Electronic apparatus, program, and method for controlling electronic apparatus

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus for efficiently executing dubbing processing in an external storage device, a program, and a method for controlling the electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus includes: a data acquisition unit for acquiring video data; a connection interface to which an external storage device for performing writing to recording media is connected; a storage unit for storing data; and a control unit for performing control to determine a compatible format compatible with the external storage device based on function information indicating a function of the external storage device connected to the connection interface and store the video data of the compatible format in the storage unit. When no external storage device is connected to the connection interface, the control unit determines the compatible format based on the function information of the external storage device connected last.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a program, a method for controlling an electronic device, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electronic devices that use an optical drive to write video data to a recording medium (optical disc) are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical disc device having an input / output port to which a drive device can be detached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-41789 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an external storage device such as an optical drive is removable, the video data format supported varies depending on the external storage device connected.

[0005] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic device, a program, a method for controlling an electronic device, etc. for efficiently executing a dubbing process in an external storage device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electronic device that includes a data acquisition unit that acquires video data, a connection interface to which an external storage device that writes to a recording medium is connected, a memory unit that stores data, and a control unit that determines a compatible format that is compatible with the external storage device based on functional information that represents the functions of the external storage device connected to the connection interface, and controls the storage of the video data in the compatible format in the memory unit, wherein the control unit relates to an electronic device that determines the compatible format based on the functional information of the external storage device that was last connected when the external storage device is not connected to the connection interface.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a program for operating an electronic device having a connection interface to which an external storage device that writes to a recording medium is connected and a memory unit that stores data, the program acquiring video data, determining a compatible format that is a format compatible with the external storage device based on functional information representing the functions of the external storage device connected to the connection interface, controlling the storage of the video data in the compatible format in the memory unit, and, in determining the compatible format, if the external storage device is not connected to the connection interface, determining the compatible format based on the functional information of the external storage device that was last connected.

[0008] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control method for an electronic device having a connection interface to which an external storage device that writes to a recording medium is connected and a memory unit that stores data, the control method acquiring video data, determining a compatible format that is a format compatible with the external storage device based on functional information representing the functions of the external storage device connected to the connection interface, and controlling the storage of the video data in the compatible format in the memory unit, and if the external storage device is not connected to the connection interface in determining the compatible format, determining the compatible format based on the functional information of the external storage device that was last connected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system including the electronic device of the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a configuration example of a recorder, which is an example of an electronic device. [Diagram 3] 2 is a detailed configuration example of a recorder. [Figure 4] 13 is an example of the relationship between the type of external storage device and the copy protection method. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between types of external storage devices and corresponding recording media. [Figure 6A] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the inserted recording medium, the format before conversion of video data, and the format after conversion. [Figure 6B] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the inserted recording medium, the format before conversion of video data, and the format after conversion. [Figure 6C] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the inserted recording medium, the format before conversion of video data, and the format after conversion. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of acquiring function information. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a recording process of video data. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a dubbing process of video data. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a recording process of video data. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a copy process of video data. [Figure 12] 2 is a detailed configuration example of a recorder. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a recording process of video data. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a copy process of video data. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a dubbing process of video data. [Figure 16] 13 is an example of a display screen used for selecting video data to be dubbed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents described in the claims. In addition, all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configurations of the present disclosure.

[0011] 1. System configuration example Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of a system including an electronic device in this embodiment. The system shown in Fig. 1 may include a recorder 100 and a display device 200. However, the configuration of the system including the electronic device is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1, and various modifications such as omitting some components or adding other components are possible. The fact that modifications such as omitting or adding components are possible also applies to the drawings described later, such as Fig. 2.

[0012] Recorder 100 is a device capable of storing video data based on, for example, television broadcast waves. Recorder 100 is an HDD recorder capable of storing video information in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). However, recorder 100 may store video data in other storage media such as an SSD (Solid State Drive). Recorder 100 may also have a function of reading / writing optical media such as BD (Blu-ray Disc; Blu-ray is a registered trademark).

[0013] The recorder 100 is connected to an external display device 200 via, for example, an output interface. The output interface is, for example, an interface compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI is a registered trademark). However, the recorder 100 and the display device 200 may be connected using a D-terminal cable, a component cable, or the like, and the specific form of the output interface can be modified in various ways.

[0014] The display device 200 is a device having an interface for receiving signals from an antenna, a decoder, a display, a speaker, etc., and is capable of displaying video data based on, for example, television broadcast waves. The display device 200 is, for example, a television receiver compatible with 4K / 8K broadcasting. As described above, the display device 200 may obtain and display video data output from the recorder 100 using an interface conforming to HDMI or the like. The display for displaying the video data can be realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0015] The video data in this embodiment is data including at least a moving image, which is a plurality of still images arranged in time series. For example, the video data is stream data in which image data and audio data are multiplexed. The image data here may be data compressed using a compression method such as MPEG-2 (Moving Picture Experts Group), H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC, H.265 / HEVC, etc. The audio data may be data compressed using a compression method such as AAC (Advanced Audio Coding). In addition, various modifications are possible for the specific data format of the video data according to this embodiment, the encoding / compression method, etc.

[0016] The electronic device according to the present embodiment is, for example, a recorder 100. However, the electronic device according to the present embodiment may be any device capable of storing video data, converting formats, and dubbing using an external storage device (optical drive), as described later. Therefore, when the display device 200 is a device including a recording function and a connection interface for an optical drive, the electronic device according to the present embodiment may be the display device 200. The electronic device according to the present embodiment may also be realized by distributed processing of a plurality of devices. For example, the electronic device according to the present embodiment may be realized by a combination of the recorder 100 and the display device 200. Below, an example in which the electronic device is the recorder 100 will be described, but part or all of the configuration of the recorder 100 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 may be included in the display device 200. Part or all of the processing of the recorder 100 described below may be executed in the display device 200.

[0017] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the recorder 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the recorder 100 includes a data acquisition unit 110, a control unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a connection interface 140.

