WO2006038688A1

WO2006038688A1 - Information recording medium, information recording device and method, information reproducing device and method, information recording/reproducing device and method, computer program for controlling recording or reproduction, and data structure including control signal

Info

Publication number: WO2006038688A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/018623
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tohru Kanegae; Yasuko Fukuda; Takeshi Koda; Nobuyuki Takakuwa; Takao Sawabe
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2004-10-07
Filing date: 2005-10-07
Publication date: 2006-04-13

Abstract

A computer program comprises an object data file for storing object for an ordinary reproduction and alternative reproduction, a playlist information file for storing playlist information prescribing a reproduction sequence of the ordinary reproduction and alternative playlist information prescribing a reproduction sequence of the alternative reproduction, and disk information file for storing sets of information containing (i) playlist specifying information for performing the ordinary reproduction, (ii) reproduction command information for specifying a command according to which the ordinary reproduction is executed, (iii) download instruction command information representing a command to be executed to download the object data delivered over an external network, and (iv) alternative playlist specifying information for performing the alternative reproduction during the download.

Description

Specification

Information recording medium, information recording apparatus and method, information reproducing apparatus and method, information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, computer program for recording or reproduction control, and data structure including control signal

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information recording medium such as a high-density optical disc capable of recording various information such as main video, audio, sub-video, and reproduction control information at high density, and information for recording information on the information recording medium. Recording apparatus and method, information reproducing apparatus and method for reproducing information from the information recording medium, both of such recording and reproduction are possible, and editing of contents such as main video and audio is also possible. The present invention belongs to the technical field of data structures including information recording / reproducing apparatuses and methods, computer programs for recording or reproduction control, and control signals for reproduction control.

Background art

[0002] DVDs are generally used as optical discs on which various information such as content information such as main video, audio, and sub-video and playback control information is recorded. According to the DVD standard, main video information (video data), audio information (audio data), and sub-video information (sub-picture data) are packetized together with reproduction control information (pigment data), respectively, for high efficiency. MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2) standard program stream format, which is an encoding technology, is multiplexed and recorded on the disc. Of these, the main video information exists for one stream in a single data stream compressed in accordance with the MPEG video format (IS013818-2). Audio information, on the other hand, is recorded in multiple formats (ie, linear PCM, AC-3, MPEG audio, etc.) and can exist in a single program stream up to a total of 8 streams. The sub-picture information is defined by a bit map and is compressed and recorded by a run length method, and can exist in one program stream up to 32 streams. In this way, in the case of DVD, by adopting the program stream format, for example, for one movie, multiple streams of selectable audio information (for example, stereo audio or surround sound for one stream of main video information). In addition to voice, original English audio, Japanese dubbed audio, etc.) and multiple streams of selectable sub-picture information (eg Japanese subtitles, English subtitles, etc.) are multiplexed. Recorded! RU

[0003] On the other hand, the transport stream format of the MPEG2 standard has been standardized in recent years, and this is suitable for larger capacity or higher speed data transmission. According to this transport stream format, a plurality of elementary streams are simultaneously transmitted at a much higher transfer rate than the program stream format described above. For example, a plurality of programs or programs such as a large number of satellite digital broadcasting television channels are multiplexed in a time division manner and transmitted simultaneously on one satellite radio wave. In other words, in the transport stream format, it is possible to multiplex multiple elementary video elementary streams each with a large amount of data in a time-division manner and transmit them simultaneously, for example, to simultaneously record multiple videos recorded on multiple DVDs. It can be transmitted.

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] For example, in an application pre-recorded on an optical disc such as a BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc-Read Only Memory) (hereinafter referred to as “ROM application” where appropriate), (i) pre-recorded content (Hereinafter referred to as “ROM content” where appropriate) and (ii) a function that links data downloaded via a network (hereinafter referred to as “content linked playback” as appropriate). Is realized. More specifically, the data downloaded via the network is, for example, the client computer's data stored in a server computer (hereinafter referred to as “server” as appropriate) via the Internet or the like. Data transferred to semiconductor memory (or hard disk drive). This function requires pre-recorded content such as movies, for example, reproduction of ROM content with information such as special subtitles, audio, and font data, and, for example, bidirectionality and real-time capability. It is possible to realize an application linked with the network. Also, in so-called streaming data distribution such as digital broadcasting, the transmission side is a mechanism where the receiving side receives unilaterally transmitted data, and the transmitting side is subject to frequency band and bandwidth restrictions. Is almost Or completely absent. Therefore, in data distribution using broadcast waves such as digital broadcasting, it is possible to always ensure a sufficient data transfer speed, and it is possible to realize high-quality and highly reliable data download and content linked reproduction. .

However, for example, in data distribution via a network such as the Internet, the bandwidth on the transmission side is ensured, but the bandwidth of the network existing between the transmission side and the reception side is secured. Power Since it changes from moment to moment due to various factors such as the load on this network, it is not always possible to ensure a sufficient data transfer rate. Therefore, there is a technical problem that it is difficult to realize high-quality and reliable data download and content linked playback.

[0006] More specifically, when this content-linked playback is performed, it is necessary that all necessary data is prepared when the ROM content playback is started. In other words, for example, it is necessary to complete downloading of data to a storage means provided in an information reproducing apparatus such as an optical disk player, that is, a local hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0007] However, when data is transmitted via a network such as the Internet, on-demand downloading is performed, and the time required for data transfer is not constant for the reasons described above. Thus, for example, the user is forced to see a display screen showing the progress of the download and must wait for the download. Alternatively, there is a high technical possibility that content-linked playback will stop if there is a high possibility that downloading has not been completed before or just before the playback of the titles that make up the ROM content. This makes it impossible to realize comfortable content linkage playback in the ROM application, which greatly impairs the appeal of the ROM application.

