Data recorder-reproducer and bit map data processing method, control program processing method and setting data processing method of data recorder-reproducer

In a data recorder-reproducer, and a bit map data processing method, a control program processing method and a setting data processing method of the data recorder-reproducer, bit map data supplied from the external is taken in, and the taken bit map data is superimposed upon data which is reproduced from a recording medium or is input from the external. In addition, first program data stored in a rewritable storing means is rewritten into second control program data supplied from the external. Furthermore, settings of an input/output means is changed based on the setting data supplied from the external.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Inevntion

This invention relates to a data recorder-reproducer, a bit map data processing method, control program processing method and setting data processing method of the data recorder-reproducer, and more particularly, is suitably applied to a video server.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a video server, a so-called redundant array of inexpensive disc (RAID) in which hard disk drives (HDDs) each composed of plural hard disk (HDs) which can be accessed at random are arranged in parallel is employed. This is because data to be recorded includes video data and its volume became large and further, it is necessary to secure redundancy to get more reliability of data including video data used for broadcasting.

In addition, the video server has plural input/output processing processors to access this recording medium, processes data including video data and audio data transmitted from the external, performs compressing processing on them if necessity, and transmits the processed data to the RAID. In addition, the video server processes data reproduced from the RAID and outputs them to the external as transmission data. To each input/output processing processor, a time slot is allotted (a time slot signal is supplied) so as to access the RAID, and each input/output processing processor accesses the RAID within this time slot duration. This time slot duration has very short time, so it is seemed that the recording/reproducing to/from the RAID for multiple channels is performed at the same time.

By the way, the conventional video server does not have a signal processing function of superimposing bit map data (text data such as a telop and a title or video data such as graphics) upon video signals, and such signal processing is performed using a special apparatus (mixer).

Therefore, a mixer is required even in the case where a simple text or a simple image is to be superimposed upon the image that is outputted from the video server; for instance, in the case where relay broadcasting is to be performed, it is required to convey a mixer along with a video server every time, or it is required to perform such signal processing at the broadcasting station side.

Besides, the conventional video server has software for various functions such as recording and reproducing, however, the only way for version-up of software is that the corresponding substrate is taken out and then the read only memory (ROM) storing the program therein, which is mounted on the substrate, is replaced.

Therefore, in such a video server, there have been such fears that a ROM might be mounted inversely in replacement, or a wrong slot of the substrate might be used, or an unsatisfactory electrical contact might be generated. And, in the occasion like this, there has been a fear that the circuit might be broken at the worst.

Besides, in general, in the great majority of audio/video (AV) devices, various settings are to be performed by inputting set values from their menus. Therefore, in such an AV device, at the time of replacement of the apparatus or in the case where the same setting is to be made as that of the current device, various settings must be achieved with the same method for each setting with respect to the new apparatus, which cause complicated setting works.

Therefore, it is considered that if a video server itself can superimpose bit map data upon video data that is inputted from the external or that has been stored therein, functional ability can be improved without carrying a mixer for relay broadcasting and so on.

Besides, it is considered that if it is possible, in a video server, to update software without replacing a ROM for instance, the version-up of software can be easily performed with preventing any accident that might occur during the replacement of ROM. In addition, it is considered that if it is possible to change the settings without the input work for each set value for instance, the usability can be improved because the complicated setting works can be avoided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an object of this invention is to provide a data recorder-reproducer and a bit map data processing method thereof which can improve functional ability firstly, a data recorder-reproducer and a control program processing method thereof which can perform the version-up of software at ease secondly, and a data recording/reproducing and a setting data processing method thereof which can improve usability thirdly.

The foregoing object and other objects of the invention have been achieved by the provision of a data recorder-reproducer which comprises a superimposing processing means for superimposing bit map data taken in by a taking-in means upon data which is output or input to/from a recording medium. As a result, this data recorder-reproducer itself can superimpose bit map data upon video data without using other external devices.

