Imaging device, moving image combining device, control methods thereof, and programs

Abstract

To provide an imaging device that can reduce the processing cost for adding metadata when combining divided moving images.SOLUTION: An imaging device according to the present disclosure includes acquisition means that acquires a series of imaging data consisting of a plurality of consecutive frames, and generation means that generates metadata to be added to divided imaging data when the series of imaging data is divided into multiple pieces of imaging data and recorded. Here, the generation means generates, as metadata to be added to the divided imaging data, first metadata related to the divided imaging data and second metadata related to the combined imaging data when the multiple pieces of divided imaging data are combined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a moving image combining device, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, imaging devices such as digital video cameras have become known that can simultaneously record captured video onto multiple storage media such as SD cards. By splitting the video onto multiple storage media, it becomes possible to record high-resolution, high-frame-rate video even when a single storage medium cannot keep up with the writing capacity.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that, when a captured video is divided and recorded, makes it possible to identify the divided video data by adding information indicating that the video data is divided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-328073 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, when a video is shot, various pieces of information about the camera, lens, and video, called metadata, can be added to the video, in addition to image and audio data, depending on the video format used for recording. Because video metadata contains data related to the video itself, combining split videos requires a process to update the metadata related to the combined video. Since metadata is added for each frame, this process is required for each frame, and the longer the recording time of the split videos, the higher the processing cost.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a technology that can reduce the processing cost of adding metadata when combining divided videos. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve this problem, for example, an imaging device of the present invention has the following configuration: an acquisition means for acquiring a series of imaging data consisting of a plurality of consecutive frames, and a generation means for generating metadata to be assigned to the divided imaging data when the series of imaging data is divided into a plurality of imaging data and recorded, wherein the generation means generates, as metadata to be assigned to the divided imaging data, first metadata related to the divided imaging data and second metadata related to the combined imaging data when the plurality of divided imaging data are combined. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the processing cost for adding metadata when combining divided moving images. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging device 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a moving image combining device 200 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a folder structure in which files are recorded according to the first embodiment; [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a RAW file according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing a series of operations in a division recording process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a folder structure in which divided and recorded files are recorded according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating mdat of a RAW file recorded in parts according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing a series of operations in a joining process according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the mdat of a combined RAW file according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an MXF folder structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an MXF file according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of metadata in a management information file according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of operations in a division recording process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a folder structure of MXF files recorded in a divided format according to the second embodiment; [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating metadata of MXF and MIF recorded in a divided manner according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of operations in a joining process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating combined MXF metadata according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] In the following description, an example will be described in which an imaging device capable of recording moving images is used. Imaging devices according to this embodiment may include, for example, digital cameras, smartphones, game consoles, personal computers, tablet terminals, surveillance cameras, medical equipment, etc. Also, an example will be described in which a moving image combining device capable of combining divided and recorded moving images is used. Examples of moving image combining devices according to this embodiment may include, for example, personal computers, digital cameras, smartphones, game consoles, tablet terminals, medical equipment, etc.

[0012] <Configuration of imaging device> The configuration of an imaging device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which management information such as a time code and audio data are recorded in a video frame in a moving image format called RAW. However, other formats such as MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14 or ISO / IEC 14496-14:2003) and MXF (Material eXchange Format) can also be used as the moving image format.

[0013] In FIG. 1, a control unit 101 and each unit of the imaging device 100 can exchange data with each other. The control unit 101 is a system control unit that controls the overall system of the imaging device 100. The control unit 101 controls each unit of the imaging device 100 by loading a program recorded in a ROM 110 into a RAM 111 and executing it. The control unit 101 also executes a process (division recording process) of dividing and recording a moving image onto multiple removable recording media. The division recording process will be described later. The ROM 110 is a non-volatile recording medium that stores a program executed by the control unit 101. The RAM 111 is a volatile storage medium used as a work memory for the control unit 101. The RAM 111 is also used as a RAM that temporarily stores image data captured by the imaging unit 103 and image-processed by the image processing unit 104, and image data divided by the image division processing unit 108. Furthermore, RAM 111 is used to temporarily store image data read from removable recording medium 114 or removable recording medium 115 for compression or decompression processing by image compression / decompression unit 102. Of course, RAM 111 may also be used to temporarily store image data to be displayed on display unit 106 or additional information to be recorded in association with a captured image.

[0014] The imaging device 100 can be equipped with multiple (e.g., two) recording media for recording image data. To this end, it has interfaces, a removable recording medium I / F 112 and a removable recording medium I / F 113. The removable recording medium I / F 112 and the removable recording medium I / F 113 are slots into which removable recording media such as memory cards can be inserted. FIG. 1 shows an example in which removable recording media 114 and 115 are attached to the removable recording medium I / F 112 and the removable recording medium I / F 113. In this embodiment, an example in which image data is recorded on the removable recording medium 114 and the removable recording medium 115 will be described. However, a configuration in which image data is recorded in a non-removable memory built into the imaging device 100 is also conceivable. Also conceivable are a configuration in which there are two or more removable recording medium I / Fs and removable recording media, or a configuration in which image data is recorded in one or more removable recording medium I / Fs and removable recording media and a non-removable built-in memory.

[0015] The imaging unit 103 has a photographing lens (including a zoom lens and a focus lens) and an imaging element, and captures an image of a subject under the control of the control unit 101 to obtain image data (image capture data) such as a still image or a moving image. The moving image captured by the imaging unit 103 includes a series of image data made up of a plurality of consecutive frames.

[0016] The image processing unit 104 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing, and color conversion on the image data captured by the imaging unit 103. The image processing unit 104 also performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the control unit 101 performs various controls (exposure control, auto white balance control, etc.) related to the imaging by the imaging unit 103 based on the obtained calculation results.

[0017] The image compression / decompression unit 102 compresses the image data processed by the image processing unit 104 and decompresses the image data read from the removable recording medium 114 and the removable recording medium 115 .

[0018] The display unit 106 is a display for displaying various setting states, images captured by the imaging unit 103, images read and played back from the removable recording media 114 and 115, and the like, under the control of the control unit 101. It is configured as a display within a peer-type finder, a vari-angle liquid crystal monitor, or the like.