[0018] The data acquisition unit 110 acquires video data. For example, the data acquisition unit 110 may be a tuner including an interface for receiving television broadcast waves of a specific frequency and a circuit for executing processing on the received broadcast waves. For example, the interface here is a terminal for connecting an antenna cable. The circuits here may include an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, a decoding circuit for decoding, an A / D conversion circuit for analog / digital conversion, and the like. The data acquisition unit 110 receives a signal corresponding to the television broadcast waves from an antenna, and outputs video data based on the signal to the control unit 120.

[0019] The data acquisition unit 110 may be an interface for performing communication according to a communication method such as IEEE802.11, and more specifically may be a communication chip for performing communication according to the communication method. For example, the recorder 100 communicates with a public communication network such as the Internet via the data acquisition unit 110. The data acquisition unit 110 may connect to a content server via the public communication network and perform a process of receiving video content such as a movie from the content server as video data.

[0020] The control unit 120 is connected to the data acquisition unit 110, the storage unit 130, and the connection interface 140, and controls them. The control unit 120 of this embodiment is configured by the following hardware. The hardware can include at least one of a circuit for processing digital signals and a circuit for processing analog signals. For example, the hardware can be configured by one or more circuit devices or one or more circuit elements mounted on a circuit board. The one or more circuit devices are, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-programmable gate array), etc. The one or more circuit elements are, for example, a resistor, a capacitor, etc.

[0021] The control unit 120 may be realized by the following processor. The electronic device (recorder 100) of this embodiment includes a memory that stores information and a processor that operates based on the information stored in the memory. The information is, for example, a program and various data. The memory may be the storage unit 130 or another memory. The processor includes hardware. The processor can use various processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). The memory may be a semiconductor memory such as a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or a flash memory, or may be a register, or may be a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), or may be an optical storage device such as an optical disk drive. For example, the memory stores computer-readable instructions, and the functions of the control unit 120 are realized as processing by the processor executing the instructions. The instructions here may be instructions of an instruction set that constitutes a program, or may be instructions that instruct the hardware circuit of the processor to operate.

[0022] The storage unit 130 is an internal storage device built into the recorder 100. The storage unit 130 is a work area for the control unit 120, and stores various information. The storage unit 130 can be realized by various types of memory, and the memory may be, for example, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, or may be an SSD. The storage unit 130 stores, for example, video data acquired by the control unit 120 via the data acquisition unit 110. As will be described later, in this embodiment, a format (resolution in a narrow sense) conversion process may be performed when the video data is stored.

[0023] The connection interface 140 is an interface to which an external storage device 300, which is provided separately from the electronic device (recorder 100), is connected. The external storage device 300 here is a device that writes video data to a recording medium, and specifically, is an optical drive that has a function of writing video data to an optical disc. The external storage device 300 may also have a function of reading video data stored on an optical disc. The connection interface 140 is, for example, a terminal that complies with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. However, the connection interface 140 may be an interface that complies with other standards, such as ATA (AT Attachment).

[0024] For example, the electronic device (recorder 100) of this embodiment may be configured to include only a storage device such as an HDD as the storage unit 130, and not include an optical drive. In this case, by connecting an external storage device 300 to the connection interface 140, it becomes possible to copy video data stored in the HDD onto an optical disc. However, the electronic device of this embodiment may also be a device with a built-in optical drive. Even in this case, for example, by connecting an external storage device 300 with higher functionality than the built-in optical drive, it becomes possible to perform high-quality copying, etc.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the control unit 120. As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 120 may include a function determination unit 121, a format determination unit 122, a format conversion unit 123, and a dubbing processing unit .

[0026] The function determination unit 121 acquires function information indicating the functions of the external storage device 300 connected to the connection interface 140. The process of acquiring the function information and specific examples of the function information will be described later. The function determination unit 121 stores the acquired function information in the storage unit 130. Note that a second storage unit that stores the function information may be provided separately from the storage unit 130 in which the video data is stored.

[0027] Based on the function information, the format determination unit 122 determines a compatible format that is compatible with the external storage device 300. For example, as will be described later with reference to Figs. 4 to 6C, the format determination unit 122 determines a compatible format based on the type of the external storage device 300 that is determined depending on the compatibility of CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media), AACS (Advanced Access Content System), etc.

[0028] The format conversion unit 123 performs a process of converting the format of the video data into a compatible format. For example, when the format conversion unit 123 acquires video data in 4K format from the data acquisition unit 110, the format conversion unit 123 performs a process of converting the video data into 2K format or DVD format. Details of each format will be described later. Note that depending on the relationship between the format acquired by the data acquisition unit 110 and the compatible format, the format conversion may be omitted. The format conversion unit 123 stores the video data in the compatible format in the storage unit 130.

[0029] The dubbing processing unit 124 executes a dubbing process of video data using the external storage device 300 when the external storage device 300 is connected to the connection interface 140. The external storage device 300 is an optical drive that writes video data to an optical disc as described above. The dubbing process by the dubbing processing unit 124 is a process of copying the video data stored in the storage unit 130 to an optical disc inserted in the optical drive. Note that in this embodiment, the process of storing a broadcast wave in the storage unit 130 when the broadcast wave is acquired is referred to as a recording process, and is distinguished from a dubbing process.

[0030] As described above, in this embodiment, the external storage device 300 can be connected to the connection interface 140, but it is not necessarily always connected. For example, a user of an electronic device may connect the external storage device 300 to the connection interface 140 when performing dubbing, and remove the external storage device 300 during periods when dubbing is not being performed. On the other hand, when recording video data to the storage unit 130, a program that catches the user's attention may be recorded as appropriate, or a program that the electronic device determines matches the user's preferences may be automatically recorded. In other words, since video data is recorded even during periods when dubbing is not being performed, it is possible that the external storage device 300 is not connected during recording.

[0031] Therefore, in this embodiment, when an external storage device 300 is not connected to the connection interface 140, the control unit 120 (particularly the format determination unit 122 and the format conversion unit 123) determines the compatible format based on the function information of the external storage device 300 that was last connected.

