JP2008112495A - Recording and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording and reproducing device which allows a user spend waiting time without getting bored until a device which has received an instruction from the user completes various processing. <P>SOLUTION: When a recording and reproducing device receives a predetermined instruction beforehand such as a recording start instruction, a writing time arises to complete recording after receiving the instruction. During that time, even if a user sends an instruction to the recording and reproducing device, the user cannot immediately receive a response, so that the waiting time occurs. In this waiting time, an in-operation reproduction section of control part, outputs a moving image, voice or an image recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk, to an external monitor etc. Thereby recording processing and reproduction processing are performed in parallel. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of recording and reproducing moving images or sounds, and more particularly, to a recording / reproducing apparatus having a function relating to a user waiting time that occurs during execution of various processes.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital recording / reproducing apparatuses such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) recorder or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) recorder are widely used as apparatuses for recording and reproducing moving images or sounds processed in an image apparatus such as a television. It is popular. These recording / playback apparatuses accept various instructions from the user and execute processing (for example, recording processing) according to the instructions. In this case, a waiting time of several seconds to several tens of seconds may occur between the time when the instruction is received and the time when the processing is completed due to a hardware performance limit or the like.

  For example, it takes time to read recorded data from an optical disk or HDD such as a DVD medium, convert the read data into video data or audio data, and output the converted data on an output device such as a television monitor (= loading time) ) Corresponds to this. When such a waiting time occurs, the user cannot immediately obtain a response even if the user gives an instruction to the apparatus until the processing is completed.

  In relation to the above-described problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a playback apparatus that can specifically indicate a waiting time from a data playback request until playback is actually started. The reproducing apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a reproducing unit that reproduces information from a recording medium, a unit that calculates a time from when a recording medium to be reproduced is designated until reproduction by the reproducing unit starts, and a calculated time. Display means for displaying.

  According to the reproduction apparatus of Patent Document 1, the waiting time from the data reproduction request to the actual reproduction can be specifically indicated by time. For this reason, user operability can be improved.

  Further, in relation to the above problem, Patent Document 2 discloses a drive device intended to make it easy for the user to understand the display of the operation status and the status of the recording medium by devising the display form. ing. The drive device of Patent Document 2 analyzes the data reading operation status from the recording medium and generates analysis information for generating display data. Based on the analysis information, the display data that can be presented with the data reading operation status and subjected to the display effect process is displayed.

According to the drive device of Patent Document 2, the user can understand the operation status in an easy-to-understand manner by devising the display form. For example, misinterpretation of the operation status is eliminated even during the waiting time until the desired display content is displayed. Further, as the display effect process, by changing the form or color of the image displayed on the display unit or the display state (flashing / lighting, etc.), it is possible to promote the above effect and realize a display that is easy for the user to understand.
JP-A-10-283718 JP 2002-207811 A

  However, in the devices disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, in the user's waiting time until the predetermined processing is completed, the user is notified of the operation status of the device and the waiting time until the processing is completed. Although it is possible to reproduce a moving image or sound, the user is bored as a result.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording / reproducing apparatus that allows a user to spend a waiting time without being bored in the time until the apparatus that receives an instruction from the user completes various processes. There is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the hard disk-equipped DVD recorder of the present invention includes a hard disk for recording moving images, sounds and images, and a reproduction for reading out the moving images, sounds or images recorded on the hard disk and outputting them to a display device. A hard disk-equipped DVD recorder comprising: a means for accepting an instruction from the outside; and a process from when the accepting means accepts a predetermined instruction to a process based on the instruction being completed In-process playback means for outputting moving images, sounds, or images by the playback means at medium time, and priority data recording means for recording moving images, sounds, or images preferentially output by the in-process playback means Specifying the order for outputting the moving image, sound, or image to the in-process playback means And priority data designating means for designating the video, audio or image to be preferentially output regardless of the output order with respect to the order designating means, and the video and audio designated by the priority data designating means. Or a duplicating unit for recording an image in the priority data recording unit, and a type designating unit for designating which type of data, moving image, audio or image, is output to the in-process reproducing unit. And when the in-process reproduction means outputs the sound recorded in the hard disk or the priority data recording means, and outputs the image associated with the sound in advance, and the in-process When the reproducing means outputs the moving image recorded on the hard disk or the priority data recording means, the moving image is recorded on the hard disk as an output moving image. Is characterized highlight videos created, or a using a commercial video extracted by the commercial cutting function by extracting a portion in a moving.