[0019] The operation unit 107 is an operation unit that accepts operations from the user and includes a power switch for supplying power to the imaging device 100, a recording start button, and a mode switching button that can switch between camera mode (photography mode) and playback mode. If the operation unit 107 includes a touch panel, the control unit 101 can detect the following operations on the touch panel: Touching the touch panel with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as touch-down); A state in which the touch panel is being touched with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as touch-on); Moving the touch panel while still touching with a finger or pen (hereinafter referred to as move); Releasing the finger or pen that was touching the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as touch-up); A state in which nothing is touching the touch panel (hereinafter referred to as touch-off). These operations and the position coordinates of the finger or pen touching the touch panel are notified to the control unit 101, and the control unit 101 determines what operation was performed on the touch panel based on the notified information. Regarding moves, the direction of movement of a finger or pen moving on a touch panel can be determined for each vertical and horizontal component on the touch panel based on changes in position coordinates. A stroke is considered to have been drawn when a touch panel is touched down, followed by a certain amount of movement, and then touched up. The action of quickly drawing a stroke is called a flick. A flick is an action in which a finger is kept on the touch panel, moved quickly a certain distance, and then released. In other words, it is an action in which the finger is quickly traced across the touch panel as if flicking. A flick is determined to have occurred when a move of at least a certain distance at a certain speed is detected, followed by a touch up. A drag is determined to have occurred when a move of at least a certain distance at a speed less than the certain speed is detected. The touch panel may be any of a variety of types, including resistive, capacitive, surface acoustic wave, infrared, electromagnetic induction, image recognition, and optical sensor types.

[0020] Under the control of the control unit 101, the image segmentation processing unit 108 segments a series of temporally consecutive image data stored in the RAM 111 onto a removable recording medium and records the segments on the removable recording medium. The image segmentation processing unit 108 divides the series of image data frames into a plurality of videos every predetermined number of frames according to a specific rule and records the videos on the removable recording medium. The segmentation according to a specific rule includes, for example, segmenting the frames of the video into even-numbered frames and odd-numbered frames, or segmenting the frames from the first frame into the number of removable recording media and non-removable internal memories, but is not limited to this example.

[0021] Under the control of the control unit 101, the audio processing unit 109 acquires audio using a microphone built into the image capture device 100 when video recording starts, and temporarily stores the acquired audio data in the RAM 111. Note that, in the example of this embodiment, a configuration in which a microphone built into the image capture device 100 is used will be described as an example, but a configuration in which a microphone externally attached to the image capture device 100 is also possible.

[0022] The metadata control unit 105 generates metadata to be assigned to image data under the control of the control unit 101. When image data is divided and recorded in a division recording process described below, the metadata control unit 105 generates metadata to be assigned to the divided image data. In this case, the metadata control unit 105 generates first metadata related to the image data divided by the image division processing unit 108 and second metadata related to the combined image data when the multiple divided image data are combined. The metadata includes, for example, a time code, a frame rate, and a recording time. Note that the process of combining divided image data (combining process) is a process of combining image data that has been divided and recorded on multiple removable recording media (for example, by the moving image combining device 200). When multiple divided image data are combined, some of the metadata related to the combined image data has different values ​​(for example, a time code) from the metadata related to the divided image data. Therefore, when combining multiple divided image data, it is necessary to calculate metadata to match the combined image data or change the values ​​of the metadata related to the combined image data. The metadata control unit 105 assigns the combined metadata values ​​to the divided image data (as second metadata) at the stage of dividing and recording the captured image data so that calculation or modification of the metadata values ​​is not required when the divided image data is combined.

[0023] When multiple pieces of divided image data are combined, the metadata (e.g., time code) related to the combined image data will be the same as the metadata related to the image data before it was divided (i.e., at the time of capture). Therefore, the metadata control unit 105 generates metadata for the image data captured by the imaging unit 103, and can use this as the metadata for the combined image data.

[0024] The metadata generated as the metadata for the combined image data includes, when multiple pieces of divided image data are combined, metadata of the divided image data whose values ​​need to be updated so that they relate to the combined image data, and its identification information. The generated metadata also includes information about the photographing lens and camera attitude of the imaging unit 103. The metadata control unit 105 stores and reads this metadata in the RAM 111. Furthermore, the metadata control unit 105 assigns (attaches) metadata to the video files recorded on the removable recording medium 114 and the removable recording medium 115, for example, in response to instructions from the image division processing unit 108 or the control unit 101. The metadata includes metadata that is unique to each clip determined at the start of recording (hereinafter referred to as clip-based metadata) and metadata that is determined for each frame (hereinafter referred to as frame-synchronized metadata).

[0025] <Configuration of video combining device> Next, the configuration of the moving image combining device 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The control unit 201 and each unit of the moving image combining device 200 can exchange data with each other.

[0026] The control unit 201 is a system control unit that controls the entire system of the video combining device 200. The control unit 201 controls each unit of the video combining device 200 and executes the combining process described below by loading a program recorded in a ROM 207 into a RAM 208 and executing the program. The ROM 207 is a non-volatile memory that stores the program executed by the control unit 201. The RAM 208 is a volatile memory used as a work memory for the control unit 201. The RAM 208 is also used as a VRAM that temporarily stores image data input from the removable recording medium I / F 204 for display on the display unit 210 or for combining by the combining control unit 206. The RAM 208 is also used as a RAM that temporarily stores metadata acquired by the metadata control unit 205. The recording medium 209 is a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) that records data such as applications, video files, and still image files, and may be either internally mounted or externally attached.

[0027] The removable recording medium I / F 204 is a slot into which a removable recording medium such as a memory card can be inserted and removed. Fig. 2 shows an example in which a removable recording medium 202 and a removable recording medium 203 are attached to the removable recording medium I / F 204. In the moving image combining device 200, a configuration in which two removable recording media are attached to the removable recording medium I / F 204 has been described as an example, but it is also possible to attach two or more removable recording media, or to attach these simultaneously or individually.

