to the present embodiment will be described below. The video recording / reproducing system according to the present embodiment includes a video recording terminal 211 or a video transmission terminal 1
It has a video display terminal 300 that receives video and audio data from 11 and outputs video and audio, and a video display unit 600 that displays video or outputs audio on a TV monitor, for example. Other components are the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

Next, the configuration of the video display terminal 300 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, a video display terminal 300 temporarily stores input data and outputs the data to a designated destination.
And storage means 302 for storing data, and display terminal control means 303 for controlling reception of video / audio data and output to the video display means 600.

The video display terminal 300 sets reproduction of video and audio data, instructs data transmission to another terminal,
Receive video and audio data. The video recording terminal 200 accumulates the video and audio data and transmits it according to an instruction from another terminal. Video transmission terminal 100 or video recording terminal 200 in the present embodiment may have both functions of a video display terminal and a video recording terminal. Video recording terminal 200 according to the present embodiment may be the video transmission terminal according to the first or second embodiment.

Next, the reproduction of the video and audio data will be described with reference to FIG. 12 showing the control procedure of the video display terminal 300 and FIGS. First, in preparation for playback,
The display terminal control unit 303 requests the data control unit 301 to transfer the management information of the specified video / audio content (S1201). The data control means 301 reads the management information from the storage means 303 and sends it to the display terminal control means 303. If the corresponding management information does not exist in the storage unit 302 or an external terminal is specified as the location of the management information of the video / audio content, a request to confirm the presence of the content to the video recording terminal 200 via the transmission unit 400 is issued. Send If the video recording terminal 200 stores the content, the video recording terminal 200
Sends back a content presence notification and management information. The reproduction preparation is completed by acquiring a part or all of the management information of the content.

Next, the data control unit 301 is instructed to start data reception (S1202). Also, all video recording terminals 200 on which a series of video / audio data is recorded
A request to start playback of the designated content is transmitted to the
3). After receiving the reproduction start request, the video recording terminal 200 transmits the video and audio data to the video display terminal 300 in video recording units at a timing such that the transmission rate becomes the same as the recording rate at the time of recording. The video display terminal 300 temporarily stores the video / audio data received by the data control means 301. Also, if video / audio data exists in the terminal itself,
The display terminal control means 303 makes a transfer determination from the storage means 302 based on the amount of data temporarily stored in the data control means 301 (S1204). If the temporary storage amount is equal to or less than a certain amount, the data recording position of the storage unit 302 is specified from the management information, and the data control unit 301 is instructed to transfer the data at this recording position. The data control means 301 temporarily stores the video and audio data read from the storage means 302.

Another video recording terminal 200 and storage means 3
The display terminal control means 303 specifies the storage location of the video recording unit of the video / audio data playback position based on the management information, together with the reception and temporary storage of the data from S02 (S120).
5). If the storage location is the terminal itself, the storage unit 302
And instructs the data control means 301 to output temporarily stored video recording unit data. If the storage location is another terminal, the data control unit 301 is instructed to output the video recording unit data received and temporarily stored via the transmission unit 400. The output data is input to the video display means 600 to display video and audio.

Next, the display terminal control means 303 determines the end of the reproduction based on the arrival of the reproduction position at the end of the content or the presence or absence of a stop request from the operator. If the reproduction is to be continued, the transfer determination from the storage means 302 (S1204) to the output to the video display means 600 (S1205) are repeated until the reproduction is stopped. If the reproduction is completed, a transfer stop instruction to the data control means 301 and a reproduction stop request to the video recording terminal 200 are transmitted, and the reproduction ends. Note that the processing from the transfer determination (S1204) to the output to the video display means 600 (S1205) and the reproduction end determination (S1206) in the display terminal control means 303 is based on the recording rate at the time of video recording. By performing the processing within the same time as the time, the data is reproduced at the same recording rate as that at the time of recording.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 11, the flow of video and audio data at the time of data reproduction of video display terminal 300 in the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 13A, the display terminal control means 303 specifies and transfers the terminal or the recording position holding the data by sequentially referring to the management information according to the above procedure, and transfers a series of video / audio. The data is reproduced in the same data order as when recording. Also, as shown in FIG. 13B, even when the data of the video recording terminal 200 that has recorded the video and audio data is lost and a part of the series of video and audio data cannot be obtained, the part is skipped. Regenerate. Even if transmission or recording of video / audio data is interrupted due to some abnormality of the transmission means 400 constituting the video recording / reproducing system by the above procedure, or abnormality of some video recording terminals where data is recorded, If there is a normal transmission path and video recording means, some data can be referred to.

It should be noted that the video display terminal 300 for performing display output is provided.
It is not necessary to receive all video / audio data not recorded in the own terminal from the video recording terminal and reproduce it. For example, the information may be displayed so as to be received from the video recording terminal at the rate at which the transmission means 400 can transmit. In addition,
In the present embodiment, the display terminal control means 303 may be realized by software that operates thereon using a general-purpose processor, or may be realized by software that is stored in a storage medium and read out again.

As described above, according to the present invention, the display terminal control means for controlling to sequentially refer to the video and audio data recorded in the own terminal and the data recorded in the other terminal is provided. A series of video and audio data recorded in a plurality of terminals can be collected and played back by one terminal. In addition, even if data from some terminals is lost or cannot be transferred, or if some data is lost, all data can be played back without loss, improving the reliability of video and audio data playback. Can be.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a video recording / reproducing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the video reproduction / recording system and the configuration of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the first or second embodiment, and therefore the description is omitted.