The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the above-described problems. For example, it is more comfortable for a user to reproduce content in which a ROM content and data downloaded via a network are linked. Information recording medium, information recording apparatus and method, information reproducing apparatus and method, information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, recording or reproducing control enabling recording and reproduction on such information recording medium Combination for It is an object to provide a utable program and a data structure including a control signal. Means for solving the problem

[0009] (Information recording medium)

In order to solve the above-described problem, the information recording medium of the present invention is a part of object data (clip) (main path) that forms a series of content information for normal reproduction, and for alternative reproduction performed in place of the normal reproduction. An object data file (clip file) that stores object data that constitutes alternative content information (STC: side trip content) and a play sequence that defines the playback sequence of the object data in the normal playback in units of playlists. A plurality of list information (# 1-7, etc.) are stored, and a playlist information file (playlist) that stores alternative playlist information that defines the playback sequence of the object data in the alternative playback in units of the playlist. Set) and playback control for controlling the normal playback. (I) One piece of playlist information (# 1) that defines a playlist to be played back during the normal playback among a plurality of playlist information stored in the playlist information file (playlist set). Play list designation information (play list reference information: # 2 etc.) for specifying (No. 7 etc.), (ii) For the normal playback based on the one playlist information (# 1-7 etc.) Playback command information indicating the command to be executed, and (iii) To download the other part (subpath) of the object data required for normal playback distributed via the external network Download instruction command information indicating a command to be executed, and (iv) at least the download is performed as playback control information for controlling the alternative playback Disc information for storing a plurality of information sets including alternative playlist designation information (# 9 etc.) for designating the alternative playlist information (# 8-9 etc.) for performing the alternative reproduction File.

[0010] According to the information recording medium of the present invention, the object data file (clip file) stores object data (clip) forming a series of content information. Here, “a series of content information” includes, for example, main video information (video data), audio information (audio data), sub-video information (sub-picture data), and the like. Such various types of content information are multiplexed in the above-described MPEG2 transport stream format, for example. It's turned! / Or it may be multiplexed like this!

[0011] A playlist information file (playlist set) is a unit of playlist that can be logically accessed by an information playback device, and includes playlist information that defines a playback sequence of object data stored in an object data file. Store multiple items. For example, playlist information that also has the collective power of logically accessible items (play items) may include item information that specifies a set of items (play items).

[0012] The disc information file includes (i) playlist specification information (# 2 etc.) and (ii) playback command information as playback control information for controlling playback of the object data file (clip file). A plurality of information sets including

[0013] (i) Playlist designation information designates one playlist information that defines a playlist to be reproduced from among a plurality of playlist information stored in the playlist information file as described above. (Ii) The playback command information indicates a command to be executed for main playback based on this single playlist information. Here, the “playback command” is a command for instructing execution of main playback, which is playback of main content information. Power! In addition, for example, at the time of playback, a command for instructing the automatic execution of the above-described audio stream selection in the transport stream or the setting of various parameters required for the playback may be included. In addition, you may include commands to instruct the execution of various parameter processes for playback end processing, judgment of branch conditions, etc.

[0014] In particular, according to the present invention, a plurality of information sets stored in the disc information file include (iii) download instruction command information, and (iv) alternative playlist designation information (# 9 etc.) as playback control information. ).

[0015] (iii) Download instruction command information indicates, for example, a command to be executed in order to cause the information reproducing apparatus to download a part of the object data and another part from the information distribution apparatus. For example, the main path of the reproduction presentation may be normally reproduced from a part of the object data. Also, from other parts of the object data, for example, a sub path for reproducing secondary content information may be normally reproduced with or without synchronizing with the main path! [0016] (iv) The alternative playlist designation information (# 9 etc.) is downloaded at least during the period when the alternative playlist is to be played instead of normal playback (hereinafter referred to as “Side Trip Content ( STC) ”).

[0017] Since it is configured as described above, according to the present invention, for example, while downloading via a network such as the Internet, for example, highlight scene digest, slide show, characters, etc. Substitute content information such as explanations in the above is replaced with normal playback and played back instead. Therefore, it is possible to cope with fluctuations in the download time that are affected by the data transfer speed in the network, that is, the user can watch the alternative playback content information in parallel with the download regardless of whether the download time is long or short. Is possible. Therefore, the user can comfortably wait for the start of normal playback.

[0018] If the alternative content information cannot be viewed, when the download time becomes longer, for example, depending on fluctuations in the data transfer rate in a network such as the Internet, the user may You will be forced to see a display screen showing the progress of the download and you will have to wait uncomfortable. Or, if the download time has become abnormally long, the download may not have been completed before or just before the playback of the titles that make up the ROM content. Playback stops.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, at least during the download, the alternative content information is replaced with the normal playback and is played back instead. More specifically, according to the alternative reproduction according to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the timing for switching from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction in response to a change in time required for downloading.

[0020] As a result of the above, for example, content linked playback in which ROM content and data downloaded via a network are linked can be made more comfortable for the user.

In one aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the information set further includes (V) alternative reproduction command information indicating a command to be executed for the alternative reproduction.

[0022] According to this aspect, the alternative reproduction command information is executed, so that the proxy reproduction can be performed more accurately. It is also possible to adjust the timing for switching to the normal reproduction power.