[0028] Under the control of the control unit 201, the metadata control unit 205 temporarily stores in the RAM 208 metadata assigned to the divided and recorded image data read from the removable recording medium 202 and the removable recording medium 203. As described above, the metadata assigned to the divided and recorded image data includes first metadata related to the divided and recorded image data and second metadata related to the combined image data when the divided and recorded image data are combined. Furthermore, the metadata related to the combined image data includes, when the divided and recorded image data are combined, metadata related to the divided and recorded image data whose values ​​need to be updated so that they relate to the combined image data, and their identification information. The metadata control unit 205 extracts, from the metadata temporarily stored in the RAM 208, metadata whose values ​​need to be updated when combined, and their identification information.

[0029] The combining control unit 206 combines the divided and recorded image data that is input from the removable recording medium 202 and the removable recording medium 203 and temporarily stored in the RAM 208. The divided and recorded image data described above is also referred to as a divided and recorded moving image file to distinguish it from image data in a moving image file. That is, what is described as divided and recorded image data corresponds to a divided and recorded moving image file. A moving image file contains image data, audio data, and metadata. When combining the divided and recorded image data, the combining control unit 206 sets the metadata values ​​of the combined image data using the second metadata extracted by the metadata control unit 205. In other words, when combining the divided and recorded image data, the combining control unit 206 can generate metadata for the combined moving image file using the metadata (second metadata) that was assigned to the divided and recorded image data.

[0030] The display unit 210 includes, for example, a display. Under the control of the control unit 201, the display unit 210 displays various setting states, images read from and played back from the removable recording medium 202 and the removable recording medium 203, and images combined and played back by the combination control unit 206.

[0031] The operation unit 211 includes a power switch for supplying power to the moving image combining device 200, and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for operating menus and combining divided moving images.

[0032] FIG. 3A shows an exemplary folder structure when the control unit 101 records a RAW file. First, when the removable recording medium 114 or the removable recording medium 115 is initialized by operating the operation unit 107, a CRM folder 301 is generated. When recording is started by the operation unit 107, for example, a "REEL_001" folder 302 is generated. Here, "001" in the folder name represents the reel number. Furthermore, a stream file 303 with a file name, for example, "A001C001_230101XX_XXXXX.CRM" is recorded. Here, "A" in the file name represents, for example, an ID (identification) assigned to the imaging device 100, and can be freely set by the imaging device 100 by operating the operation unit 107. "001" immediately after "A" represents the reel number, and "C001" represents the clip number. "230101" represents the date, and in this example, indicates that the image was captured on January 1, 2023. "XX" indicates a randomly generated ID consisting of letters and numbers. "XXXXX" indicates a five-character string consisting of letters and numbers that can be freely set in the image capture device 100 using the operation unit 107. Furthermore, as multiple video files are recorded, the file names of the RAW files change and the number of files increases.

[0033] Next, the structure of a RAW file according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3B. In this embodiment, the structure of the ISO base media file format will be used as an example.

[0034] 310 is an ftyp box indicating file format compatibility. 311 is a moov box storing management information necessary for playback. 312 is a box storing XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform) and allows arbitrary metadata to be set. 313 is a uuid box to which arbitrary information can be added. 314 is an mdat box storing encoded video data, audio data, time code data, and metadata in frame units.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the moov box 311 will be described. 323 is a uuid box to which any information can be added, and stores management information 328 and the like used during playback. 315 to 318 are track boxes, which store management information related to image data, audio data, time code data, and frame-based metadata, respectively. 319 to 322 are stsz boxes, which store the data sizes of the image data, audio data, time code data, and frame-based metadata for each encoding unit, respectively. 324 to 327 are stco boxes stored in the track box. The stco boxes store information indicating the storage locations in the mdat box 314 of the image data, audio data, time code data, and frame-based metadata. Each piece of data is stored in the mdat box 314 in units called chunks, which are made up of one or more encoding units. In this embodiment, one chunk is represented as one frame, but one chunk may also represent multiple frames.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the mdat box 314 will be described. 329 to 340 are image data, audio data, time code data, and metadata in frame units stored in the mdat box 314. Each piece of data can be accessed in chunk units using the value written in the stco box. For example, 329 (CV1) can be traced from 350 in the stco box 324.

[0037] <Series of operations for division recording process> Next, a series of operations in the division recording process according to this embodiment (for example, a process of dividing and recording image data on removable recording medium 114 and removable recording medium 115) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The series of operations in the division recording process are realized by control unit 101 expanding a program recorded in ROM 110 into RAM 111, executing it, and controlling each unit of imaging device 100.

[0038] In step S400, the control unit 101 determines a recording medium on which to record the image data captured in S401. The control unit 101 can determine the recording medium on which to record the image data, for example, according to a predetermined setting. For example, the control unit 101 determines the recording medium so that even-numbered frames of the captured image data are recorded on the removable recording medium 114 and odd-numbered frames are recorded on the removable recording medium 115. In this embodiment, an example is described in which even-numbered frames are recorded on the removable recording medium 114 and odd-numbered frames are recorded on the removable recording medium 115, but the recording destination of the frames may be switched in any order depending on the number of removable recording media and built-in memories.

[0039] In step S401, the control unit 101 executes image capture by the imaging unit 103 and acquires image data. The image data output from the imaging unit 103 is stored in the RAM 111. In step S402, the image processing unit 104 performs image processing on the image data captured in step S401. In step S403, the audio processing unit 109 acquires audio data. The audio data acquired by the audio processing unit 109 is stored in the RAM 111.

[0040] In step S404, the control unit 101 determines whether the setting is to divide and record the image data. The control unit 101 determines whether the setting is to divide and record the image data, for example, by referring to setting information recorded in the ROM 110 or stored in the RAM 111. If the control unit 101 determines that the setting is to divide and record the image data, the process proceeds to step S405; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S407.

[0041] In step S405, the metadata control unit 105 generates the above-mentioned metadata related to the image data before division (i.e., at the time of image capture) and its identification information (i.e., the combined metadata and its identification information), and temporarily stores them in the RAM 111. For example, the metadata control unit 105 generates a time code according to the frame rate of the image data before division as metadata related to the image data before division, and stores it in the RAM 111. As described above, the time code according to the frame rate of the image data before division can be set to a time code according to the frame rate of the combined image data (when the divided image data are combined).