First, as the control of the recording preparation, the transmission terminal control means 103 checks the maximum transmittable rate in the path of the transmission means 400 between each of the video recording terminals 200 used for recording. As a method of checking the maximum transmittable rate, for example, data to which time information at the time of transmission is added is transmitted to the video recording terminal 200 a plurality of times, and data to which the time interval of data received by the video recording terminal 200 is added is returned. Then, it is obtained as a transmittable amount per unit time.
Alternatively, as another method, for example, RSVP (Resource
The determination is made using the result of resource reservation on the transmission path by the bandwidth control protocol such as Reservation Protocol.
The transmission terminal control means 103 determines the recording rate for each video recording terminal 200 according to the transmission rate to each video recording terminal 200, and determines the recording pattern. For example, if the transmittable rate from a certain video transmission terminal S0 to a video recording terminal S1 is T1 and the transmittable rate to a video recording terminal S2 is T2, the recording rate of each recording terminal is determined as follows. R = R0 + R1 + R2 R1 <= T1, R2 <= T2

That is, the recording rate required for recording all data is distributed as recording rates R1 and R2 that are proportional to the transmission rates T1 and T2 and can be transmitted sufficiently, and the remaining data is transmitted to the own terminal. Record or discard at R0. The recording pattern is set based on the recording rate.

Next, the transmission terminal control means 103 transmits a recording preparation request to each terminal based on the recording pattern determined from the set recording rate distribution result and the recording setting information set by the operator. Recording setting information includes
At least a recording end condition such as a recording time and a recording capacity, and a terminal used for recording are included. Upon receiving the request, the video recording terminal 200 secures a recording area and sets a recording pattern, and transmits recording preparation completion. When recording is performed by the terminal itself, a recording area is secured from the free space of the storage unit 102. When the recording preparation for all the terminals is completed, the recording pattern of the video / audio data for each terminal used is determined, and the recording preparation is completed. The subsequent procedure from the start of recording to the stop of recording is the same as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. As described above, if the recording rate is determined in accordance with the transmission rate, it is possible to prevent data loss that may occur due to recording at a transmission rate or higher.

In the above description, the maximum transmittable rate is checked at the time of recording preparation, and the recording pattern is set for each video recording terminal using the result. The recording pattern may be dynamically changed. In the present embodiment, the transmission terminal control means may be realized by using a general-purpose processor and using software operating thereon, or the software may be realized by storing the software in a storage medium and reading the software again. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, video / audio data is recorded by providing transmission terminal control means for setting the recording pattern of each terminal based on the maximum transmittable rate for each video recording terminal. In this case, it is possible to prevent data loss due to an excessive transmission rate during data transmission.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a video recording / reproducing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the video reproduction / recording system and the configuration of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the first or second embodiment, and therefore the description is omitted.

First, as the control for recording preparation, the transmission terminal control means 103 inquires each video recording terminal 200 used for recording about the recordable capacity, that is, the free capacity information of the storage means in each terminal. The recording rate for each video recording terminal 200 is determined according to each recordable capacity, and the recording pattern is determined. For example, the recordable capacities of a certain video transmission terminal S0 and video recording terminals S1 and S2 are C0, C1 and C2, respectively, and the recording rate of each terminal is R
0, R1, and R2. At this time, the recordable time of each terminal is C0 / R0, C1 / R1, C2 / R2. If the recordable time differs between terminals, it may happen that data is not recorded in another terminal near the time recorded in one terminal. R = R0 + R1 + R2 C0 / R0 = C1 / R1 = C2 / R2 = T That is, the recording rate required for recording data is proportional to the recordable capacities C1 and C2, and a recording rate capable of securing a sufficient recording time. The data is distributed by R1 and R2, and the remaining data is recorded in the own terminal at the recording rate R0 or discarded.

Next, the transmission terminal control means 103 transmits a recording preparation request to each terminal based on the recording pattern determined from the recording rate distribution result and the recording setting information set by the operator. The recording setting information includes at least a recording end condition such as a recording time and a recording capacity, and a terminal used for recording. Upon receiving the request, the video recording terminal 200 secures a recording area and sets a recording pattern, and transmits recording preparation completion. When recording is performed by the terminal itself, a recording area is secured from the free space of the storage unit 102. When the recording preparation for all the used terminals is completed, the recording pattern of the video / audio data for each used terminal is determined,
Complete recording preparation. The subsequent procedure from the start of recording to the stop of recording is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, and therefore the description is omitted.

Since the recording rate is determined in accordance with the recordable capacity of each terminal as described above, it is possible to prevent a situation in which some data cannot be recorded due to insufficient recording capacity. Note that the transmission terminal control means in the present embodiment may be realized by a general-purpose processor and implemented by software operating thereon, or the software may be stored in a storage medium and implemented by software read out again. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transmission terminal control means 10 sets the recording pattern of each terminal based on the recordable capacity of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal.
3, when recording video and audio data,
Data loss due to insufficient recording capacity can be prevented.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a video recording / reproducing system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the video reproduction / recording system and the configuration of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the first or second embodiment, and therefore the description is omitted.

First, as the control for the recording preparation, the transmission terminal control means 103 checks the maximum transmission rate with each video recording terminal 200 as in the fourth embodiment. Also, the recordable capacity of each video recording terminal 200 is collected as in the fifth embodiment. The recording rate for each video recording terminal 200 is determined according to the maximum transmission rate and the recordable capacity.
For example, a certain video transmission terminal S0, video recording terminals S1, S
2, the maximum recordable rates are T0, T1, and T2, the recording rates of each terminal are R0, R1, and R2, and the recording time set in the recording setting information is T. Let R be the sum of the recording rates of the video and audio data. At this time, the recordable time of each terminal is C0 / R
0, C1 / R1, C2 / R2. If the recordable time shifts, terminals with a small recordable capacity will use up the recording area earlier than other terminals, and data will be recorded on a terminal with a small recordable capacity near the time but recorded on another terminal. Not happening. Therefore, the recording rate of another terminal is set to a value that does not exceed the maximum transmittable rate so as to satisfy the following equation.

R => R0 + R1 + R2 C0 / R0 = C1 / R1 = C2 / R2 = T R1 <= T1, R2 <= T2 That is, the recording rate required for recording data is proportional to the recordable capacities C1 and C2. The remaining data is allocated as recording rates R1 and R2 capable of securing a sufficient recording time, and the remaining data is recorded at its own terminal at the recording rate R0 or discarded.