Further, in the present invention, the data recorder-reproducer comprises a rewritable storing means for storing first control program data which is used for processing of plural input/output processing means, a taking-in means for taking in second control program data which is input from the external and is used for processing of the plural input/output processing means, and a rewriting means for rewriting the first control program data stored in the storing means to second control program data taken in by the taking-in means. As a result, this data recorder-reproducer can change control programs easily.

In addition, the present invention provides a data recorder-reproducer which comprises a taking-in means for taking in setting data that is inputted from the external and is previously supplied in processing of plural input/output processing means, and a setting changing means for changing the setting corresponding to the input/output processing means on the basis of the setting data taken in by the taking-in means. As a result, the data recorder-reproducer can change various settings easily.

Further, the present invention provides a bit map data processing method of a data recorder-reproducer which comprises a first step of taking in bit map data which is input from the external, and a second step of superimposing the bit map data taken in by the first step on data output from a recording medium or on data input to an input/output processing means and outputting them. As a result, this bit map data processing method of the data recorder-reproducer makes it possible to superimpose bit map data on video data by only the data recorder-reproducer without using other external devices.

Further, the present invention provides a control program data processing method of a data recorder-reproducer which comprises a first step of storing first control program data which is used for processing of plural input/output processing means in a rewritable storing means, a second step of taking in second control program data which is input from the external and is used for processing of the plural input/output processing means, and a third step of rewriting the first control program data stored in the storing means to the second control program data taken in by the first step. As a result, this control program data processing method of the data recorder-reproducer makes it possible to easily change control programs by the data recorder-reproducer.

Further, the present invention provides a setting data processing method of a data recorder-reproducer which comprises a first step of taking in setting data which is supplied from the external and is previously supplied in processing of plural input/output processing means, and a second step of changing settings corresponding to the input/output processing means based on the setting data taken in by the first step. As a result, this setting data processing method of the data recorder-reproducer makes it possible to change various settings easily.

The nature, principle and utility of the invention will become more apparent form the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are designated by like reference numerals or characters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

(1) Configuration of Video Server of the Present Embodiment

FIG. 1generally shows the appearance of a video server1according to the present invention. In this video server1, a meter panel3and a control panel4are placed on the front of an enclosure2, and a connector box6that has been provided with plural input/output terminals6A is connected to the rear of the enclosure2through a connecting cable5.

Besides, the enclosure2includes plural HHDs7that constitute a disk array, and plural substrates9for various signal processing and for controlling that have been mounted on a mother board8such that they can be freely inserted and taken out.

In this case, these substrates9are connected as shown inFIG. 2with a bus10(FIG. 2) and wirings that have been placed on the mother board8; an input processor11A for a recording channel and a first output processor11B for a reproducing channel are formed by an input/output substrate9A and a first connecting substrate9B; a second and a third output processors11C and11D for a reproducing channel are formed by an output substrate9C and a second connecting substrate9D.

And, in this video server1, desired processing can be executed in response to various commands input by manipulating the control panel4.

FIG. 2shows the whole configuration of the video server1.

The video server1is mainly composed of the input processor11A, the plural output processors11B to11D, a RAID12, plural controllers20,22, an editing section13, and the bus10for connecting between them, as a whole.

The input processor11A performs data processing so as to record data input from the external in each of the HDs consisting the RAID12. The first to third output processors11B to11D process data reproduced from the HDs to transmit them to the external.

Time slot signals are sequentially supplied from the controller20to the input processor11A and the first to third output processors11B to11D, which allows these processors access the RAID12within the time slot duration shown by the supplied signals. That is, the input processor11A and the output processors11B to11D each outputs/inputs processed data to/from the RAID12within the allotted time slot duration.

In this way, the input processor11A and the first to third output processors11B to11D control the bus10by time sharing so as to use the bus10, and input/output processing for three channels is performed at the same time considering each of the input processor11A and the output processors11B to11D as one channel. Therefore, in the example shown inFIG. 2, inputting for one channel and outputting for three channels can be performed at the same time.

The input processor11A is mainly composed of a selector23, an encoder24, and a buffer25.

