JP2001231013A - Repeat period automatic stream changeover system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system that can reproduce a data stream automatically switching angles in an angle block in the repeat reproduction of the data stream including an angle block. SOLUTION: In the case of conducting A-B repeat reproduction for an angle block (a block consisting of data stream angles 1-6 that can be reproduced selectively for a same period), a data stream of a reproduction object is switched from the angle 1 to the angle 2, for example.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for repeatedly reproducing video, audio, and / or sub-picture.

In particular, in reproducing a DVD video disk on which an angle block including a multi-angle image is recorded, data such as an angle cell is stored in an AB period including the angle block (or an AB period included in the angle block). The present invention relates to a repeat period automatic stream switching system that performs repeat reproduction while automatically switching streams.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing method for reproducing information from a medium storing a plurality of stream data (angle, audio, sub-picture) which can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the improvement of optical pickup technology using a laser having a short wavelength, the advancement of high-density recording technology and the development of data compression technology, the capacity of recording media such as optical disks has increased, and recording on recording media can be performed. The amount of information has increased dramatically.

For example, the recording capacity of a CD (compact disk) using a laser having a wavelength of 780 nm is about 650 M
B. On the other hand, in a DVD using a laser having a wavelength of 650 nm, even a single-sided single-layer disc can record about 4.7 GB of digital information on an optical disc having the same size as a CD and a diameter of 120 mm. In other words, a DVD has a capacity almost seven times as large as a CD even on a single-sided single-layer disc.

[0006] Such an increase in the amount of recorded information has made it possible to realize unprecedented functions.

As a specific example, a DVD can record up to nine multi-angle videos on a single disc, can support up to 32 languages (multilingual subtitles), and provide audio (music) streams. Can record up to eight (multi-audio).

[0008] For this reason, the DVD user needs only one DV
Multi-angle recorded on the D disk (a group of images of the same scene captured by various camera angles), multi-lingual (Japanese subtitles, English subtitles, etc.), multi-audio (English audio, Japanese dubbed audio, linear PCM audio, AC-3 surround audio) can be freely selected and reproduced.

[0009]

One of the special reproduction methods for video images and the like is called "AB repeat" which repeatedly reproduces an image in a certain section.

In the AB repeat of a conventional DVD player, a reproduction start point (A
Point) and the reproduction end point (B
Are stored in the memory inside the player as information for repeat reproduction. Then, during the AB repeat reproduction, the content between the points A and B is repeatedly reproduced based on the stored point A / point B information.

[0011] In the conventional DVD player, the repetitive reproduction between point A and point B is the same in both sequential content reproduction and angle block reproduction.

That is, in the case of performing repeat reproduction in an angle block, in a conventional DVD player, when a user designates points A and B as points to be repeatedly reproduced, an angle to be reproduced at that time is designated. Only the point A and the point B of the specific angle cell in the block are repeatedly reproduced.

If it is desired to reproduce another angle cell in the angle block during the AB repeat reproduction, the AB repeat mode is temporarily released and the angle is changed to a desired angle cell (angle number). Change).

That is, in order to realize a request to view another multi-stream during AB repeat reproduction, the user has to perform various operations (operations that require time and effort).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a repeat period automatic stream switching system capable of automatically switching and reproducing a plurality of angles in an angle block in repeat reproduction including an angle block. That is.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic repeat period stream switching system according to the present invention provides an angle block (a block composed of a plurality of data streams that can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone). ), When the repeat reproduction is performed, the data stream to be reproduced is automatically switched.

By automatically performing the stream switching as described above, it is possible to realize a changeless and less tired reproduction for the user in the AB repeat reproduction.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A repeat period automatic stream switching system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the reproducing apparatus with a repeat period automatic stream switching function.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a DVD video disk is assumed as a recording medium (optical disk). This disk 1 is loaded into a disk drive unit 2.

The disk drive unit 2 rotates the loaded disk 1 to read various data recorded thereon, and performs signal demodulation and error correction of the read data. In this way, an error-free packed data string is obtained.

The data stream in the pack format output from the disk drive unit 2 is input to the system processor unit 3.

In the system processor section 3, the input data string is a video pack composed of video data,
Sub-picture pack composed of sub-picture data, audio pack composed of audio data, and control pack (navigation pack) composed of control data
Divided into two.