[0023] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the object data (clip) is physically accessible by an entire stream car including a plurality of partial streams each configured by the content information car. And a plurality of multiplexed information as other reproduction control information for controlling the reproduction of the object data file (clip file). An object information file (clip info file: EP map file) that stores correspondence definition information (clip info: EP map) that defines the correspondence between the packet and the plurality of partial streams.

[0024] According to this aspect, for example, the entire stream such as at least a part of the MPEG2 transport stream includes a plurality of partial streams such as elementary streams. That is, in the present application, one “partial stream” refers to, for example, an elementary stream, a single data array or information array such as a video stream, an audio stream, a sub-picture stream, etc. that form a series of content information. On the other hand, in the present application, one “whole stream” refers to a data arrangement or an information arrangement in which a plurality of partial streams are bundled. Such an entire stream is multiplexed and recorded on the information recording medium in units of packets (for example, TS packets described later) that are units physically accessible by the information reproducing apparatus. The object data file is a unit that can be logically accessed by the information reproducing apparatus, and stores object data composed of a plurality of packets each storing a fragment of content information. Further, the object information file controls correspondence definition information (for example, ES map table (ES—PID) indicating elementary stream packet ID (ES—PID)) and reproduction of the object data file by the information reproducing device. For other reproduction control information.

Therefore, in the information reproducing apparatus, multiple recording on the information recording medium is performed based on the correspondence relationship between a plurality of packets and a plurality of partial streams described in the correspondence definition information, for example, at the same time. It is possible to play back a desired program or program composed of a combination of content information that is a part of the entire stream or a single power.

[0026] It should be noted that the disc information file, the playlist information file, and the object information file The various stored information is preferably not multiplexed on a packet basis on the information recording medium, unlike the case of the object data file, from the viewpoint of executing reproduction control quickly and easily.

[0027] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the alternative playback command information further indicates an end command to be executed to end the alternative playback after completion of the download, and the playback command The information further indicates a start command to be executed to start the normal playback after the end of the alternative playback.

[0028] According to this aspect, the timing for switching from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction more accurately by executing the end command for ending the alternative reproduction and the execution of the start command for starting the normal reproduction. It is possible to adjust.

[0029] In this aspect of the alternative playback command information, the alternative playback command information is determined by the alternative playlist information specified by the alternative playlist specification information (# 9) for the alternative playback. It may be configured to further indicate a control command to be executed in order to repeatedly play the specified playlist.

[0030] With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the timing for switching from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction more easily.

[0031] In this alternative playback command information aspect, the alternative playback command information is determined by the alternative playlist information specified by the alternative playlist specification information (# 9) for the alternative playback. A control command to be executed for reproducing a plurality of prescribed playlists in a predetermined sequence may be further indicated.

[0032] With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the timing of switching to normal playback with alternative playback power more easily while providing alternative playback content information that is more attractive to the user.

[0033] Further, in the aspect related to the alternative playback command information, the alternative playback command information includes another control command to be executed for switching from the alternative playback to the normal playback at every predetermined segment of the playlist. May be configured as further shown.

With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the timing for switching from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction more accurately and simply. [0035] In this aspect of the alternative playback command information, the alternative playback command information is configured to include menu information that defines a switching menu that allows switching to the alternative playback power and the normal playback. Moyo.

[0036] With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the timing for switching from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction with higher convenience for the user.

[0037] In the aspect related to the alternative reproduction command information, the alternative reproduction command information is configured to further include parameter information indicating a parameter that defines the alternative reproduction power and the switching procedure to the normal reproduction. Moyo.

[0038] With this configuration, the procedure for switching from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction can be more easily defined by parameter information.

[0039] Further, in the aspect related to the alternative reproduction command information, the alternative reproduction command information is configured to further include other parameter information indicating a parameter defining the longest reproduction time of the alternative reproduction. Moyo! /

[0040] With this configuration, an upper limit, ie, the longest playback time, is set for the playback time of alternative playback. Therefore, it is possible to give the option of terminating the alternative playback in response to an unnecessarily long time required for downloading. Therefore, it is more convenient for the user

V ヽ can provide alternative regeneration.

[0041] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the information set further includes (vi) object data location designation information indicating a location of the other part of the object data to be downloaded in the external network. The download instruction command information further includes a command to be executed in order to cause the download based on the object data position designation information.

[0042] According to this aspect, downloading can be performed more accurately.

[0043] In this aspect relating to various files, the playlist information files are recorded together in one area on the information recording medium, and the disc information file is stored in another area on the information recording medium. The object information files may be recorded together in an area, and the object information file may be recorded in another area on the information recording medium. With such a configuration, at the time of reproduction, first, playlist information, the above-described information set, correspondence definition information, and the like are collectively obtained, and thereafter, object data multiplexed and recorded on a packet basis based on these information. Can be efficiently reproduced. Furthermore, special playback processing such as search, scanning, and interactive playback can be performed accurately.

[0045] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the playlist information files are recorded together in one area on the information recording medium, and the disc information file is recorded on the information recording medium. They are recorded together in the other areas above.

[0046] According to this aspect, at the time of reproduction, firstly, the playlist information and the above-described information set, etc. are collectively obtained, and thereafter, based on these, object data multiplexed and recorded in units of packets is efficiently obtained. Can be played. Furthermore, special reproduction processing such as search, scanning, and interactive reproduction can be performed accurately.