The selector23selects and outputs either data D1including video data and/or audio data input from the external or data D2including video data and/or audio data output from a switcher41described later.

The data D1, D2output from the selector23are input to the encoder24and are converted into data to be recorded in the HD. For example, when the data including video and audio data is input, it is divided into video data and audio data and further, these data can be subjected to compression processing like MPEG if required.

The data D3output from the encoder24is stored in the buffer memory25once. This is because only the duration of allotted time slot allows the use of the bus10, so that the data D3is stored in the memory25until the duration of the time slot comes.

When the time slot signal is supplied from the controller20to a controller21, the data D3being stored in the buffer memory31is output to the RAID12through the bus10under the control of the controller21. At this time, the data D3is transferred to the RAID12including control data to instruct writing.

The output processors11B to11D have the same configuration, so that the output processor11B will be explained below.

The output processor11B is composed of a buffer memory31, a decoder34, and a selector37.

The buffer memory31stores data D4transferred through the bus10therein once. That is, under the time sharing control described above, data D4is stored once because required data, for example, video data for plural frames may not obtained within the time slot duration, and then when the required data D4is obtained, the data D4is output from the buffer31.

The decoder34receives the data D4output from the buffer31and executes the reverse of processing executed by the encoder24described above. That is, expansion processing is performed in the case where the data D4is compressed data so that the data can be converted into data which can be output to the external.

The selector37selects and outputs either the data D5output from the decoder34or the data D6from the switcher41described later.

The RAID12is mainly composed of a data processor9G, and HHDs7A to7K. As shown inFIG. 2, the HDDs7A to7I store video data and the HDDs7J,7K store audio data. Here, the HDDs7A to7I each has the RAID-3structure, and the HDD7I stores parity data and the other HDDs7A to7H store video data so as to improve redundancy. In addition, the HDDs7J and7K each has a so-called RAID-1structure and also a mirror structure in which the same audio data is stored in both the HDDs7J and7K.

The data processor9G is composed of a controller26, a buffer27, a video data divider/multiplexer28, and an audio data divider/multiplexer29.

The controller26is supplied with control data transferred from the input processor11A described above, and controls recording of data supplied from the input processor11A and reproducing of data from the HDDs7A to7K based on the control data.

The buffer27is used to store data transferred through the bus10once and to store data to be transferred to the bus10once.

The video data divider/multiplexer28divides video data output from the buffer27to record them in the HDDs7A to7H, and moreover, calculates parity data of the divided video data. The divided video data is recorded in the HDDs7A to7H and the obtained parity data is recorded in the HDD7I. The audio data is divided by the divider/multiplexer29so that the same data is recorded in both the HDDs7J and7K, and is outputted to the HDDs7J,7K.

In reproducing, control data to instruct reproduction is transferred from the controllers21and30of the first to third output processors11B to1D, and each HDD7A–7K is controlled based on the control data to reproduce video data and audio data. The video data reproduced from the HDDs7A to7I are multiplexed by the video data divider/multiplexer28and the resultant is output to the buffer27. The audio data is output from the HDDs7J7K, but normally, reproduction data from either one is output.

In the case where one HDD7A–7K can not be used because of trouble or exchanging, with respect to video data, parity data from the HDD7I and video data from the other HDDs7A–7H are subjected to interpolation processing by the divider/multiplexer28and the resultant is output. Further, as for the audio data, data having the same contents has been stored in both the HDDs7J,7K, so that even when one HDD is into trouble or is exchanged, audio data reproduced from the other HDD7J,7K is output.

The operation of the video server1performed by manipulating the control panel4will be described below. The video server1, receiving a recording command by manipulating the control panel4, supplies the corresponding command to the controller21from the controller20through the bus10.

At this time, the controller21accesses the controller22through the bus10based on the supplied command. The controller22stores information which is called a file system and is to control the addresses of data recorded in the HDDs7A to7K. The file system includes information on which address (the head address) is the first one to record a file and how long (the length of recording) the file is recorded and information on the head address of an area having no data and its length.

By referring to this file system, it can be understood in detail an area where a file has been recorded, or where a file should be recorded.