Next, the transmission terminal control means 103 transmits a recording preparation request to each terminal based on the recording pattern determined from the recording rate distribution result and the recording setting information set by the operator. The recording setting information includes at least a recording end condition such as a recording time and a recording capacity, and a terminal used for recording. The video recording terminal 200 that has received the recording preparation request secures a recording area and sets a recording pattern, and transmits a recording preparation completion. When recording is performed by the terminal itself, a recording area is secured from the free space of the storage means. When the recording preparation for all the used terminals is completed, the recording pattern of the video / audio data for each used terminal is determined,
Complete recording preparation. The subsequent procedure from the start of recording to the stop of recording is the same as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, by determining the recording rate in accordance with both the transmission rate and the recordable capacity of the terminal, it is possible to prevent data loss that may be caused by recording at a transmission rate or higher. Can be. In addition, since the recording rate is determined according to the recordable capacity of each terminal, it is possible to prevent a situation in which some data cannot be recorded due to insufficient recording capacity.

The transmission terminal control means in this embodiment can be realized by using a general-purpose processor and by software operating thereon, and the software is stored in a storage medium and is realized by the software read out again. You may. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transmission terminal control means for setting the recording pattern of each terminal based on the recordable capacity of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal and the maximum transmittable rate to the video recording terminal is provided. This can prevent data loss due to insufficient recording capacity and excessive transmission rate when recording video / audio data.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, a video recording and reproducing system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the video reproduction / recording system and the configuration of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the video recording terminal according to the present embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows an example of management information before and after the movement of the video and audio data in each terminal. In this embodiment, recording is performed on a plurality of terminals by the method described in any of the first to sixth embodiments. A description of recording of video and audio data is omitted. The video recording terminal 211 deletes or moves the recorded video / audio data,
2 is a destination of the video / audio data, and the video transmission terminal 11
1. It is assumed that the video recording terminals 211 and 212 record part of a series of video and audio data.

When deleting recorded video / audio data from the video recording terminal 211 or moving the video / audio data to another terminal, the recording terminal control means 203 of the video recording terminal 211 sends a recording area securing request to the video recording terminal 212 of the destination. . Next, the recordable amount returned from the destination video recording terminal 212 is received, and if there is an area where the data recorded in the own terminal can be recorded, the video recording that can secure the video and audio data is recorded. The terminal 212 is determined as a destination. Next, the video / audio data to be deleted or moved is stored in the data control unit 2 from the storage unit 202 of the video recording terminal 211.
01 and the video recording terminal 2 determined as the destination
12 and instruct the data control means 201 to transmit. The video recording terminal 212 receives the video and audio data in the same manner as the recording procedure of the first embodiment, and records the data in the storage unit 202.

When the movement of the data is completed, the recording terminal control means 203 of the video recording terminal 211 sends a request for updating the recorded management information to the terminal recording another data out of the series of video / audio data. Send. The video transmission terminal 111 or the video recording terminal 21 recording management information including the recording position of the video / audio data to be deleted or moved.
2 updates the management information by changing the recording position of the data to be deleted from the video recording terminal 211 to the destination terminal 212. Finally, the recording terminal control means 203 of the video recording terminal 211 instructs the storage means 202 via the data control means 201 to delete the moved video / audio data, and releases the recording area of the video / audio data to be deleted. I do.

If there is no recording area recordable on another terminal, the management information is updated so that the recording position of the deleted data is changed to information indicating that the data has been deleted. Note that, in the present embodiment, the recording terminal control means may be realized by software that operates on a general-purpose processor, or may be realized by software that is stored in a storage medium and read again. .

As described above, according to this embodiment, the transmission terminal control means or the recording terminal control means for controlling the correction of the recording position of the management information when moving or deleting the video / audio data is provided. In addition, data can be moved or deleted without causing inconsistency in management information between video recording terminals existing in the video recording / reproducing system, and video / audio data can be referred to.

(Eighth Embodiment) Next, a video recording / reproducing system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG.
A configuration example of the video recording / reproducing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 15, the video recording / reproducing system includes a video recording arbitration terminal 700 that arbitrates recording area reservation and recording of the video recording terminals 211 and 212 based on a recording area reservation request from the video transmission terminal 100. Further, the video recording arbitration terminal 700 temporarily stores the input data and outputs the data to the designated destination.
1, storage means 702 for storing data, and arbitration terminal control means 703 for controlling the arbitration of the recording area and the recording of the video recording terminals 211 and 212 based on the recording area reservation request from the video transmission terminal 100. The other components are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description will not be repeated.
Note that the video recording arbitration terminal 700 may have either the video transmission terminal 100 or the video recording terminals 211 and 212, or both functions.

Next, with reference to FIG. 15 and mainly FIG. 16, the recording operation of the video recording / reproducing system in the present embodiment will be described focusing on the operation of the video recording arbitration terminal. Also,
FIG. 16 shows a control procedure of the video recording arbitration terminal at the time of recording according to the present embodiment. Video transmission terminal 1
00, the video recording terminals 211 and 212 perform the same operation as in the first to seventh embodiments, and thus the description is omitted. First, the video recording arbitration terminal 700 receives a recording preparation request from the video transmission terminal 100 via the transmission means 400. Upon receiving the recording preparation request, the arbitration terminal control unit 703 transmits an inquiry about the reservable amount of the recording area and the recording rate to the video recording terminals 211 and 212 (S150).
1). Upon receiving the inquiry, the video recording terminals 211 and 212 having the reservable recording capacity and recording rate return the reservable amount of the recording capacity and recording rate. The recording terminal arbitration unit 703 temporarily records the reservable amount of the recording capacity and the recording rate from the video recording terminals 211 and 212 received via the transmission unit 400, and records the video recording terminals 211 and 212 and the reservable amount thereof. A list is created (S1502).