Then, in the system processor unit 3, video data, sub-picture data, and audio data are respectively referred to by referring to the transfer time and ID data indicating the type of data recorded in each of the four divided data. , The video decoder section 4, the sub-picture decoder section 5, and the audio decoder section 8.
Control data (such as PCI / DSI) is stored in memory I /
The data is transferred to the memory unit 14 that can be accessed by the system CPU unit 11 via the F unit 13.

The memory section 14 is a memory for temporarily storing various data. Input / output of data to / from the memory unit 14 is controlled by the memory I / F unit 13 based on an instruction from the system CPU unit 11 described later.

The video decoder section 4 decodes the video data (MPEG-encoded data stream) transferred from the system processor section 3 and transfers the decoded data to the video processor section 6.

The sub-picture decoder 5 decodes the sub-picture data (run-length compressed according to a predetermined rule) transferred from the system processor 3 and transfers the decoded data to the video processor 6.

The video processor 6 converts the two kinds of digital signals (main video video moving image and sub video bitmap) transferred from the video decoder 4 and the sub video decoder 5 into corresponding analog signals. Are multiplexed and output to the external monitor unit 7 in the NTSC video signal format, for example.

The frame memory unit 17 is a large-capacity video memory for temporarily storing image data processed by the video processor unit 6. On this memory, processing of a multi-screen (FIG. 12) described later can be performed.

The monitor unit 7 converts an analog video signal (main video + sub-video) output from the video processor 6 into
The image is displayed as an image having a predetermined aspect ratio (or a predetermined size).

The audio decoder section 8 receives the audio data (MP) transferred from the system processor section 3.
EG audio, AC-3 audio, dts audio, linear PCM audio, etc.)
The decoded data is transferred to the converter 9.

The D / A converter 9 converts the digital audio signal transferred from the audio decoder 8 into a corresponding analog audio signal.

An audio amplifier (not shown) receives the audio signal converted to analog by the D / A converter 9 and drives the speaker unit 10.

The operation of each of the components 2 to 6, 8 to 13, and 17 in FIG.

The system CPU unit 11 has an automatic stream switching unit 12 realized by system software (or firmware).

The stream automatic switching unit 12 includes a counting unit 12a used when selecting the number of a data stream to be reproduced, and a stream for determining a stream based on whether the stream number matches a stream number of stream data specified by a user. It includes a determination unit 12b and a playback cycle determination unit 12c that determines a stream playback switching cycle.

The count unit 12a simply increments (or decrements) the stream number.
In addition to the function of providing a stream number, a function of randomly providing a stream number using a random number generator can be provided.

The key input unit 15 is a key input unit that receives an instruction request from a user. This key input unit 15
Although not shown, it can be provided on the front panel of the playback apparatus of FIG. Further, the key input unit 15 can be provided in a remote controller (not shown).

The panel display section 16 is a panel display section (fluorescent tube display panel or liquid crystal display panel) for displaying disk information or reproduction information. This panel display 1
Although not shown, 6 can be provided on the front panel of the playback apparatus of FIG. Further, a panel display unit (liquid crystal display panel) 16 can be provided in a remote controller (not shown).

FIG. 2 exemplifies a pack-format data sequence, ie, a pack sequence 100, which is output after reading recorded data recorded on the optical disk 1 and performing signal demodulation and error correction in the disk drive unit 2. .

The pack sequence 100 includes a control pack (navigation pack) 101, a video pack (video packet) 102, an audio pack (audio packet) 103, a sub-picture pack (sub-picture packet) 104, and the like.

The control pack 101 includes a PCI (Presentation Control Inf.) Containing information used at the time of angle switching.
ormation) packet and DSI (Data Search Inform)
ation) packet 110.

This PCI packet has PCI data 110 * including an information table (FIG. 13 described later) in which a jump address when non-seamless angle switching is performed is described.

The DSI packet has DSI data 110 including an information table (FIG. 4 to be described later) in which a jump destination address when seamless angle switching is performed.

FIG. 3 is an example of angle switching showing the relationship between the pack row 100 and the angle to be reproduced. In this example, it is assumed that there are three angles.

In the upper part (3a) of FIG. 3, a video object unit (VOBU) 120
Has a control pack 101 at the top. This VOBU
Contains from the head control pack to the pack immediately before the next control pack as a unit of reproduction and control.