[0032] A typical user is not likely to use multiple external storage devices 300 in combination. Even if a user uses multiple external storage devices 300 in combination, it is estimated that the user will use the external storage device 300 that has the most recent history of use more frequently. Therefore, according to the method of this embodiment, even if the external storage device 300 is not connected, video data in a format that is likely to be compatible with the external storage device 300 used for dubbing can be recorded. In other words, video data in a format that is likely to be used can be prepared in advance before the external storage device 300 is connected (before dubbing is performed). As a result, when performing dubbing processing of video data using the external storage device 300, the frequency of format conversion can be reduced, thereby realizing high-speed dubbing processing.

[0033] The method of the present embodiment is not limited to being applied when the external storage device 300 is not connected. For example, when the external storage device 300 is connected to the connection interface 140, the control unit 120 may determine the corresponding format based on the function information of the connected external storage device 300. In other words, while the external storage device 300 is connected, the function information of the connected external storage device 300 becomes the function information of the last connected external storage device 300. Whether the connected external storage device 300 is used for dubbing processing is unknown at the time of recording, but it is estimated that the external storage device 300 with the last use history is used frequently, as in the case where the external storage device 300 is not connected. In this way, it is possible to store video data in an appropriate format regardless of whether the external storage device 300 is connected or not.

[0034] In addition, a part or all of the processing executed by the electronic device of the present embodiment may be realized by a program. In a narrow sense, the processing executed by the electronic device is processing executed by the control unit 120 of the recorder 100, but may also be processing executed by the display device 200.

[0035] The program according to this embodiment can be stored in a non-transitory information storage medium (information storage device), which is a medium readable by a computer, for example. The information storage medium can be realized by, for example, an optical disk, a memory card, a HDD, or a semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a ROM. The control unit 120 and the like perform various processes of this embodiment based on the programs stored in the information storage medium. That is, the information storage medium stores a program for making a computer function as the control unit 120 and the like. A computer is a device equipped with an input device, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit. Specifically, the program according to this embodiment is a program for making a computer execute each step described later with reference to Figs. 7 to 11, 13 to 15, and the like.

[0036] For example, the program according to the present embodiment is a program for operating an electronic device having a connection interface (e.g., the connection interface 140) to which an external storage device 300 that writes data to a recording medium is connected, and a storage unit (e.g., the storage unit 130) for storing data. The program acquires video data, and determines a compatible format that is compatible with the external storage device 300 based on function information that indicates the function of the external storage device 300 connected to the connection interface, and causes the electronic device to execute control for storing video data in the compatible format in the storage unit. Furthermore, when the external storage device 300 is not connected to the connection interface in determining the compatible format, the program causes the electronic device to execute control for determining the compatible format based on function information of the external storage device 300 that was last connected.

[0037] The technique of the present embodiment can also be applied to a control method for an electronic device having a connection interface to which an external storage device 300 that writes data to a recording medium is connected, and a storage unit that stores data. The control method includes a step of acquiring video data, a step of determining a compatible format that is compatible with the external storage device 300 based on function information that indicates the function of the external storage device 300 connected to the connection interface, and a step of controlling storage of the video data in the compatible format in the storage unit. Furthermore, in determining the compatible format, if the external storage device 300 is not connected to the connection interface, the control method determines the compatible format based on the function information of the external storage device 300 that was last connected.

[0038] 2. Example of format and feature information Next, the format and function information of this embodiment will be described. The format of this embodiment may be information that indicates the resolution of video data. For example, the format may include a format corresponding to SD (Standard definition), a format corresponding to Full HD (High Definition), and a format corresponding to UHD (Ultra High definition). SD indicates a resolution corresponding to 720 pixels x 480 pixels. Full HD indicates a resolution corresponding to 1920 x 1080. Full HD may be rephrased as 2K. UHD indicates a resolution that is twice or more than Full HD, and indicates a resolution corresponding to, for example, 3840 pixels x 2160 pixels. UHD is, for example, 4K. Hereinafter, a format corresponding to SD is referred to as a DVD format, a format corresponding to Full HD is referred to as a 2K format, and a format corresponding to UHD is referred to as a 4K format. However, UHD may be 8K, and the format of this embodiment may include an 8K format or a format with a higher resolution. In addition, the number of pixels of the resolution corresponding to each format is not limited to the above example. Furthermore, the format of this embodiment is not limited to the resolution, and may be extended to other formats.

[0039] In the case where the format indicates a resolution, the function information of this embodiment is information for identifying a resolution at which the external storage device 300 can write data. The function information may be, for example, information indicating a storage medium (optical disk) supported by the external storage device 300. More specifically, the function information may be information indicating a copy protection method supported by the external storage device 300.

[0040] 4 is a diagram for explaining the classification of the external storage device 300 according to the correspondence to the copy protection method. For example, the copy protection method may include CPRM, AACS1, and AACS2. AACS2 may include AACS2[ROM] related to reading, and AACS2[recording / playback] related to both reading and writing. CPRM refers to a method related to copy protection for DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). AACS refers to a method related to copy protection for BD (Blu-ray Disc).

[0041] 4, in this embodiment, an external storage device 300 that supports CPRM but does not support AACS1, AACS2 [ROM], or AACS2 [recording / playback] is classified as type 1. An external storage device 300 that supports CPRM and AACS1 but does not support AACS2 [ROM] or AACS2 [recording / playback] is classified as type 2. An external storage device 300 that supports CPRM, AACS1, and AACS2 [ROM] but does not support AACS2 [recording / playback] is classified as type 3. An external storage device 300 that supports all of CPRM, AACS1, AACS2 [ROM], and AACS2 [recording / playback] is classified as type 4.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a diagram explaining the recording media supported by each type of external storage device 300. As shown in Fig. 5, the type 1 external storage device 300 is compatible with CPRM only, and therefore is compatible with DVD-RW and DVD-R, and is capable of recording and playback in DVD format. On the other hand, the type 1 external storage device 300 is not compatible with AACS, and therefore cannot record or play back on BD.

[0043] The type 2 external storage device 300 supports CPRM and AACS1. Therefore, in addition to recording and playback in DVD format using DVDs, the type 2 external storage device 300 can read BD-ROMs and record and play using BD-REs and BD-Rs. Recording and playback using BD-REs and BD-Rs is limited to full HD (2K format).

[0044] The type 3 external storage device 300 supports CPRM, AACS1, and AACS2[ROM]. Therefore, the type 3 external storage device 300 can read UHD-BDROM in addition to the recording media supported by type 2.

