Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for recording and reproducing a moving image in which image data having a frame rate is easily reproduced together with audio data when images are simultaneously recorded with different frame rates when a moving image is imaged, and a recording medium in which a program for executing the methods is recorded. The apparatus and methods employ, for example, a timing detector an image processor, a frame number obtaining unit, and a medium recording unit recording which operate to reproduce image data with synchronized audio and video and record image data on a recording medium.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-323930, filed on Dec. 14, 2007, in the Japanese Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for recording and reproducing a moving image, and a recording medium in which a program for executing the methods is recorded. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Imaging apparatuses, such as video cameras or camcorders, in which a moving image can be recorded, perform image processing (e.g., development processing) on a signal output from each pixel of an imaging device, such as a charge coupled device (CCD), and then, perform compression processing, such as MPEG-2 or Motion JPEG, etc., to record image data on a recording medium, such as a flash memory, a hard disc drive (HDD), or a digital versatile disc (DVD). The image processing includes, for example, white balance control and exposure control. In addition, imaging apparatuses capable of imaging a moving image include an imaging apparatus for imaging a moving image at higher speed than a frame rate according to TV standards. When a moving image recorded by the imaging apparatus is reproduced on a conventional display device, the moving image can be displayed by selecting a frame rate suitable for the conventional display device. 
         [0006]    For example, Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2001-103356 discloses a technology in which an imaging apparatus images a moving image at a high speed and simultaneously, a display unit outputs only an image that coincides with a synchronization signal generated at a predetermined period, so that an image apparatus that can display a moving image on a conventional display device is constituted. In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2002-320203 discloses a technology for recording time information in one frame unit when an imaging operation is performed by changing the frame rate of a moving image. 
         [0007]    Conventionally, as compression processing is performed after image processing is performed, the quality for recording and reproducing an image is lowered as compared to data before compression processing is performed. Thus, in imaging apparatuses, such as a digital camera for recording a still image, compression processing is not performed, and a signal output from an imaging device is directly recorded in its raw format. However, in imaging apparatuses, such as a camcorder for recording a moving picture, a signal is recorded in its raw format and the amount of processing on images increases. Thus, the signal is stored in a reduced image, and the reduced image is usually used during a development operation of the imaging apparatus or during reproduction by the imaging apparatus. 
         [0008]    When raw image data is recorded as data of a moving image, development processing is required to reproduce the raw image data. However, when higher speed imaging, as compared to a usual case, is performed, when all frames are developed, the amount of processing becomes enormous. In addition, when audio data is recorded at a frame rate corresponding to high-speed imaging and is reproduced at a frame rate corresponding to reproduction, the audio data is reproduced at a conventional reproduction frame rate due to frame blur, and as a result, all of the audio data are not read and voice is divided into parts. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention therefore provides methods and apparatus for recording and reproducing a moving image whereby image data having a frame rate is easily reproduced together with audio data when images are simultaneously recorded with different frame rates when a moving image is imaged, and a recording medium in which a program for executing the methods is recorded. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for recording a moving image. The apparatus includes a first synchronization signal generator for generating a first synchronization signal having a variable frame rate, a second synchronization signal generator for generating a second synchronization signal having a fixed frame rate, a timing detector for detecting frame timing of the first synchronization signal that is generated to be the same as or closest to the second synchronization signal, and an image processor image-processing raw image data that is sequentially output from an imaging device in one frame unit at a first frame rate according to the first synchronization signal so as to be reproducible image data and generating processing-completed image data in one frame unit at a second frame rate, according to the second synchronization signal. The apparatus further includes an audio signal processor for generating audio data in one frame unit at the second frame rate, a frame number obtaining unit for calculating the number of frames that exist between frames containing audio data, within frame timing that is detected by the timing detector, and a medium recording unit for sequentially recording the raw image data in one frame unit on a recording medium at the first frame rate and recording the processing-completed image data, the audio data, and the number of frames in one frame unit within the frame timing that is detected by the timing detector, on the recording medium. 
