JPWO2008047418A1 - Information reproducing apparatus and information reproducing method having high-performance resume function - Google Patents

Abstract

The information reproducing device (1) generates resume information for each user and for each content data, and stores it in the server computer (12). Then, the information reproducing apparatus (1) identifies the current user, identifies the content data to be resumed, and acquires resume information corresponding to the user and corresponding to the content data from the server computer 12. Based on the resume information, the content data is resumed. This realizes a high-performance resume function that works for each user and each content data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing video / audio content data such as a movie work recorded on an optical disc, for example.

  Currently, DVD-ROM (read only DVD) is widely used as a recording medium for supplying movie works to individuals or homes. The recording capacity of a DVD-ROM with one recording layer is 4.7 gigabytes. This recording capacity is just enough for recording video / audio content data corresponding to one movie work by compressing it with MPEG information compression technology. A consumer purchases a DVD-ROM on which one movie is recorded, plays the content data recorded on the DVD-ROM with an information playback device such as a DVD player at home, and views the movie.

  Incidentally, some information reproducing apparatuses have a resume function. The resume function is a function for storing how far the previous playback has been performed, and starting playback from the point where the previous playback was interrupted when the next playback is performed. In order to realize the resume function, resume information indicating how much has been reproduced is stored in a memory built in the information reproducing apparatus. The resume information is, for example, a logical address on the DVD-ROM indicating a position where reproduction is stopped.

  Many of the information reproducing apparatuses that are currently popular only store resume information indicating how far the DVD-ROM that is currently installed in the information reproducing apparatus has been reproduced. That is, only one resume information is stored.

  However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-142610, when the recording medium is a magneto-optical disk or a memory card, resume information is generated for each of a plurality of content data (works) recorded on the recording medium. A technique for recording on a recording medium on which data is recorded is described.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-77257 discloses a technique for generating resume information for each of a plurality of viewers when a recording medium is a recordable optical disc, and recording these on a recording medium on which content data is recorded. Is described.

JP 2005-142610 A JP 2003-77257 A

  Currently, development of a removable read-only disk having a recording capacity (several hundred gigabytes) about 20 to 100 times that of a DVD is in progress. This read-only disc can record hundreds of movie works.

  If such a read-only disc is realized, for example, 200 representative works of Japanese movies can be selected and recorded on one read-only disc and sold as one product. Alternatively, it is possible to record all the movie works in which a certain famous actress appears on one read-only disc and sell it as one product. In addition, it becomes possible to manufacture and sell a single read-only disc or the like that records the entire story of a drama work broadcast continuously on television.

  It is expected that the usage form of the read-only disc on which such a large number of movie works are recorded is different from the usage form of the DVD-ROM on which one movie is recorded. That is, the DVD-ROM on which one movie is recorded is mainly used by one individual. However, read-only discs on which a large number of movie works are recorded will be used in more than one form.

  Since a DVD-ROM in which one movie is recorded is mainly used by one individual, a simple resume function is sufficient for the information reproducing apparatus. That is, for the content data of one movie work recorded on the DVD-ROM currently mounted on the information reproducing apparatus, the position where one individual has reproduced the previous time is stored, and the next position when it is reproduced next time It is sufficient to be able to start playback from.

  On the other hand, read-only discs on which a large number of movie works are recorded are often used by a plurality of persons. Therefore, it is desired that the information reproducing apparatus has a more advanced resume function.

  That is, a plurality of people may view a plurality of movie works recorded on a read-only disc. In this case, for example, among the movie works recorded on the read-only disc, there are three movie works being watched by a user, four movie works being watched by another user, and another use. There may be a situation where there are two movie works being watched by a person.

  For this reason, it is desired to store the position reproduced last time for each of a plurality of content data (movie works) so that the reproduction can be started from the next position when the next reproduction is performed. Further, it is desirable to store the position reproduced last time for each user (viewer) so that the reproduction can be started from the next position when the next reproduction is performed.

  In this way, when a read-only disc on which a large number of movie works are recorded has become popular, it is possible to provide an information reproducing apparatus with a resume function that works for each of a plurality of content data and for each of a plurality of users. desired.

  Furthermore, in order to realize such a resume function, the following new technology is required.

  In other words, when the resume function is activated for each of a plurality of content data and for each of a plurality of users, the previous playback status (viewing status) of the plurality of content data recorded on the read-only disc is presented to the user in an easy-to-understand manner. Technology to do is necessary.

  The read-only disk is a removable recording medium. Therefore, the user can view a movie work recorded on one read-only disc with a plurality of information reproducing apparatuses. For example, a user can not only mount a read-only disc on an information playback device at home to watch a movie work, but also mount the same read-only disc on another information playback device at a friend's house. You can also watch movies. In this case, it is desired that the resume reproduction of the movie work viewed by the user halfway through the information reproduction apparatus at home is realized by the information reproduction apparatus at the user's friend's house. Therefore, a new technique for realizing such a resume function is necessary. If the recording medium on which the movie work is recorded is a recordable recording medium, such a resume function can be realized by recording resume information on the recording medium. However, in the case of a read-only disc, this is not possible because information cannot be recorded on the disc.