The recording terminal arbitration means 703 judges that a certain amount of time has elapsed, or that all the video recording terminals 211 and 212 registered in the video recording arbitration terminal have returned the reservable amount, and satisfies the condition. If so, the video recording terminal is selected from the list of the reservable amount (S1503).
As a method for selecting the video recording terminal, for example, one video recording terminal having a recording capacity and a recording rate that can be ensured larger than the reservation request amount from the video transmission terminal is selected. If one of the video recording terminals does not satisfy any of the required recording capacity and recording rate from the video transmission terminal, the other video recording terminals are also selected to compensate for the shortfall. In the following description, it is assumed that the video recording terminals 211 and 212 have been selected. The recording terminal arbitration unit 703 transmits a recording area and recording rate securing request to the selected video recording terminals 211 and 212 via the transmission unit 400. The video recording terminals 211 and 212 secure a recording area,
A secure completion notification is transmitted to the arbitration terminal control means 703. The arbitration terminal control unit 703 receives the reservation completion notification via the transmission unit 400. If no completion notification is returned from all the selected terminals, a new terminal is selected and a reservation request is made, or an additional reservation request is made to the selected terminals. When the reserved amount requested from the video transmission terminal 100 can be secured, a list of the video recording terminals selected to be used for recording is created (S1504).

The information thus obtained is transferred to the storage means 702 via the data control means 701, and is sent to the storage means 702 as recording terminal management information for associating a series of video / audio data with the terminal used for recording. Record. In addition, a method of allocating video and audio data to the video recording terminals 211 and 212, that is, a recording pattern is determined. The arbitration terminal control unit 703 transmits a recording preparation completion notification to the video transmission terminal 100, and ends the recording preparation (S1505).
The method of distributing video and audio data may be distributed and recorded while sequentially switching the video recording terminal of the recording destination according to the method described in any of the first to seventh embodiments, or may be a series of video and audio data. Data may be continuously transmitted to only one terminal and recorded, and when the recording area is used up, the recording destination may be changed to the next recording terminal.

Next, in the recording stage, the video transmission terminal 100 transmits a recording start request to the arbitration terminal control means 703. The arbitration terminal control means 703 includes the transmission means 4
When the recording start notification is received via 00, the data control unit 701 is instructed to receive data from the video transmission unit 100 (S1506). In addition, the selected video recording terminal 2
11 and 212 are transmitted (S15).
07). When the video transmission terminal 100 starts transmitting the video / audio data, the arbitration terminal control unit 703 receives the video / audio data and the management information, and transfers them to the data control unit 701. The arbitration terminal control unit 703 determines a destination of the received video / audio data based on the received management information and the recording pattern (S1508).

Next, the data control unit 701 is instructed to transmit the management information to the video recording terminal 211 or 212 of the video / audio data transmission destination (S1509). The video / audio data of the recording unit transferred to the data control means 701 is stored in the video recording terminal 21 in accordance with the recording pattern.
1 or 212 (S151)
0). The data is transmitted to the video recording terminal 211 or 212 via the transmission unit 400. The recording position management information in which the terminal as the recording destination of the video and audio data is associated with the recording unit of the video and audio data is created and recorded in the storage unit 702 via the data control unit 701 of the own terminal (S1).
511). In the video recording terminal 211 or 212, as in the first or second embodiment, when the data control unit 701 receives the video / audio data addressed to the own terminal, the data control unit 701 notifies the arbitration terminal control unit 703 and the arbitration terminal control unit 7
03 creates management information and instructs the data control unit 701 to record the video / audio data and the management information in the storage unit 702.

When the recording is completed, the video transmission terminal 10
0 transmits a recording stop notification to the video recording arbitration terminal 700. Arbitration terminal control means 703 of video recording arbitration terminal 700
Transmits a recording stop notification to the video recording terminals 211 and 212 selected for recording when the recording stop notification is received via the transmission unit 400 or when the recording for the recording capacity specified in the recording preparation is completed. , End the recording (S1
512).

Next, with reference to FIG. 15 and mainly to FIG. 17, control of the video recording arbitration terminal when reproducing the recorded video / audio data in the video recording / reproducing system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The procedure will be described. First, the video display terminal 300 transmits a reproduction start request to the video recording arbitration terminal 700. Upon receiving the reproduction request via the transmission unit 400, the arbitration terminal control unit 703 instructs the data control unit 701 to read the terminal management information and the recording position management information of the video / audio data to be requested for the reproduction, and the storage unit 702
(S1601). Next, the arbitration terminal control means 703 refers to the terminal management information, and refers to the video recording terminal 211 or 21 in which the video / audio data recording unit is recorded.
2 is specified, and the data control unit 701 is instructed to receive data from the transmission unit 400 (S1602). And
A transmission request for video / audio data is transmitted to the specified video recording terminal 211 or 212 (S1603).

The video recording terminal 211 or 2 receiving the video / audio data transmission request from the video recording / arbitration terminal 700
Reference numeral 12 reads the designated data from the storage means of its own terminal and sequentially transmits the data to the video recording arbitration terminal 700. The transmitted video / audio data is received by the video recording / arbitration terminal 700, transferred to the data control unit 701, and temporarily stored. The arbitration terminal control unit 703 specifies the terminal in which the video recording unit is stored in accordance with the reproduction order based on the recording position management information, and transmits the temporarily transmitted data transmitted from the specified terminal to the video display terminal 300. To the data control means 701 (S1604). The transmission of the video and audio data to the video display terminal 300 is performed at the same transmission rate as the recording rate at the time of recording. The video display terminal 300 receives the video and audio data transmitted from the video recording and arbitration terminal 700, and displays the same as in the third embodiment. The arbitration terminal control means 703 makes a reproduction end determination (S1605), and transmits the video / audio data to the video display terminal 300 from the reading of the management information. Repeat until a playback stop notification is received.