  According to this, when the hard disk-mounted DVD recorder receives a predetermined instruction, for example, a recording start instruction, the control unit is currently processing in the waiting time of the user from when the instruction is received until recording is completed. The playback unit outputs the moving image, sound, or image recorded on the hard disk to an external monitor or the like. Thereby, the recording process and the reproduction process are performed in parallel. The hard disk also has a standby reproduction data storage area for recording data that the user particularly wants to view during the waiting time. Data stored in the standby reproduction data storage area is preferentially used as reproduction data when the reproduction unit in process performs reproduction processing. The control unit also includes an order specifying unit. The order designating unit is a functional unit that designates which data is to be played back in what order when the in-process playback unit performs playback processing. The control unit includes a priority data specifying unit and a duplicating unit. The priority data designating unit is a functional unit for designating priority data that is data to be reproduced with the highest priority by the in-process reproducing unit with respect to the order designating unit. The order designating unit that has received the designation of the priority data from the priority data designating unit sets the designated priority data at the top of the stored reproduction order. The duplication unit is a functional unit for duplicating the priority data designated by the priority data designation unit with respect to the order designation unit from the hard disk to the standby reproduction data storage area. The control unit also includes a type designation unit. The type designation unit is a functional unit that designates which type of data is preferentially reproduced to the in-process reproduction unit when the in-process reproduction unit performs reproduction processing. The in-process playback unit, which is instructed to play music data by the type designation unit, also plays back image data associated with music data in advance when playing back music data. Further, the in-process playback unit instructed to play back the moving image performs playback using highlight data or CM data as moving image data to be played back.

  In order to achieve the above object, a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention comprises a recording means for recording moving images, sounds and images, a reproducing means for reading out moving images, sounds or images from the recording means and outputting them to a display device, A recording / reproducing apparatus including an accepting unit that accepts an instruction from the outside, and during a processing time from when the accepting unit accepts a predetermined instruction set in advance until the process based on the instruction is completed, In-process playback means for outputting moving images, sounds, or images by the playback means is provided.

  According to this, when the recording / reproducing apparatus receives a predetermined instruction, for example, a recording start instruction, a writing time (= in-process time) from when the instruction is received until recording is completed occurs. During this time, even if the user sends an instruction to the recording / reproducing apparatus, a response cannot be obtained immediately, and a waiting time occurs. During this waiting time, the in-process reproduction unit (= in-process reproduction unit) included in the control unit displays the moving image, sound, or image recorded in the storage medium (= recording unit) such as a hard disk on an external monitor or the like (= Output to the display device. Thereby, the recording process and the reproduction process are performed in parallel.

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising priority data recording means for recording a moving image, sound or image preferentially output by the in-process reproducing means. .

  According to this, a standby reproduction data storage area (= priority data recording means) for recording data that the user particularly wants to view during the waiting time is provided. Data stored in the standby reproduction data storage area is preferentially used as reproduction data when the reproduction unit in process performs reproduction processing. The standby reproduction data storage area may be provided in a storage medium such as a hard disk provided in the recording / reproduction apparatus, or may be provided in a temporary storage medium such as a memory. Alternatively, a configuration provided in an external recording medium such as a network drive may be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that it includes an order designating unit for designating the order in which moving images, sounds, or images are output to the in-process reproducing unit. .

  According to this, the control unit included in the recording / reproducing apparatus includes an order specifying unit (= order specifying means). The order designating unit is a functional unit that designates which data is to be played back in what order when the in-process playback unit performs playback processing. The designation performed by the order designating unit is performed based on various instructions received from the user on the setting screen provided in the in-process playback function of the present invention.

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention has priority data designating means for designating video, audio, or images to be preferentially output regardless of the output order with respect to the order designating means. And a duplicating means for recording the moving picture, sound or image designated by the priority data designation means in the priority data recording means.

  According to this, the control unit included in the recording / reproducing apparatus includes a priority data designation unit (= priority data designation unit) and a duplication unit (= duplication unit). The priority data designating unit is a functional unit for designating priority data that is data to be reproduced with the highest priority by the in-process reproducing unit with respect to the order designating unit. The order designating unit that has received the designation of the priority data from the priority data designating unit sets the designated priority data at the top of the stored reproduction order. The duplication unit is a functional unit for duplicating the priority data designated by the priority data designation unit with respect to the order designation unit from the hard disk to the standby reproduction data storage area. When the remaining capacity of the standby reproduction data storage area is small, the control unit can prohibit the processing of the duplicating unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention further comprises a type designating unit for designating whether to output data of moving image, audio or image to the in-process reproducing unit. It is characterized by that.

  According to this, the control unit included in the recording / reproducing apparatus includes a type designation unit (= type designation unit). The type designation unit is a functional unit that designates which type of data is preferentially reproduced to the in-process reproduction unit when the in-process reproduction unit performs reproduction processing. The designation performed by the type designation unit is performed based on various instructions received from the user on the setting screen provided in the in-process playback function of the present invention. Specifically, one is selected from data types such as moving image data and music data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention relates to the sound in advance when the in-process reproducing means outputs the sound recorded in the recording means or the priority data recording means. It is characterized by outputting the combined images.