[0045] The type 4 external storage device 300 supports all of CPRM, AACS1, AACS2 [ROM], and AACS2 [recording / playback]. Therefore, the type 4 external storage device 300 can record and play back in the DVD format using DVDs, read BD-ROMs, and record and play back using BD-REs and BD-Rs, and supports both UHD (4K format) and full HD (2K format) recording and playback using BD-REs and BD-Rs.

[0046] 6A to 6C are diagrams showing the relationship between the type of external storage device 300 and the format (resolution) used for recording. In Fig. 6, the video data acquired by the data acquisition unit 110 is data based on broadcast waves, and two types of data are considered: 2K broadcasting, in which video data in 2K format is acquired, and 4K broadcasting, in which video data in 4K format is acquired.

[0047] As described above, the type 1 external storage device 300 supports DVDs but not BDs, and therefore only supports SD resolution. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6A, when a recording DVD medium (DVD-RW, DVD-R) is inserted into the type 1 external storage device 300, both 2K and 4K broadcasts must be converted to DVD format (SD). Furthermore, the type 1 external storage device 300 is not capable of writing to BDs at all.

[0048] Furthermore, type 2 and type 3 external storage devices 300 support writing to DVDs and writing to BDs at resolutions up to 2K. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6B, when a recordable DVD medium is inserted into a type 2 or type 3 external storage device 300, both 2K and 4K broadcasts must be converted to the DVD format. Furthermore, when a recordable BD medium (BD-RE) is inserted into a type 2 or type 3 external storage device 300, 2K broadcasts can be written as is, but 4K broadcasts must be converted to the 2K format.

[0049] Furthermore, type 4 external storage device 300 supports writing to DVDs and writing to BDs at resolutions up to 4K. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6C, when a recordable DVD medium is inserted into type 4 external storage device 300, both 2K and 4K broadcasts must be converted to the DVD format. When a recordable BD medium (BD-RE) is inserted into type 4 external storage device 300, both 2K and 4K broadcasts can be written in the original format.

[0050] As described above with reference to Figures 4 to 6C, the information relating to the copy protection method is information capable of identifying the corresponding recording medium, and is information capable of identifying the resolution (format) based on the recording medium. In the above example, a Type 1 external storage device 300 is compatible with only the DVD format. A Type 2 or Type 3 external storage device 300 is compatible with the DVD format and the 2K format. A Type 4 external storage device 300 is compatible with the DVD format, the 2K format, and the 4K format. Therefore, the function determination unit 121 obtains information relating to the copy protection method from the external storage device 300 as function information.

[0051] For example, if the connection interface 140 is a USB type interface, the function determination unit 121 may obtain function information by issuing a GET CONFIGURATION command to the external storage device 300. In this way, the function determination unit 121 can obtain information indicating whether or not the external storage device 300 supports each of CPRM, AACS, and AACS2 as a return value for the GET CONFIGURATION command from the external storage device 300. The GET CONFIGURATION command is a well-known command, so further detailed description will be omitted.

[0052] In this embodiment, the functional information may be information indicating compatibility / non-compatibility with CPRM, AACS, and AACS2, or it may be information specifying the above-mentioned type, or it may be information of another format.

[0053] Even if the connection interface 140 is a type other than the USB type, the function information can be obtained by issuing a command to the external storage device 300. For example, if the connection interface 140 is an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), the function determination unit 121 may obtain the function information of the external storage device 300 by using CEC (Consumer Electronics Control).

[0054] 3. Processing flow Next, some examples of the process flow of this embodiment will be described.

[0055] 3.1 Format determined during recording 7 is a flowchart explaining the process of acquiring function information. This process is executed, for example, when the external storage device 300 is connected to the connection interface 140. First, in step S101, the function determination unit 121 acquires function information from the external storage device 300 via the connection interface 140. For example, if the interface is a USB type interface as described above, the function determination unit 121 issues a GET CONFIGURATION command and executes a process of acquiring a return value from the external storage device 300.

[0056] In step S102, function determination unit 121 performs a process of storing the acquired function information in storage unit 130. At this time, function determination unit 121 performs a process of storing the latest function information in an identifiable manner. For example, function determination unit 121 may overwrite existing function information using the latest function information acquired in step S101. Alternatively, function determination unit 121 may store the latest function information and other function information in an identifiable manner by using a timestamp, flag information, or the like while leaving the existing function information.

[0057] By executing the process shown in FIG. 7 every time the external storage device 300 is connected, the electronic device (recorder 100) can properly store the function information of the external storage device 300 that was last connected.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the process of storing video data in the storage unit 130. In particular, Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the recording process of storing video data in the recording unit 130 in real time when the video data is acquired. For example, Fig. 8 shows the process executed when a program designated by the user as a recording target is broadcast. As described above, the timing of execution of the function information acquisition process shown in Fig. 7 and the timing of execution of the recording process shown in Fig. 8 may be different, and the external storage device 300 may be removed from the connection interface 140 before the start of the recording process.

[0059] First, in step S201, the data acquisition unit 110 acquires video data. Here, an example of acquiring video data in 4K format will be described. In step S202, the format determination unit 122 acquires function information of the external storage device 300 that was last connected from the storage unit 130.

[0060] In step S203, the format determination unit 122 determines whether the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 4K format based on the function information. For example, the function determination unit 121 reads the latest function information from the storage unit 130, and outputs a result of function determination based on the function information (e.g., any one of types 1 to 4) to the format determination unit 122. The format determination unit 122 determines the supported format based on the result of the function determination. Note that the reading of the function information, etc. may be executed by the format determination unit 122 instead of the function determination unit 121.

[0061] If the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 4K format (step S203: Yes), the format determination unit 122 determines the 4K format as the supported format. Therefore, in step S204, the format conversion unit 123 stores the video data in the 4K format in the storage unit 130. In this case, since the format of the video data acquired in step S201 matches the supported format, the format conversion unit 123 does not perform format conversion.

[0062] If the last connected external storage device 300 does not support the 4K format (step S203: No), in step S205, the format determination unit 122 determines whether the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 2K format based on the function information.