  Moreover, since a huge number of movie works can be recorded on one read-only disc, a situation can occur that the same movie work is recorded on different read-only discs. For example, it is easy for the same movie work to exist on a read-only disc on which 200 representative movies of Japanese movies are recorded and on a read-only disc on which all of the movie works in which a famous Japanese actress appears. Conceivable. In such a case, it is necessary to consider how to use the resume function for the same work on different disks. In such a case, a new technology that makes the resume function work is necessary.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information reproducing apparatus having a high-performance resume function that works for each of a plurality of content data and for each of a plurality of users. An information reproducing method and a computer program are provided.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information reproducing apparatus of the present invention is an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on a removable recording medium on which a plurality of content data is recorded, and serves as a reference for a resume reproduction start position. Resume information generating means for generating resume information indicating a position or a resume reproduction start position for each of a plurality of management sections and for each of a plurality of content data, and outputting the resume information generated by the resume information generating means to a storage device Resume information output means, management classification identifying means for identifying one management classification of the plurality of management classifications, content data identification means for identifying one content data of the plurality of content data, and the management It corresponds to one management category identified by the category identification means, and Resume information acquisition means for acquiring the resume information corresponding to one piece of content data identified by the content data identification means, and a resume reproduction start position based on the resume information acquired by the resume information acquisition means And reproduction control means for starting reproduction of one content data identified by the content data identification means from the resume reproduction start position.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an information reproducing method according to the present invention is an information reproducing method for reproducing information recorded on a removable recording medium on which a plurality of content data is recorded, and a reference for a resume reproduction start position. Resume information generating step for generating resume information indicating the position or resume playback start position for each of a plurality of management sections and for each of a plurality of content data, and outputting the resume information generated in the resume information generating step to a storage device A resume information output step, a management category identification step for identifying one management category of the plurality of management categories, a content data identification step for identifying one content data of the plurality of content data, Corresponds to one management category identified in the management category identification process, and the previous A resume information acquisition step for acquiring the resume information corresponding to one piece of content data identified in the content data identification step from the storage device, and a resume reproduction start position based on the resume information acquired in the resume information acquisition step And a reproduction control step of starting reproduction of the one piece of content data determined in the content data identification step from the resume reproduction start position.

  In order to solve the above problems, a computer program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the information reproducing method of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view showing an information reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and several apparatuses connected thereto. It is a front view which shows the eject button arrangement | sequence of the information reproduction apparatus in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the viewing-and-listening list | wrist in the state in which the insertion restriction function is operating. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the viewing-and-listening list | wrist list in the state which the operation | movement of the insertion restriction function has stopped. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the information reproduction apparatus in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of apparatus ID information, user ID information, password information, resume information, viewing date information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the information reproduction apparatus in FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing viewing history list display processing in FIG. 8. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the information reproduction apparatus which is other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the information reproduction apparatus in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,60 Information reproduction apparatus 2,18,19 Optical disk 10 Internet 12 Server computer 31 Resume information production | generation part 32 User identification part 33 Content data identification part 34 Disc identification part 35 Resume information output part 36 Resume information acquisition part 37 Playback control part 38 List display control unit 71 History recognition unit 72 Playback position determination unit

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1. FIG. 1 shows an information reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and several apparatuses connected thereto.

  An information reproducing apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 has a function (information reproducing function) for reproducing video / audio content data of a plurality of movie works recorded on an optical disc 2, for example.

  The information reproducing apparatus 1 includes a disk mount 3 for mounting an optical disk 2. The information reproducing apparatus 1 can be operated using the remote controller 4. On the operation panel 5 of the remote controller 4, operation buttons such as a playback start button, a playback stop button, a pause button, a fast forward button, a rewind button, an arrow button, and an enter button are arranged.

  In addition, an eject button array 21 is provided on the front panel of the information reproducing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the eject button array 21 is an array of, for example, three eject buttons 22, 23, and 24. The eject buttons 22, 23, 2 can be assigned to, for example, three persons who use the information reproducing apparatus 1.

  The information reproducing apparatus 1 is connected to a display device 6 and speakers 7 and 8 incorporated in the display device 6.

  The information reproducing apparatus 1 is connected to the Internet 10 via a modem 9. As a result, the information reproducing apparatus 1 can communicate with the server computer 12 of the management center 11 connected to the Internet 10. The management center 11 is operated by, for example, a company that conducts a viewing management support business for movie works recorded on the optical disc 2.

  The optical disc 2 is a removable recording medium. In other words, the optical disc 2 can be attached to or removed from the information reproducing apparatus 1.

  The recording capacity of the optical disc 2 is several hundred gigabytes, for example. An enormous number, for example, about 200 movie works are recorded on the optical disc 2.

2. Functions of Information Reproducing Device The information reproducing device 1 has the following functions in addition to the information reproducing function.

(1) High-performance resume function The information reproducing apparatus 1 has a function (high-performance resume function) for performing resume for each user and for each content data (title).

  In general, the resume function is a function that stores how far the previous playback has been performed and starts playback from the point where the previous playback was interrupted during the next playback. The high-performance resume function of the information reproducing apparatus 1 is an improvement of the performance of the resume function.

  That is, the information reproducing apparatus 1 stores the previous reproduction amount for each user and for each content data, and when the next reproduction is performed, the previous reproduction is interrupted for each user and for each content data. However, it has a function of starting playback from the next.

  For example, the information reproducing apparatus 1 stores how far the content data of the title “AAA” has been reproduced by the user P, and the next time the user P reproduces the content data of the title “AAA”. The reproduction can be started from the next place where the person P interrupted the previous reproduction.

  Further, the information reproducing apparatus 1 stores how far the content data of the title “AAA” has been reproduced by the user Q, and when the user Q reproduces the content data of the title “AAA” next time, Reproduction can be started from the next place where the person Q interrupted the previous reproduction.

  Further, the information reproducing apparatus 1 stores how far the content data of the title “BBB” has been reproduced by the user R last time, and when the user R reproduces the content data of the title “BBB” next time, Playback can be started from the next place where the person R interrupted the previous playback.

  Note that starting the playback from the point where the previous playback was interrupted by using the high-performance resume function is called “resume playback”.

(2) Viewing History List Display Function The information reproducing apparatus 1 has a function (viewing history list display function) for displaying a viewing history list for each user.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the viewing history list. As shown in FIG. 3, the viewing history list is a list of histories of movie works that have been viewed in the past, that is, content data that has been played back in the past.

  The history includes, for example, the date and time when the movie work was viewed, the title of the movie work, and the viewing status of the movie work. The viewing status means whether the movie work has been viewed halfway or has been viewed.

  In the viewing history list, viewing date / time, title, and viewing status are posted for each movie work (content data).

  The order of the history of the movie work (content data) to be posted in the viewing history list is preferably the order in which the viewing date / time of the movie work is close to the current time (that is, the creation date / time of the viewing history list).

  The information reproducing apparatus 1 displays a viewing history list for each user. For example, the viewing history list 15 in FIG. 3 is a viewing history list of the user P.

  The information reproducing apparatus 1 displays the viewing history list immediately after the optical disc 2 is mounted on the disc mount 3. The viewing history list is displayed on the screen of the display device 6.