Next, the management information created by the arbitration terminal control means 703 in the video recording / reproducing system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the conceptual diagram showing the management information of FIG. In FIG. 18, at the time of recording preparation, recording terminal management information and transmission source management information are created. The recording terminal management information includes the recording capacity and the recording rate for each identifier of the video recording terminal that is the storage location, and the transmission source management information includes the terminal identifier, the recording capacity, and the recording rate of the video transmission terminal of the transmission source (request source). Including information. The recording capacity and the recording rate are equal to or smaller than the sum of the respective values of the recording terminal management information. During recording, recording position management information is created, and row items are added and updated for each video recording unit. The recording position management information includes an identifier of a video recording unit and a video recording terminal identifier of a recording destination (storage location).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, there is no direct arbitration between video transmission terminal 100 and video recording terminals 211 and 212 to secure recording resources, that is, recording capacity and recording rate. . Since the video recording arbitration terminal 700 secures the recording resources, the video transmission terminal 100 does not need to check and manage the video recording terminals 211 and 212 connected to the video recording / reproducing system. In addition, the video recording terminals 211 and 212 are
If the existence of the own terminal is registered at 00, it is not necessary to notify the existence of the own terminal to all the video transmission terminals 100 connected to the video recording / reproducing system in order to use the own terminal.

In the above description, the video / audio data is transmitted from the video transmission terminal 100 via the arbitration terminal control means 703 and recorded by the video recording terminals 211 and 212. Recording terminal 2
11, the list of 212 is transmitted to the video transmission terminal 100,
Video / audio data may be directly transmitted from the video transmission terminal 100 to the video recording terminals 211 and 212 based on the list. The arbitration terminal control means 703 may be realized by software using a general-purpose processor. In the present embodiment, the arbitration terminal control means may be realized by software using a general-purpose processor and operating on it, or may be realized by software that is stored in a storage medium and read out again.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, selection of video recording terminals 211 and 212, securing of recording capacity and recording rate, and video recording terminal 2 of video / audio data
Video recording arbitration terminal 70 for controlling transfer to 11, 212
By providing 0, the video transmission terminal 100 or the video display terminal collects information such as addition and reduction of video recording terminals in the video recording and reproducing system, and manages the video recording arbitration terminal 700 without managing a plurality of video recording terminals. Recording and reproduction can be performed only by requesting recording or reproduction only to this. Further, each video recording terminal does not notify its own presence to all video transmission terminals and video display terminals connected to the video recording / reproducing system.
Only by registering at 00, any video transmission terminal 100 or video display terminal can use its own terminal for recording or reproduction.

(Ninth Embodiment) Next, FIGS.
A video recording / reproducing system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the video reproduction / recording system according to the present embodiment, and the configurations of the video transmission terminal 100, the video recording terminals 211 and 212, and the video recording arbitration terminal 700 are the same as those of the eighth embodiment, and thus the description is omitted. The video recording arbitration terminal 700 is the video transmission terminal 100 or the video recording terminal 2.
00, or both of them.

Next, referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 15 showing the control procedure of the video recording arbitration terminal at the time of video recording, the video recording operation of the video recording and reproducing system in the present embodiment will be described.
The operation of the video recording arbitration terminal will be mainly described. The video transmission terminal 100 and the video recording terminals 211 and 212 operate in the same manner as in the first to eighth embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted.
First, the video recording arbitration terminal 700 receives a recording preparation request from the video transmission terminal 100 via the transmission unit 400. When the arbitration terminal control unit 703 receives the recording preparation request, the arbitration terminal control unit 703 transmits an inquiry about the reservable amount of the recording area and the recording rate to the video recording terminals 211 and 212 (S1801). Upon receiving this inquiry, the video recording terminals 211 and 212 having the reservable recording capacity and recording rate return the reservable amount of the recording capacity and recording rate. The arbitration terminal control means 703 temporarily records the reservable amount of the recording capacity and the recording rate from the video recording terminals 211 and 212 received via the transmission means 400, and
1 and 212 and a list of the reservable amounts thereof are created (S1).
802). The arbitration terminal control means 703 determines that the allocable amount has been returned after a certain period of time or from all the video recording terminals 211 and 212 registered in the video recording arbitration terminal 700, and if the condition is satisfied, The video recording terminals 211 and 212 are selected from the list of possible amounts (S1803).

As a method of selecting the video recording terminals 211 and 212, for example, one having a recording capacity and a recording rate that can be secured larger than the securing request amount from the video transmission terminal 100 is selected. One video recording terminal 211, 21
In case 2 does not satisfy any one of the required recording capacity and recording rate from the video transmission terminal 100,
The shortage is compensated by selecting another video recording terminal. In the following description, the video recording terminals 211 and 21
It is assumed that 2 has been selected. The arbitration terminal control means 703
A request for securing a recording area and a recording rate is transmitted to the selected video recording terminals 211 and 212 via the transmission unit 400. The video recording terminals 211 and 212 reserve a recording area and transmit a reservation completion notification to the arbitration terminal control unit 703. The arbitration terminal control unit 703 receives the reservation completion notification via the transmission unit 400.

If no completion notification is returned from all the selected terminals, a new terminal is selected and a reservation request is made, or an additional reservation request is made to the selected terminal. When the amount of reservation requested by the video transmission terminal 100 can be secured, the video recording terminals 211 and 212 selected for use for recording are recorded.
Is created (S1804). In addition, for each of the video recording terminals 211 and 212 to be used, accounting information proportional to one or both of the secured recording capacity and the recording rate is calculated and added to the list of the video recording terminals 211 and 212 (S1805). ). Furthermore, the accounting information for the video transmission terminal 100 that is the recording request source is calculated and transmitted to the video transmission terminal 100, and an inquiry is made as to whether or not recording can be started (S1806). The video transmission terminal 100 determines whether or not to start recording based on the received billing information, and transmits it to the video recording arbitration terminal 700. The arbitration terminal control unit 703 determines whether or not recording can be started based on the result of the inquiry to the video transmission terminal 100, and if so, continues the subsequent processing.