[0047] (Information recording apparatus and method)

In order to solve the above problems, the information recording apparatus of the present invention provides a part of object data (clip) forming a series of content information for normal reproduction and alternative content information for alternative reproduction performed in place of the normal reproduction. (STC: Side trip content) The first recording means for recording the object data file (clip file) that stores the object data and the playback sequence of the object data in the normal playback are specified in units of playlists. In addition to storing a plurality of playlist information (# 1 to # 7 etc.), a playlist information file (preview file) that stores alternative playlist information that defines the playback sequence of the object data in the alternative playback in units of the playlist. A second recording means for recording As playback control information for controlling normal playback: (i) Among the multiple playlist information stored in the playlist information file (playlist set), the playlist to be played during normal playback is specified. Playlist specification information (playlist reference information: # 2 etc.) that designates one playlist information (# 1-7 etc.) to be played, (ii) said one playlist information (# 1-7 etc.) ) Download command information indicating a command to be executed for the normal playback based on (iii), and (iii) download of the other part of the object data required for the normal playback distributed via the external network Download instruction command information indicating the command to be executed to execute (Iv) At least the alternative playlist information (# 8-9 for performing the alternative reproduction while the download is being performed) as the reproduction control information for controlling the alternative reproduction. 3rd recording means for recording a disc information file for storing a plurality of information sets including alternative playlist designation information (# 9 etc.)

[0048] According to the information recording apparatus of the present invention, an object data file storing object data is recorded by a first recording means such as a system controller, an encoder, a TS object generator described later, and an optical pickup, for example. For example, a playlist information file for storing playlist information is recorded by a second recording means such as a system controller or an optical pickup. For example, by a third recording means such as a system controller or an optical pickup, an information set including four items of playlist designation information, reproduction command information, download instruction command information, and alternative playlist designation information as reproduction control information Record the disc information file that stores the file. At this time, separately from the recording of the playlist information in the second recording means, the above-mentioned information set is recorded in the third recording means. Therefore, the required recording capacity as a whole can be reduced by reusing the same playlist information by a plurality of playlist designation information. As a result, for the above-described information recording medium of the present invention, for example, one or a plurality of pieces of content information or alternative content information having a complicated and large amount of content information capability enabling interactive reproduction and special reproduction can be efficiently obtained. Recording becomes possible.

Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the information recording apparatus of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[0050] In order to solve the above-described problem, the information recording method of the present invention is a part of object data (clip) forming a series of content information for normal playback, and for alternative playback performed in place of the normal playback. The first recording process that records the object data file (clip file) that stores the object data that constitutes the alternative content information (STC: side trip content), and the playback sequence of the object data in the normal playback is the unit of the playlist. In addition to storing a plurality of playlist information (# 1-7, etc.) specified in the above, the playback sequence of the object data in the alternative playback is stored in the playlist. A second recording step for recording a playlist information file (playlist set) for storing alternative playlist information specified in the unit of a list, and playback control information for controlling the normal playback as (i) the playlist Designate one playlist information (# 1-7, etc.) that defines the playlist to be played during normal playback among multiple playlist information stored in the information file (playlist set) Play list designation information (play list reference information: # 2 etc.), (ii) Playback indicating the command to be executed for the normal playback based on the one playlist information (# 1-7 etc.) Command information, and (iii) a command to be executed in order to download the other part of the object data required for normal playback distributed via an external network. And (iv) at least the alternative playlist for performing the alternative playback while the download is being performed, as download control information for controlling the alternative playback. A third recording step for recording a disc information file for storing a plurality of information sets including alternative playlist specification information (# 9 etc.) for specifying information (# 8-9 etc.)

[0051] According to the information recording method of the present invention, various benefits similar to those of the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above can be enjoyed.

[0052] Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the information recording method according to the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[Information Reproducing Apparatus and Method]

In order to solve the above problems, the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention reproduces at least one of the content information and the alternative content information from the above-described information recording medium of the present invention (including various aspects thereof). An information reproducing apparatus for physically reading information from the information recording medium, and the reproduction control information, the playlist information, and the alternative playlist information included in the information read by the reading means Based on at least one of them, a reproducing means for reproducing the object data (clip) included in the information read by the reading means, and a storage means for storing the other part of the downloaded object data With.

According to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, information is read by reading means such as an optical pickup and a demodulator. Information is physically read from the information recording medium in units of packets. Then, by means of playback means such as a system controller, a demultiplexer, and a decoder, the object data is converted into, for example, partial data based on the playback control information, playlist information, and alternative playlist information included in the read information. Playback is performed for each stream (or for each stream group). In particular, the above-described alternative reproduction is performed while the other partial power of the object data is downloaded and stored in the storage means. Therefore, the above-described information recording medium of the present invention (including various aspects thereof) can be appropriately reproduced.

[0055] As a result of the above, for example, content linked playback in which ROM content and data downloaded via a network are linked can be made more comfortable for the user. Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[0056] In order to solve the above-described problem, the information reproduction method of the present invention provides at least one of the content information and the alternative content information from the above-described information recording medium of the present invention (including various aspects thereof). An information reproducing method in an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing one of the information, a reading step of physically reading information from the information recording medium, the reproduction control information included in the information read by the reading means, and the play Based on at least one of the list information and the alternative playlist information, a reproduction step of reproducing the object data (clip) included in the information read by the reading means, and other downloaded object data And a storing step for storing the part.

[0057] According to the information reproducing method of the present invention, various benefits similar to those of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above can be enjoyed.

Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, the information reproducing method according to the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

(Information recording / reproducing apparatus and method)

In order to solve the above problems, the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention obtains at least one of the content information and the alternative content information from the information recording medium of the present invention described above (including various aspects thereof). An information recording / reproducing apparatus for recording or reproducing, the first recording means for recording the object data file (clip file); A second recording means for recording a playlist information file (playlist set); a third recording means for recording the disc information file; a reading means for physically reading information from the information recording medium; The object data included in the information read by the reading means based on at least one of the reproduction control information, the playlist information and the alternative playlist information included in the information read by the means ( And a storage means for storing the other part of the downloaded object data.