         [0011]    Another embodiment of the present invention provides another apparatus for recording a moving image. The apparatus includes a first synchronization signal generator for generating a first synchronization signal having a variable frame rate, a second synchronization signal generator for generating a second synchronization signal having a fixed frame rate, a timing detector for detecting frame timing of the first synchronization signal that is generated to be the same as or closest to the second synchronization signal, a first image processor for generating first image data in one frame unit at a first frame rate according to the first synchronization signal, and a second image processor generating second image data in one frame unit at a second frame rate, according to the second synchronization signal. The apparatus further includes an audio signal processor for generating audio data in one frame unit at the second frame rate, a frame number obtaining unit for calculating the number of frames that exist between frames containing audio data, within frame timing that is detected by the timing detector, and a medium recording unit for sequentially recording the first image data in one frame unit on a recording medium at the first frame rate and recording the second image data, the audio data, and the number of frames in one frame unit within the frame timing that is detected by the timing detector, on the recording medium. 
         [0012]    A further embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for reproducing a moving image. The apparatus includes a data reader for reading at least one of each of the following: raw image data, processing-completed image data, audio data, and the number of frames from a recording medium in which the raw image data in one frame unit and having a first frame rate according to a first synchronization signal having a variable frame rate is sequentially recorded. The processing-completed image data can be in one frame unit within a frame timing of the first synchronization signal that is generated to be the same as or closest to a second synchronization signal having a fixed frame rate of the first synchronization signal in which the raw image data is image-processed to be reproducible, and the audio data can be in one frame unit within the frame timing and the number of frames that exist between frames containing audio data. The apparatus further includes an audio signal processor for reading and audio-processing the audio data according to the read number of frames when the raw image data is sequentially reproduced in one frame unit. 
         [0013]    Another embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for reproducing a moving image. The apparatus includes a data reader for reading at least one of each of the following: first image data, second image data, audio data, and a number of frames from a recording medium in which the first image data is in one frame unit and has a first frame rate according to a first synchronization signal having a variable frame rate is sequentially recorded, the second image data is in one frame unit within frame timing of the first synchronization signal that is generated to be the same as or closest to a second synchronization signal having a fixed frame rate of the first synchronization signal, and the audio data is in one frame unit within the frame timing and the number of frames that exist between frames containing audio data. The apparatus further includes an audio signal processor for reading and audio-processing the audio data according to the read number of frames when the first image data is sequentially reproduced in one frame unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The above and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an apparatus for recording a moving image according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a recording format of a recording medium included in the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a recording format of the recording medium included in the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1  and a data reproduction example; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an apparatus for reproducing a moving image, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In addition, in the specification and the drawings, like reference numerals are given to elements having substantially the same functions, thereby omitting a repeated description. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus  100  for recording a moving image, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  100  for recording a moving image comprises a camera  102 , a camera signal processor  104 , a format processor  110 , a development processor  120 , a size processor  122 , a JPEG encoder  124 , a frame rate setting unit  130 , a first synchronization signal generator  132 , a second synchronization signal generator  134 , a frame number operation unit  136 , a filing processor  140 , a medium recording unit  150 , a microphone  160 , an audio signal processor  162 , and a format processor  164 . 
         [0021]    Moving image data in one frame unit output by an imaging device of the camera  102  or a sensor, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), is input to the camera signal processor  104 . The camera signal processor  104  comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to AD convert input signals. A digital image signal output from the camera signal processor  104  is transmitted to the format processor  110  and the development processor  120 , respectively. 
         [0022]    The format processor  110  performs a process for re-aligning each of the digital-converted signals R, G, and B according to a pixel arrangement (ex. Bayer arrangement or 3-plate CCD etc.) of the imaging device. In addition, the format processor  110  performs reversible compression processing on the moving image data within a frame. Due to compression processing by using a reversible compression method, image data can be recorded and reproduced without deterioration of picture quality etc. The reversible compression method includes entropy encoding using Huffman codes, for example. However, the reversible compression method is not strictly limited to entropy encoding, and thus, can be other ones. 
         [0023]    In format processing by the format processor  110 , in order to maintain a picture quality as raw image data, compression processing is not performed so as to not deteriorate picture quality. Also, the raw image data has a very large file size and thus is processed as data having a small redundancy. The moving image data that is format-processed by the format processor  110  is input to the filing processor  140  as the raw image data that is maintained raw. In addition, in the raw image data, a frame is generated at a frame rate according to a first synchronization signal output from the first synchronization signal generator  132 . 