  According to this, the in-process reproduction unit instructed to reproduce the music data by the type designation unit also reproduces the image data associated with the music data in advance when reproducing the music data. The association between the music data and the image data is performed based on various instructions received from the user on the setting screen provided in the in-process playback function of the present invention.

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention provides a moving image to be output when the in-process reproducing unit outputs a moving image recorded in the recording unit or the priority data recording unit. A partial moving image created by extracting a part of the moving image recorded in the recording means or a commercial moving image extracted from the moving image recorded in the recording means is used.

  According to this, the in-process reproduction unit instructed to reproduce the moving image by the type designation unit performs reproduction using highlight data (= partial moving image) or CM data (= commercial moving image) as moving image data to be reproduced. The highlight data is moving image data obtained by extracting and combining only scenes that the user particularly likes to watch from the recorded data recorded on the hard disk. CM data is moving image data of a CM portion separated from recorded data by a CM cut function or the like, for example.

  According to the present invention, when a recording / reproducing apparatus receives a predetermined instruction, for example, a recording start instruction, it is recorded on the hard disk during the waiting time of the user from when the instruction is received until recording is completed. Play a movie, sound or image. For this reason, since the user can view a moving image or the like even during the waiting time, the user can feel bored.

  According to the present invention, the data stored in the standby reproduction data storage area is preferentially reproduced by the in-process reproduction unit. Therefore, the user can designate data to be preferentially reproduced by storing in advance the video or music that the user wants to watch during the waiting time in the standby reproduction data storage area. For this reason, relaxation of a user's boredom in waiting time can be aimed at.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the in-process playback unit performs playback processing, the order specifying unit specifies the order of data to be played back. The order specifying unit determines the playback order based on instructions received from the user in advance. Therefore, the user can freely change the reproduction order of the data reproduced during the waiting time.

  Further, according to the present invention, the priority data designation unit designates priority data that is data to be reproduced with the highest priority to the order designation unit. The priority data specifying unit determines priority data based on an instruction received from the user in advance. Therefore, the user can freely change the data he / she wants to view with the highest priority during the waiting time. The priority data is duplicated in the standby reproduction data storage area by the duplication unit. This eliminates the need for the user to copy the priority data to the standby reproduction data storage area. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the work burden on the user.

  According to the present invention, when the in-process reproduction unit performs the reproduction process, the type designation unit designates the type of data to be reproduced. The type designation unit determines the reproduction type based on an instruction received from the user in advance. Therefore, the user can freely change the type of data to be preferentially reproduced during the waiting time.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the in-process reproduction unit performs the reproduction process of the music data, the image data associated with the music data in advance is also reproduced. For this reason, it is possible to effectively utilize a display device that is not used during the processing time, thereby further reducing the user's boredom.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the in-process reproduction unit performs reproduction processing of moving image data, reproduction using highlight data or CM data is performed. When highlight data is used, only a moving image that the user seems to prefer is selectively displayed, so that the user's feeling of boredom can be further reduced. Also, when CM data is used, it is possible to more efficiently view CM data that is erased after a certain period of time by the automatic erasure function. In addition, since the CM data is always accumulated, there is no moving image that is played back by the in-process playback unit, and as a result, it is possible to prevent an adverse effect that the in-process playback function does not function.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment shown here is an example and this invention is not limited to embodiment shown here.

<1. Internal configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1 (= recording / reproducing apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1 includes at least a control unit 11, a memory 12, an HDD 13, a data input unit 14, an encoder unit 15, a reproduction signal control unit 16, a data output unit 17, an optical disc drive 18, an operation button group 19, and a front panel. 20 is provided.

  The control unit 11 controls the drive of each member of the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1 to control overall image information processing, for example, recording or playback of content, and is composed of, for example, a plurality of microprocessors. Yes. The control unit 11 is a central part that controls each device (for example, the HDD 13), calculates data, processes, and the like. The control unit 11 is composed of a plurality of functional units. At least the in-process reproduction unit 11a (= in-process reproduction unit), the instruction reception unit 11b (= reception unit), the order designation unit 11c (= order designation unit), and priority. The data designation unit 11d (= priority data designation unit), the duplication unit 11e (= duplication unit), and the type designation unit 11f (= type designation unit) are configured. Details of each functional unit will be described later.

  The memory 12 is a medium for temporarily recording various data held by the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1, and is composed of, for example, a writable RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 12 has a role as a buffer memory for temporarily recording, for example, processing data when various kinds of information processing are performed by the control unit 11 and instruction commands received from the user.