Also, the interleave unit ILVU
The (Interleaved Unit) 121 is composed of one or more VOBUs, and serves as an angle playback unit when seamless angle switching is performed.

In the middle part (3b) of FIG. 3, each ILVU is arranged as an angle block in the order of a cell of angle 1, a cell of angle 2, and a cell of angle 3. Also, in order to prevent the reproduced image from being interrupted at the time of angle switching, each angle block information is
As shown, they are interleaved. An interleaved block is formed by a set of angle blocks arranged in an interleaved manner.

Next, a seamless angle switching operation in the example of FIG. 3 will be described. In this example,
It is assumed that angle 2 is selected as the initial value of the reproduction angle. As described above, when the angle 2 is selected as the reproduction angle, the reproduction of the interleaved block in the middle part (3b) of FIG. 3 is performed as follows.

That is, the optical pickup (not shown) of the disk drive unit 1 shown in FIG.
(AGL1-1) is skipped and the first angle 2 (AGL2-
Jump to the beginning of 1) and play back the first angle 2. Next, an optical pickup (not shown) includes a first angle 3 (AGL3-1) and a second angle 1 (AGL1-
Skip 2) and jump to the beginning of the second angle 2 (AGL2-2) to play back the second angle 2. In the same manner, while repeating jumps in ILVU units,
Only the data of the selected angle 2 is reproduced by an optical pickup (not shown).

As described above, when the optical pickup reads angle data intermittently in ILVU units, the reproduction data from the optical pickup is temporarily interrupted during the jump, but the reproduction data is stored in a large capacity buffer (not shown) in the disk drive unit 2. ), And the reproduction data output from the buffer is not interrupted.

The lower part (3c) of FIG. 3 is the middle part (3b) of FIG.
Indicates the reproduction state of the angle information that is selectively read out at random.

In the lower part (3c) of FIG. 3, let us consider a case where an angle switching request to the angle 3 occurs while the second angle 2 (AGL2-2) is being reproduced. in this case,
Jumping from the second angle 2 (AGL2-2) shown in the middle section (3b) of FIG. 3 to the third angle 3 (AGL3-3),
The third angle 3 (AGL3-3) is reproduced.

Here, the reason why the angle is not immediately switched from the second angle 2 (AGL2-2) to the second angle 3 (AGL3-2) is that each ILVU 121 whose angle switching unit constitutes the angle reproduction unit is used. That's why. These two angles (AGL2-2 and AGL3-2) constitute an angle block reproduced in the same time zone, and seamless angle switching cannot be executed unless the next angle block is reached.

As described above, the reproduction and the jump are repeated, and the angle reproduction and the seamless angle switching are executed.

In the non-seamless angle switching operation in which the flow of the reproduced image becomes discontinuous due to the angle switching, ILVU may be replaced with VOBU in the description of FIG.

In AB repeat reproduction as shown in FIG. 7 described later, non-seamless angle switching in VOBU units is performed, and during AB repeat reproduction as shown in FIG. Angle switching is performed.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the angle information table 130 referred to in the seamless angle switching described above. This angle information table 130 is stored in the DSI data 110 of FIG.

The DSI data 110 is included in the control pack 101 at the head of each VOBU, and the ILVU is composed of one or more VOBUs. Therefore, when the ILVU is read during seamless angle reproduction, the angle information table 130 in FIG. 4 can be read from the head control pack 101 in the head VOBU.

For example, when angle 2 is reproduced in the middle part (3b) of FIG. 3, ANGLE_2_DS of FIG.
T, the control circuit (not shown) of the optical pickup in the disk drive unit 2 uses this ANGLE_2_DS
The destination position can be known based on T.

When the angle is switched from the angle 2 to the angle 3, the ANGLE_3_DST of FIG. 4 is referred to, and the control circuit (not shown) of the optical pickup knows a new jump position based on the ANGLE_3_DST. Can be.

FIG. 5 shows the angle information table 13 of FIG.
Specifically, the contents of one of 0 (for example, ANGLE_2_DST) are shown. The jump destination address 131 is 4-byte address information indicating the position of the corresponding angle cell and the next jump destination of the angle number. I indicating the size of the angle to be played at the next destination of the angle number
LVU size 132 is included.