[0060] According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to receive various benefits of the information recording apparatus and the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above.

Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording apparatus or information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[0062] In order to solve the above-described problem, the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention includes the content information and the alternative content information from the above-described information recording medium of the present invention (including various aspects thereof). An information recording / reproducing method in an information recording / reproducing apparatus for recording or reproducing at least one of the first recording step for recording the object data file (clip file) and recording the playlist information file (playlist set). A second recording step, a third recording step for recording the disc information file, a reading step for physically reading the information recording medium force information, and the reproduction included in the information read by the reading means Based on at least one of the control information, the playlist information, and the alternative playlist information, it is read by the reading means. A reproduction step of reproducing the object data (clip) included in the received information, and a storage step of storing other parts of the downloaded object data.

[0063] According to the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention, it is possible to receive various benefits of the above-described information recording method and information reproducing method of the present invention.

[0064] Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording method or information reproducing method of the present invention described above, the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[0065] (Computer program)

In order to solve the above problems, the first computer program of the present invention provides the above-described present invention. A computer program for recording control for controlling a computer provided in a clear information recording apparatus (including various aspects thereof), the computer comprising the first recording means, the second recording means, and Function as at least a part of the third recording means

[0066] In order to solve the above problems, the second computer program of the present invention is for reproduction control for controlling a computer provided in the above-described information reproduction apparatus of the present invention (including various aspects thereof). A computer program that causes the computer to function as at least part of the reading unit, the reproducing unit, and the storage unit.

In order to solve the above problems, the third computer program of the present invention is a recording / reproduction control that controls a computer provided in the above-described information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention (including various aspects thereof). A computer program for causing the computer to function as at least part of the first recording means, the second recording means, the third recording means, the reading means, the reproducing means, and the storage means .

[0068] According to each computer program according to the present invention, if the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or hard disk storing the computer program and then executed by the computer. Alternatively, if the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and then executed, the above-described information recording apparatus, information reproducing apparatus or information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

[0069] Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording apparatus, information reproducing apparatus or information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, each computer program of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[0070] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the first computer program product in the computer-readable medium clearly embodies program instructions executable by a computer, and the computer records the above-described information recording device ( However, it also functions as at least a part of its various forms). Specifically, a computer is caused to function as at least part of the first recording unit, the second recording unit, and the third recording unit.

[0071] A second computer program product in a computer-readable medium solves the above problem. In order to make a decision, program instructions executable by a computer are clearly embodied, and the computer is caused to function as at least a part of the above-described information reproducing apparatus (including various forms thereof). Specifically, a computer is caused to function as at least a part of the reading unit, the reproducing unit, and the storage unit.

[0072] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a third computer program product in a computer-readable medium clearly embodies a program instruction executable by a computer, and the computer uses the information recording / reproducing apparatus described above. (However, various forms thereof are also included.) Specifically, a computer is caused to function as at least a part of the first recording unit, the second recording unit, the third recording unit, the reading unit, the reproducing unit, and the storage unit.

[0073] According to each computer program product of the present invention, if the computer program product is read into a computer from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or hard disk storing the computer program product, or For example, if the computer program product, which is a transmission wave, is downloaded to a computer via communication means, the above-described information recording apparatus, information reproducing apparatus or information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention can be implemented relatively easily. More specifically, the computer program product includes a computer-readable code (or computer-readable instruction) that functions as the information recording apparatus, information reproducing apparatus, or information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above. Be composed ヽ. (Data structure including control signals)

The data structure including the control signal of the present invention includes a part of object data (clip) constituting a series of content information for normal playback and alternative content information for alternative playback (STC) performed in place of the normal playback. Playlist data (# 1-7) that defines the object data file (clip file) that stores the object data that constitutes the side trip content and the playback sequence of the object data in the normal playback in units of playlists. Etc.) and a playlist information file (playlist set) for storing alternative playlist information that defines the playback sequence of the object data in the alternative playback in units of the playlist, and the normal playback. As playback control information for controlling (i) the playlist Doo information file (play list set Among the multiple playlist information stored in (1), playlist specification information for specifying one playlist information (# 1-7, etc.) that defines the playlist to be played during the normal playback (# 1-7) Playlist reference information: # 2 etc.), (ii) playback command information indicating commands to be executed for the normal playback based on the one playlist information (# 1-7 etc.), and (iii) Download instruction information indicating a command to be executed in order to download another part of the object data necessary for the normal reproduction, which is distributed via an external network, and the alternative reproduction (Iv) Specify the alternative playlist information (# 8-9, etc.) for performing the alternative playback at least during the download. Alternate playlist specifying information to comprising at information aggregating (# # 9, etc.) which, Ru and a disc information file stores a plurality.

[0074] According to the data structure including the control signal of the present invention, as in the case of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, for example, content in which ROM content and data downloaded via a network are linked. It is possible to make linked playback more comfortable for the user. Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the data structure including the control signal of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[0075] These effects and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

[0076] As described above, according to the information recording medium of the present invention, the object data file, the playlist information file, and the disc information file are provided. Therefore, for example, content linked playback in which ROM content and data downloaded via a network are linked can be made more comfortable for the user.

[0077] According to the information recording apparatus and method of the present invention, the information recording apparatus and method include a first recording means and process, a second recording means and process, and a second recording means and process. Therefore, it is possible to multiplex-record so that the content information can be reproduced while being divided for each stream group.