  In addition, you may add the thumbnail showing the content of a movie work for every movie work (content data) to a viewing history list.

(3) Posting Restriction Function The information recording apparatus 1 has a function (posting restriction function) for restricting the history of a movie work having a predetermined attribute from being posted on the viewing history list.

  The predetermined attribute is, for example, viewing prohibition under 18 years old. When the predetermined attribute is prohibition of viewing under 18 years old, the information reproducing apparatus 1 does not place a history of movie works prohibited under 18 years of age in the viewing history list.

  However, when the user inputs a password, the information reproducing apparatus 1 can stop the operation of the posting restriction function.

  The viewing history list 15 in FIG. 3 is a viewing history list in a state where the posting restriction function is operating. On the other hand, the viewing history list 16 in FIG. 4 is a viewing history list in a state where the operation of the posting restriction function is stopped.

  The movie work of the title “CCC” is a movie work that is prohibited from viewing under the age of 18. For this reason, the history of the movie work of the title “CCC” is listed in the viewing history list 16 but not in the viewing history list 15. That is, the history of the movie work with the title “CCC” is excluded from the viewing history list 15 by the posting restriction function.

(4) Network communication function The information reproducing apparatus 1 stores resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, etc. in the storage device of the server computer 12 of the management center 11, or stores these information in the server computer 12. In order to obtain it from the storage device, it has a function (network communication function) for communicating with the server computer 12 via the Internet 10.

  Resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and the like are information used for a high-performance resume function or a viewing history list display function.

  The information reproducing apparatus 1 generates resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and the like for each of a plurality of users, for each of a plurality of optical discs, and for each of a plurality of movie works (content data). The information reproducing apparatus 1 transmits the generated information to the server computer 12 via the Internet 10. These pieces of information are stored in a mass storage device provided in the server computer 12.

  When the high-performance resume function or the viewing history list display function is operated, the information reproducing apparatus 1 receives resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and the like from the server computer 12 via the Internet 10. .

(5) User Identification Function The information reproducing apparatus 1 has a function (user identification function) for identifying a user depending on which one of the eject buttons 22, 23, and 24 is pressed.

  For example, a representative of three users registers these three users in the information reproducing apparatus 1. Specifically, the representative registers the name, ID number, password, and the like of each user, and performs settings for assigning three users to the eject buttons 22, 23, and 24, respectively. These operations are performed, for example, when the information reproducing apparatus 1 is purchased and used for the first time.

  When any of the eject buttons 22, 23, and 24 is pressed, the information reproducing apparatus 1 recognizes the user assigned to the pressed eject button as the current user.

  For example, it is assumed that the user P is assigned to the eject button 22, the user Q is assigned to the eject button 23, and the user R is assigned to the eject button 24. In this case, when the eject button 22 is pressed, the information reproducing apparatus 1 recognizes that the user P is the current user. Further, when the eject button 23 is pressed, the information reproducing apparatus 1 recognizes that the user Q is the current user. When the eject button 24 is pressed, the information reproducing apparatus 1 recognizes that the user R is the current user.

  The eject buttons 22, 23, and 24 are pressed when the optical disk 2 is mounted on the disk mount 3 or when the optical disk 2 is removed from the disk mount 3. For example, when the user P intends to start viewing a movie work recorded on the optical disc 2, the user P attaches the optical disc 2 to the disc mount 3 of the information reproducing apparatus 1. At this time, the user P presses the eject button 22 to which the user P is assigned. At this time, the information reproducing apparatus 1 recognizes that the user P is the current user. As described above, according to the user identification function of the information reproducing apparatus 1, the user can be easily recognized or identified when the viewing of the movie work recorded on the optical disc 2 is started.

  In the above example, each button is used for user identification, but an individual may be identified by attaching a fingerprint authentication device to the Eject or Play button of the device or a remote control. Furthermore, a plurality of remote controllers may be used, and resume setting may be performed for each remote controller.

3. Internal Structure of Information Reproducing Device FIG. 5 shows the internal structure of the information reproducing device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the information reproducing apparatus 1 includes a computer unit 30, a storage unit 41, a disk drive 42, a decoding unit 43, an operation unit 44, a remote control communication unit 46, and a computer network communication unit 47.

  The computer unit 30 includes a resume information generation unit 31, a user identification unit 32, a content data identification unit 33, a disc identification unit 34, a resume information output unit 35, a resume information acquisition unit 36, a reproduction control unit 37, and a list display control unit 38. And a general control unit 39.

  The computer unit 30 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a RAM (Random-Access Memory), and the like. The ROM stores a computer program for realizing each unit 31 to 39, and the CPU reads this program from the ROM and executes it. Thereby, each part 31 thru | or 39 is implement | achieved. The RAM is used as a work area when the CPU executes a program.

  The resume information generation unit 31 generates resume information indicating a position serving as a reference for the resume playback start position.

  The resume information generation unit 31 generates resume information for each of a plurality of users and each of a plurality of content data. For example, when three users P, Q, and R play the same content data at different times, three resume information are generated by the resume information generation unit 31. For example, when one user P reproduces a plurality of pieces of content data at different times, three resume information items are generated by the resume information generation unit 31.

  Further, the resume information generating unit 31 generates resume information for each of a plurality of optical disks. For example, when the same content data is recorded on the optical disc 2 and another optical disc, and the same content data on these two optical discs are reproduced at different times, the two resume information is generated as a resume information generating unit. 31.

  In addition to the resume information, the resume information generating unit 31 generates viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information for each of a plurality of users, a plurality of content data, and a plurality of optical disks.

  The user identification unit 32 identifies the current user who is using the information reproducing apparatus 1.

  The content data identification unit 33 identifies content data to be resumed.

  The disc identification unit 34 identifies an optical disc currently mounted on the information reproducing apparatus 1.

  The resume information output unit 35 stores the resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information generated by the resume information generating unit 31 in the storage device of the server computer 12 connected to the Internet 10. In addition, the information is transmitted to the server computer 12 through the Internet 10.

  The resume information acquisition unit 36 receives resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information from the storage device of the server computer 12 through the Internet 10.

  The playback control unit 37 determines the resume playback start position based on the resume information received by the resume information acquisition unit 36. Then, the reproduction control unit 37 starts reproduction of the content data identified by the content data identification unit 33 from the resume reproduction start position.