         [0024]    The development processor  120  performs a series of development processes, such as Bayer white balance processing, Bayer interpolation processing, noise removing, and brightness and color correction, etc., on the input moving image data. The moving image data on which development processing is performed by the development processor  120  is transmitted to the size processor  122 . The size processor  122  performs a process of reducing or increasing the size of the moving image data. The moving image data output from the size processor  122  is transmitted to the JPEG encoder  124 . In addition, the size processor  122  performs a process of reducing the size of the moving image data according to the size of a screen of a display device, such as an electronic view finder (EVF)(not shown) or a liquid crystal display (LCD)(not shown), when necessary. The moving image data output from the size processor  122  is transmitted to the EVF or LCD and is displayed on the screen of the display device. Accordingly, a user may recognize an image imaged by the camera  102  in real time. 
         [0025]    The JPEG encoder  124  performs compression encoding, such as JPEG, on the input moving image data and transmits compressed image data (processing-completed image data) to the filing processor  140 . In the compressed image data, a frame is generated at a frame rate according to a second synchronization signal output from the second synchronization signal generator  134 . 
         [0026]    The frame rate setting unit  130  sets a frame rate of the camera  102  or a frame rate when each raw image data, compressed image data, and audio data is generated. Data with the set frame rate is transmitted to the first synchronization signal generator  132  or the frame number operation unit  136 . 
         [0027]    The first synchronization signal generator  132  generates the first synchronization signal of the imaging device of the camera  102  according to data transmitted from the frame rate setting unit  130 . The generated first synchronization signal is transmitted to the camera  102 , the camera signal processor  104 , and the format processor  110 . In addition, the first synchronization signal generator  132  transmits data on the set first synchronization signal to the second synchronization signal generator  134  and the frame number operation unit  136 . 
         [0028]    The second synchronization signal generator  134  generates a second synchronization signal which is a reference when compressed image data is generated, according to the data transmitted from the frame rate setting unit  130  by means of the first synchronization signal generator  132 . The second synchronization signal generated by the second synchronization signal generator  134  has a frequency of 59.94 Hz corresponding to a National Television System Committee (NTSC) standard, for example. The generated second synchronization signal is transmitted to the development processor  120 , the size processor  122 , the JPEG encoder  124 , and the format processor  164  regarding audio. In addition, the second synchronization signal generator  134  transmits data on the set second synchronization signal to the frame number operation unit  136 . 
         [0029]    When the camera  102  images at higher speed than a conventional frame rate, the imaging device is operated with an equal or a higher frequency than a frequency with which the second synchronization signal generator  134  operates. For example, when the frequency of the second synchronization signal is 59.94 Hz, the first synchronization signal generator  132  generates a first synchronization signal having the frequency of 59.94 Hz or higher. 
         [0030]    The frame number operation unit  136 , an example of a timing detection unit and a frame number acquisition unit, receives a value that is set by the frame rate setting unit  130  or data on the first synchronization signal output from the first synchronization signal generator  132  or data on the second synchronization signal output from the second synchronization signal generator  134 , and detects frame timing of the first synchronization signal that is generated to be the same as or closest to the second synchronization signal. The frame number operation unit  136  calculates the number of frames that exist between frames containing audio data (or the number of frames within frame timing), so that the location of the frame of audio data recorded within the detected frame timing is checked. The frame number operation unit  136  format-processes data on the number of frames that exist between frames containing audio data, wherein the number of frames is calculated by the frame number operation unit  136 , and transmits the data to the filing processor  140 . 
         [0031]    The filing processor  140  temporarily accumulates raw image data having a first frame rate for high-speed imaging according to the first synchronization signal transmitted from the format processor  110  or compressed image data having a second frame rate in a conventional reproduction mode according to the second synchronization signal compression-encoded by the JPEG encoder  124  or audio data having a second frame rate transmitted from the format processor  164 . The compressed image data, the raw image data, and the audio data accumulated by the filing processor  140  are transmitted to the medium recording unit  150  and are recorded on a recording medium, according to a recording format of a recording medium. In addition, the filing processor  140  temporarily accumulates data on the number of frames on each frame transmitted from the frame number operation unit  136  and records the data together with the raw image data, the compressed image data, and the audio data, on the recording medium. The recording medium may include an optical recording medium, such as a CD, a DVD, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory medium, etc. 