According to the information reproducing apparatus and method of the present invention, the information reproducing apparatus and method includes a reading unit and process, a reproducing unit and process, and a storage unit and process. Therefore, the information recording medium of the present invention can be properly reproduced.

[0079] Further, according to the computer program of the present invention, the computer according to the present invention described above is used. Since the information recording apparatus, the information reproducing apparatus, or the information recording / reproducing apparatus is functioned, the above-described information recording medium of the present invention can be efficiently recorded or reproduced.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of an optical disc that is an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention. The upper part is a schematic plan view of an optical disc having a plurality of areas, and the lower part associated therewith is the It is a schematic conceptual diagram of the area structure in radial direction.

[FIG. 2] A schematic diagram (FIG. 2 (a)) schematically showing the structure of an MPEG2 program stream similar to conventional DVD, to which the recorded data recorded on the optical disc of the present embodiment is compliant. And, a schematic diagram schematically showing the structure of an MPEG2 transport stream (TS) based on the original data that can be input to the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment and recordable on the optical disc of the present embodiment. Figure 2 (b)).

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a data structure recorded on an optical disc according to an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing details of a data structure in each play (P) list set shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram schematically showing details of the data structure of each item shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing details of the data structure in each TS clip shown in FIG. 3.

[FIG. 7] The elementary stream (ES) for the upper program # 1 (PG1) and the elementary stream (ES) for the lower program # 2 (PG2) according to this embodiment are multiplexed, and these FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a state in which a transport stream (TS) for two programs (PG1 & 2) is configured with a horizontal axis as a time axis.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing an image of TS packets multiplexed in one transport stream (TS) according to the present embodiment as a packet arrangement along time.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the logical configuration of data on an optical disc relating to the information recording medium of the present invention, focusing on the development of a logical hierarchy force object hierarchy or entity hierarchy. [10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a playlist including a main path and a sub path as a logical configuration of data on the optical disc according to the information recording medium of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the information recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the outline of the entire content linked playback process constituted by alternative playback and normal playback according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of overall processing of content-linked playback processing constituted by alternative playback and normal playback according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a detailed conceptual diagram schematically showing the details of the entire content linked playback process constituted by alternative playback and normal playback according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram (FIG. 15 (a)) schematically showing one specific example of processing of the main path and the sub path included in normal playback according to the present invention, and another specific example of the main path. This is a schematic diagram (Fig. 15 (b)).

[16] The alternative regeneration force according to the present invention is also a schematic diagram conceptually showing the first switching method to normal regeneration.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing each process in the first switching method to the normal playback of the alternative playback power according to the present invention.

[18] The alternative regeneration force according to the present invention is also a schematic diagram conceptually showing the second switching method to normal regeneration.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing each process in the second switching method to the normal playback also with the alternative playback power according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a third switching method from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing each process in the third switching method to normal reproduction according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a fourth switching method from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing each process in the fourth switching method to normal reproduction according to the present invention. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a menu screen on which a switching operation by a user is performed in the fourth switching method from alternative playback to normal playback according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a fifth switching method from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing each process in the fifth switching method to alternative reproduction power normal reproduction according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing how the alternative regeneration force according to the present invention is switched to normal regeneration.

[FIG. 28] —Conceptual diagram schematically showing a general comparison between download via a network and download via a broadcast wave.

FIG. 29 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a general user waiting time depending on a data transfer rate via a network.

FIG. 30 is a detailed conceptual diagram schematically showing the details of the overall processing according to the second embodiment of the content linked playback processing constituted by alternative playback and normal playback according to the present invention. Explanation of symbols

100 optical disc

105 File system

110 Disc information file

120 playlist information file

126 playlists

130 Clip information file

134 ES map tape

134a Address information

134b Used division unit number information

140 Clip data file

142 TS (Transport Stream) Clip

146 TS socket

146a knot header 148a PID (packet identification number)

200 Movie object

201 Playback command information

202 Playlist specification information

204 items

500 Information recording / reproducing device

502 Optical pickup

506 demodulator

508 Demultiplexer

511 video decoder

512 audio decoder

513 Sub-picture decoder

520 system controller

606 modulator

608 formatter

609 Noffa

609a Split buffer

611 bidet encoder

612 audio encoder

613 Sub-picture encoder

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in each embodiment in order with reference to the drawings.

[0083] (1) Information recording medium

(1-1) Basic structure

An embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the information recording medium of the present invention is applied to an optical disc of a type capable of recording (writing) and reproducing (reading). First, with reference to FIG. 1, the basic structure of the optical disc of this example will be described. FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of the structure of an optical disk having a plurality of areas on the upper side in the optical disk according to the present embodiment, and shows a schematic diagram showing the area structure in the radial direction on the lower side. FIG.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 1, the optical disc 100 can be recorded by various recording methods such as a dye film method, a magneto-optical method, and a phase change method, which can be recorded (written) multiple times or only once. Like the DVD, the lead-in area 104, data area 106, and lead-out area 108 are recorded on the recording surface of the disc body with a diameter of about 12cm. Is provided. In each area, for example, groove tracks and land tracks are alternately provided spirally or concentrically around the center hole 102, and these groove tracks may be wobbled. Prepits may be formed on one or both of the tracks. The present invention is not particularly limited to the optical disc having such three areas.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the transport stream (TS) and program stream (PS) according to the optical disc of the present embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of the program stream of MP EG2 similar to the conventional DVD, which is based on the recorded data recorded on the optical disc of this embodiment (FIG. 2 (a )), And a schematic diagram showing the structure of an MPEG2 transport stream (TS) that is compliant with the original data that can be input to the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment and that can be recorded on the optical disk according to the present embodiment. It is a diagram (Fig. 2 (b)).