  The list display control unit 38 displays a viewing history list related to the content data that does not have a predetermined attribute in relation to the resume information corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit 32.

  The storage unit 41 is configured by an electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM) such as a flash memory.

  The disc drive 42 reads content data or management information recorded on the optical disc 2 mounted on the disc mount 3 and supplies it to the decoding unit 43 or the disc identification unit 34.

  The decoding unit 43 decodes the content data supplied from the disk drive 42. For example, the decoding unit 43 includes a video decoder and an audio decoder. The video signal generated by the video decoding process of the decoding unit 43 is supplied to the display device 6. The audio signal generated by the audio decoding process of the decoding unit 43 is supplied to the speakers 7 and 8. Further, the decoding unit 43 decodes characters and images constituting the viewing history list according to the control of the list display control unit 38.

  The operation unit 44 enables operation of the information reproducing apparatus 1 by using operation buttons provided on the front panel of the information reproducing apparatus 1. The operation unit 44 includes an electric circuit that generates an operation signal in response to an operation button input. Eject buttons 22, 23, and 24 in the eject button array 21 are connected to the operation unit 44.

  The remote control communication unit 46 communicates with the remote control 4 and enables operation of the information reproducing apparatus 1 by using operation buttons provided on the operation panel 5 of the remote control 4. The remote control communication unit 46 is configured by a remote control interface circuit or the like.

  The computer network communication unit 47 connects the information reproducing apparatus 1 to the Internet 10. The computer network communication unit 47 is configured by a computer network communication interface circuit or the like.

  The general control unit 39 controls the units 31 to 38 provided in the computer unit 30, the storage unit 41, the disk drive 42, the decoding unit 43, the operation unit 44, the remote control communication unit 46, and the computer network communication unit 47.

4). Resume Information, Viewing Date / Time, Title Information, etc. FIG. 6 shows device ID information, user ID information, password (PW) information, resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information.

  User ID information, password (PW) information, resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information exist for each user. Resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information exist for each optical disc and each content data.

  The device ID information is an ID number unique to the information reproducing device 1, for example. This number is determined in advance and is stored in, for example, the ROM of the computer unit 30 or the computer network communication unit 47.

  The user ID information is an ID number unique to each user, for example. This number is determined when a user is registered, for example. User ID information is stored in the storage unit 41.

  The password information is a password unique to each user. This password is set by the user when registering the user, for example. The password is stored in the storage unit 41.

  The resume information includes information indicating a disk ID, a volume number, and a reproduction stop address.

  The disc ID is an ID number unique to each optical disc. The disk ID is, for example, a unique disk ID. The unique disk ID is physically engraved near the center of the optical disk, for example.

  The recording capacity of the optical disc 2 is several hundred gigabytes, for example, and about 200 movie works are recorded on the optical disc 2, for example. In the case of such an optical disc having a large recording capacity, information such as content data is divided and recorded in a plurality of volumes. The volume number is a number for identifying individual volumes in one optical disc.

  The reproduction stop address is a logical address in one volume, for example.

  One position on the optical disc is determined by the combination of the volume number and the reproduction stop address. One position on the optical disk determined by the combination of the volume number and the reproduction stop address is a position serving as a reference for the resume reproduction start position.

  The viewing date / time information is information indicating the date / time when the content data was last reproduced (date / time when one movie work was viewed last).

  The viewing status information is information indicating whether the content data corresponding to one movie work has been reproduced halfway or has been reproduced.

  The title information is information indicating the title of the content data (the title of one movie work).

  Private flag information is information indicating the state of the private flag. The private flag is a flag indicating whether or not the content data has a predetermined attribute. For example, if one movie work corresponding to the content data is prohibited from being viewed under 18 years old, the private flag is turned on, and if not, the private flag is turned off.

  The resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information are generated by the resume information generating unit 31. These pieces of information are transmitted from the information reproducing apparatus 1 to the server computer 12 together with the apparatus ID information and the user ID information, and stored in the storage device of the server computer 12. These pieces of information are provided from the server computer 12 to the information reproducing apparatus 1 as necessary.

  The storage unit 41 stores the IP address or domain name of the server computer 12.

5). Operation of Information Reproducing Device FIGS. 7 to 9 show the operation of the information reproducing device 1.

  The users P, Q, and R have already been registered, and the eject buttons 22, 23, and 24 are assigned to the users P, Q, and R, respectively. Then, the user P attaches the optical disk 2 to the information reproducing apparatus 1 and resumes the content data of one movie work stored on the optical disk 2. The title of this content data is “AAA”, which is viewed by the user P halfway in the past. Also, this content data is not prohibited from being viewed under the age of 18. The posting restriction function is in operation. Hereinafter, the operation of the information reproducing apparatus 1 will be specifically described with such a situation as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, the general control unit 39 of the information reproducing apparatus 1 determines whether any one of the eject buttons 22, 23, and 24 is pressed (step S1).

  Assume that the user P presses the eject button 22. At this time, the overall control unit 39 determines that the eject button 22 has been pressed (step S1: YES). Subsequently, the general control unit 39 opens the disk mount 3.

  Subsequently, the user identification unit 32 identifies the current user (step S2). Since the eject button 22 is pressed among the eject buttons 22, 23, 24, the user identifying unit 32 recognizes that the user P is the current user.

  Subsequently, the overall control unit 39 determines whether or not an optical disc is loaded (step S3).

  It is assumed that the user P mounts the optical disc 2 on the disc mount 3 and inputs an instruction to close the disc mount 3 to the information reproducing apparatus 1. At this time, the overall control unit 39 determines that an optical disk is loaded (step S3: YES).

  Subsequently, the disc identification unit 34 identifies the currently loaded optical disc (step S4). The optical disk currently mounted is the optical disk 2. The disc identification unit 34 controls the disc drive 42 and reads the disc ID of the optical disc 2 from the optical disc 2. Then, the disk identification unit 34 stores this disk ID in the storage unit 41.

  Subsequently, the resume information acquisition unit 36 controls the computer network communication unit 47 to connect the information reproducing apparatus 1 to the server computer 12 (step S5). At this time, the resume information acquisition unit 36 connects to the server computer 12 using the IP address or domain name of the server computer 12 stored in the storage unit 41.