FIG. 13 shows an angle information table 130 referred to in the non-seamless angle switching described above.
* Is illustrated. This angle information table 130 *
Are stored in the PCI data 110 * of FIG.

Since the PCI data 110 * is included in the control pack 101 at the head of each VOBU, when the VOBU is read during non-seamless angle reproduction, the angle information table 130 * of FIG. Can be read.

Each piece of information (for example, ANGLE_2_DS) constituting the angle information table 130 * of FIG.
T) has the same data structure as the address information 131 of FIG.

In the case of individual information (eg, ANGLE_2_DST) constituting the angle information table 130 shown in FIG. 4, the size changes depending on how many VOBUs are included in the playback unit ILVU, and thus includes the ILVU size 132. . On the other hand, individual information (for example, ANGL) constituting the angle information table 130 * of FIG.
In the case of (E_2_DST), since a VOBU whose size is fixed to 2048 bytes is used as a reproduction unit, information corresponding to the ILVU size 132 in FIG. 5 is unnecessary.

FIG. 6 shows AB in the reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
It is a flowchart explaining an example of the mode setting process performed at the time of repeat reproduction. This processing is executed by the stream automatic switching unit 12 in the CPU unit 11 in the playback device of FIG.

First, the user selects an angle, a sub-picture, and / or an audio as a target of AB repeat reproduction by using, for example, the key input unit 15 in FIG. 1 (or using a remote controller (not shown)). . With this selection, it is determined which stream among the angle stream, the sub-picture stream, and the audio stream is to be changed during the AB repeat period (step ST10). This determination is made by the stream determination unit 12b of FIG.

In this manner, the mode (for example, angle and audio AB) executed at the time of AB repeat reproduction is performed.
A repeat mode or an AB repeat mode with only an angle) is set.

Next, the user selects whether to change the set stream every AB repeat or every predetermined (arbitrary) time. If "perform stream change at predetermined time intervals" is selected, a reproduction cycle corresponding to the predetermined time is determined (step ST20). This determination is made by the reproduction cycle determination unit 12c in FIG.

The reproduction cycle can be determined, for example, by dividing the reproduction time between AB repeat by the number of streams to be switched. For example, if one playback time of AB repeat is 30 seconds, and six angles (six streams) are switched and played back during the repeat period, 30 plays.
÷ 6 = 5 (seconds) is determined as the reproduction cycle.

If "perform stream change for each AB repeat" is selected in step ST20, the playback time between AB repeats becomes the playback cycle.

FIG. 7 exemplifies the operation when the switching target is an angle (angle 1 to angle 6) in step ST10 of FIG. 6 and the mode is set to stream switching every AB repeat. In the above, the repeat start point A can be the head of the angle block, and the repeat end point B can be the end of the angle block.

Alternatively, the repeat start point A and / or the repeat end point B can be set inside the angle block.

Further, the repeat start point A and / or the repeat end point B can be set outside the angle block. When the repeat start point A and the repeat end point B are set outside the angle block, A
The addresses indicating the positions of the angle blocks included between the points A and B are shown in FIG.
Is stored in the memory unit 14 (or an internal memory (not shown) of the CPU unit 11).

FIG. 8 shows a mode in which the switching target is an angle (angle 1 to angle 6) in step ST10 of FIG. 6, and the stream switching is performed at predetermined (arbitrary) time intervals between AB repeats. FIG.

In FIG. 8, for example, if six angles (six streams) are switched and reproduced during a 30-second repeat period, the reproduction angle is changed to one angle at a reproduction cycle of 30 ÷ 6 = 5 (seconds). → Angle 2 → Angle 3 → Angle 4 → Angle 5 → Angle 6 → Angle 1 ………
It can be switched as follows.

In the case of FIG. 8, when the repeat start point A and the repeat end point B are within the angle block, the angle switching of angle 1 → angle 2 → angle 3 → angle 4 → angle 5 → angle 6 is performed by the above-described ILVU. Seamless angle switching can be performed in units. However, the angle switching from the angle 6 to the angle 1 is the above-described non-seamless angle switching in VOBU units.

However, by pre-reading the data during the AB repeat period by the high-speed drive and storing it in the large-capacity buffer in advance, seamless AB repeat angle switching reproduction without being limited to angle blocks Is possible.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure when the angle switching is performed for each of AB (switching for each AB repeat in FIG. 7). This processing is executed by the CPU unit 11 in the reproducing apparatus of FIG.