  The HDD 13 (= recording means) is a magnetic recording medium for recording video recording data held by the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1 or user favorite data. The HDD 13 is divided into a plurality of areas (= partitions), and it is more desirable to record by area according to the type of data to be recorded. The HDD 13 includes at least a recording data recording area 13a, a highlight data (= partial moving picture) recording area 13b, a CM data (= commercial moving picture) recording area 13c, an audio data recording area 13d, an image data recording area 13e, and a standby reproduction data recording. The area 13f (= priority data recording means) is included. Details of each recording area will be described later.

  The data input unit 14 is an input interface for inputting digital data from an external device such as a digital tuner. For example, when inputting analog data, analog moving image data and audio data can be converted into digital data and input using an A / D converter (Analog Digital Converter).

  The encoder unit 15 compresses moving image data using a moving image compression method such as MPEG2, and compresses audio data using a sound compression method such as Dolby AC-3 or LPCM. Note that the data to be compressed is, for example, moving image data and audio data input from the data input unit 14. In addition, when the input moving image data is already compressed by any compression method, it is possible not to perform encoding.

  The reproduction signal control unit 16 expands the moving image data and audio data compressed by the encoder unit 15 and the like to generate an image signal or an audio signal. The generated various signals are output to an external device using, for example, a data output unit 17 described later.

  The data output unit 17 is an output interface for outputting moving image data and audio data to an external device such as a monitor. For example, when the output destination device has only an analog interface, digital video data and audio data can be converted into analog data and output using a D / A converter (Digital Analog Converter). .

  The optical disk drive 18 is an optical device for recording an optical disk such as a CD medium or a DVD medium and optically reading or writing various data on the optical disk. Since there are a plurality of standards for optical disks, various processes (recording, reproduction, etc.) cannot be performed unless an optical disk according to the standards of the optical disk drive 18 is used.

  The operation button group 19 is an input interface for the user to perform various instructions such as program recording and recording reservation to the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1. The instruction output from the operation button group 19 is received by the control unit 11. Upon receiving the instruction, the control unit 11 performs various processes based on the content of the instruction. The front panel 20 displays various information of the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1 to the user.

<2. About the configuration of the function section>

  Here, the relationship between the functional units constituting the in-process playback function of the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the in-process playback function of the present invention includes at least the in-process playback unit 11a, the command receiving unit 11b, the order specifying unit 11c, the priority data specifying unit 11d, the duplicating unit 11e, and the type specification provided in the control unit 11. Unit 11f, recording data recording area 13a, highlight data recording area 13b, CM data recording area 13c, audio data recording area 13d, image data recording area 13e, standby reproduction data recording area 13f provided in HDD 13, and data output Part 17.

  The in-process playback unit 11a receives a start command for a predetermined process (for example, dubbing process) determined by the control unit 11 from a command receiving unit 11b, which will be described later, and completes the process (= in process) Time), various data (for example, highlight data, CM data, etc.) recorded in the HDD 13 are output using the data output unit 17.

  The command receiving unit 11b receives various commands (for example, a recording start command, a playback start command, etc.) generated by the user operating the operation button group 19 and the like, and each command is assigned to each function based on the content of the received command. Have a role to communicate to the department.

  The order designating unit 11c determines the reproduction order (= output order) of data reproduced by the in-process reproduction unit 11a when the in-process reproduction unit 11a performs the data output process (= reproduction process) using the data output unit 17. specify. The reproduction order is designated based on various instructions received from the user on various setting menu screens to be described later.

  The priority data designation unit 11d designates data (= priority data) to be preferentially reproduced regardless of the reproduction order to the order designation unit 11c and the duplication unit 11e. Receiving the designation, the order designating unit 11c sets priority data at the top of the reproduction order held in advance. However, when other priority data has already been set, the reproduction order of a plurality of priority data is determined according to a predetermined rule (for example, in order of set date and time).

  The duplication unit 11e accepts designation of priority data from the priority data designation unit 11d, and duplicates the designated priority data in the standby reproduction data recording area 13f. If there is a possibility that the usable area of the HDD 13 is insufficient due to the function of the duplicating unit 11e, it is desirable to prohibit the processing of the duplicating unit 11e. For example, when the usable area of the HDD 13 falls below a predetermined amount, the control unit 11 may prohibit the processing of the duplicating unit 11e.

  The type designation unit 11f designates to the in-process reproduction unit 11a which type of data is preferentially reproduced when the in-process reproduction unit 11a performs the reproduction process. The designation of the type to be preferentially reproduced is performed based on an instruction received from the user on a priority order setting screen described later. Specifically, the type is set by accepting selection of highlight data, CM data, or music data. However, if the designated type of data is not recorded in the HDD 13, it is desirable that even the data of the type not selected is to be reproduced.