The input/output controller21, knowing the addresses of the co secured recording area from the controller22as this result, controls the input processor11A to make the encoder24take in the data D1including video and/or audio data supplied through the corresponding input/output terminal6A of the connector box6from the external via the selector23.

Further, the controller21performs encoding such as the MPEG compression on the data D1with the encoder24as described above, and stores the obtained data D3in the buffer memory25.

Then, the controller21reads out the data D3written in the buffer memory25at a prescribed timing, and transmits this to the controller26through the bus10together with a writing request command generated based on the aforementioned specified recording area address.

At this time, the controller26sequentially takes the supplied data D3in the buffer memory27based on the writing request command. Then, the controller26sequentially reads out the taken data D3, and transmits the video data to the video divider/multiplexer28and also transmits the audio data to the audio divider/multiplexer29.

The video divider/multiplexer28sequentially divides the supplied video data according to a prescribed unit (for example, one byte), and sequentially allots and supplies the obtained video data of the prescribed unit (hereinafter, referred to as divided video data) to the HDDs7A to7H. These divided video data are sequentially recorded in the addresses of the HDs in the HDDs7A to7H specified by the controller22.

Further, at this time, the video divider/multiplexer28sequentially generates the parity data based on the video data as described above, and supplies these to the HDD7I. Thereby, the parity data are sequentially recorded in the addresses of the HD in the HDD7I specified by the controller22.

Further, the audio divider/multiplexer29sequentially gives the supplied audio data to the HDDs7J,7K. Thereby, the audio data are sequentially recorded in the addresses of the HD in each HDD7J,7K specified by the controller22.

In this way, the video server1compresses and encodes video and/or audio data included in the data D1supplied from the external as required, and stores the resultant in the RAID12.

On the other hand, the controller20, receiving a reproduction request of any reproduction channel by manipulating the control panel4, transmits the command corresponding to the request through the bus10to the controller21or the controller30for the specified reproduction channel.

At this time, the controller21or the controller30accesses the controller22through the bus10based on the supplied command in order to seek the recording area in the HD of each HDD7A to7K in which the specified video and/or audio data are recorded.

Then, the controller21or the controller30, knowing the addresses of the recording area from the controller22as this result, transmits the request command to read out the video and/or audio data based on these addresses to the controller26of the RAID12through the bus10.

At this time, the controller26controls the HDDs7A to7I based on the reading request command to read out the corresponding divided video data and parity data at once, and transmits these to the video divider/multiplexer28.

Then, the video divider/multiplexer28sequentially restores original video data from the supplied divided video data, by integrating the video data and the parity data if required, and then stores this in the buffer memory27.

Further, the controller26controls the HDDs7J,7K based on the reading request command to read out the corresponding audio data at once, and transmits this to the audio divider/multiplexer29.

Then, the audio divider/multiplexer29restores original data by integrating the supplied audio data and sequentially stores this in the buffer memory27.

The restored video data and audio data stored in the buffer memory27are read out under the control of the controller21or the controller30by the aforementioned time sharing control, and are stored in the buffer memory31–33of the first–third output processor11B–11D corresponding to the specified reproduction channel through the bus10. At this time, data to instruct the reproduction is transmitted through the bus10in the time sharing, so that the mediation of the bus is by sequentially outputting reproduction data based on the control data.

Further, the controller21or the controller30sequentially reads out the video data and audio data stored in the buffer memories31to33, supplies these as data D4to the corresponding decoders34to36. The decoders34to36decode these data and outputs the obtained data D1of the original signal form to the external through the corresponding selectors37to39, the corresponding input/output terminals6A of the connector box6in order.

In this way, the video server1outputs specified video and/or audio data out of the video and/or audio data stored in the HDDs7A to7K from the specified reproduction channel.

On the other hand, when received the editing request such as editing processing of cut-in, cut-out, and so on, and special effect processing for the cut-in or cut-out video and audio with respect to the video and/or audio data stored in the HDDs7A to7K and the video and/or audio data included in the data D1supplied from the external by manipulating the control panel4, the controller20transmits the corresponding command to the controller21or the controller30, and the controller40of the editing part13through the bus10.