In FIG. 2 (a), one program stream includes only one video stream for video data as main video information along time axis t, and further, audio for audio data as audio information. It contains up to 8 streams and up to 32 sub-picture streams for sub-picture data as sub-picture information. In other words, the video data multiplexed at an arbitrary time tx relates to only one video stream. For example, a plurality of video streams corresponding to a plurality of television programs or a plurality of movies. Cannot be included in the program stream at the same time. In order to multiplex and transmit or record television programs with video, at least for each television program etc. Since only one video stream is required, there is only one video stream! In the DVD program stream format, multiple television programs cannot be multiplexed and transmitted or recorded as they are. That's it.

[0088] However, according to the present embodiment, by adopting a unique data structure such as a division unit, which will be described in detail later, while conforming to the program stream format shown in FIG. In the same way as the transport stream shown in Fig. 2 (b) is recorded as it is, multiple TV programs are recorded so that they can be played back simultaneously or switched.

[0089] In FIG. 2 (b), one transport stream (TS) includes a plurality of video streams as elementary streams (ES) for video data as main video information, and further audio data as audio information. A plurality of audio streams are included as elementary streams (ES) for use, and a plurality of sub-picture streams are included as elementary streams (ES) for sub-picture data as sub-picture information. That is, the video data multiplexed at an arbitrary time tx relates to a plurality of video streams. For example, a plurality of video streams corresponding to a plurality of TV programs or a plurality of movies are displayed. At the same time, it can be included in the transport stream. Thus, in the transport stream format in which a plurality of video streams exist, a plurality of television programs and the like can be multiplexed and transmitted or recorded. However, in digital broadcasting that uses the current transport stream, the sub-picture stream is not transmitted.

[0090] In FIG. 2 (a) and FIG. 2 (b), for convenience of explanation, the power for arranging the upper force in this order for the video stream, the audio stream, and the sub-picture stream. It does not correspond to the order when multiplexed in units. In the transport stream, conceptually, for example, one program corresponds to a group of one video stream, two audio streams, and two sub-picture streams.

[0091] In the present embodiment, in particular, in the stage as an information source or a data source that is originally input to the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, there are many on the time axis within the limit of the recording rate. Each of the multiple video streams (see FIG. 2 (b)) that are multiplexed and transmitted in the transport stream format is in the single video stream format on the optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment. Moreover, it is recorded as a plurality of video streams (see FIG. 2 (a)) divided into division units. That is, on the optical disc 100, the data structure shown in FIG. 2 (a) is constructed in each divided unit, and such divided units are arranged so as to be reproduced in order. More specifically, by the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, a stream group force including at least one of an audio stream and a sub-picture stream corresponding to the one video stream in addition to the one video stream Transport stream As many video streams as the number of video streams to be transmitted in the format are created, and each stream group is recorded in one corresponding division unit. So, for example, only the single video stream format is supported! Even in an information recording medium (that is, an information recording medium having a single video stream structure such as a conventional DVD, for example), multiple pieces of main video information transmitted in a transport stream format are multiplexed and recorded appropriately. Can be replayed. At the time of reproduction, the main video viewed by the user can be appropriately switched by changing or switching the stream group to be reproduced.

[0092] (1-2) Data structure

Next, the structure of data recorded on the optical disc according to the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the data structure recorded on the optical disc in the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing details of the data structure in each play (P) list set shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram schematically showing details of the data structure of each item shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing details of the data structure in each TS clip shown in FIG.

[0094] In the following description, a "movie object" is a playback unit for executing a plurality of "playlists" in succession. For example, logically such as one movie or one TV program. It is a unit with a large unit. Note that “movie object” is referred to as “M-obj ^” as appropriate. “Playlist set” refers to a bundle of “playlists”. For example, multiple content information that has a specific relationship that can be switched between angle playback and parental playback is played back. Or a bundle of playlists for reproducing content information related to a plurality of programs broadcast and recorded together in the same time zone. Alternatively, for the same movie object, high-definition support, display resolution, surround sound support, speaker layout, etc., depending on the video playback function (video performance) required by the information playback system and audio playback function (audio performance) It is a bundle of playlists for playing various content information prepared for each requested function. A “playlist” is a file that stores information necessary for playback of a “clip”, and is composed of a plurality of “items” each storing information related to the playback range of a clip for accessing a clip. ing. The “clip” is entity information of the content constituting the MPEG2 transport stream described above.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 3, the optical disc 100 has four types of files as a logical structure: a disc information file 110, a play (P) list information file 120, a clip information file 130, and a clip data file 140. And a file system 105 for managing these files. Note that FIG. 3 does not directly indicate the physical data arrangement on the optical disc 100, but recording the arrangement order shown in FIG. 3 so as to correspond to the arrangement order shown in FIG. That is, the file system 105 or the like can be recorded in the data recording area 106 following the lead-in area 104, and the clip data file 140 or the like can be further recorded in the data recording area 106. Even if the lead-in area 104 and lead-out area 108 shown in FIG. 1 do not exist, the file structure shown in FIG. 3 can be constructed.

The disc information file 110 is a file that stores comprehensive information about the entire optical disc 100, and stores disc general information 112, a movie object information table 114, and other information 118. The disc general information 112 stores the total number of titles in the optical disc 100, for example. The movie object information table 114 includes a movie object pointer 114-1 and a plurality of movie objects 200 (movie objects # 1 to #m) whose recording addresses are indicated thereby. Each movie object 200 includes, as logical information, the type of each movie object (eg, sequential playback type, branch type) and the play ( P) Store the list number for each title.