  The recorded data recording area 13a is an area for recording image data and audio data input from the data input unit 14 or read from the optical disk (not shown) by the optical disk drive 18.

  The highlight data recording area 13b is for extracting a part of the recorded data recorded in the recorded data recording area 13a and recording the highlight data (= partial moving image) created by combining the extracted partial data. It is an area. The highlight data is created by extracting and combining only scenes whose volume exceeds a predetermined reference value in a sports program, for example. For example, in the case of a soccer game, the highlight data includes only a relatively loud scene such as a scoring scene. For this reason, the user can efficiently view only a scene that is assumed to have a high degree of attention.

  The CM data recording area 13c is an area for recording CM data extracted from the recorded data by the CM cut function or manually. The CM data is normally deleted by a data deletion unit (not shown) after a predetermined period has elapsed since it was created. For this reason, the usable area of the HDD 13 can be efficiently utilized.

  The audio data recording area 13d is an area for recording audio data such as WAV format and MP3 format, or music data. The data recorded in this area is read by the in-process playback unit 11a and output from the data output unit 17 in accordance with the playback order specified by the order specifying unit 11c.

  The image data recording area 13e is an area for recording image data in the BMP format, the JPG format, or the like. The data recorded in this area is read and reproduced together when the associated audio data is reproduced by the in-process reproduction unit 11a.

  The standby reproduction data recording area 13f is an area for recording data (= favorite data) to be preferentially reproduced by the in-process reproduction unit 11a. The favorite data may be any type of data such as moving image data, audio data, or image data. Further, the data duplicated by the duplicating unit 11e is also recorded in the standby reproduction data recording area 13f. The data recorded in the standby reproduction data recording area 13f is reproduced with the highest priority when the in-process reproduction unit 11a performs the reproduction process.

<3. Settings screen>
Here, various setting screens generated by an on-screen display (OSD) generation unit (not shown) regarding the in-process playback function of the present invention will be described with reference to the screen diagrams of FIGS.

  4 to 8 are examples of setting screens related to the in-process playback function generated by the OSD generation unit provided in the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a main screen of the setting screen. In this screen, an instruction to select which setting is to be performed from among the priority order setting, highlight reproduction setting, CM reproduction setting, and music / image reproduction setting is received from the user.

  FIG. 5 is a priority order setting screen displayed when priority order setting is selected on the main screen of FIG. On the priority order setting screen, the in-process playback unit 11a receives an instruction as to which playback processing is to be preferentially performed among highlight playback, CM playback, and music / image playback. The accepted instruction is notified to the type designation unit 11f.

  FIG. 6A is a highlight playback setting screen displayed when “highlight playback setting” is selected on the main screen of FIG. Highlight reproduction is a reproduction method in which the in-process reproduction unit 11a preferentially reproduces highlight data recorded in the highlight data recording area 13b. In the highlight reproduction setting screen, when the in-process reproduction unit 11a performs highlight reproduction, an instruction to select which method to perform favorite reproduction or normal reproduction is accepted. Favorite reproduction is a reproduction method in which favorite highlight data designated in advance by the user is preferentially reproduced. Normal playback is a playback method in which playback is performed in a predetermined order (for example, order of recording date and time) regardless of favorite highlight data designated by the user.

  When an instruction to select “1. Favorite playback” is received in FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B is displayed. FIG. 6B is a screen displaying a list of highlight data recorded in the highlight data recording area 13b. On this screen, the user can designate highlight data (= favorite data) to be preferentially reproduced by the in-process reproduction unit 11a.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, highlight data designated as favorite data is distinguished from other highlight data by adding a * mark. The title of the favorite data is notified to the priority data specifying unit 11d. Various instructions received in FIGS. 6A and 6B are notified to the order specifying unit 11c.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 6B, the in-process reproducing unit 11a that has received instructions from the order specifying unit 11c and the priority data specifying unit 11d first reproduces the highlight data 2, and then reproduces the highlight data 4. To do. As a result, the reproduction of the favorite data is completed. Next, the highlight data 1, the highlight data 3, and the highlight data 5 are reproduced in this order.

  FIG. 7A is a CM playback setting screen displayed when “CM playback setting” is selected on the main screen of FIG. The CM reproduction is a reproduction method in which the in-process reproduction unit 11a preferentially reproduces the CM data recorded in the CM data recording area 13c. On the CM playback setting screen, when the in-process playback unit 11a performs CM playback, an instruction to select whether to use favorite playback or normal playback is accepted. Note that the contents of normal playback and favorite playback are the same as those of highlight playback, and will not be described here.