The management information of the video recording terminals 211 and 212 and the charging information for the video transmission terminal 200 are transferred to the storage means 702 via the data control means 701, and a series of video / audio data and the terminal used for recording are transferred. Storage means 702 as recording terminal management information and transmission source management information to be associated;
Record to. Further, the method of allocating the video and audio data to the video recording terminals 211 and 212, that is, the recording pattern is determined, and the recording preparation is completed (S1807). The method of distributing the video and audio data may be such that the video recording terminal of the recording destination is sequentially switched to be distributed and recorded by the method described in any of the first to seventh embodiments, or a series of video and audio data may be recorded. Data may be continuously transmitted to only one terminal and recorded, and after the recording area is used up, the recording destination may be changed to the next recording terminal.

Next, in the recording stage, the video transmission terminal 1
From 00, a recording start request is transmitted to the arbitration terminal control means 703. When the arbitration terminal control unit 703 receives the recording start notification via the transmission unit 400, the arbitration terminal control unit 703
01 instructs data reception from the video transmission means 100 (S1808). In addition, the selected video recording terminal 211,
A recording start request is transmitted to the client 212 (S180).
9). When the video transmission terminal 100 starts transmitting the video / audio data, the arbitration terminal control unit 703 receives the video / audio data and the management information, and transfers them to the data control unit 701. The arbitration terminal control unit 703 determines a destination of the received video / audio data based on the received management information and the recording pattern (1810).

Next, the data control means 701 is sent to the video recording terminal 211 or 212 of the video / audio data transmission destination.
Is instructed to transmit the management information (S1811).
Further, the video / audio data of the recording unit transferred to the data control means 701 is stored in the video recording terminal 21 in accordance with the recording pattern.
1 or 212 (S181).
2). The data is transmitted to the video recording terminal 211 or 212 via the transmission unit 400. The recording position management information in which the terminal as the recording destination of the video and audio data is associated with the recording unit of the video and audio data is created and recorded in the storage unit 702 via the data control unit 701 of the own terminal (S1).
813). In the video recording terminal 211 or 212, as in the first or second embodiment, when the data control unit 701 receives the video / audio data addressed to its own terminal, it notifies the arbitration terminal control unit 703 and the arbitration terminal control unit 70
3 creates management information and instructs the data control means 701 to record the video / audio data and management information in the storage means 702.

When the recording ends, the video transmission terminal 10
0 transmits a recording stop notification to the video recording arbitration terminal 700. Arbitration terminal control means 703 of video recording arbitration terminal 700
When the recording stop notification is received via the transmission unit 400 or when the recording for the recording capacity specified in the recording preparation is completed, the video recording terminals 211 and 21 selected for recording are
Then, a recording stop notification is transmitted to the recording device 2 and the recording is terminated (S181).
4). After the recording is stopped, the arbitration terminal control unit 703 instructs the data control unit 701 to read the recording position management information from the storage unit 702. The arbitration terminal control means 703 actually determines the video recording terminals 211 and 212 from the recording position management information.
Calculate the amount of data recorded in. If the actual recording capacity differs from the recording capacity requested from the video transmission terminal 100 in the recording preparation stage due to a recording stop request from the video transmission terminal 100 during recording, etc., the recording terminal management information and transmission to the video transmission terminal 100 are performed. The accounting information of the original management information is updated and recorded in the storage unit 702. Further, the updated billing information is transmitted to the video transmission terminal 100 (S181).
5).

The reproduction of the recorded video and audio data is the same as that of the eighth embodiment, and the description is omitted. The charging information can be used to charge the video transmission terminal owner on behalf of the video recording terminal owner and to collect a fee corresponding to the recording capacity and the recording rate occupied by the recording.

Next, the management information created by the arbitration terminal control means 703 in the video recording / reproducing system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the conceptual diagram showing the management information of FIG. In FIG. 20, at the time of recording preparation, recording terminal management information and transmission source management information are created. The recording terminal management information includes a recording capacity and a recording rate for each identifier of the video recording terminal that is the storage location, and charging information based on the recording capacity and the recording rate. The transmission source management information includes the terminal identifier of the transmission source video transmission terminal 100, the recording capacity and the recording rate, and the billing information. small. The accounting information of the transmission source management information is equal to the sum of the accounting amounts of the recording terminal management information. During recording, recording position management information is created, and row items are added and updated for each video recording unit. The recording position management information includes an identifier of a video recording unit and a video recording terminal identifier of a recording destination.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, arbitration is not performed directly between video transmission terminal 100 and video recording terminals 211 and 212 to secure recording resources, that is, recording capacity and recording rate. Since the video recording arbitration terminal 700 secures recording resources, the video transmission terminal 100 does not need to check and manage the video recording terminals 211 and 212 connected to the video recording / reproducing system. In addition, the video recording terminals 211 and 212 are
If the existence of the own terminal is registered at 00, it is not necessary to notify all the video transmission terminals connected to the video recording / reproducing system of the existence of the own terminal in order to use the own terminal. As a price for using the recording resource, the owner of the video transmission terminal can be charged based on the information created by the video recording arbitration terminal 700.

In the above-described method according to the present embodiment, the charging information for each video recording terminal is set by the information in the recording preparation stage.
The accounting information may be updated and recorded based on the amount of data transmitted by 00 or received by the video recording terminals 211 and 212. In the present embodiment, the arbitration terminal control means 703 may be realized by software using a general-purpose processor and operating on the processor, or may be realized by software that is stored in a storage medium and read out again. .

As described above, according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, selection of a video recording terminal, securing of recording capacity and recording rate, creation of billing information, and transmission of video and audio data to the video recording terminal By providing a video recording arbitration terminal that controls the transfer, the video transmission terminal or video display terminal collects information such as addition and reduction of video recording terminals in the video recording and playback system, without managing multiple video recording terminals. Recording or reproduction can be performed by requesting recording or reproduction only to the video recording arbitration terminal.
In addition, each video recording terminal can register any video transmission terminal without registering itself to all video transmission terminals and video display terminals connected to the video recording and playback system, simply by registering with the video recording arbitration terminal. Alternatively, the user can use the own terminal for recording or reproduction for the video display terminal, and can charge the fee.