As a result, similarly to the aforementioned reproduction operation, the corresponding video and audio data are read out from the HDDs7A to7K and decoded by the corresponding first to third output processors11B to1D, and the obtained data D5are supplied to the switcher41.

Further, at this time, the controller40switching-controls the switcher41based on the supplied command to perform the aforementioned cut-in, -out editing processing on the video and/or audio data to be edited.

That is, the switcher41is always given video and/or audio data as the data D1or data D5from the input processor11A and the first to third output processors11B to11D. The switcher41is switched under the control of the controller40to switch its inputs at predetermined timing, and outputs the data to any one of output to perform the editing processing.

At this time, if the control is made so as to perform the special effect processing on the data, the video and/or audio data is output to the special effect part42. Otherwise, if the control is made so as not to perform the special effect processing, the video and/audio data is output to any one of the input processor11A and the first to the third output processors11B to11D.

Further, when the video and/or audio data which has been subjected to the editing processing or the special effect processing are stored in the RAID.12, the switcher41outputs the data as data D2to the input processor11A under control. Then, the data D2is input to the encoder24by switching the selector23of the input processor11A to be stored in the RAID12.

When the video and/or audio data which has been subjected to the editing processing or the special effect processing is immediately output, the switcher41is controlled so as to output the data as the data D6to any one of the first to third output processors11B to11D, and the data D6is output from the output processor11B–11D through the selector37–39.

In this way, the video server1performs the specified editing processing, and outputs the obtained edited video and/or audio data to the external or stores them in the RAID12.

In addition to the above configuration, the video server1is to give the bit map data D12that is comprised of text data, such as a telop and a title, and image data, such as graphics, and that has been made using a personal computer to the controller22via the Ethernet50.

Besides, a card slot52for a memory card51is arranged on the stated position of the enclosure2, therefore, it is able to give the bit map data D12recorded in the memory card51to the file management controller22through the card slot52.

Further, this video serer1is provided with the mixer53comprised of a mixing circuit for video, and can perform the signal processing of superimposing the bit map data D12supplied to the controller22upon the video and/or audio data included in the data D1input from the external or the video and/or audio data stored in the HDDs7A to7K if required.

Then, when the controller22receives the signal processing request to superimpose the bit map data D12upon the video and/or audio data included in the input data D1or the video and/or audio data stored in the HDDs7A to7K by manipulating the control panel4, it transmits the command corresponding to this request to the controller20,31of the corresponding input processor11A or first–third output processor11B–11D, the controller40of the editing part13, the controller22through the bus10.

As a result, in the case where the targeted video and/or audio data are stored in the HDDs7A to7K, the video and/audio data are read out from the HDDs7A to7K and decoded through the first to third output processors11B to11D, and the obtained video/audio data is supplied to the switcher41, similarly to the aforementioned reproduction operation.

Further, the controller40switching-controls the switcher41based on the supplied command and transmits the targeted video data D20out of all input video and/or audio data to the mixer53.

At this time, the controller22transmits the bit map data D12previously given through the Ethernet50or the memory card51, to the mixer53through the card slot52based on the supplied command.

The mixer53superimposes the bit map data D12upon the supplied video data D20and transmits the obtained video data D21to the switcher41.

Then, the video data D21, under the control of the controller40, is output from the corresponding input/output terminal6A of the connector box6to the external through the switcher41, the selector37–39of the corresponding first–third output processor11B–11D in order, together with the corresponding audio data, or is given to the selector23of the input processor11A through the switcher41and then is stored in the HDs of the HDDs7A to7K similarly to aforementioned recording operation.

In this way, the video server1superimposes the bit map data D12upon the video data D20out of the video and/or audio data included in the input data D1or the video and/or audio data stored in the HDDs7A to7K, and outputs this to the external or stores this in the HDDs7A to7K.