  When an instruction to select “1. Favorite playback” is received in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B is displayed. FIG. 7B shows a screen displaying a list of CM data recorded in the CM data recording area 13c. On this screen, the user can designate CM data (= favorite data) to be preferentially reproduced by the in-process reproduction unit 11a.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the CM data designated as favorite data is marked with a ★ mark to be distinguished from other CM data. The title of the favorite data is notified to the priority data specifying unit 11d. In addition, the various instructions received in FIGS. 7A and 7B are notified to the order specifying unit 11c.

  FIG. 8 is a music / image reproduction setting screen displayed when “music / image reproduction setting” is selected on the main screen of FIG. On the music / image reproduction setting screen, the reproduction order of the music data reproduced by the in-process reproduction unit 11a and the image data associated with each music data are displayed. The associated image data is reproduced together with the music data. However, if any image or moving image has already been reproduced on a display device (not shown), the image data is not reproduced.

  In the music / image playback setting screen of FIG. 8, designation of the playback order of music data and selection of image data associated with the music data are accepted. The received various instructions are notified to the order specifying unit 11c. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the music data “MUSIC5” and the image data “image 1” are played back simultaneously, and then the music data “MUSIC3” and the image data “image 2” are played back simultaneously.

<4. About processing flow>
Here, the processing flow of the in-process playback function provided in the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagrams of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the in-process reproduction process of the present invention. This process is started when the control unit 11 detects an execution start command for a predetermined process (for example, a dubbing process). In the present embodiment, the dubbing process (data copying process from the HDD to the DVD medium or the like) is described as an example of the predetermined process, but other processes (for example, reproduction process, data recording process, etc.) are described. ), The processing by the in-process playback function of the present invention may be performed.

  In step S110, the control unit 11 that has detected the execution start command for the dubbing process checks in advance whether or not the in-process playback function is set to be valid. The in-process playback function valid / invalid setting may be a method that is set for the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1, that is, a method that is valid for all predetermined processes if the setting is valid. Alternatively, the method may be set individually for each process.

  First, a case will be described in which it is determined in step S110 that the in-process playback function is not set to be valid. In this case, after performing the dubbing process, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S190 to notify the completion of the dubbing process and ends this process.

  Next, a case where it is determined in step S110 that the in-process playback function is set to be effective will be described. In this case, in step S120, the control unit 11 determines whether moving image data or audio data exists in the standby reproduction data recording area 13f. Here, first, a process when it is determined that data exists in the standby reproduction data recording area 13f will be described.

  If it is determined in step S120 that there is data in the standby reproduction data recording area 13f, the in-process reproduction unit 11a reproduces various data recorded in the standby reproduction data recording area 13f in step S210. Start. When there are a plurality of types of data in the standby reproduction data recording area 13f, reproduction is performed in accordance with, for example, a predetermined priority (for example, highlight data has the highest priority over CM data). Further, for example, the reproduction may be performed in a random order.

  Next, in step S220, the control unit 11 determines whether the dubbing process being executed has been completed. If it is determined that the dubbing process has not been completed, the process returns to step S210, and the reproduction process by the in-process reproduction unit 11a is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined that the dubbing process has been completed, the in-process reproducing unit 11a stops reproducing various data recorded in the standby reproduction data recording area 13f in step 230. Next, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S190 to notify the completion of the dubbing process, and ends this process.

  Returning to step S120, a process when it is determined that no data exists in the standby reproduction data recording area 13f will be described. In this case, in step S130, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the type designation unit 11b designates the in-process reproduction unit 11a to preferentially reproduce music data. Note that the type specified by the type specifying unit 11b is determined based on a command received on the priority order setting screen shown in FIG. If it is determined that the music data is preferentially reproduced, the process proceeds to step S140. If not specified, the process proceeds to step S310. Here, first, a process when music data is designated to be preferentially reproduced will be described.

  If it is determined in step S130 that the type designation unit 11b designates music data to be preferentially reproduced, the in-process reproduction unit 11a is recorded in the music data recording area 13d in step S140. Start playing the music data. At this time, the in-process reproducing unit 11a reproduces the music data in the order specified by the order specifying unit 11c. The order specified by the order specifying unit 11c is determined based on a command received from the user on the music / image playback setting screen shown in FIG.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the process being executed (dubbing process in the present embodiment) is a process involving a moving image or image reproduction process using the data output unit 17. If it is determined that the process is not accompanied by a moving image or image reproduction process, the in-process reproduction unit 11a reproduces the image data associated with the music data being reproduced in step S160. On the other hand, if it is determined that the process involves a reproduction process, the in-process reproduction unit 11a cannot reproduce the image data, and thus the process proceeds to the next step S170.

  Note that the image data associated with the music data is determined based on a command received from the user on the music / image playback setting screen shown in FIG. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, when the music data “MUSIC5” is reproduced, the associated “image 1” is also reproduced.