[0119]

The video recording / reproducing system and the video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention are constructed as described above. Video and audio data from a plurality of video output means can be recorded without being limited to the maximum recordable rate on a medium, and a series of video and audio data is distributed and recorded to a plurality of terminals in a minimum unit that can be reproduced. This can suppress the possibility that all data cannot be referred to even if the terminal on which the video and audio data is recorded fails.

Further, the video recording / reproducing system and the video recording / reproducing method according to the present invention provide a video recording / reproducing method for a video recording terminal in accordance with one or both of a recording capacity of a video recording terminal and a transmission available rate to the video recording terminal. By allocating and recording the audio data, the video / audio data can be recorded with a margin, and the loss thereof can be suppressed.

Further, according to the video recording / reproducing system and the video recording / reproducing method of the present invention, a plurality of videos can be recorded without the video transmission terminal on the recording request side grasping the connection status of the video recording terminal connected to the video recording / reproducing system. By automatically allocating video and audio data to recording terminals and recording,
The user can use his / her own terminal for recording and reproduction, and perform billing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video recording / reproducing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video transmission terminal and a video recording terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a control procedure of the video transmission terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control procedure of the video recording terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a recording pattern of video and audio data according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of management information according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video reproduction / recording system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a control procedure of a main video recording terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an arrangement of video and audio data according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video recording / reproducing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video display terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a control procedure of the video display terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of a recording pattern of video and audio data according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of management information before and after movement of video and audio data in each terminal according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a video recording / reproducing system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a control procedure of the video recording arbitration terminal at the time of video recording according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a control procedure of the video recording arbitration terminal at the time of reproduction according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing management information created by arbitration terminal control means according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a control procedure of the video recording arbitration terminal at the time of recording according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram showing management information created by an arbitration terminal control unit according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional video recording / reproducing system;

FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of video and audio data in a conventional video recording terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100, 111, 112 Video transmission terminal 101 Data control means 102 Storage means 103 Transmission terminal control means 200, 211, 212 Video recording terminal 213 Main video recording terminal 201 Data control means 202 Storage means 203 Recording terminal control means 300 Video display terminal 301 Data control means 302 Storage means 303 Display terminal control means 400 Transmission means 500, 511, 512 Video output means 600 Video display means 700 Video recording arbitration terminal 701 Data control means 702 Storage means 703 Arbitration terminal control means 2100 Conventional video recording terminal 2101 2111 Data control means 2102 Storage means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/76 H04N 7/173 620D 5D044 5/92 5/91 L 7/173 620 5/92 H (72 ) Inventor Yoshiaki Emura 2-45 Hikosancho, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Pref. F-term in Matsushita Communication Kanazawa Research Laboratories Co., Ltd. 5B014 FA04 GC02 GC11 GD32 GD33 GD37 HA05 HB15 HC09 5B069 AA01 BA03 KA02 KA06 LA01 LA15 5C052 AB02 CC11 DD04 5C053 GA11 GB36 GB37 JA07 LA02 LA14 5C064 BA02 BB05 BC18 BC25 5D044 AB07 BC08 DE12 DE48 DE94 FG18 FG21 GK12