[0042] In step S406, the metadata control unit 105 generates metadata related to the divided image data and temporarily stores it in the RAM 111. For example, the metadata control unit 105 generates a time code according to the frame rate of the divided image data as metadata and stores it in the RAM 111.

[0043] On the other hand, if the image data is not to be divided and recorded, the metadata control unit 105 generates metadata relating to the image data (when divided and recorded) and temporarily stores it in the RAM 111 in step S407.

[0044] In step S408, the metadata control unit 105 assigns (attaches) the metadata temporarily stored in RAM 111 to the image data to be recorded on the removable recording medium. When dividing and recording the image data, the metadata control unit 105 assigns first metadata related to the divided image data and second metadata related to the combined image data when the divided image data are combined, to separate areas. The areas to which the generated metadata is assigned will be described later with reference to FIG. 5B.

[0045] In step S409, the control unit 101 performs multiplexing processing of image data, audio data, and metadata in the video data. In step S410, the control unit 101 writes the data multiplexed in S409 to the removable recording medium determined in S400. In step S411, the control unit 101 determines whether a recording stop request has been made, for example, via the operation unit 107. If it is determined that a recording stop request has been made, the process proceeds to step S412; if not, the process returns to step S400 to process the next frame. In step S412, the control unit 101 stops recording of the captured data and performs processing required when recording is stopped, such as footer recording. The control unit 101 then ends the series of operations in the division recording processing.

[0046] Fig. 5A shows the folder structure when a moving image file is divided and recorded on removable recording medium 114 and removable recording medium 115. Folder structures 301 and 302 on removable recording medium 114 and removable recording medium 115 are the same as the structure shown in Fig. 3A. Here, stream file 501 recorded on removable recording medium 114 is a file containing data of even-numbered frames, and stream file 502 recorded on removable recording medium 115 is a file containing data of odd-numbered frames.

[0047] Stream file 502 has "B" added to the end of its extension as division information to identify that it contains odd-numbered frame data. While an example has been shown in which "B" is added to the end of the extension as division information indicating odd-numbered frames, this is not limiting. Numbers may be used instead of letters, or a combination of letters and numbers, or such information may be added to the beginning of the extension. Furthermore, the division information may indicate even-numbered frames instead of odd-numbered frames, or may indicate a specific division rule. In other words, the division information may be added to either or both of stream file 501 and stream file 502 at any position in their file names.

[0048] FIG. 5B shows an example of the configuration of an mdat box when split data is recorded on the removable recording medium 114 and the removable recording medium 115 according to the first embodiment. This mdat corresponds to the mdat box 314 described above. The removable recording medium 114 stores image data of even-numbered frames captured by the imaging unit 103, audio data acquired by the audio processing unit 109, and metadata generated by the metadata control unit 105. Specifically, CV1 and CV2 are, for example, the 100th and 102nd image data captured by the imaging unit 103, respectively. CA1 is audio data recorded between the capture of the 100th image data and the capture of the 102nd image data. CT1 is a time code generated as metadata related to the split image data in step S406 shown in FIG. 4. This term code is a time code converted into frames for recording in a standard area according to the frame rate of the split image data. Here, the standard area is an area that is predefined by an industry standard and can be used by various companies with a common understanding by referring to the standard when playing or editing a video. In the example shown in Figure 5B, CT1 corresponding to the 100th and 101st frames stores "150," which is the time code according to the frame rate of the divided image data.

[0049] On the other hand, CM1 is defined in a manufacturer-specific area. A manufacturer-specific area is an area that manufacturers can define independently according to a standard and are permitted to use freely. The metadata and identification information recorded in this area do not directly affect operation using the standard area. CM1 records the same metadata items as the standard area, including time code and manufacturer-specific metadata (such as lens information). For example, the time code recorded in CM1 is a frame-converted time code for recording in the standard area of ​​the combined image data, based on the frame rate of the combined image data. In other words, the time code recorded in CM1 is the time code of the image data before division, generated in step S405 of FIG. 4. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the CM1 corresponding to the 100th frame stores "300," which is the time code based on the frame rate of the image data before division. Furthermore, the CM1 corresponding to the 101st frame stores "301," which is the time code based on the frame rate of the image data before division. The removable recording medium 115 records odd-numbered frames of image data captured by the imaging unit 103, audio data acquired by the audio processing unit 109, and metadata generated by the metadata control unit 105. Here, with regard to the audio data, the same audio data as the RAW audio data recorded on the removable recording medium 114 is recorded.

[0050] Next, a series of operations in the combining process will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The combining process is a process in which the moving image combining device 200 combines moving image files that have been divided and recorded on the removable recording medium 202 and the removable recording medium 203. The series of operations in the combining process are realized by the control unit 201 loading a program recorded in the ROM 207 into the RAM 208, executing it, and controlling each unit of the moving image combining device 200.

[0051] In step S600, the control unit 201 loads the divided and recorded moving image files stored on the removable recording medium 202 and the removable recording medium 203 connected to the removable recording medium I / F 204 into the RAM 208. Here, the divided and recorded moving image files may be recorded on the recording medium 209, and then the data may be loaded into the RAM 208.

[0052] In step S601, the metadata control unit 205 determines the read order of image data. Specifically, the metadata control unit 205 analyzes the file names of the dividedly recorded video files loaded into the RAM 208 in step S600, and determines that those with an extension ending in "B" are video files that record odd-numbered frames. The metadata control unit 205 also determines that video files without an extension ending in "B" are video files that record even-numbered frames. The metadata control unit 205 also sets the data of the first frame of a video file that records even-numbered frames as the data of the first frame of the combined video file. Similarly, the metadata control unit 205 sets the data of the first frame of a video file that records odd-numbered frames as the data of the first odd-numbered frame of the combined video file. The read order of the frame data of the dividedly recorded video files for the frames of the combined video is then determined by alternating the frames of the dividedly recorded video files from that point onward until the final frame.

[0053] In step S602, the combining control unit 206 acquires image data of a specific frame in a specific divided and recorded moving image file based on the read order of the image data determined in step S601. The combining control unit 206 temporarily stores the acquired image data in the RAM 208.