[0063] If the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 2K format (step S205: Yes), the format determination unit 122 determines the 2K format as the supported format. Therefore, in step S206, the format conversion unit 123 stores the video data in the 2K format in the storage unit 130. In this case, the format of the video data acquired in step S201 is different from the supported format.

[0064] When the format of the video data acquired by the data acquisition unit 110 is different from the compatible format (for example, step S205: Yes), the control unit 120 (format conversion unit 123) performs control to store the video data after conversion into the compatible format in the storage unit 130. For example, in step S206, the format conversion unit 123 converts the video data in 4K format into 2K format, and stores the video data in the 2K format in the storage unit 130. Note that the format conversion itself is a known technique, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The case where the process of step S206 is executed corresponds to, for example, the case where the last connected external storage device 300 is type 2 or type 3 in Figs. 4 to 6C. In this case, even if an attempt is made to execute a dubbing process using the external storage device 300, UHD (4K format) video data cannot be written directly to a recording medium, and must be converted to full HD (2K format) (see Fig. 6B). In this respect, the process shown in Fig. 8 allows video data to be converted to 2K format at the time of recording. Therefore, it is possible to increase the probability that format conversion can be omitted when executing the dubbing process shown in Fig. 9, which will be described later.

[0066] Furthermore, when performing format conversion, the control unit 120 (format conversion unit 123) may perform control such that video data before being converted into a compatible format is not stored in the storage unit 130. For example, in the process shown in FIG. 8, when the process of step S206 is executed, the process of step S204 is not executed. That is, video data in 4K format is not stored in the storage unit 130. In this way, it is possible to prevent duplicate storage of content with the same content. However, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15, the method of this embodiment does not prevent duplicate storage of content with the same content.

[0067] Also, if the last connected external storage device 300 does not support the 2K format (step S205: No), in step S207, the format determination unit 122 determines whether the last connected external storage device 300 supports the DVD format based on the function information.

[0068] If the last connected external storage device 300 supports the DVD format (step S207: Yes), the format determination unit 122 determines the DVD format as the supported format. Therefore, in step S208, the format conversion unit 123 stores the video data in the DVD format in the storage unit 130. In this case, since the format of the video data acquired in step S201 is different from the supported format, the format conversion unit 123 converts the video data in the 4K format into the DVD format and stores the video data in the DVD format in the storage unit 130. Also, FIG. 8 shows an example in which the format conversion unit 123 stores the video data in the DVD format in the storage unit 130 in step S208 even if the last connected external storage device 300 does not support the DVD format (step S207: No). This is because in FIG. 8, only three formats, 4K, 2K, and DVD, are assumed as formats, and if the process of step S208 is not performed, the target video data will not be stored. In this way, the process of step S207 is executed to check the compatible format, and the process of step S208 may be executed regardless of the judgment result. Also, the judgment process of step S207 may be omitted. Also, if a compatible format is not found (No in all judgments of steps S203, S205, and S207), the DVD format is used for recording, but this is not limiting, and a 4K format or a 2K format may be used. For example, from the viewpoint of preserving high-quality video data, a 4K format may be used for recording.

[0069] By performing the process shown in FIG. 8, even if the external storage device 300 is not connected at the time of recording, it is possible to prepare video data in a format suitable for the external storage device 300 that is likely to be connected again.

[0070] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a dubbing process using the external storage device 300. In other words, Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a process for writing video data stored in the storage unit 130 to a recording medium inserted in the external storage device 300. The process shown in Fig. 9 is executed, for example, when triggered by a user connecting the external storage device 300 to the connection interface 140 and performing a dubbing operation using the operation interface of the recorder 100. For example, the control unit 120 judges whether to start the process shown in Fig. 9 based on information from the connection interface 140 and information from an operation unit (not shown).

[0071] First, in step S301, the dubbing processing unit 124 reads out video data to be dubbed from the storage unit 130. The dubbing processing unit 124 determines which video data is to be dubbed based on a user operation.

[0072] In step S302, the dubbing processing unit 124 outputs the read video data to the external storage device 300, thereby instructing the external storage device 300 to write the video data to a recording medium. As described above, in the method of this embodiment, the format of the video data is highly likely to be a format compatible with the external storage device 300 connected at the time of dubbing. Therefore, the simple process shown in Fig. 9 enables high-speed dubbing processing.

[0073] However, it is possible that a DVD is inserted into an external storage device 300 that is compatible with BD, or that an external storage device 300 different from the external storage device 300 last connected at the time of recording is connected at the time of dubbing. In this case, it is possible that the external storage device 300 does not support the format of the video data stored in the storage unit 130.

[0074] Therefore, the function determination unit 121 may acquire function information of the external storage device 300 connected to the connection interface 140 at the time of dubbing. Then, if the format of the video data stored in the storage unit 130 differs from the format supported by the external storage device 300 at the time of dubbing, the format conversion unit 123 may perform processing to convert the video data into the supported format. The dubbing processing unit 124 outputs the video data after the format conversion to the external storage device 300.

[0075] 3.2 Format determination at duplication Although an example of performing format conversion at the time of recording (at the time of acquiring video data) has been described above, the method of this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0076] For example, when acquiring video data, the control unit 120 may store (record) the video data before conversion to a compatible format in the storage unit 130. Then, the control unit 120 (format conversion unit 123) performs control to read out the video data stored in the storage unit 130 at a timing different from the timing of recording, convert the video data into a compatible format, and store the converted video data in the storage unit 130. In this manner, it becomes possible to flexibly set the timing of conversion to a compatible format. Hereinafter, the process of converting the format of the video data stored in the storage unit 130 and storing the video data in a format different from that before conversion in the storage unit 130 is also referred to as a "copying process."

[0077] For example, when the control unit 120 determines that the processing load in the electronic device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 120 stores the video data before conversion into the compatible format in the storage unit 130. Then, the control unit 120 executes the copy process at the timing when the processing load is determined to be equal to or less than a predetermined value. In this way, it becomes possible to appropriately distribute the processing load of the electronic device.