When the disc 1 in FIG. 1 is a DVD video disc, the disc 1 has video manager information V
Management information called MGI is recorded. This VMGI
Includes an information table called a title search pointer table TT_SRPT. Then, in the TT_SRPT, the number of angles AGL_Ns (1 to
9) is described. From the angle number AGL_Ns, the number of angles in the angle block can be known.

Alternatively, the angle information table 1 shown in FIG.
The jump address (ANGL_ # n_D) described in No. 30
The number of angles in the angle block can be known from the number of (ST) (number of #n).

In the process of FIG. 9, the angle is selected as the stream to be switched in step ST10 of FIG.
The process is started when the reproduction cycle is set to the AB repeat period in step ST20.

First, the CPU section 11 sends management information (V
The maximum number of angles is obtained from MGI / TT_SRPT / AGL_Ns) (step ST30). Taking FIG. 7 as an example, the maximum number of angles is six. Then, 1 is set as the initial value of the angle number (N).

Next, a comparison is made between the current angle number (the count value of the counting section 12a in FIG. 1) and the maximum angle number (6) obtained in step ST30 (step ST32).

If the current angle number (N) exceeds the maximum angle number (6) (Yes in step ST32),
Since there is no angle cell having such an angle number, the counting unit 12a is reset, and the count value is set to 1 (step ST34). This corresponds to returning to the point A of the angle 1 from the point B of the angle 6 in FIG.

If the current angle number (N) is equal to or less than the maximum angle number (6) (NO in step ST32), the reproduction process of the angle cell of the angle number (N) is started (step ST36).

For example, if the angle number is reset to 1 in step ST34, reproduction of angle 1 in FIG. 7 is started from point A. Also, immediately after the angle number is set to 1 in step ST30, the reproduction of the angle 1 in FIG. On the other hand, if the angle number (N) at that time is 2, for example, the reproduction of the angle 2 in FIG.

Note that the position (address) of the angle N at which reproduction is started in step ST36 can be known by referring to the angle information table 130 * in FIG.

During playback of the angle started in step ST36 (step ST38), the video of the angle is displayed on the monitor unit 7 in FIG.

When the reproduction reaches the point B in FIG. 7 (YES in step ST40), the angle number (N) is incremented by one in the counting section 12a in FIG. 1 (step ST42), and the process returns to step ST32.

For example, after the reproduction of the angle 1 reaches the point B in step ST40 (step ST40: YES), the angle number (N) is incremented to 2 (step ST42), and the reproduction starts from the point A of the angle 2. Is performed (step ST36). Similarly, when the reproduction up to the point B of the angle 2 is completed (step ST40, Yes), the angle number is incremented again (step ST42), and the process returns to the step ST32 to return to the angle 3
Is repeated from point A to point B.

Thereafter, until the angle number (N) reaches the maximum angle 6, similar angle switching and angle reproduction after the switching are repeated (AB repeat).

If the angle number (N) reaches the maximum angle 6 (Yes in step ST32), the angle number (N) is reset to 1, and the same AB repeat angle reproduction is repeated from angle 1 to angle 6. Is done.

Note that a random number can be generated by the counting section 12a in FIG. 1 and the generated random number value can be used as the angle number in step ST42. In this case, the AB repeat reproduction is performed as shown in FIG.
Angle 3 → Angle 4 → Angle 5 → Angle 6 → Angle 1 If a random number is used, for example, after the reproduction to the point B of the angle 2 is completed, the next reproduction angle may return to the angle 1 or the angle 5
And the angle 2 may be reproduced again.

Whether to use a random number can be determined by the user in step ST20 in FIG. 6, for example.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure when the angle switching is performed at a predetermined (arbitrary) set time (switching at an arbitrary set time in the AB repeat section in FIG. 8). . This processing is executed by the CPU unit 11 in the reproducing apparatus of FIG.

The processing in FIG. 10 is performed in step ST10 in FIG.
In step ST20, an angle is selected as a stream to be switched, and in step ST20, the process is started when the reproduction cycle is shorter than the AB repeat period set by the user.