[0054] In step S603, the combining control unit 206 acquires audio data associated with the specific frame having the image data acquired in step S602. The combining control unit 206 temporarily stores the acquired audio data in RAM 208. Note that, while the acquired audio data is assumed to be associated with a specific frame here, it may be audio data associated with an even-numbered frame or an odd-numbered frame that forms a pair when combining moving images. Furthermore, in a case where a moving image file is divided into three or more parts, the acquired audio data may be audio data associated with a set of frames.

[0055] In step S604, the metadata control unit 205 acquires metadata associated with the specific frame having the image data acquired in step S602. That is, in the example of the 100th frame described above in FIG. 5B, the metadata control unit 205 acquires the CT1 data stored in the standard area and the CM1 data stored in the manufacturer-specific area as metadata associated with this frame. The metadata control unit 205 temporarily stores the acquired metadata in RAM 208.

[0056] In step S605, the metadata control unit 205 extracts, for example, from the data CT1 and CM1 acquired in step S604, the metadata assigned to the divided image files, as well as the metadata and its identification information whose values ​​need to be updated when combined.

[0057] In step S606, the joining control unit 206 identifies a metadata item of the divided image data (e.g., the time code of CT1) that is equivalent to the metadata item (e.g., the time code of CM1) having the identification information extracted in step S605. The joining control unit 206 then updates the value of the identified metadata item (e.g., the time code of CT1) with the value of the metadata (e.g., the time code of CM1) whose value needs to be updated and was recorded together with the identification information. The joining control unit 206 temporarily stores the updated value in RAM 208. The configuration of the metadata of the joined image data will be described later.

[0058] In the example of the time code described above, the combination control unit 206 sets the time code of the standard area of ​​the combined image data using the identification information and time code recorded in the manufacturer-specific area of ​​the divided and recorded image data. For example, the time code (e.g., 300) recorded in the manufacturer-specific area of ​​the frame corresponding to the 100th frame of the divided and recorded image data is set as the time code of the standard area (of the 100th frame) of the combined image data.

[0059] In step S607, the control unit 201 performs multiplexing processing of image data, audio data, and metadata in the moving image file. In step S608, the control unit 201 determines whether the combining processing of all frames in the dividedly recorded moving image file input in step S600 is complete. If the control unit 201 determines that the combining processing of all frames is complete, the process proceeds to step S609; if not, the process returns to step S602 to process the next frame.

[0060] In step S609, the control unit 201 records the combined moving image on the recording medium 209. Here, the combined moving image may be recorded on the removable recording medium 202 or the removable recording medium 203. Alternatively, the combined moving image may be transmitted to a server on the network to which the moving image combining device 200 is connected and recorded on the server side. The file name of the recorded combined moving image may be set to match the file name of the input moving image, or may be set to the file name of the input moving image plus identification information that identifies the moving image being combined. Thereafter, the control unit 201 ends the series of operations of the combining process.

[0061] 7 shows an example of the structure of mdat of image data combined by the moving image combining device 200 according to the first embodiment. In the combined image data, even-numbered frame data and odd-numbered frame data are recorded alternately (as before division), as shown in 701 to 703. The audio data (CA1) shown in 704 has a shorter duration than the audio data of the divided and recorded moving image data, because the frame rate increases after combination.

[0062] The time code (CT1) in the standard area shown in 705 is updated to the time code recorded in the manufacturer-specific area of ​​the divided and recorded video file and then recorded. Furthermore, the frame-by-frame metadata (CM1) in the manufacturer-specific area shown in 706 records metadata other than the metadata and its identification information (e.g., other than the time code) used to update values ​​when combining, from among the metadata in the manufacturer-specific area of ​​the divided and recorded video file. For example, "lens information + identification information" recorded in CM1 shown in FIG. 5B is recorded in CM1 of 706. In this embodiment, an example has been described in which metadata other than the metadata and its identification information used to update values ​​when combining is recorded in 706, but metadata used to update values ​​and its identification information may also be recorded.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, when a series of image data is divided into multiple pieces of image data and recorded, metadata to be assigned to the divided image data is generated. In this case, metadata related to the divided image data and metadata related to the combined image data when the multiple pieces of image data are combined are generated as metadata to be assigned to the divided image data. In this case, data such as a time code to be recorded in the standard area of ​​the combined image data is pre-recorded in a manufacturer-specific area of ​​the divided image data. Using the data recorded in the manufacturer-specific area of ​​the divided image data eliminates the need for value calculation and updating when combining the divided image data. In other words, it is possible to reduce the processing cost of assigning metadata when combining divided videos. Furthermore, if the metadata of the divided image data and the metadata of the combined image data are synchronized with the frames, both pieces of metadata are generated as metadata for each frame of the divided image data. Therefore, the greater the number of frames, the greater the effect of reducing processing costs.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, the division and recording process of a RAW file and the combination process thereof were described. In contrast, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the division and recording process and the combination process are performed for MXF, and also an update process of metadata recorded in MIF, which is an annex to MXF. Note that in this embodiment, although the division and recording process and the combination process are partially different, the imaging device 100 and the video combining device 200 described in FIGS. 1 and 2 can use the same or substantially the same configuration. Therefore, the same reference numbers are used for the same or substantially the same configuration, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0065] 8A shows the folder structure when the control unit 101 records an MXF file in embodiment 2. First, when the removable recording medium 114 or the removable recording medium 115 is initialized by operating the operation unit 107, a CONTENTS folder 801 and a CLIPS001 folder 802 are created. When recording is started by operating the operation unit 107, a MIF file 803 called "INDEX.MIF" is created. Furthermore, an MXF file 804 and an XML file 805, which are stream files, are recorded.

[0066] The file name of the MXF file 804 is, for example, "A001C001_230101XX_XXXXX.MXF," and the file name of the XML file 805 is, for example, "A001C001_230101XX_XXXXX.XML." The naming rules for the file names of the MXF files and XML files are the same as those for the CRM in embodiment 1. As multiple video files are recorded, the file names of the MXF files and XML files change, and the number of files increases.

[0067] The MIF file 803 ("INDEX.MIF") is a management file that compiles video file information from MXF files and XML files. The existence of the MIF file 803 called "INDEX.MIF" means that even if the number of video files increases, it is only necessary to analyze one management file, eliminating the need to analyze each video in the folder. Therefore, using the MIF file 803 can reduce analysis time. Information such as time codes that must be set on a frame-by-frame basis is recorded in the MXF file 804, and tag information and the like is recorded in the XML file 805. The XML file 805 is a file in the markup language XML (Extensible Markup Language).