[0078] In the example where format conversion is performed during recording processing, the acquisition of function information (Fig. 7), recording processing including format conversion (Fig. 8), and dubbing processing (Fig. 9) are performed in that order. In contrast, when copying processing is performed, the contents of the recording processing are changed to Fig. 10, which will be described later, and a copying processing, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 11, is added between the recording processing and dubbing processing. The process of acquiring function information and the dubbing processing are similar, so detailed explanations are omitted.

[0079] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the recording process. First, in step S401, the data acquisition unit acquires video data. Here, an example in which video data in 4K format is acquired will be described.

[0080] In step S402, the control unit 120 determines whether the processing load of the electronic device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The determination of the processing load may be performed by the format determination unit 122 or the format conversion unit 123, or may be performed by a load determination unit (not shown). For example, the control unit 120 may obtain an index value of the processing load based on any one or a combination of two or more of the following: the usage rate of a processor such as a CPU, the usage rate of a main memory (RAM), the usage status of hardware resources, the amount of communication data via the connection interface 140 or other communication interfaces, the temperature inside the electronic device as measured by a temperature sensor, and the like. The control unit 120 determines that the processing load is high when the index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0081] If it is determined that the processing load is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S402: Yes), in step S403, the format conversion unit 123 stores the video data acquired in step S401 in the 4K format in the storage unit 130. In other words, in the process of step S403, format conversion is omitted.

[0082] On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing load is less than the predetermined value (step S402: No), in step S404, the format conversion unit 123 executes normal recording processing. For example, the control unit 120 stores video data in the compatible format in the storage unit 130 by executing the processing shown in steps S202-S208 in FIG.

[0083] When the process of step S403 is executed in the recording process shown in Fig. 10, the control unit 120 executes the copying process shown in Fig. 11. For example, after the process of step S403, the control unit 120 periodically determines the processing load of the electronic device, and starts the process shown in Fig. 11 when it is determined that the processing load is less than a predetermined value.

[0084] First, in step S501, the data acquisition unit 110 acquires the video data stored in step S403 from the storage unit 130. In step S502, the format determination unit 122 acquires from the storage unit 130 the function information of the external storage device 300 that was last connected.

[0085] In step S503, the format determination unit 122 determines whether the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 4K format based on the function information. If the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 4K format (step S503: Yes), the format determination unit 122 determines the 4K format as the supported format. In this case, since the format of the video data already stored in step S403 matches the supported format, the format conversion unit 123 ends the process without converting the format or storing the converted video data in the storage unit 130.

[0086] If the last connected external storage device 300 does not support the 4K format (step S503: No), in step S504, the format determination unit 122 determines whether the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 2K format based on the functional information.

[0087] If the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 2K format (step S504: Yes), the format determination unit 122 determines the 2K format as the supported format. Therefore, in step S505, the format conversion unit 123 converts the 4K format video data into the 2K format, and stores the 2K format video data in the storage unit 130.

[0088] Furthermore, the control unit 120 (format conversion unit 123) may perform control such that, after storing the video data converted into the compatible format in the storage unit 130, the video data before being converted into the compatible format is deleted from the storage unit 130. For example, in step S505, the format conversion unit 123 deletes the video data in 4K format from the storage unit 130. In this way, it is possible to prevent duplicate storage of content with the same content.

[0089] Also, if the last connected external storage device 300 does not support the 2K format (step S504: No), in step S506, the format determination unit 122 determines whether the last connected external storage device 300 supports the DVD format based on the function information.

[0090] If the last connected external storage device 300 supports the DVD format (step S506: Yes), the format determination unit 122 determines the DVD format as the supported format. Therefore, in S507, the format conversion unit 123 converts the video data in the 4K format into the DVD format, and stores the video data in the DVD format in the storage unit 130. In this case, similar to step S505, the format conversion unit 123 may delete the video data in the 4K format from the storage unit 130.

[0091] By performing the processes shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, it becomes possible to store video data in an appropriate format in advance in the storage unit 130 while suppressing the execution of format conversion during periods of high processing load.

[0092] 3.3 Holding image data in multiple formats Also, the above describes an example in which a format with a higher resolution is preferentially selected as a compatible format. For example, in the process described above with reference to Figs. 8 and 11, compatibility / non-compatibility is determined in the order of 4K format, 2K format, and DVD format. In the example of the types shown in Figs. 4 to 6C, this indicates that Type 1 is preferentially selected as the DVD format, Type 2 and Type 3 as the 2K format, and Type 4 as the 4K format. However, as shown in Figs. 6B and 6C, even if the external storage device 300 itself is compatible with a high-quality format, if the inserted recording medium is compatible only with a low-quality format, the dubbing process must be performed using the low-quality format.

[0093] Considering this, when the supported formats include first to Nth supported formats (N is an integer of 2 or more), the control unit 120 may perform control to store two or more (all in a narrow sense) of the first to Nth video data, which are video data in the first to Nth supported formats, in the storage unit 130. For example, the external storage device 300 of type 4 supports three formats, namely, DVD format, 2K format, and 4K format (N=3), and the control unit 120 stores all of these in the storage unit 130. In this way, it is possible to increase the probability that video data in a format used in dubbing processing is stored in advance in the storage unit 130. As a result, the probability that format conversion is required during dubbing is reduced, enabling high-speed dubbing processing.

[0094] 12 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the recorder 100, which is an example of an electronic device. The control unit 120 of the recorder 100 may include a media determination unit 125 and a dubbing format determination unit 126 in addition to the function determination unit 121, the format determination unit 122, the format conversion unit 123, and the dubbing processing unit 124.

[0095] The media determination unit 125 acquires media information indicating the type of recording media used in the external storage device 300 during dubbing. For example, when the media determination unit 125 receives a dubbing operation by the user (receives an operation to select video data to be dubbed), it issues a command to the external storage device 300 requesting information to identify the recording media currently inserted. The media determination unit 125 then acquires the return value of the external storage device 300 in response to the command as media information. The media information is information that distinguishes between DVD and BD. The media information may also be information that distinguishes between DVD-RW and DVD-R, or information that distinguishes between BD-RE and BD-R. The media information may also be information that indicates whether the recording media does not allow additional writing (information that identifies DVD-ROM, BD-ROM, UHD-BDROM, etc.).