First, the CPU section 11 acquires the maximum number of angles from the management information (VMGI / TT_SRPT / AGL_Ns) (step ST50). Taking FIG. 8 as an example, the maximum number of angles is six.

The number of angles (6) at which the set reproduction time (for example, 30 seconds) between AB repeats is acquired
(30 ÷ 6 = 5 seconds) is automatically set as a time interval of angle switching performed during the AB repeat period (step ST52).

Thereafter, the same processing as in steps ST32 to ST38 in FIG. 9 is executed in steps ST54 to ST60 in FIG.

For example, during reproduction of angle 1 (step S
T60), the internal timer counter (not shown) of the automatic stream switching unit 12 in FIG. 1 counts down from the number of frames corresponding to, for example, 5 seconds of NTSC video reproduction time (150 frames as 30 frames per second).

When the angle 1 is reproduced for 5 seconds and the frame count reaches 0 (step ST62, Yes), the set time of the internal timer counter (not shown) is cleared (step ST64). Thereby, the internal timer counter is reset to 150 corresponding to 5 seconds.

Subsequently, the angle number is incremented from 1 to 2 (step ST66), and angle 2 is reproduced for 5 seconds (that is, until the internal timer counter counts down to zero) (steps ST58 to S58).
T60).

The above operation is repeated until the angle number to be reproduced reaches the maximum angle number (6 in FIG. 8).

If the maximum angle number is reached (step S
T54: Yes), the angle number is reset to 1.
This corresponds to the operation of returning from the point B of the angle 6 to the point A of the angle 1 in FIG. Hereinafter, step ST5
The operations from 4 to ST66 are similarly repeated.

In step ST58 in FIG. 10, the position (address) of the angle N at which reproduction is started can be known by referring to the angle information table 130 in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows a part of reproduction management information necessary for reproducing a DVD video disk.

[0109] On the DVD video disk, a video program called one or more video title sets VTS is recorded, and video title set information VTSI is also recorded as reproduction management information.

This VTSI includes a video title set information management table VTSI_MAT. In the VTSI_MAT, information such as the number of audio streams VTS_AST_Ns, the audio stream attribute table VTS_AST_ATRT, the number of sub-picture streams VTS_SPST_Ns, and the like are described.

The CPU section 11 shown in FIG.
DVD video disc 1 by referring to T_Ns
The number of audio streams in the video title set recorded in the. Similarly, the VTS_S
The number of sub-picture streams in the video title set can be known by referring to PST_Ns.

Further, the CPU section 11 of FIG.
By referring to S_AST_ATRT, the audio encoding mode ACM, audio type, audio application mode, quantization bit number, presence / absence of dynamic range control (DRC), the number of audio channels, and the like of each audio stream can be known.

Here, the audio encoding mode ACM in VTS_AST_ATRT indicates whether the corresponding audio stream is coded by Dolby AC-3, coded by MPEG1 / MPEG2, linear PCM, or other. Whether it is coded with multi-channel audio (DTS, SDDS, or the like) is described.

The type of language used in the audio stream is described in the audio type in VTS_AST_ATRT. Whether the audio stream is surround or karaoke is determined by VTS_
It is described in the audio application mode in AST_ATRT.

The VT described in VTSI_MAT
If the number of audio streams is known from S_AST_Ns, AB repeat playback in which audio stream switching is automatically performed instead of angle switching can be realized in the same procedure as in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 (FIG. 9 or FIG. 10). "Angle" can be read as "audio stream").

The automatic switching repetitive reproduction of the audio stream can be used for hearing training in language learning.

If the number of sub-picture streams is known from VTS_SPST_Ns described in VTSI_MAT, sub-picture stream switching is automatically performed instead of angle switching in the same procedure as in FIG. 9 or FIG. B repeat reproduction can be realized (in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, "angle" may be replaced with "sub-picture stream").

The automatic switching and repetitive reproduction of the sub-picture stream can be used for reconfirmation of subtitle contents and the like. In addition, in the repeated reproduction of the angle cell including the subtitle, the sub-video subtitle can be repeatedly reproduced together with the angle video.

FIG. 12 shows a case where a plurality of angle data are sequentially read out from a DVD disk on which a plurality of angle videos are recorded, and the plurality of angles are simultaneously reproduced and displayed.
A display example of a divided (here, divided into four) screen display is shown.