[0068] Next, the MXF container structure will be described with reference to Fig. 8B. The MXF container structure includes a header 806, frame information 807, and a footer 808. The header 806 indicates the start of the file and stores metadata information related to the file. The metadata information related to the file includes information such as resolution and frame rate.

[0069] Frame information 807 stores data for each frame. Frame information 807 is composed of SystemItem 809, image data 810, audio data 811, and DataItem 812. SystemItem 809 stores frame-cycle metadata including metadata related to image data 810 to DataItem 812. DataItem 812 stores frame-cycle metadata including metadata whose values ​​are updated for each frame, such as time code and lens information. Footer 808 is information indicating the end of the file. Frame numbers are recorded in the SystemItem 809 area, with the starting frame being 0.

[0070] 8C shows the structure of a management file, MIF file 803. Reference numeral 813 shows an example of the metadata content stored in MIF file 803. The metadata content 813 stored in MIF file 803 (i.e., management file) includes the file name of the video file, the recording frame rate, the playback frame rate, XML file type information, etc.

[0071] <Series of operations for division recording process> Next, a series of operations in the division recording process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The division recording process according to the second embodiment is a process of dividing and recording MXF image data on the removable recording medium 114 and the removable recording medium 115. The series of operations in the division recording process are realized by the control unit 101 loading a program recorded in the ROM 110 into the RAM 111, executing it, and controlling each unit of the imaging device 100.

[0072] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which MXF clip-by-clip metadata and metadata in the MIF file 803 whose values ​​need to be updated when combined are handled, but a configuration in which XML data is handled is also conceivable. Also, similar to the method described above in embodiment 1, a configuration in which metadata (such as time code) associated with frames whose values ​​need to be updated when combined is recorded in a manufacturer-specific area for each MXF frame is also conceivable.

[0073] First, the processes from step S400 to step S405 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In step S900, the metadata control unit 105 generates the metadata and its identification information (i.e., the metadata and its identification information after combination) related to the image data before division (i.e., at the time of capture) as described above. For example, the metadata control unit 105 generates metadata and identification information whose values ​​need to be updated when the images are combined later, and metadata and identification information related to the MIF file 803. The metadata control unit 105 temporarily stores the generated metadata, etc. in the RAM 111. Examples of metadata whose values ​​need to be changed when the images are combined later include the recording frame rate and the playback frame rate, and these metadata may be stored in a manufacturer-specific area. For example, the metadata control unit 105 generates the playback frame rate of the image data before division as metadata related to the image data before division, and stores it in the RAM 111. As described above, the playback frame rate of the image data before division can be set to the playback frame rate of the combined image data (when the divided image data are combined). Since these pieces of metadata are not synchronized with the frames, the metadata control unit 105 can generate these pieces of metadata as metadata that are not for each frame of the divided imaging data.

[0074] In step S901, the metadata control unit 105 generates metadata related to the MIF file 803 of the divided image data and temporarily stores it in RAM 111. On the other hand, if divided recording is not performed, in step S902 the metadata control unit 105 generates metadata related to the image data and the MIF file 803 (when divided recording is not performed) and temporarily stores it in RAM 111.

[0075] In step S903, the metadata control unit 105 assigns (attaches) the metadata temporarily stored in RAM 111 to the video image data and MIF file 803 to be recorded on the recording medium selected in step S400. When split recording is performed, the metadata control unit 105 attaches the metadata temporarily stored in RAM 111 to the video image data and MIF file 803 to be recorded on the removable recording medium. In this example, when splitting and recording the video data, the metadata control unit 105 assigns, to separate areas, first metadata related to the split video data and second metadata related to the combined video data when multiple split video data are combined. The areas to which the generated metadata is assigned will be described later with reference to FIG. 10B. Thereafter, in step S409, the control unit 101 executes multiplexing processing in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0076] In step S904, the control unit 101 writes the data multiplexed in S409 to the removable recording medium determined in S400. The control unit 101 also writes the metadata attached to the MIF file 803 in S903.

[0077] Thereafter, the control unit 101 performs the processes from S410 to S411 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and then ends the series of operations of the divisional recording process.

[0078] FIG. 10A shows the MXF folder structure when a video file is divided and recorded on the removable recording medium 114 and the removable recording medium 115. MXF folder structures 801 to 803 on the removable recording medium 114 and the removable recording medium 115 are the same as the structure shown in FIG. 8A. Here, the MXF file 1001 and the XML file 1002 recorded on the removable recording medium 114 are recorded with data of even-numbered frames. The MXF file 1003 and the XML file 1004 recorded on the removable recording medium 115 are recorded with data of odd-numbered frames. The MXF file 1003 and the XML file 1004 have "B" added to the end of their extensions as division information identifying that they contain odd-numbered frame data. While an example has been shown in which "B" is added to the end of the extension as division information indicating odd-numbered frames, this example is not limiting. Numbers may be used instead of letters, or a combination of letters and numbers may be used, or such information may be added to the beginning of the extension. Furthermore, the division information may indicate even frames instead of odd frames, or may indicate a specific division rule. That is, the division information may be added to either or both of the stream files 1001 and 1002 and the stream files 1003 and 1004 at any position in the file name.

[0079] 10B shows an example of the configuration of a header 806 and an MIF in an MXF file divided and recorded on the removable recording medium 114 and the removable recording medium 115 according to embodiment 2. The header 806 includes a standard area and a manufacturer-specific area.

[0080] The various metadata recorded in the standard areas 1011 and 1012 of the header 806 are metadata related to the divided image data and are recorded in the headers of the MXF files recorded on each removable storage medium. Meanwhile, the metadata recorded in the manufacturer-specific areas 1013 and 1014 includes metadata related to the combined image data, i.e., metadata whose values ​​must be updated when combining. This metadata is recorded along with identification information. For example, the "_C" in the movie file names recorded in 1013 and 1014 indicates that the movie files are combined. The movie combining device 200 may determine the file names of the combined movies based on this identification information, or the file names may be determined by the user via the operation unit 211. The metadata and identification information recorded in the manufacturer-specific areas do not directly affect the playback of MXF files. The various metadata recorded in the MIF files 1015 and 1016 include management information for the MXF files divided and recorded on each removable storage medium. For example, the recorded metadata includes the movie file name, frame rate, and XML file type information. The video file name and frame rate are metadata whose values ​​need to be updated when combining (to indicate the values ​​after combining), whereas the XML file type information is metadata that does not need to be updated.