         [0032]    In addition, the microphone  160  acquires voice of a subject simultaneously with a moving image imaged by the camera  102  and transmits the obtained voice to the audio signal processor  162 . The audio signal processor  162  includes an ADC to AD convert analog signals of input voice. The digital voice signal output from the audio signal processor  162  is transmitted to the format processor  164 . The format processor  164  formats the audio data by compression processing, such as a non-compression pulse code modulation (PCM) method, an adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM) method, an advance audio coding (AAC) method, an audio code number 3 (AC3) method or a MPEG audio layer-3 (MP3) method etc. The audio data formatted by the format processor  164  is input to the filing processor  140 . The filing processor  140  temporarily accumulates the audio data. In addition, in the audio data, data is generated at a frame rate according to the second synchronization signal output from the second synchronization signal generator  134 . 
         [0033]    In addition, although not shown, the apparatus  100  further comprises a host central processing unit (CPU) to control transmission of data from the filing processor  140  to the medium recording unit  150  and recording of data on the recording medium by the medium recording unit  150 . The host CPU transmits the compressed image data, the raw image data, and the audio data, which are accumulated by the filing processor  140 , and the data on the number of frames as calculated by the frame number operation unit  136  to the medium recording unit  150  according to a predetermined amount (ex. according to the data amount of one frame) and controls the filing processor  140  and the medium recording unit  150  so that the data are sequentially recorded on the recording medium. The host CPU records the compressed image data, the raw image data, the audio data, and the data on the number of frames on the recording medium in a predetermined order. In addition, a series of processing performed by the apparatus  100  for recording a moving image may be processed in hardware or software using a computer program. In the apparatus  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention, the image digital data that is output from the imaging device of the camera  102 , is AD converted and is transmitted to the format processor  110 , and the raw image data that is maintained raw is recorded on the recording medium. Thus, high-quality raw image data can be recorded in the recording medium and read and displayed, thereby reproducing an image of higher quality as compared to compressed image data. 
         [0034]    However, the size of raw image data is large. Thus, the raw image data cannot be displayed on a screen of an EVF or LCD in real time, and compression processing, such as JPEG, cannot be performed on the raw image data. In the apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment of the present invention, development processing, reduction processing, and compression processing of the moving image data is performed together with the recording of the raw image data such that real time display can be performed on the EVF or LCD simultaneously with the imaging of the image on a display screen being monitored. In addition, since the compressed image data that is compression-encoded together with the raw image data is recorded on the recording medium, searching for an image and a thumbnail display, for example, can be performed using the compressed image data during reproduction. Accordingly, high-quality reproduction using the raw image data can be performed on an important portion of an image, and the compressed image data on a less-important portion of the image is read at a high speed, thereby performing play back reproduction. 
         [0035]    In addition, in the apparatus  100  for recording a moving image, according to the present embodiment of the present invention, the raw image data imaged that is maintained raw at a high speed is retained at a frame rate according to the first synchronization signal, and the audio data is recorded within the frame timing of the first synchronization signal that is generated to be the same as or closest to the second synchronization signal of the first synchronization signal and detected by the frame number operation unit  136 . The audio data in one frame unit is not recorded at the same frame rate as the raw image data but is intermittently recorded to have a nearly constant frame rate, and thus, reproduction of an image and voice can be easily performed in a conventional reproduction mode, such as an NTSC standard. 
         [0036]    In addition, since data on the number of frames that exist between frames containing audio data, in which the audio data together with the raw image data is recorded, is recorded on the recording medium, when the raw image data is development-processed during reproduction, the data on the number of frames can be read and development-processed. As a result, the frame in which the audio data is recorded can be easily extracted, and a frame for reproducing a moving image in a conventional reproduction mode can be development-processed, generated, and reproduced according to the raw image data. 
         [0037]    An example of a recording format of the recording medium will be described.  FIG. 2  illustrates the recording format of the recording medium included in the apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . When the imaging device has a single plate in a Bayer arrangement, for example, data is output in the order of pixels in a Bayer arrangement of R:G:B=1:2:1. The apparatus  100  for recording a moving image records data in a Bayer arrangement while deteriorating picture quality of the data and thus re-aligns the data in the order of R, G, and B by using the format processor  110 , and records the data without compression-processing so as to not deteriorates picture quality. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2(A)  illustrates one moving image file from the start of recording of an image (vide recording start) to the stop of recording (video recording stop). In addition,  FIG. 2(B)  illustrates data in one frame unit of recorded data of  FIG. 2(A) . 