When the display screen is divided into n (in this case, divided into four), a display start address and a display size for each angle image are set in the frame memory unit 17 in FIG.

After performing AB repeat reproduction using the angle 1 as a moving image as shown in FIG.
As described above, reproduction is performed using the next angle 2 as a moving image.
At this time, except for the angle 2 during the moving image reproduction, the still image is the last image (I picture) of the ILVU of each angle cell at the time of angle switching.

The switching of the moving image display screen is performed by AB
This can be done at every repeat period, at predetermined (arbitrary) set times, or at time intervals of the AB repeat period divided by the total number of angles recorded.

As described above, the angle reproduction is sequentially performed, and when the reproduction is completed up to the maximum angle (here, 4), the reproduction returns to the angle 1 and the reproduction is cyclically repeated.

FIG. 12 exemplifies a case where the moving picture in the angle block is sequentially switched in accordance with AB repeat. However, along with the switching of the moving image, the audio stream and / or the sub-video stream corresponding to the moving image may be switched and selected for playback.

In the system according to the present invention, AB repeat reproduction is not limited only to a sequential (no branch) program flow. There are various ways of switching streams during the AB repeat period (AB
Switching every repeat period, switching every predetermined time during AB repeat period, etc.). For this reason, the user can enjoy an unprecedented interactive DVD reproduction.

[0126]

As described above, according to the repeat period automatic stream switching system of the present invention, the variation of stream selection is increased, and the user is provided with a varied and less tired video reproduction. be able to.

Further, it is possible to easily display all the streams recorded on the recording medium without the user having to select each stream.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a playback device with a repeat period automatic stream switching function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view exemplifying a structure of data read from a recording medium (DVD disc) by the reproducing apparatus or the like in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view for explaining an example of angle switching performed by the reproducing apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view exemplifying an angle information table used in seamless angle switching (see FIG. 8) executed by the playback device or the like in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram exemplifying the contents of each angle information in the angle information table of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a mode setting executed at the time of AB repeat reproduction in the reproduction device or the like in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary view for explaining an example of the operation of non-seamless stream switching (switching for each AB repeat) executed by the playback device or the like in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an operation example of seamless stream switching (switching at an arbitrary set time within an AB repeat section) executed by the playback device or the like in FIG. 1;

9 is an example of an automatic angle switching operation performed in the reproducing apparatus in FIG. 1 (switching for each AB repeat in FIG. 7)
FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the automatic angle switching operation (switching at an arbitrary set time in the AB repeat section in FIG. 8) executed in the playback device or the like in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a part of the reproduction management information read from the recording medium (DVD disk) by the reproduction device or the like in FIG. 1;

12 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of angle data read from a recording medium (DVD disk) by the reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
The figure explaining the case where it changes sequentially for every -B repeat.

FIG. 13 is a view exemplifying an angle information table used in non-seamless angle switching (see FIG. 7) executed by the playback device or the like of the invention of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Recording medium (DVD disk); 2 ... Disk drive part; 3 ... System processor part; 4 ... Video decoder part; 5 ... Sub-picture decoder part; 6 ... Video processor part; 7 ... Monitor part; 9: D / A conversion unit (audio DAC); 10: audio output unit (speaker); 11: system CPU unit; 12: automatic stream switching unit; 12a: counting unit (or random number generation unit); 12c: playback cycle determination unit; 13: memory I / F unit; 14: memory unit; 15: key input unit (front panel of playback device and / or
16) Panel display unit (equipped on the front panel of the playback device and / or the remote controller).