  Subsequently, the resume information acquisition unit 36 receives resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information corresponding to the current user and the optical disk currently mounted from the server computer 12. Receive (step S6).

  It is assumed that the disc ID of the optical disc 2 currently mounted by the current user P is “123”. There are four content data items corresponding to the user P and corresponding to the disc ID “123”. The disc ID, volume number, playback stop address, viewing date / time, viewing status, title, private flag corresponding to these content data items exist. Suppose that the information is received by the resume information acquisition unit 36.

About the first content data Disc ID: 123
Volume number: 1
Playback stop address: 001 ... 97
Viewing date and time: August 11, 2006 PM 10:00
Viewing situation: Viewing halfway Title: AAA
Private flag: Off About the second content data Disc ID: 123
Volume number: 1
Playback stop address: 006 ... 58
Viewing date and time: July 17, 2006, PM6: 00
Viewing situation: Viewing halfway Title: BBB
Private flag: Off About the third content data Disc ID: 123
Volume number: 2
Playback stop address: 008 ... 12
Viewing date and time: July 15, 2006 PM8: 00
Viewing situation: Viewing halfway Title: CCC
Private flag: On About the fourth content data Disc ID: 123
Volume number: 1
Playback stop address: 098 ... 36
Viewing date and time: June 15, 2006, PM2: 00
Viewing status: Watched Title: WWW
Private Flag: Off Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, the list display control unit 38 performs a viewing history list display process (step S7).

  FIG. 9 shows viewing history list display processing. The viewing history list display process is a process for displaying the viewing history list on the screen of the display device 6.

  As shown in FIG. 9, first, the list display control unit 38 displays the name of the current user on the screen of the display device 6 (step S21). Since the current user is the user P, the name of the user P is displayed on the screen of the display device 6.

  Subsequently, the list display control unit 38 determines whether or not to restrict the history of content data having a predetermined attribute from being placed in the viewing history list (step S22). Since the posting restriction function is currently in operation, the list display control unit 38 posts the history of content data having a predetermined attribute (content data prohibited for viewing under the age of 18 in this example) in the viewing history list. It is determined that the restriction should be made (step S22: YES).

  Subsequently, the list display control unit 38 checks, for each content data, whether or not the private flag is on for all the content data related to the resume information corresponding to the current user and corresponding to the optical disc currently mounted. (Step S23). Then, the list display control unit 38 posts only the history of content data whose private flag is off in the viewing history list. Specifically, the list display control unit 38 posts the viewing date / time, title, and viewing status corresponding to the content data whose private flag is off in the viewing history list (step S24).

  For example, the list display control unit 38 selects the first content data of the title “AAA” and the second content data of the title “BBB” among the four content data corresponding to the user P and corresponding to the disc ID “123”. For the fourth content data of the title “WWW”, the viewing date and time, the title, and the viewing status are posted in the viewing history list. For the third content data of the title “CCC”, since the private flag is on, the viewing date / time, title, and viewing status are not listed in the viewing history list. As a result, a viewing history list as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the screen of the display device 6.

  When the operation of the posting restriction function is stopped, it is determined that it should not be restricted to place the history of content data having a predetermined attribute on the viewing history list (step S22: NO). Next, regardless of whether the private flag is on or off, the viewing date / time, title, and viewing status of all content data corresponding to the current user and the resume information corresponding to the optical disc that is currently mounted are viewed history It is listed (step S26). In this case, the viewing date / time, title, and viewing status are also posted in the viewing history list for the third content data of the title “CCC”. As a result, a viewing history list as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the screen of the display device 6.

  When the processing of step S23 and step S24 is completed for all content data related to the resume information corresponding to the current user and corresponding to the currently loaded optical disc (step S25: YES), or to the current user When the process of step S26 is completed for all the content data related to the resume information corresponding to the currently mounted optical disc (step S27: YES), the viewing history list display process ends. Then, the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, the general control unit 39 determines whether or not content data has been selected by the current user (step S8).

  It is assumed that the user P operates the arrow button and the determination button provided on the operation panel 5 of the remote controller 4 to select the first content data of the title “AAA”. At this time, the overall control unit 39 determines that the first content data has been selected by the current user P (step S8: YES).

  Subsequently, the content data identification unit 33 identifies content data to be resumed (step S9). Specifically, the content data identification unit 33 recognizes the first content data selected by the user P as content data to be resumed.

  Subsequently, the playback control unit 37 determines the resume playback start position of the content data to be resume played (step S10). Specifically, the playback control unit 37 calculates a resume playback start address based on the volume number and playback stop address of the content data to be resume played. For example, since the volume number of the first content data of the title “AAA” is “1” and the reproduction stop address is “001... 97”, the reproduction control unit 37 follows “001... 97” in the volume number “1”. Is determined to be the resume playback start address.

  Subsequently, the overall control unit 39 determines whether or not the user P has pressed the playback start button provided on the operation panel 5 of the remote controller 4 (step S11).

  When the reproduction start button is pressed (step S11: YES), the reproduction control unit 37 starts reproduction of the content data to be resumed reproduction from the resume reproduction start position (resume reproduction start address) determined in step S10 ( Step S12).

  Subsequently, the overall control unit 39 determines whether or not the reproduction of the content data currently being reproduced should be stopped (step S13).

  When the user P presses a playback stop button or the like provided on the operation panel 5 of the remote controller 4, the overall control unit 39 determines that playback of the content data currently being played back should be stopped (step S13: YES).

  Subsequently, the playback control unit 37 immediately stops the playback of the content data (step S14).

  Subsequently, the overall control unit 39 determines whether or not the eject button has been pressed (step S15).

  For example, when the current user P pushes the eject button 22 assigned to the user P (step S15: YES), the resume information generation unit 31 then continues the resume information, viewing date and time for the content data. Information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information are generated (step S16).

  The resume information generation unit 31 generates reproduction stop address information for the content data in the following procedure. That is, the resume information generating unit 31 detects the reproduction stop address of the content data in step S14 and stores it in the storage unit 41. Then, in step S16, the resume information generating unit 31 reads this playback stop address from the storage unit 41, and uses this playback stop address as a new playback stop address of the content data.