[0096] The dubbing format determination unit 126 determines a dubbing format to be used for dubbing processing based on the media information and the function information. Specifically, the dubbing format determination unit 126 determines, as the dubbing format, a format that is compatible with the recording medium identified by the media information and is compatible with the external storage device 300 identified by the function information. Note that, since the function information acquisition unit 121 executes the function information acquisition process shown in Fig. 7 when the external storage device 300 used for dubbing processing is connected, the latest function information is information that indicates the function of the connected external storage device 300.

[0097] For example, DVD-RW and DVD-R are determined to be compatible with the DVD format, but not compatible with the 2K and 4K formats. Also, BD-RE and BD-R are determined to be compatible with the DVD, 2K, and 4K formats. More specifically, as shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the dubbing format determination unit 126 may determine the dubbing format based on the type of the external storage device 300 and the combination pattern of the inserted recording media. Note that the format determination unit 122 may determine the dubbing format, and the dubbing format determination unit 126 may be omitted.

[0098] Note that "control to store the first through Nth video data, which are video data in the first through Nth compatible formats, in storage unit 130" may be a recording process to store the first through Nth video data when the original video data is acquired, or a duplication process to store only the video data in the original format during recording, and store the first through Nth video data at a timing different from that during recording.

[0099] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the recording process. First, in step S601, the data acquisition unit 110 acquires video data. Here, an example is described in which video data in 4K format is acquired. In step S602, the format determination unit 122 acquires function information of the external storage device 300 that was last connected from the storage unit 130.

[0100] In step S603, the format conversion unit 123 stores the video data in the 4K format in the storage unit 130. Although the 4K format may not be included in the supported formats, by leaving the original video data, it is possible to easily respond when high-quality video data is required. For example, in a state in which the 4K format is deleted and only relatively low-quality video data such as the 2K format is stored, if video data in the 4K format is required, a process to increase the resolution is performed. The process to increase the resolution is more burdensome than the process to decrease the resolution, and depending on the electronic device, it may not be possible to execute the process in the first place. Considering this point, it is useful to store video data in the 4K format regardless of the supported format. However, it is not essential to store the original video data, and if the 4K format is not a supported format, the process of step S603 may be omitted.

[0101] Next, in step S604, the format determination unit 122 determines whether the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 2K format based on the function information. If the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 2K format (step S604: Yes), in step S605, the format conversion unit 123 stores the video data in the 2K format in the storage unit 130. If the last connected external storage device 300 does not support the 2K format (step S604: No), the process of step S605 is omitted.

[0102] Furthermore, in step S606, the format determination unit 122 determines whether the last connected external storage device 300 supports the DVD format based on the function information. If the last connected external storage device 300 supports the DVD format (step S606: Yes), in step S607, the format conversion unit 123 stores video data in the DVD format in the storage unit 130. If the last connected external storage device 300 does not support the DVD format (step S606: No), the process of step S607 is omitted.

[0103] 13, depending on the supported format, two or more of the processes shown in steps S603, S605, and S607 are executed. That is, there is a possibility that a plurality of pieces of video data with different formats are stored in the storage unit 130.

[0104] Fig. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the duplication process. For example, the recording process is the same as that in Fig. 10, and when the process of step S403 in Fig. 10 is executed (when only the original video data is recorded during recording), the process shown in Fig. 14 is executed.

[0105] First, in step S701, the data acquisition unit 110 acquires the video data stored in step S403 from the storage unit 130. In step S702, the format determination unit 122 acquires from the storage unit 130 the function information of the external storage device 300 that was last connected.

[0106] In step S703, the format determination unit 122 determines whether the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 2K format based on the function information. If the last connected external storage device 300 supports the 2K format (step S703: Yes), in step S704, the format conversion unit 123 converts the 4K format video data to the 2K format and stores (copies) the 2K format video data in the storage unit 130. If the last connected external storage device 300 does not support the 2K format (step S703: No), the process of step S704 is omitted.

[0107] Furthermore, in step S705, the format determination unit 122 determines whether the last connected external storage device 300 supports the DVD format based on the function information. If the last connected external storage device 300 supports the DVD format (step S705: Yes), in step S706, the format conversion unit 123 converts the video data in 4K format to the DVD format and stores the video data in the DVD format in the storage unit 130. If the last connected external storage device 300 does not support the DVD format (step S705: No), the process of step S706 is omitted.

[0108] 14, in addition to the 4K format video data originally stored in step S403, one or more of the processes shown in steps S704 and S706 are executed depending on the supported format. That is, there is a possibility that multiple video data of different formats will be stored in the storage unit 130.

[0109] Fig. 15 is a flowchart explaining the dubbing process. The process shown in Fig. 15 is executed, for example, when the user connects the external storage device 300 to the connection interface 140 and performs a dubbing operation using the operation interface of the recorder 100. For example, the control unit 120 judges whether to start the process shown in Fig. 15 based on information from the connection interface 140 and information from an operation unit (not shown).

[0110] First, in step S801, the dubbing format determination unit 126 acquires function information of the external storage device 300. For example, when the external storage device 300 for dubbing is connected, the function information acquisition process shown in FIG.

[0111] In step S802, the dubbing format determination unit 126 acquires media information related to the recording medium inserted in the external storage device 300. For example, the media determination unit 125 acquires the media information by issuing a command as described above, and outputs the media information to the dubbing format determination unit 126.

[0112] In step S803, the dubbing format determination unit 126 determines the dubbing format based on the function information and media information. The dubbing format determination unit 126 outputs the determined dubbing format to the dubbing processing unit 124. As described above, the dubbing format determination unit 126 determines the dubbing format based on a combination of function information (e.g., the type of the external storage device 300) and media information (DVD or BD).

[0113] In step S804, the dubbing processing unit 124 reads out the video data from the storage unit 130. Specifically, the dubbing processing unit 124 performs a process of reading out, from among the first to N-th video data, the video data in a format that matches the dubbing format as the subject of dubbing.

[0114] In step S805, the dubbing processing unit 124 outputs the read video data to the external storage device 300, thereby instructing the external storage device 300 to write the video data to a recording medium.