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus using a recording medium on which a plurality of image data which can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded as a plurality of angles, wherein the plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium within a set repetitive reproduction period. Means for repeatedly reproducing while selecting a predetermined angle from angles; and automatic switching means for automatically switching the predetermined angle each time reproduction is repeated within the repetitive reproduction period. Playback device. 2. An apparatus using a recording medium on which a plurality of audio streams that can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded, wherein the plurality of audio streams recorded on the recording medium are recorded within a set repetitive reproduction period. Means for selecting and repetitively reproducing a predetermined audio stream from among them; and automatic switching means for automatically switching the predetermined audio stream every time reproduction is repeated during the repetitive reproduction period. Playback device. 3. An apparatus using a recording medium on which a plurality of sub-picture streams that can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded, wherein the plurality of sub-pictures recorded on the recording medium within a set repetitive reproduction period. Means for repeatedly playing back while selecting a predetermined sub-video stream from the streams; and automatic switching means for automatically switching the predetermined sub-video stream every time the reproduction is repeated within the repeated playback period. A reproducing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. An apparatus using a recording medium in which a plurality of image data which can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded as a plurality of angles, wherein a time interval shorter than the repetition reproduction period within a set repetition reproduction period Means for repeatedly reproducing while selecting a part of a predetermined angle from the plurality of angles recorded on the recording medium; and within the repeated reproduction period,
A reproducing apparatus comprising: an automatic switching unit that automatically switches the predetermined angle at each time interval. 5. An apparatus using a recording medium on which a plurality of audio streams that can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded, wherein in a set repetitive reproduction period, the time interval is shorter than the repetitive reproduction period. Means for selecting and repetitively reproducing a predetermined audio stream from the plurality of audio streams recorded on a recording medium; and automatically switching the predetermined audio stream at each time interval within the repetitive reproduction period. A reproducing apparatus comprising: a switching unit. 6. An apparatus using a recording medium on which a plurality of sub-picture streams that can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded, at a time interval shorter than the repetition reproduction period within a set repetition reproduction period. Means for selecting and repetitively reproducing a predetermined sub-video stream from the plurality of sub-video streams recorded on the recording medium; and automatically regenerating the predetermined sub-video stream at each time interval within the repetitive reproduction period. A reproducing apparatus comprising: automatic switching means for performing automatic switching. 7. An apparatus using a recording medium in which a plurality of image data that can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded as a plurality of angles, wherein a time interval shorter than the repetition reproduction period within a set repetition reproduction period Means for repeatedly reproducing while selecting a part of a predetermined angle from the plurality of angles recorded on the recording medium; and within the repeated reproduction period,
Automatic switching means for automatically switching the predetermined angle for each time interval, wherein the automatic switching means determines the time interval by dividing the repetitive playback period by the number of the plurality of angles. A reproducing apparatus characterized by including means. 8. An apparatus using a recording medium on which a plurality of audio streams that can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded, wherein in a set repetitive reproduction period, the time interval is shorter than the repetitive reproduction period. Means for selecting and repetitively reproducing a predetermined audio stream from the plurality of audio streams recorded on a recording medium; and automatically switching the predetermined audio stream at each time interval within the repetitive reproduction period. Switching means, wherein the automatic switching means includes a reproduction cycle determining means for determining the time interval by dividing the repetitive reproduction period by the number of the plurality of angles. 9. An apparatus using a recording medium on which a plurality of sub-picture streams that can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded, at a time interval shorter than the repetition reproduction period within a set repetition reproduction period. Means for selecting and repetitively reproducing a predetermined sub-video stream from the plurality of sub-video streams recorded on the recording medium; and automatically regenerating the predetermined sub-video stream at each time interval within the repetitive reproduction period. Automatic switching means for automatically switching, wherein the automatic switching means includes a reproduction cycle determining means for determining the time interval by dividing the repetitive reproduction period by the number of the plurality of angles. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising video processing means for simultaneously displaying two or more of said plurality of angles recorded on said recording medium on a screen.
Alternatively, the playback device according to claim 7. 11. A method for reproducing recorded information from a recording medium in which a plurality of image data which can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded as a plurality of angles, wherein the recording information is recorded on the recording medium within a set repetitive reproduction period. A first process of selecting and playing back a first angle designated by a predetermined angle number from the plurality of angles that have been performed; and changing the angle number after playing back to the end of the repetitive playback period. A second process of repeating angle reproduction by selecting a second angle specified by a subsequent angle number. 12. A method of reproducing recorded information from a recording medium in which a plurality of image data which can be selectively reproduced in the same time zone is recorded as a plurality of angles, wherein a plurality of image data are reproduced within a set repetitive reproduction period. A first process of selecting and reproducing a first angle designated by a predetermined angle number from the plurality of angles recorded on the recording medium at short time intervals; and reproducing by the first process. When the set time elapses, the angle number is changed, a second angle specified by the changed angle number is selected, and the reproduction from the first angle reproduction to the second angle reproduction is performed. And a second process that continues seamlessly.