[0081] Next, a series of operations in the combining process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The combining process according to the second embodiment is a process in which the moving image combining device 200 combines MXF files that have been split and recorded on the removable recording medium 202 and the removable recording medium 203. The series of operations in the combining process are realized by the control unit 201 loading a program recorded in the ROM 207 into the RAM 208, executing it, and controlling each unit of the moving image combining device 200.

[0082] First, the processes from step S600 to step S603 are executed as in embodiment 1. Next, in step S1100, the combining control unit 206 acquires metadata linked to the image data to be read and related MIF and XML metadata based on the read order of the image data determined in step S601.

[0083] In step S1101, the metadata control unit 205 extracts metadata related to the divided image data and metadata related to the combined image data (metadata whose values ​​need to be updated) and their identification information from the metadata acquired in step S1100. Thereafter, the combination control unit 206 executes the process of step S607 to perform multiplexing processing.

[0084] In step S1102, the joining control unit 206 identifies metadata items recorded in the divided image data and the associated MIF and XML that are equivalent to the metadata item (e.g., recording frame rate) having the identification information extracted in step S1101. The joining control unit 206 then updates the value of the identified metadata item (e.g., recording frame rate) with the value of the metadata whose recorded value needs to be updated. The joining control unit 206 temporarily stores the updated value in the RAM 208. The metadata configuration of the combined image data will be described later. In this example of the recording frame rate, the joining control unit 206 sets the recording frame rate of the standard area of ​​the combined image data using the recording frame rate recorded in the manufacturer-specific area of ​​the divided and recorded image data shown in FIG. 10B. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 10B, the file name of the moving image file in the MIF file can be set (updated) using the moving image file name in the manufacturer-specific area of ​​the metadata related to the divided and recorded image data. However, this is not limited to this. The user may use the operation unit 211 to determine the MXF file name to be combined and update the file name using that file name. Furthermore, although the present embodiment has been described using MIF as an example, similar configurations can be considered for other files such as XML.

[0085] Thereafter, the control unit 201 executes the processes of steps S608 and S609 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and then ends the series of operations of the combining process.

[0086] 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating metadata in MXF and MIF files related to the combined image data generated by the combining process according to the second embodiment. For example, the recording frame rate recorded in the standard area 1201 in the MXF header 806 is set (updated) using the frame rate and its identification information recorded in the manufacturer-specific area 1013 or 1014 in the MXF of the divided image data. On the other hand, information not recorded in the manufacturer-specific area 1013 or 1014, such as version information (not shown), is not updated. That is, the values ​​of the metadata (in the standard area) related to the divided image data are recorded. Similarly, for metadata 1202 recorded in the MIF file, the frame rate and other information that can be set using the data recorded in the manufacturer-specific area 1013 or 1014 of the divided image data is set (updated) using that data. On the other hand, XML file type information and the like are not updated.

[0087] As described above, in this embodiment, when an MFX video file is divided into multiple image data pieces and recorded, metadata to be assigned to the divided image data is generated. In this case, metadata related to the divided image data and metadata related to the combined image data when the multiple divided image data pieces are combined are generated as metadata to be assigned to the divided image data. Data such as the frame rate to be recorded in the standard area of ​​the combined image data is pre-recorded in a manufacturer-specific area included in the header of the divided MXF files. Using the data recorded in the manufacturer-specific area of ​​the divided image data in this way eliminates the need to calculate and update values ​​when combining the divided image data. This reduces the processing cost of assigning metadata when combining divided video data. Furthermore, if the metadata for the divided image data and the metadata for the combined image data are not synchronized with the frames, both metadata can be generated as metadata not for each frame of the divided image data.

[0088] The present invention also includes cases where a software program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device having a computer that can execute the program directly from a recording medium or via wired / wireless communication, and the program is executed.

[0089] Therefore, the program code itself, supplied to and installed on a computer to implement the functional processing of the present invention, also embodies the present invention. In other words, the computer program itself for implementing the functional processing of the present invention is also included in the present invention. In this case, the program may take any form, such as object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to an OS, as long as it has the program's functionality. Recording media for providing the program may include, for example, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic tape, an optical / magneto-optical storage medium, or a non-volatile semiconductor memory. Another possible method for providing the program is to store the computer program constituting the present invention on a server on a computer network, and then have connected client computers download and program the computer program.