Further, the video server1supplies new program data for any one of controllers20,21,22,26,30,40through the Ethernet50or the memory card51to the controller22, so as to rewrite firmware (previously stored program data) stored in the targeted controller20,21,22,26,30,40under the control of the controller22.

The controller20, receiving the rewriting command of programs written in any one of the controllers20,21,22,26,30,40by manipulating the control panel4, transmits the corresponding command to the controller22and the targeted controller20,21,26,30,40through the bus10.

At this time, the controller22sequentially takes in and stores the program data D13which is given through the Ethernet50or is stored in the memory card51inserted in the card slot52. Note that, the controller22stores the program data in the internal ROM in the case of the data D13is for itself.

Further, the targeted controller20,21,26,30,40transmits a request command to transfer the program data D13to the controller22based on the supplied command. Further, the controller20,21,26,30,40records the program data D13which is given from the controller22as this result in the ROM for storing firmware of the controller20,21,26,30,40. Note that, the video server1uses the rewritable flash ROM as the ROM for storing firmware of the controller20,21,22,26,30,40in order to perform such processing.

In this way, the video server1is easily able to perform the version-up of firmware of each controller2021,22,26,30,40through the Ethernet50or the memory card51.

Note that, in the video server1, in the controllers20,21,22,26,30,40when the power is turned on, the programs recorded in the ROM is transmitted to the memory device such as the random access memory (RAM) once and then, various processing based on the program is executed, thereby making it possible to previously avoid the error operation in the program rewriting.

Further, the video server1gives new various setting data for any one of the controllers20,21,22,26,30,40through the Ethernet50or the memory card51to the controller22, and thereby making it possible to change the various settings of the targeted controller20,21,22,26,30,40under the control of the controller22.

Here, the setting data is data which is previously given for driving the aforementioned processors. For example, the data is to set any one of plural input/output processors to the input processor11A or another first to third output processor11B –11D as shown inFIG. 2, to show the total number of input/output processors, to be used as the transfer rate of data to be input/output, or the like.

The controller20, receiving the setting change request of any one of the controllers20,21,22,26,30,40by manipulating the control panel4, transmits the corresponding command to the controller22and the targeted controller20,21,22,26,30,40through the bus10.

At this time, the controller22sequentially takes and stores therein the setting data D14which is given through the Ethernet50or is recorded in the memory card51inserted in the card slot52.

Further, the targeted controller20,21,22,26,30,40transmits the request command to transfer the setting data D14, to the controller22based on the supplied command. In addition, the controllers20,21,22,26,30,40stores the setting data D14given from the controller22as this result in the internal RAM.

Then, the controller20,21,22,26,30,40controls the corresponding circuit based on the setting data D14stored in the RAM to change the corresponding setting based on the setting data D14.

In this way, the video server1can easily change the various settings of each controller20,21,22,26,30,40through the Ethernet50and the memory card51.

Here, the controller22is constructed by mutually connecting a central processing unit (CPU)60, the ROM61storing firmware, a RAM62as a work memory of the CPU60, a memory card interface circuit63as a format changing means, an Ethernet interface circuit64and a memory65through a local bus66, as shown inFIG. 3.

The CPU60, based on a command supplied from the controller20, accesses the card slot52through the memory interface circuit63to read out data (bit map data D12, program data D13and setting data D14) recorded in the memory card51inserted in the card slot52or to take in various data supplied through the Ethernet50from the external through the Ethernet interface circuit64, and stores this in the ROM61(only the case where the data is the program data D13for the controller22) or in the RAM62through the local bus66.

Then, for example, in the case where the taken data is the bit map data D12, the CPU60stores this in the memory65through the local bus66, and then, in the case of performing superimposing processing on the bit map data D12, reads out the data D12from the memory65and supplies this to the mixer53.

Further, in the case where the data taken in the RAM62is the program data D13or the setting data D14, the CPU60reads out this from the RAM62in accordance with the transferring request command from the corresponding controller20,21,26,30,40as described above, and transmits this to the corresponding controller20,21,26,30,40through the bus10.