         [0039]    The RGB data in a Bayer arrangement is re-aligned by the format processor  110  and is recorded in a data area of the recording medium. In addition, the compressed image data that is encoded by the JPEG encoder  124  and the audio data that is formatted by the format processor  164  are recorded in the data area of the recording medium. As illustrated in  FIG. 2(A) , a header is recorded in the head of the recording format. In the header, all the information, such as information on the imaging device of the camera  102 , names of a set of the apparatus  100  for recording a moving image, the number of audio channels, information on the recording format of the recording medium, and specification data of a lens of the camera  102  are recorded. Subsequent to the header, data is recorded in one frame unit of an image. 
         [0040]    Frame units respectively comprise frame headers  0  through n and data in frames F 0  through Fn. As illustrated in  FIG. 2(B) , data in one frame unit is repeatedly recorded in each one frame unit in the order of audio data, compressed image data, and raw image data (G, B, R). Subsequent to data of a final frame Fn, a Footer is recorded. 
         [0041]    In a frame header of each frame, the sizes of audio data, compressed image data, and raw image data of each frame are recorded. In addition, in the frame header of each frame, data on the number of frames that exist between frames containing audio data, is recorded, wherein the number of frames is calculated by the frame number operation unit  136 . 
         [0042]    Data in which audio data is recorded and reproduction of the data will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a recording format of a recording medium included in the apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  and a data reproduction example. 
         [0043]    As already described with reference to  FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) , the recording format is subsequent to the frame header in the order of audio data, compressed image data, and raw image data. When data is recorded by the apparatus  100 , according to the present embodiment of the present invention, the audio data is recorded within the frame timing of the first synchronization signal that is generated to be the same as or closest to the second synchronization signal of the first synchronization signal and detected by the frame number operation unit  136 . Thus, the audio data does not exist in the frame. Thus, the number of frames in which the audio data exists is recorded in the frame header.  FIG. 3  illustrates the case where the number of frames in which the audio data exists is recorded as 2 in the frame header  0 . As such, a next frame in which the audio data does not exist allows the audio data of the previous frame to be smoothly reproduced. 
         [0044]    An example of an apparatus for reproducing a moving image recorded in the apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an example an apparatus  100  for reproducing a moving image, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the apparatus  200  for reproducing a moving image comprises a host CPU  202 , a medium reader  210 , a demultiplexer  212 , a frame time stamp information extraction unit  220 , an audio signal processor  230 , an audio output unit  232 , a JPEG decoder  240 , a development processor  252 , a size processor  254 , a frame rate converter  256 , a multiplexer (MUX)  260 , a first video output unit  262 , and a second video output unit  264 . 
         [0046]    The medium reader  210  reads data from the recording medium according to an instruction from the host CPU  202 . The demultiplexer  212  gathers data read by the recording medium reader  210  temporarily and transmits the data to the audio signal processor  230 , the JPEG decoder  240 , and the development processor  252 , respectively. 
         [0047]    The frame time stamp information extraction unit  220  extracts data on the number of frames that exist between frames containing audio data, and transmits the extracted data to the host CPU  202 . The host CPU  202  controls image processing performed by the frame rate converter  256  according to the number of frames transmitted by the frame time stamp information extraction unit  220 . Accordingly, when the number of frames is read from the recording medium, frame rate conversion is performed by the frame rate converter  256  according to the extracted data on the number of frames. Thus, in development processing of the raw image data, a development process can be performed at a frame rate according to the frame rate of the audio data and thus moving image reproduction that is appropriate to the audio data can be performed. 
         [0048]    The audio signal processor  230  deformats the audio data, digital-to-analog (DA) converts the deformatted audio data into an analog signal and then transmits the analog audio signal to the audio output unit  232 . The audio output unit  232  externally outputs the audio analog signal. In addition, the JPEG decoder  240  decodes the compressed image data, reduces or increases the decoded image data, and transmits the reduced or increased image data to the MUX  260 . 
         [0049]    The development processor  252  Bayer-deformats the raw image data, re-aligns the deformatted raw image data in a Bayer arrangement, and transmits the re-aligned raw image data to the size processor  254 . The development processor  252  performs a series of development processes such as Bayer white balance processing, Bayer interpolation processing, noise removing, and brightness and color correction, etc., on the deformatted raw moving image data. The size processor  254  reduces the size of the raw image data on which development processing is performed, and transmits the size-reduced data to the frame rate converter  256  or the second video output unit  264 . The frame rate converter  256  transmits the raw image data that is development processed according to the number of frames that is extracted by the frame time stamp information extraction unit  220 , to the MUX  260 . 