[0090] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0091] (Disclosure of the present specification) The disclosure of this specification includes the following imaging device, video combining device, control method thereof, and program. (Item 1) an acquisition means for acquiring a series of imaging data consisting of a plurality of consecutive frames; a generating means for generating metadata to be added to the divided imaging data when the series of imaging data is divided into a plurality of imaging data and recorded, an imaging device characterized in that the generation means generates, as metadata to be assigned to the divided imaging data, first metadata related to the divided imaging data and second metadata related to the combined imaging data when the divided imaging data are combined. (Item 2) The imaging device described in item 1, characterized in that the second metadata is metadata among the first metadata that needs to be updated so that it relates to the combined imaging data when the multiple divided imaging data are combined. (Item 3) 3. The imaging device according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the first metadata and the second metadata are metadata synchronized with a frame, the generation means generates the first metadata and the second metadata as metadata for each frame of the divided imaging data. (Item 4) 3. The imaging device according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the first metadata and the second metadata are metadata that are not synchronized with frames, the generation means generates the first metadata and the second metadata as metadata that are not for each frame of the divided imaging data. (Item 5) 5. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the second metadata is metadata stored in a first area that can be independently defined among areas in which metadata is stored. (Item 6) Item 6. The imaging device according to item 5, wherein the first metadata is metadata stored in a second area different from the first area, in which data predefined by a standard is stored. (Item 7) 7. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein the second metadata includes a time code determined based on a frame rate at which each frame of the series of imaging data is acquired. (Item 8) further comprising a dividing means for dividing the series of imaging data into a plurality of imaging data; 8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the dividing means divides the series of imaging data by dividing the series of imaging data into a plurality of imaging data frames every predetermined number of frames. (Item 9) further comprising a voice acquisition means for acquiring voice; 9. The imaging device according to item 8, wherein the dividing means divides the series of imaging data so that each of the divided imaging data contains the same audio data over the predetermined number of frames. (Item 10) 10. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 9, further comprising a recording unit that records each of the plurality of divided imaging data on a different recording medium among a plurality of recording media. (Item 11) an acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of divided imaging data obtained by dividing a series of imaging data consisting of a plurality of consecutive frames; a generating unit configured to generate metadata to be assigned to the combined imaging data based on the metadata assigned to the divided imaging data when combining the divided imaging data, the metadata assigned to the divided imaging data includes first metadata related to the divided imaging data and second metadata related to the combined imaging data; The video combining device is characterized in that the generating means generates metadata to be added to the combined imaging data by using at least the second metadata included in the divided imaging data. (Item 12) The video combining device described in item 11 is characterized in that the second metadata is metadata among the first metadata that needs to be updated so that it relates to the combined imaging data when multiple divided imaging data are combined. (Item 13) Item 13. The video combining device according to item 11 or 12, characterized in that, when the first metadata and the second metadata are metadata synchronized with frames, the generating means generates the second metadata as metadata for each frame of the combined imaging data. (Item 14) A control method for an imaging device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a series of imaging data consisting of a plurality of consecutive frames; a generating step of generating metadata to be assigned to the divided imaging data when the series of imaging data is divided into a plurality of imaging data and recorded, a control method for an imaging device, characterized in that in the generating step, first metadata related to the divided imaging data and second metadata related to the combined imaging data when the divided imaging data are combined are generated as metadata to be assigned to the divided imaging data. (Item 15) A control method for a video combining device, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring a plurality of divided imaging data by dividing a series of imaging data constituted by a plurality of consecutive frames; a generating step of generating metadata to be assigned to the combined imaging data based on the metadata assigned to the divided imaging data when combining the plurality of divided imaging data, the metadata assigned to the divided imaging data includes first metadata related to the divided imaging data and second metadata related to the combined imaging data; A control method for a video combining device, characterized in that in the generation process, metadata to be assigned to the combined imaging data is generated using at least the second metadata contained in the divided imaging data. (Item 16) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 10. (Item 17) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the video combining device described in any one of items 11 to 13.

[0092] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100 imaging device, 101 control unit, 103 imaging unit, 105 metadata control unit, 114 removable recording medium, 115 removable recording medium, 200 video combining device, 201 control unit, 205 metadata control unit, 206 combination control unit

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring a series of imaging data consisting of a plurality of consecutive frames; a generating means for generating metadata to be added to the divided imaging data when the series of imaging data is divided into a plurality of imaging data and recorded, an imaging device characterized in that the generation means generates, as metadata to be assigned to the divided imaging data, first metadata related to the divided imaging data and second metadata related to the combined imaging data when the divided imaging data are combined.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second metadata is metadata among the first metadata that needs to be updated so as to relate to the combined imaging data when the divided imaging data are combined.

3. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, when the first metadata and the second metadata are metadata synchronized with a frame, the generating means generates the first metadata and the second metadata as metadata for each frame of the divided imaging data.

4. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, when the first metadata and the second metadata are metadata that are not synchronized with frames, the generating means generates the first metadata and the second metadata as metadata that are not synchronized with each frame of the divided imaging data.

5. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second metadata is metadata stored in a first area that can be independently defined among areas in which metadata is stored.

6. 6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the first metadata is metadata stored in a second area different from the first area, the second area storing data predefined by a standard.

7. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second metadata includes a time code determined based on a frame rate at which each frame of the series of imaging data is acquired.

8. further comprising a dividing means for dividing the series of imaging data into a plurality of imaging data; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the dividing means divides the series of imaging data by dividing the series of imaging data into a plurality of imaging data every predetermined number of frames.

9. further comprising a voice acquisition means for acquiring voice; 9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the dividing means divides the series of imaging data so that each of the divided imaging data contains the same audio data over the predetermined number of frames.

10. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a recording unit for recording each of the plurality of divided imaging data on a different recording medium among a plurality of recording media.

11. an acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of divided imaging data obtained by dividing a series of imaging data consisting of a plurality of consecutive frames; a generating unit configured to generate metadata to be assigned to the combined imaging data based on the metadata assigned to the divided imaging data when combining the divided imaging data, the metadata assigned to the divided imaging data includes first metadata relating to the divided imaging data and second metadata relating to the combined imaging data; The video combining device is characterized in that the generating means generates metadata to be added to the combined imaging data by using at least the second metadata included in the divided imaging data.

12. 12. The video combining device according to claim 11, wherein the second metadata is metadata among the first metadata that needs to be updated so as to relate to the combined imaging data when the divided imaging data are combined.

13. 12. The video combining device according to claim 11, wherein, when the first metadata and the second metadata are metadata synchronized with frames, the generating means generates the second metadata as metadata for each frame of the combined imaging data.

14. A control method for an imaging device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a series of imaging data consisting of a plurality of consecutive frames; a generating step of generating metadata to be assigned to the divided imaging data when the series of imaging data is divided into a plurality of imaging data and recorded, a control method for an imaging device, characterized in that in the generation step, first metadata related to the divided imaging data and second metadata related to the combined imaging data when the divided imaging data are combined are generated as metadata to be assigned to the divided imaging data.

15. A control method for a moving image combining device, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring a plurality of divided imaging data by dividing a series of imaging data constituted by a plurality of consecutive frames; a generating step of generating metadata to be assigned to the combined imaging data based on the metadata assigned to the divided imaging data when combining the plurality of divided imaging data, the metadata assigned to the divided imaging data includes first metadata relating to the divided imaging data and second metadata relating to the combined imaging data; A control method for a video combining device, characterized in that in the generation process, metadata to be assigned to the combined imaging data is generated using at least the second metadata included in the divided imaging data.

16. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

17. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the moving image combining device according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

Images