  Further, the resume information generating unit 31 generates viewing date / time information for the content data in the following procedure. That is, the resume information generation unit 31 stores information indicating the date and time when resume reproduction of the content data is started in the storage unit 41 in step S12. In step S16, the resume information generating unit 31 reads the date / time information from the storage unit 41, and uses the date / time information as new viewing date / time information of the content data.

  In addition, the resume information generation unit 31 generates viewing status information for the content data in the following procedure. That is, the resume information generating unit 31 reads the reproduction stop address of the content data stored in the storage unit 41 in step S14 from the storage unit 41. Further, the resume information generating unit 31 controls the disc drive 42 and reads the tail address of the content data from the optical disc 2. Then, the resume information generation unit 31 compares the reproduction stop address with the end address. As a result of the comparison, when the reproduction stop address is greater than or equal to the end address, the resume information generating unit 31 generates viewing status information indicating “viewed”. On the other hand, when the reproduction stop address is less than the end address as a result of the comparison, the resume information generating unit 31 generates viewing status information indicating “viewing halfway”.

  Subsequently, the resume information output unit 35 connects the information reproducing apparatus 1 to the server computer (step S17).

  Subsequently, the resume information output unit 35 displays the reproduction stop address, viewing date / time information, and viewing status information for the content data generated in step S16 together with the device ID information and the user ID information of the current user P. The data is transmitted to the server computer 12 (step S18). As a result, the playback stop address, viewing date / time information, and viewing status information for the content data corresponding to the user P stored in the storage device of the server computer 12 are updated. Note that the disc ID, volume number, title information, and private flag information for the content data do not change before and after resume playback of the content data. For this reason, such information is not updated.

6). Effects Reproduced by Information Reproducing Device As described above, the information reproducing device 1 generates resume information for each user and for each content data, and stores this in the storage device of the server computer 12. The information reproducing apparatus 1 identifies the current user, identifies the content data to be resumed, and acquires resume information corresponding to the user and corresponding to the content data from the storage device of the server computer 12. Then, the resume reproduction is performed on the content data based on the resume information.

  As a result, a high-performance resume function that works for each user and each content data can be realized. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience when a plurality of users use the optical disc 2 on which a huge number of movie works are recorded.

  For example, if the number of movie works recorded on the optical disc 2 is enormous, among the movie works recorded on the optical disc 2, there are three movie works that are being watched by the user P, and the user Q is being watched. There may be situations where there are four movie works and there are two movie works that the user R is watching. Even in such a case, according to the information reproducing apparatus 1, resume reproduction can be performed for each user and for each movie work, so that convenience regarding viewing of the movie work can be improved.

  The information reproducing apparatus 1 displays a viewing history list for each user. As a result, the previous viewing situation of a plurality of movie works recorded on the optical disc 2 can be presented to individual users in an easily understandable manner.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the information reproducing apparatus 1 displays a viewing history list of the user P. The user P can view the viewing history list to know the movie work being viewed, and can select the movie work to be viewed this time from the movie works being viewed. In addition, the user P can see the movie works that have been viewed by looking at the viewing history list, and can remove the already-viewed movie works from the candidate movies to be viewed this time.

  In addition, the information reproducing apparatus 1 does not list the history of a movie work having a predetermined attribute, for example, a movie work prohibited for 18-year-old viewing on the viewing history list. Thereby, when one optical disk or one information reproducing apparatus 1 is used by a plurality of persons, the privacy of individual users can be protected.

  In addition, the information reproducing apparatus 1 transmits resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and the like to the server computer 12 via the Internet 10 and stores these information in the storage device of the server computer 12. When the high-performance resume function or the viewing history list display function is operated, the information reproducing apparatus 1 receives resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and the like from the server computer 12 via the Internet 10. .

  As a result, the user can resume and reproduce the content data recorded on one optical disc 2 using a plurality of information reproducing apparatuses. For example, the user can not only resume the content data by attaching the optical disc 2 to the information reproducing device 1 at home, but also attach the same optical disc 2 to another information reproducing device 1 at the friend's home. Content data can be resumed.

7). Another Embodiment of Information Reproducing Device FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the information reproducing device of the present invention.

  In addition to the function of the information reproducing apparatus 1, the information reproducing apparatus 60 in FIG. 10 has a function (enhanced resume function) for performing the same resume reproduction for the same movie work respectively recorded on a plurality of different optical disks. .

  For example, it is assumed that 200 representative works of Japanese movies are recorded on the optical disk 18 and 95 movie works in which a certain famous Japanese actress appears are recorded on the optical disk 19. It is assumed that one Japanese movie work M in which the famous Japanese actress appears is recorded on the optical disc 18 and the optical disc 19. The content data corresponding to the Japanese movie work M recorded on the optical disc 18 is content data D1, and the content data corresponding to the Japanese movie work M recorded on the optical disc 18 is content data D2.

  In this case, since the content data D1 and the content data D2 recorded on the optical disc 18 and the optical disc 19 which are different from each other are the content data of the same movie work M, the contents of the video data and the audio data included in the content data D1 are This is the same as the contents of the video data and audio data included in the content data D2. The title of the content data D1 is the same as the title of the content data D2.

  However, the recording position of the content data D1 recorded on the optical disk 18 on the optical disk 18 and the recording position of the content data D2 recorded on the optical disk 19 are different from each other. For example, the directory structure of the information recorded on the optical disc 18 and the directory structure of the information recorded on the optical disc 19 are different from each other. As a result, the recording position of the content data D1 and the recording position of the content data D2 are different from each other. Since the recording position of the content data D1 and the recording position of the content data D2 are different from each other, the content data D1 and the content data D2 are also different from each other in volume number, head address, and end address (logical address).

  For this reason, even if the resume playback start position for the content data D1 is directly used as the resume playback start position for the content data D2, the same resume playback as the content data D1 cannot be performed for the content data D2. In order to perform the same resume reproduction as the content data D1 for the content data D2, it is necessary to convert the resume reproduction start position for the content data D1 so as to match the content data D2. The information reproducing device 60 has a function of performing such conversion processing.