         [0050]    The MUX  260  transmits the image data that is transmitted from the JPEG decoder  240  or the size processor  254  to the first video output unit  262 . The first video output unit  262  DA converts the transmitted data and externally outputs the analog signal data. As a result, the first video output unit  262  outputs image data that is appropriate to the frame rate of the audio data. 
         [0051]    The image data, as the data output from the size processor  254 , is transmitted to the first vide output unit  264 . As a result, the second video output unit  264  outputs image data at a first frame rate when the raw image data is recorded. In addition, a series of processes performed by the apparatus  200  for reproducing a moving image may be performed in hardware or software using a computer program. 
         [0052]    In the apparatus  200  for reproducing a moving image having the above configuration, according to the present embodiment of the present invention, frame rate conversion is performed using the total number of frames in which the audio data exists and of which information on the audio data is recorded in each frame header of the file read by the medium reader  210 . Generally, when all of the raw image data is reproduced at a high-speed imaging frame rate at which the raw image data is recorded, the amount of processing is enormous. However, by using the apparatus  200  for reproducing a moving image, development processing of the raw image data is performed based on the number of frames in which audio data exists such that an appropriate moving image can be reproduced together with the audio data. In addition, when the audio data is recorded at a high-speed imaging frame rate at which the raw image data is recorded and a moving image is reproduced in a conventional reproduction mode, complicated processing on additional audio data is necessary. According to the present embodiment of the present invention, the audio data is recorded at nearly the same frame rate as that of the conventional reproduction mode such that special processing on the audio data during reproduction is unnecessary. 
         [0053]    When the raw image data is reproduced, each of the raw image data, such as G, B, and R data, is read from the recording medium, and the data is development processed such that the raw image data is changed into an image signal. The image signal is reduced to a predetermined image size and is output to the first video output unit  262 . As such, the apparatus  200  for reproducing a moving image can perform high-quality reproduction. 
         [0054]    When the compressed image data is reproduced, the compressed image data is sequentially read from the recording medium in one frame units such that the compressed image data can be reproduced. In this case, the size of read data is much smaller than the raw image data. A JPEG-decoded image signal is reduced or increased to a predetermined image size and is output such that reproduction can be more easily performed as compared to reproduction of the raw image data. A play back mode by using the compressed image data is used such that the hardware structure of the apparatus  200  for reproducing a moving image can be greatly reduced and power consumption can be greatly reduced. 
         [0055]    In addition, even in a high-speed reproduction mode, as a specific reproduction mode, JPEG data is used such that processing with a small load can be performed. In this case, only a necessary frame may be interlaced from information on the sizes of the audio data while only the frame header is searched according to the compact disk access time of reproduction, and the compressed image data may be read and JPEG-decoded. Reproduction in a reverse form to the recording can be easily performed using the same method as that of the recording. 
         [0056]    Furthermore, the compressed image data may be used, and a list of imaged images of the file may be displayed in the form of thumbnails. In this case, for example, on each of several moving image files, an image of one frame may be displayed in the form of a thumbnail, and each moving image file may be displayed as a moving image in the form of a thumbnail. 
         [0057]    As described above, according to the present invention, both of the raw image data and the compressed image data can be recorded such that the raw image data can be used during high-quality reproduction and the compressed image data having a small data amount can be used during real time display or image search etc. As such, the apparatus  100  for recording a moving image and the apparatus  200  for reproducing a moving image having high quality and excellent manipulability can be provided. As further described above, image data having a frame rate can be easily reproduced together with audio data, when images are simultaneously recorded with different frame rates when images are simultaneously recorded with different frame rates and a moving image is imaged. 
         [0058]    As can also be appreciated from the above, the raw image data and the compressed image data are recorded in the recording medium according to the recording format of  FIG. 2 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to the case where first image data having a first frame rate, second image data having a second frame rate that is different from the first frame rate, and audio data having a second frame rate are recorded in the recording medium according to the recording format of  FIG. 2 . As such, by referring to data on the number of frames that exist between frames containing audio data, it is easy to refer to the audio data having a second frame rate. 
         [0059]    While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The exemplary embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.