[0115] As described above, when the control unit 120 of this embodiment receives a dubbing operation, it selects one of the first to Nth video data based on the media information and function information, and outputs the selected video data to the external storage device 300. In this way, when multiple video data with different formats are prepared, it becomes possible to select appropriate video data that matches the dubbing environment.

[0116] The dubbing operation by the user may be, for example, an operation of selecting one title on a screen displaying a list of video data stored in the storage unit 130. The title here is the unit that is the subject of the dubbing operation, and represents one piece of content. For example, when a serial drama is broadcast multiple times, the first and second episodes have the same program name (drama name), but are treated as different titles because the contents are different.

[0117] 16 is an example of a recording list screen for selecting video data to be dubbed. The recording list screen may be displayed on the display unit (display) of the display device 200. On the recording list screen, one title includes a display object OB1 corresponding to a thumbnail, a display object OB2 representing the title, a display object OB3 representing the recording date and time, and a display object OB4 representing the format (resolution). In this way, information about each title can be appropriately presented to the user, allowing the user to select an appropriate title.

[0118] However, in the present embodiment, the first to Nth video data are treated as different video data because they have different formats, but they have the same content. For example, the first to Nth video data are data corresponding to the same episode number of the same drama.

[0119] Therefore, the control unit 120 (for example, a display control unit, not shown) may perform control to display information related to the first to Nth video data together under one title on a screen for selecting data to be written to a recording medium using the external storage device 300. For example, like the title displayed on the left side of Fig. 16, video data in 4K format, video data in 2K format, and video data in DVD format may be displayed together under one title.

[0120] In this way, it is possible to prevent video data of the same content from being displayed multiple times. Since a dubbing operation by a user is performed with the intention of dubbing a specific content, it is necessary to display different contents in a manner that allows them to be distinguished. However, if data of the same content that differs only in format (resolution) is displayed separately, the user may feel annoyed. In addition, if titles are distinguished by resolution, a user who is not familiar with electronic devices may be confused about which one to select. In this respect, in this embodiment, the same content is grouped under one title, so an easy-to-understand interface can be realized. Furthermore, since the control unit 120 automatically determines the dubbing format (step S803 in FIG. 15), even if the first to Nth video data are not displayed divided into multiple titles, it is possible to appropriately select the video data to be dubbed.

[0121] Even in conventional methods, there are methods such as displaying titles of different episodes of the same program name together in one group, or displaying multiple titles of the same genre together in one group. However, this is merely grouping multiple titles, and since the recording unit is the title, the user must select a title after selecting a group. In other words, in conventional methods, one dubbing unit (one title) contains only one video data. In contrast, this embodiment differs from conventional methods in that one title contains multiple video data.

[0122] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible that do not substantially deviate from the novel matters and effects of the present embodiment. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a term described at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different term having a broader meaning or synonymy can be replaced with that different term at any point in the specification or drawings. In addition, all combinations of the present embodiment and modifications are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the configurations and operations of electronic devices, recorders, display devices, external storage devices, etc. are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 100... recorder, 110... data acquisition unit, 120... control unit, 121... function determination unit, 122... format determination unit, 123... format conversion unit, 124... dubbing processing unit, 125... media determination unit, 126... dubbing format determination unit, 130... storage unit, 140... connection interface, 200... display device, 300... external storage device, display object... OB1-OB4

Claims

1. a data acquisition unit that acquires video data; a connection interface for connecting an external storage device that writes data to a recording medium; A storage unit for storing data; a control unit that determines a compatible format that is compatible with the external storage device based on function information that indicates a function of the external storage device connected to the connection interface, and controls the video data in the compatible format to be stored in the storage unit; Including, The control unit is When the external storage device is not connected to the connection interface, the electronic device determines the compatible format based on the function information of the external storage device that was last connected.

2. In claim 1, The control unit is an electronic device that, when the external storage device is connected to the connection interface, determines the compatible format based on the function information of the connected external storage device;

3. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit is When the format of the video data acquired by the data acquisition unit is different from the corresponding format, An electronic device that performs control so that the video data after being converted into the compatible format is stored in the storage unit, and the video data before being converted into the compatible format is not stored in the storage unit.

4. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit is When the format of the video data acquired by the data acquisition unit is different from the corresponding format and it is determined that the processing load in the electronic device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, storing the video data before conversion into the corresponding format in the storage unit; an electronic device that, when it is determined that the processing load is equal to or less than a predetermined value, reads out the video data stored in the memory unit, converts the video data into the compatible format, and stores the converted video data in the memory unit.

5. In claim 4, The control unit is An electronic device that performs control to store the video data converted into the compatible format in the storage unit, and then delete the video data before being converted into the compatible format from the storage unit.

6. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit is An electronic device that performs control to store, in the memory unit, the first to Nth video data, which are the video data in the first to Nth compatible formats, when the compatible formats include first to Nth compatible formats (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2).

7. In claim 6, The control unit is An electronic device that performs control to display information about the first to Nth video data together under one title on a screen for selecting data to be written to the recording medium using the external storage device.

8. In claim 7, The control unit is An electronic device that, when it receives a title selection operation, selects one of the first to Nth video data based on media information indicating the type of recording media used in the external storage device and the function information, and controls output of the selected video data to the external storage device.

9. A program for operating an electronic device having a connection interface to which an external storage device that writes data to a recording medium is connected and a storage unit that stores data, Acquire video data, determining a compatible format that is compatible with the external storage device based on function information that indicates a function of the external storage device connected to the connection interface; Controlling the storage of the video data in the corresponding format in the storage unit; a program for determining the compatible format based on the function information of the external storage device that was last connected when the external storage device is not connected to the connection interface in determining the compatible format;

10. A method for controlling an electronic device having a connection interface to which an external storage device that writes data to a recording medium is connected and a storage unit that stores data, comprising the steps of: Acquire video data, determining a compatible format that is compatible with the external storage device based on function information that indicates a function of the external storage device connected to the connection interface; Controlling the storage of the video data in the corresponding format in the storage unit; A control method for an electronic device, which determines the compatible format based on the function information of the external storage device last connected when the external storage device is not connected to the connection interface in determining the compatible format.

Images