  Next, in step S170, the control unit 11 determines whether the dubbing process being executed has been completed. If it is determined that the dubbing process has not been completed, the process returns to step S140, and the reproduction process by the in-process reproduction unit 11a is continued. Conversely, if it is determined that the dubbing process has been completed, the in-process playback unit 11a stops the playback of the audio data and image data being played back in step S180. Next, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S190 to notify the completion of the dubbing process, and ends this process.

  Returning to step S130, description will be given of processing in a case where it is determined that the type designation unit 11b has not designated the in-process reproduction unit 11a to preferentially reproduce music data. In this case, in step S310, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the type designation unit 11b designates the in-process reproduction unit 11a to preferentially reproduce highlight data. Here, first, a process when the highlight data is designated to be preferentially reproduced will be described.

  If it is determined in step S310 that the type designation unit 11b designates the in-process reproduction unit 11a to preferentially reproduce the highlight data, the in-process reproduction unit 11a in step S320 The reproduction of the highlight data recorded in the highlight data recording area 13b is started. At this time, the in-process reproducing unit 11a reproduces the highlight data in the order specified by the order specifying unit 11c. Note that the order designated by the order designation unit 11c is determined based on the command received from the user on the highlight reproduction setting screen shown in FIG. 6 and the instruction from the priority data designation unit 11d.

  Next, in step S330, the control unit 11 determines whether the dubbing process being executed has been completed. If it is determined that the dubbing process has not been completed, the process returns to step S320, and the reproduction process by the in-process reproduction unit 11a is continued. Conversely, if it is determined that the dubbing process has been completed, the in-process playback unit 11a stops the playback of the highlight data being played back in step S340. Next, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S190 to notify the completion of the dubbing process, and ends this process.

  Returning to step S310, description will be given of processing in a case where it is determined that the type designation unit 11b has not designated the in-process reproduction unit 11a to preferentially reproduce highlight data. In this case, the control unit 11 starts reproducing the CM data recorded in the CM data recording area 13c in step S410. At this time, the in-process reproducing unit 11a reproduces the CM data in the order specified by the order specifying unit 11c. The order designated by the order designation unit 11c is determined based on the command received on the CM playback setting screen shown in FIG. 7 and the instruction from the priority data designation unit 11d.

  Next, in step S420, the control unit 11 determines whether the dubbing process being executed has been completed. If it is determined that the dubbing process has not been completed, the process returns to step S410, and the reproduction process by the in-process reproduction unit 11a is continued. If it is determined that the dubbing process has been completed, the in-process reproducing unit 11a stops the reproduction of the CM data being reproduced in step S430. Next, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S190 to notify the completion of the dubbing process, and ends this process.

[Other embodiments]
The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments and examples. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea. be able to.

Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to the following embodiments.
(A) In the present embodiment, as an example of the target data output by the in-process playback unit 11a, a moving image and music (images are only associated with music) have been described as examples. However, other data may be output. For example, an image may be output as a single object. Alternatively, the text information generated by the OSD generation unit, for example, the text information indicating the breaking news received by data communication, may be output.

  (B) In the present embodiment, the dubbing process has been described as an example of the predetermined process in which the in-process playback unit 11a performs the playback process. However, the reproduction process by the in-process reproduction unit 11a may be performed during the user waiting time that occurs in other processes. For example, the in-process playback unit 11a may perform the playback process during a seek time when a DVD media playback start instruction is received, a recording time when a DVD media recording instruction is received, or the like.

  (C) In this embodiment, the standby reproduction data recording area 13f is provided in the HDD 13 as an example. However, the standby reproduction data recording area 13f may be provided in a recording medium other than the HDD 13. For example, a form provided in the memory 12 or a form provided in another hard disk different from the HDD 13 may be used.

  (D) In this embodiment, various function units related to the in-process playback function are realized by executing a program on an arithmetic processing unit such as a microprocessor, but the various function units are realized by a plurality of circuits. It may be a form.

  (E) In the present embodiment, the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1 has been described as a specific example of the recording / reproducing apparatus. However, even if the in-process reproducing function of the present invention is used in other recording / reproducing apparatuses, the same applies. An effect can be obtained. For example, a form used in an HDD recorder, a DVD recorder, a DV recorder, a personal computer, a digital video camera, or a mobile phone may be used.

  (F) In the present embodiment, highlight data and CM data have been described as examples of moving images to be output by the in-process playback unit 11a, but moving images other than these may be output. For example, a form extracted from DVD media (such as a preview video of a movie included as a bonus video) or a broadcast (such as breaking news) input from the data input unit 14 may be output.