In this way, the controller22takes in the various data such as the bit map data D12, the program data D13and the setting data D14from the external and transfers this to another substrate9(9B,9D–9I) as required, in addition to the file management processing. Note that, the memory65stores the aforementioned file system, and the recording or reproducing control is performed based on the stored information as required.

(2) Operation and Effect of the Embodiment

In the above configuration, the video server1takes in the bit map data D12supplied through the Ethernet50or the memory card51into the controller22to store and hold them.

If required, the targeted video data D20among the video and/or audio data supplied from the external or read out from the HDDs7A to7K is given to the mixer53via the switcher41, and is superimposed upon the aforementioned bit map data D12in the mixer53.

Then the obtained video data D21is output through the corresponding output processor11B–11D together with the audio data attached thereto through the switcher41, or compression–encoded through the input processor11A and supplied to the HDDs7A to7K to be recorded in the HDs.

Further, the video server1takes the program data D13and the setting data D14supplied through the Ethernet50or the memory card51in the controller22to store and hold them.

Then, under the control of the controller20, when the transfer request command of the program data D13or the setting data D14is given from the targeted controller20,21,26,30,40, the controller22transfers the program data D13or the setting data D14to the corresponding controller20,21,26,30,40in response to this command.

Then, the controller20,21,26,30,40updates firmware to new programs by storing the transferred program data D13in the ROM for storing firmware, or changes settings by controlling the corresponding circuit based on the setting data D14.

Therefore, the video server1can perform signal processing of superimposing the bit map data D12upon the video/audio data which is supplied from the external or stored therein, without requiring the external devices as described above, which can realize the high functional ability.

Further, the video server1can perform the update of firmware stored in the controllers20,21,22,26,30,40only by supplying the program data D13through the Ethernet50or the memory card51, so that, for example, the version-up of software can easily be performed as compared with the conventional case of exchanging ROMs and moreover, accidents which occurs in ROM–exchanging can be prevented in advance.

Further, the video server1can change various settings of each substrate9(9A to9I) only by supplying the setting data D14through the Ethernet50or the memory card51, so that desired settings can be surely and easily performed with preventing the setting error. In addition, it is possible to easily set plural video servers1to the same setting.

(3) Other Embodiments

Note that, in the aforementioned embodiment, the present invention applies a hard disk as a recording medium of the video server1composed as shown inFIG. 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and DVD, MO or the like can be used and moreover, a semiconductor memory such as a D-RAM and a flash memory can be used.

Further, in the aforementioned embodiment, a flash ROM can be applied as a storing means for storing programs in the controllers20,21,22,26,30,40of the substrates9(9B,9D to9I). However, the present invention is not limited thereto and a device other than a memory device can be applied.

As described above, according to the present invention, a data recorder-reproducer which records and reproduces input video data in a disc recording medium which can be accessed at random and a bit map data processing method of the data recorder-reproducer comprise a taking-in means for taking in bit map data supplied from the external, and a superimposing processing means for superimposing the bit map data upon data output from the recording medium or upon data input in an input/output means. Therefore, the device itself can superimpose bit map data upon video data without requiring other external devices, which can realize the data recorder-reproducer and the bit map data processing method of the data recorder-reproducer which are capable of significantly improving the functional ability.

Further, according to the present invention, in the data recorder-reproducer which records and reproduces input video data in a disc recording medium which can be accessed at random and the control program data processing method of the data recorder–reproducer, first control program data stored in a rewritable storing means is rewritten to second control program data supplied from the external. Therefore, the update of control program can be performed easily and thus, the data recorder–reproducer which can easily perform the version-up of software and the control program data processing method of the data recorder-reproducer can be realized.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the data recorder-reproducer which records and reproduces input video data in a disc recording medium which can be accessed at random and a setting data processing method of the data recorder-reproducer, setting data supplied from the external is taken in and the corresponding setting of the input/output processing means is changed based on the setting data, so that various settings can be easily changed. Thus, the data recorder-reproducer which can significantly improve its usability and the setting data processing method of the data recorder-reproducer can be realized.

While there has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be aimed, therefore, to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.