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A recording position management information including a recording rate of video and audio data assigned to each recording destination and a recording position of a data storage destination is created, and a transfer destination of the video and audio data is set according to the set recording rate. Transmission terminal control means for switching the terminal for transferring input video / audio data in a reproducible data unit based on the recording rate of the video / audio data set in the transmission terminal control means, and recording a series of video / audio data A video transmission terminal that distributes and transfers to a plurality of video recording terminals together with location management information, and secures a recording area for video and audio data based on a recording area reservation request from the video transmission terminal, and transmits video and audio data addressed to the terminal itself. Video recording control means for receiving and recording together with the recording position management information; Video recording reproducing system, comprising a plurality of video recorder to record the or dispersed partially whole. 2. A recording position management information for managing a recording position of a data storage destination including a recording rate of video and audio data assigned and set for each recording destination, and transferring the video and audio data according to the set recording rate. A transmission terminal control means for instructing the switching of the destination, a terminal for transferring the input video / audio data in a reproducible data unit based on the recording rate of the video / audio data set in the transmission terminal control means, and a series of video / audio A video transmission terminal that distributes and transfers data to a plurality of video recording terminals together with recording position management information, and secures a recording area for video and audio data based on a recording area reservation request from the video transmission terminal, and the video transmission terminal If the recording rate setting exceeds the maximum recordable rate, set to transfer to another video recording terminal and distribute and temporarily record The video recording control means for receiving and recording the video and audio data addressed to the own terminal together with the recording position management information and recording the video or audio data temporarily recorded in another terminal during or after the recording, and A video recording / reproducing system, comprising: a plurality of video recording terminals for temporarily recording all or a part of a series of video / audio data transferred from a video transmission terminal. 3. A reproducible terminal which records a part of a specified series of video / audio data is identified by referring to the management information of the series of video / audio data, and a request for video / audio data is made in accordance with the management information. A video display terminal having video display control means for outputting received video and audio data in an order according to management information, wherein each video recording control means of the plurality of video recording terminals is requested by the video display terminal, respectively. 3. The video recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the video / audio data is read out according to the management information, transmitted to the video display terminal, and a series of video / audio data distributed and recorded in the plurality of video recording terminals is reproduced. Reproduction system. 4. The video transmission terminal collects information on a transmittable capacity per unit time with each video recording terminal, and sets a recording rate for each terminal according to a ratio of a transmittable capacity per unit time. The video recording / reproducing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system is determined. 5. The video transmission terminal collects information on recordable capacities of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal,
4. The video recording / reproducing system according to claim 1, wherein a recording rate for each terminal is determined according to a ratio of a recordable capacity. 6. The video transmission terminal collects information on a transferable capacity per unit time with each video recording terminal, collects information on a recordable capacity of the video transmission terminal and the video recording terminal, 4. The video recording / reproducing system according to claim 1, wherein a recording rate for each terminal is determined in accordance with a ratio of a recordable capacity under a condition that a transferable capacity per unit time is equal to or less. . 7. The video recording terminal, when moving or erasing the recorded video and audio data to another terminal, transmits the recording position management information to another video recording terminal that records a series of video and audio data. The video recording according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the correction information is transmitted and corrected, and the result of the movement or the deletion is reflected on a video recording terminal that records the series of video / audio data. Reproduction system. 8. A recording position including a recording position of a data storage destination, selecting a video recording terminal to be used for recording based on a recording request from the video transmission terminal, receiving a series of video / audio data from the video transmission terminal. Create management information, comprising a video recording arbitration terminal having arbitration terminal control means for transferring and recording a series of video and audio data to the selected video recording terminal, wherein the video transmission terminal determines the presence of a plurality of video recording terminals The video according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the distributed recording or reproduction is performed by transmitting a video audio / video data recording request or a reproduction request to the video recording arbitration terminal without grasping. Recording and playback system. 9. A recording position including a recording position of a data storage destination, selecting a video recording terminal to be used for recording based on a recording request from the video transmission terminal, receiving a series of video / audio data from the video transmission terminal. A video recording arbitration terminal having arbitration terminal control means for creating management information and billing information and transferring and recording a series of video / audio data to the selected video recording terminal, wherein the video transmission terminal has a plurality of video recording terminals. 2. The distributed recording or reproduction is performed by transmitting a recording request or a reproduction request of video / audio data to the video recording arbitration terminal without grasping the existence of the video recording / arbitration terminal, and charging is performed at the same time. 8. The video recording / reproducing system according to any one of claims 7 to 7. 10. A transmitting and receiving terminal for video and audio data sets an allocation of a recording rate of video and audio data for each recording destination, and creates recording position management information including a recording position of a data storage destination. A step of switching the transfer destination of the video and audio data based on the set recording rate in a reproducible data unit, and a step of distributing and transferring a series of video and audio data to a plurality of receiving terminals together with the recording position management information. On the receiving side of the video and audio data, a step of securing a recording area of the video and audio data based on the recording area securing request, and a step of receiving and recording the video and audio data addressed to the own terminal together with the recording position management information, And recording a series of video / audio data in a distributed manner on a plurality of terminals. 11. The video / audio data transmitting terminal sets a recording rate allocation of video / audio data, and creates recording position management information for managing a recording position of a data storage destination. Switching the transfer destination of the video and audio data based on the set recording rate of the video and audio data, switching the terminal that transfers the input video and audio data based on the set recording rate of the video and audio data, Comprising a step of distributing the data to a plurality of receiving terminals together with the recording position management information, and on the receiving terminal side of the video and audio data, securing a recording area for the video and audio data based on the recording area securing request; If the recording rate setting by the video transmission terminal exceeds the maximum recordable rate, the other receiving end Setting to transfer and distribute to temporary recording, receiving and recording video and audio data addressed to the terminal together with the recording management information, and temporarily recording to another terminal during or after recording. Receiving and recording the reproduced video and audio data again, and temporarily recording the series of video and audio data in a distributed manner to a plurality of terminals. 12. The transmitting terminal includes a step of reading and transmitting requested video / audio data in accordance with management information, and a step of referring to a series of video / audio data management information in the receiving terminal. Identifying a reproducible terminal recording a part of a specified series of video / audio data, requesting video / audio data according to the management information, and outputting the received video / audio data in an order according to the management information And reproducing a series of video and audio data distributed and recorded in a plurality of video recording terminals.
The video recording / reproducing method described in the above. 13. The transmitting terminal, wherein information on a transmittable capacity per unit time between the transmitting terminal and each receiving terminal is collected, and for each terminal according to a ratio of the transmittable capacity per unit time. 12. The video recording / reproducing method according to claim 10, further comprising: determining a recording rate. 14. A transmitting terminal comprising: a step of collecting information on a recordable capacity of each receiving terminal; and a step of determining a recording rate for each terminal according to a ratio of the recordable capacity. Claim 10 or 11
The video recording / reproducing method described in the above. 15. A step of collecting information on a transmittable capacity per unit time between a transmitting terminal and each receiving terminal on the transmitting terminal side, and a step of collecting information on a recordable capacity of each receiving terminal. Determining the recording rate for each terminal according to the ratio of the recordable capacity under a condition that the transferable capacity per unit time is equal to or less than the transferable capacity per unit time. Playback method. 16. On the receiving terminal side, when moving or erasing recorded video / audio data to another terminal, correction information of recording position management information is transmitted to another terminal recording a series of video / audio data. 16. The video recording / reproducing method according to claim 10, further comprising a step of transmitting and correcting the result, and reflecting a result of the movement or the deletion on a terminal which records a series of video / audio data. . 17. The receiving terminal includes a step of selecting a terminal to be used for recording based on a recording request from the transmitting terminal, a step of receiving a series of video and audio data, and a recording position of a data storage destination. Creating a recording management information, and arbitrating to transfer and record a series of video and audio data to the selected terminal, without the transmitting terminal grasping the existence of a plurality of receiving terminals, video 17. The video recording / reproducing method according to claim 10, wherein distributed recording or reproduction is performed by transmitting a request for recording or reproducing audio data. 18. The method according to claim 18, wherein the receiving terminal includes a step of selecting a terminal to be used for recording based on a recording request from the transmitting terminal, a step of receiving a series of video and audio data, and a recording position of a data storage destination. Creating recording management information and billing information, transmitting billing information to a recording requesting terminal, and arbitrating to transfer and record a series of video and audio data to the selected terminal; The terminal performs distributed recording or reproduction by transmitting a recording request or reproduction request of video / audio data without grasping the existence of a plurality of video recording terminals, and performs billing at the same time. 16. The video recording / reproducing method according to any one of 16. 19. A program for causing a computer to function as each component of the video recording / reproducing system according to claim 1. Description: 20. A program for causing a computer to execute each configuration procedure of the video recording / reproducing method according to claim 10. 21. A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to function as each component of the video recording / reproducing system according to claim 1 is recorded. 22. A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to execute each component procedure of the video recording / reproducing method according to claim 10 is recorded.