  (G) In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the control unit 11 and the HDD 13 are provided inside the HDD-equipped DVD recorder 1 has been described as an example. However, some or all of the functional units included in the control unit 11 and the HDD 13 are included. It may be realized by an external device connected via a network. For example, the standby reproduction data recording area 13f is provided in a shared recording medium (network drive or the like) existing on the network, and recording and reading to / from the standby reproduction data recording area 13f from a plurality of HDD-equipped DVD recorders 1 are performed. The form which can be performed may be sufficient.

  (H) In the present embodiment, the time from the start to completion of a predetermined process has been described as an example of the timing at which the in-process playback unit 11a performs the playback process. However, the reproduction process by the in-process reproduction unit 11a may be performed in a so-called silent state such as when the setting screen generated by the OSD generation unit is displayed on the monitor at other timings. However, in this case, since the information generated by the OSD generation unit is already displayed on the monitor, it is desirable that the data reproduced by the in-process reproduction unit 11a is limited to only audio data. However, it is also conceivable that the OSD generation unit does not display information using all the monitors and the displayable area exists in a partial area on the monitor. In this case, the processing playback unit 11a may perform a reduced playback of a moving image using the displayable area.

These are functional block diagrams which show the structure of the function part with which the recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is provided. These are the block diagrams which show the recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. These are the flowcharts which showed the processing flow of the reproduction | regeneration function in process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. These are screen figures which show the setting screen of the in-process reproduction | regeneration function which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. These are screen figures which show the setting screen of the in-process reproduction | regeneration function which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. These are screen figures which show the setting screen of the in-process reproduction | regeneration function which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. These are screen figures which show the setting screen of the in-process reproduction | regeneration function which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. These are screen figures which show the setting screen of the in-process reproduction | regeneration function which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 HDD-equipped DVD recorder (recording and playback device)
11 Control unit 11a In-process reproduction unit (in-process reproduction unit)
11b Command receiving part (receiving means)
11c Order designation part (order designation means)
11d Priority data designation part (priority data designation means)
11e Duplicating part (duplicating means)
11f Type designation part (type designation means)
13 HDD (recording means)
13f Standby reproduction data recording area (priority data recording means)
17 Data output section

Claims (8)

A hard disk for recording video, audio and images;
Reproducing means for reading out the moving image, sound or image recorded on the hard disk and outputting it to a display device;
Accepting means for accepting external instructions;
A DVD recorder equipped with a hard disk,
An in-process playback means for outputting a moving image, sound, or image by the playback means during a processing time from when the receiving means receives a predetermined instruction set in advance until processing based on the instructions is completed; ,
Priority data recording means for recording a moving image, sound or image preferentially output by the reproducing means during processing;
Order designating means for designating the order in which moving images, sounds or images are output to the in-process reproducing means;
Prioritized data designating means for designating video, audio, or images to be preferentially output regardless of the output order with respect to the order designating means;
A duplicating means for recording the moving picture, sound or image designated by the priority data designation means in the priority data recording means;
Type designation means for designating which type of data, moving image, audio, or image, is output to the in-process reproduction means;
With
When the in-process reproduction means outputs the sound recorded in the hard disk or the priority data recording means, and outputs an image associated with the sound in advance;
A highlight created by extracting a part of the moving image recorded on the hard disk as the moving image to be output when the in-process reproduction unit outputs the moving image recorded on the hard disk or the priority data recording unit. Using a movie or a commercial movie extracted by the commercial cut function;
A DVD recorder with a hard disk. Recording means for recording moving images, sounds and images;
Reproduction means for reading out a moving image, sound, or image from the recording means and outputting it to a display device;
Accepting means for accepting external instructions;
A recording / reproducing apparatus comprising:
An in-process playback means for outputting a moving image, sound, or image by the playback means during a processing time from when the receiving means receives a predetermined instruction in advance until processing based on the instruction is completed; A recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: 3. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising priority data recording means for recording a moving image, sound or image preferentially output by the reproducing means during processing. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: an order designating unit that designates an order in which moving images, sounds, or images are output to the in-process reproducing unit. Prioritized data designating means for designating video, audio, or images to be preferentially output regardless of the output order with respect to the order designating means;
A duplicating means for recording the moving picture, sound or image designated by the priority data designation means in the priority data recording means;
The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: 6. The type designation means for designating which type of video, audio, or image data is to be output to the in-process reproduction means. The recording / reproducing apparatus as described. 3. The in-process reproduction unit outputs an image associated with the audio in advance when outputting the audio recorded in the recording unit or the priority data recording unit. Item 7. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of Items 6 to 7. When the in-process reproduction unit outputs the moving image recorded in the recording unit or the priority data recording unit, it is created by extracting a part of the moving image recorded in the recording unit as the moving image to be output. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a partial moving image or a commercial moving image extracted from a moving image recorded in the recording unit is used.

Images