  A computer unit 70 of the information reproducing apparatus 60 in FIG. 10 includes a history recognizing unit 71 and a reproduction position determining unit 72 in addition to the constituent elements of the computer unit 30 of the information reproducing apparatus 1.

  The history recognition unit 71 recognizes resume information corresponding to the user identified by the user identification unit 31, and recognizes an optical disc and content data corresponding to the resume information.

  The reproduction position determining unit 72 is different from the optical disc identified by the disc identifying unit 34 and the optical disc recognized by the history recognizing unit 71 and the content data recorded on the optical disc identified by the disc identifying unit 34. When the title and the title of the content data recognized by the history recognition unit 71 are the same, they are recorded on the optical disc identified by the disc identification unit 34 based on the resume information recognized by the history recognition unit 71. The reproduction start position of the content data is determined so as to correspond to the resume reproduction start position of the content data recognized by the history recognition unit 71.

  FIG. 11 shows the operation of the information reproducing apparatus 60.

  In the past, the user P mounted the optical disc 18 on the information reproducing device 60 and reproduced the content data D1 of the movie work M recorded on the optical disc 18 halfway. Therefore, the following information is stored in the storage device of the server computer 12.

Device ID: 1104
User ID: 01
password:********
Disk ID: 365
Volume number: 1
Playback stop address: 023… 36
Viewing date and time: June 17, 2006, PM 15:00
Viewing situation: Viewing halfway Title: GGG
Private flag: OFF The device ID “1104” is the device ID of the information reproducing device 60 used by the user P for reproducing the content data D1. The user ID “01” is the user ID of the user P. The disk ID “365” is the disk ID of the optical disk 18.

  At present, the user P is about to attach the optical disc 19 to the information reproducing device 60 in order to resume the content data D2 of the movie work M recorded on the optical disc 19. Note that the user P has never played back the content data D2 of the movie work M recorded on the optical disc 19.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the information reproducing apparatus 60 will be specifically described with such a situation as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 11, first, the information reproducing apparatus 60 performs the processing from step S1 to step S5 in FIG.

  That is, when the user P presses the eject button 22 and mounts the optical disc 19 in the information reproducing device 60, the user identifying unit 32 of the information reproducing device 60 recognizes that the user P is the current user ( Steps S1, S2). Subsequently, the disc identification unit 34 reads the disc ID of the optical disc 19 just mounted and stores it in the storage unit 41 (steps S3 and S4). Subsequently, the resume information acquisition unit 36 controls the computer network communication unit 47 to connect the information reproducing device 60 to the server computer 12 (step S5).

  Subsequently, the resume information acquisition unit 36 receives resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information corresponding to the current user P and corresponding to all optical disks from the server computer 12 ( Step S31). That is, the resume information acquisition unit 36 corresponds not only to resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information corresponding to the user P and corresponding to the optical disc 19, but also to the user P and the optical disc. Resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information corresponding to optical disks other than 19 are also received.

  Subsequently, the general control unit 39 corresponds to the optical disc 19 among the resume information, viewing date information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information corresponding to the current user P and corresponding to all optical discs. Resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information are selected (step S32).

  Subsequently, the general control unit 39 controls the disc drive 42 and acquires the titles of all content data recorded on the optical disc 19 (step S33).

  Subsequently, the history recognizing unit 71 finds the same title as the content data recorded on the optical disc 19 from the titles indicated by the title information corresponding to the user P and corresponding to optical discs other than the optical disc 19. Then, the history recognizing unit 71 uses the resume information, viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information corresponding to the found title to resume information corresponding to the optical disk other than the optical disk 19 corresponding to the user P. , Viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information are selected (step S34).

  Among the titles of all the content data recorded on the optical disc 19, the title of the content data D2 corresponding to the movie work M is included. For this reason, in step S33, the title of the content data D2 is acquired.

  Furthermore, the title of the content data D1 corresponding to the movie work M is included in the title indicated by the title information corresponding to the user P and corresponding to the optical disc other than the optical disc 19. The title of the content data D1 is the same as the title of the content data D2. For this reason, in step S34, the title of the content data D1 is found. In step S34, the resume information corresponding to the title of the content data D1, the viewing date information, the viewing status information, the title information, and the private flag information correspond to the user P and the resume information corresponding to the optical disc other than the optical disc 19. , Viewing date / time information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information.

  Subsequently, the playback position determination unit 72 determines the resume playback start position of the content data corresponding to the title found in step S34. That is, the playback position determination unit 72 determines the resume playback start position of the content data D2 (step S35).

  The resume playback start position of the content data D2 is determined by the following procedure, for example. First, the playback position determination unit 72 determines the resume playback start address of the content data D1 based on the volume number and playback stop address included in the resume information corresponding to the content data D1. Subsequently, the playback position determination unit 72 substantially subtracts from the start position of the content data D1 to the resume playback start position of the content data D1 based on the resume playback start address of the content data D1 and the start address of the content data D1. The length (hereinafter referred to as “replayed length”) is calculated. Subsequently, the reproduction position determination unit 72 calculates a resume reproduction start address of the content data D2 based on the start address and the already reproduced length of the content data D2.

  Subsequently, the operation of the information reproducing apparatus 60 proceeds to step S7 in FIG. The viewing history list display process in step S7 is performed based on the resume information, viewing date information, viewing status information, title information, and private flag information selected in steps S32 and S34 in FIG.

  In step S10 in FIG. 8, the resume reproduction start position determined in step S35 in FIG. 11 is used as the reproduction start position of the content data (content data D2) corresponding to the title found in step S34. It is done.

  As described above, according to the information reproducing apparatus 60, it is possible to perform the same resume reproduction for the same movie work recorded on a plurality of different optical disks.

  That is, when the user P reproduces the content data D1 of the movie work M recorded on the optical disc 18 halfway in the past, and resumes the content data D2 of the movie work M currently recorded on the optical disc 19, The information reproducing device 60 converts the resume reproduction start position for the content data D1 recorded on the optical disc 18 into a resume reproduction start position for the content data D2. Then, the information reproduction device 60 reproduces the content data D2 from the converted resume reproduction start position. Thereby, the user P can view the movie work M from the next place where viewing was interrupted in the past.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the resume is performed for each user and for each content data has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the resume is performed for each management category other than the user and for each content data. May be performed. For example, the resume may be performed for each genre of movie work and for each content data. In this case, for example, genres of movie works are assigned to the eject buttons 22, 23, and 24, respectively.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the volume number and the reproduction stop address are used as information indicating the position serving as the reference for the resume reproduction start position is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Other information that can determine how far the previous playback has been performed may be used as information indicating a position serving as a reference for the resume playback start position.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the volume number and the reproduction stop address, which are information indicating the reference position of the resume reproduction start position, are included in the resume information is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The resume playback start position may be included in the resume information. In this case, when the resume information generating unit 31 generates the resume information in step S16 in FIG. 8, the resume playback start position is calculated based on the playback stop position of the content data, and the resume information output unit 35 calculates this. The resume information is transmitted to the server computer 12 and stored in the storage device of the server computer 12.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where resume information and the like are generated and transmitted triggered by pressing of the eject button has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, resume information or the like may be generated and transmitted immediately after the playback stop button or pause button is pressed or after a predetermined period has elapsed since the playback stop button or pause button was pressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the content data recording medium is an optical disk has been described as an example, but other removable recording media may be used. The recording medium is not limited to the read-only type, and may be a recordable type.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the content data is content data of a movie work is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Content data such as TV programs, music, and documents may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the resume information generation unit 31, the user identification unit 32, the content data identification unit 33, the disc identification unit 34, the resume information output unit 35, the resume information acquisition unit 36, the playback control unit 37, and the list display The case where the control part 38, the comprehensive control part 39, etc. are implement | achieved as the computer unit 30 (70) was mentioned as the example. However, these components can also be realized as a computer program, a computer program product, or a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

  The Internet 10 in FIG. 1 is a specific example of a computer network, and the server computer 12 is a specific example of a computer. Further, the resume information generation unit 31 in FIG. 5 is a specific example of the resume information generation unit, the user identification unit 32 is a specific example of the management category identification unit, and the content data identification unit 33 is the specific example of the content data identification unit. For example, the disc identification unit 34 is a specific example of the recording medium identification means. The resume information output unit 35 is a specific example of the resume information generation unit, the resume information acquisition unit 36 is a specific example of the resume information acquisition unit, and the reproduction control unit 37 is a specific example of the reproduction control unit. The list display control unit 38 is a specific example of list display means. Further, the history recognition unit 71 in FIG. 10 is a specific example of the recognition unit, and the reproduction position determination unit 72 is a specific example of the reproduction position determination unit.

  Further, step S16 in FIG. 8 is a specific example of the resume information generation step, and step S18 is a specific example of the resume information output step. Further, step S2 in FIG. 7 is a specific example of the management category identification step. Step S9 in FIG. 8 is a specific example of the content data identification process. Further, step S6 in FIG. 7 and step S10 in FIG. 8 are specific examples of the resume information acquisition process, and steps S10 to S12 in FIG. 8 are specific examples of the regeneration control process.

  The information reproducing apparatus and the information reproducing method according to the present invention can be used in, for example, an optical disc player and a computer.

Claims (9)

An information reproduction apparatus for reproducing information recorded on a removable recording medium on which a plurality of content data is recorded,
Resume information generating means for generating resume information indicating a position of a resume playback start position or a resume playback start position for each of a plurality of management sections and for each of a plurality of content data;
Resume information output means for outputting the resume information generated by the resume information generating means to a storage device;
Management category identification means for identifying one management category of the plurality of management categories;
Content data identifying means for identifying one of the plurality of content data;
Resume information acquisition means for acquiring from the storage device the resume information corresponding to one management classification identified by the management classification identification means and corresponding to one content data identified by the content data identification means;
Playback control means for determining a resume playback start position based on the resume information acquired by the resume information acquisition means, and starting playback of one content data identified by the content data identification means from the resume playback start position; An information reproducing apparatus comprising:   2. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resume information generating unit generates the resume information for each of a plurality of users and for each of a plurality of content data.   2. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a list display unit that displays a list of content data relating to resume information corresponding to the management category identified by the management category identification unit.   A list display means for displaying a list of content data relating to the resume information corresponding to the management classification identified by the management classification identification means and not having a predetermined attribute is provided. The information reproducing apparatus according to item 1. The resume information output means transmits the resume information to the computer through the computer network in order to store the resume information generated by the resume information generation means in a storage device of a computer connected to the computer network. With
2. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resume information acquiring means includes receiving means for receiving the resume information stored in a storage device of the computer through the computer network. .   2. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resume information generating unit generates the resume information for each of a plurality of recording media, for each of a plurality of management sections, and for each of a plurality of content data. . Recording medium identifying means for identifying a recording medium currently mounted on the information reproducing apparatus;
Recognizing means for recognizing resume information corresponding to the management classification identified by the management classification identifying means, and recognizing a recording medium and content data corresponding to the resume information;
The recording medium identified by the recording medium identifying unit and the recording medium recognized by the recognizing unit are different from each other, and the title of the content data recorded on the recording medium identified by the recording medium identifying unit When the titles of the content data recognized by the recognition unit are the same as each other, the content data recorded on the recording medium identified by the recording medium identification unit is based on the resume information recognized by the recognition unit. 7. The information according to claim 6, further comprising reproduction position determination means for determining a reproduction start position so as to correspond to the resume reproduction start position of the content data recognized by the recognition means. Playback device. An information reproduction method for reproducing information recorded on a removable recording medium on which a plurality of content data is recorded,
A resume information generation step for generating a resume information indicating a resume playback start position or a resume information indicating a resume playback start position for each of a plurality of management sections and for each of a plurality of content data;
A resume information output step of outputting the resume information generated in the resume information generation step to a storage device;
A management classification identifying step for identifying one management classification among the plurality of management classifications;
A content data identification step for identifying one of the plurality of content data;
A resume information acquisition step corresponding to one management category identified in the management category identification step and obtaining the resume information corresponding to one content data identified in the content data identification step;
A reproduction control step of determining a resume reproduction start position based on the resume information acquired in the resume information acquisition step, and starting reproduction of one content data identified in the content data identification step from the resume reproduction start position; An information reproducing method comprising: A computer program for causing a computer to execute the information reproducing method according to claim 8.

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