[0097] The playlist information file 120 stores a play (P) list information table 121 indicating the logical configuration of each playlist, and includes a play (P) list management information 122 and a play (P) list. It is divided into a set pointer 124, a plurality of play (P) list sets 126S (P list sets # 1 to #n), and other information 128. This playlist information table 121 stores the logical information of each playlist set 126S in the order of the playlist set number. In other words, the storage order of each playlist set 126S is the playlist set number. Further, it is possible to refer to the same playlist set 126S from a plurality of movie objects 200 in the movie object information table 114 described above. That is, even when movie object #q and movie object #r use the same playlist set #p, the playlist set #p in the playlist information table 121 is pointed to in the movie object information table 114. You can configure it.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in the playlist set 126S, a plurality of items 204 are defined in the item definition table 126-3. These are shared by multiple playlists 126. In addition, as the playlist set general information 126-1, the name of each playlist 126 included in the playlist set 126S, the UI (user interface information) such as the playback time, and the address to each item definition table 126-3 Information etc. are described.

[0099] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the item 204 is a minimum unit of display. Item 204 describes “IN point information” indicating the start address of the clip and “OUT point information” indicating the end address. Each of these “IN point information” and “OUT point information” may directly indicate an address, or may indirectly indicate an address such as time or time on the playback time axis. In the figure, when multiple ESs (elementary streams) are multiplexed with the clip indicated by "Stream clip #m", the designation of item 204 is the combination of specific ES threads or specific ES will be specified

[0100] Return to Figure 3 again. The clip information file 130 is stored in the clip data file 140 for each item configured in each playlist 126 (i.e., the logic to be played back). Address) and various attribute information related to the reproduction of the item. Particularly in the present embodiment, the clip information file 130 stores EP (entry path) address information 134d, an ES (elementary stream) map table 134, and other information 138.

[0101] The clip data file 140 stores a plurality of TS clips 142 (TS # 1 clip to TS # s clip) for each transport stream (TS), that is, actual data of content to be actually reproduced.

Note that the four types of files described with reference to FIG. 3 can be further divided into a plurality of files and stored, and these may all be managed by the file system 105. For example, the clip data file 140 can be divided into a plurality of segments such as clip data file # 1, clip data file # 2,.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the TS clip 142 shown in FIG. 3 which is a logically reproducible unit is divided into a plurality of aligned units 143 each having a data amount of 6 kB, for example. Being done. The head of aligned unit 143 is aligned with the head of TS clip 142 (aligned). Each aligned unit 143 is further subdivided into a plurality of source packets 144 each having a data amount of 192B. The source packet 144 is a physically reproducible unit, and at least video data, audio data, and sub-picture data among the data on the optical disc 100 are multiplexed in this unit, that is, packet unit, and other information. May be multiplexed in the same manner. Each source packet 144 has a data amount of 4 B, and control information for controlling reproduction of a packet alignment time stamp indicating a reproduction processing start time of a TS (transport stream) packet on the reproduction time axis. 145 and a TS packet payload 146 having a data amount of 188B. The TS packet payload 146 has a packet header 146a at the head thereof, and the video data is packetized into a “video packet”, the audio data is packetized into an “audio packet”, or The power to packetize the sub-picture data into a “sub-picture packet” or other data is packetized.

[0104] (1-3) Multiple structures

Next, referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, video data, audio data, sub-picture data, etc. in the transport stream format shown in FIG. 2 (b) are converted into TS packet pages shown in FIG. The point of multiple recording on the optical disc 100 by the reload 146 will be described. Here, in FIG. 7, the elementary stream (ES) for the upper program # 1 (PG1) and the elementary stream (ES) for the lower program # 2 (PG2) according to this embodiment are multiplexed. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a state in which a transport stream (TS) for these two programs (PG1 & 2) is configured with the horizontal axis as a time axis. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing an image of TS packets multiplexed in one transport stream (TS) according to the present embodiment as a packet arrangement along time.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 7, the elementary stream for program # 1 (upper stage) has a time axis representing, for example, a TS packet (TS packet payload 1 46) in which video data for program # 1 is packetized. It is arranged discretely with respect to (horizontal axis). The elementary stream (middle stage) for program # 2 is formed by discretely arranging TS packet payloads 146 in which video data for program # 2 is packetized with respect to the time axis (horizontal axis). These TS packet payloads 146 are multiplexed to construct a transport stream (lower stage) for these two programs. Although not shown in FIG. 7 for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the TS packet in which audio data is packetized is actually used as an elementary stream for program # 1. An elementary stream for payload and a sub-picture stream consisting of a TS packet payload into which sub-picture data are packetized may be multiplexed in the same way. Similarly, an elementary stream composed of a TS packet payload packetized with audio data and a subpicture stream composed of a TS packet payload packetized with subpicture data may be multiplexed in the same manner.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, one TS stream is constructed by using a number of TS packet payloads 146 thus multiplexed. A large number of TS packet payloads 146 are multiplexed and recorded on the optical disc 100 with information of 145 such as packet arrival time stamps added in this manner. In FIG. 8, for the TS packet payload 146 that also has the data power that constitutes the program #i (i = l, 2, 3),; j (j = l, 2, ...) "Element (iOj)" as a number indicating a different order This (iOj) is a packet ID which is an identification number of the TS packet payload 146 for each elementary stream. This packet ID is given a unique value among multiple TS packet payloads 146 that are multiplexed at the same time so that they can be distinguished from each other even if multiple TS packet payloads 146 are multiplexed at the same time. ing.

In FIG. 8, PAT (Program Association Table) and PMT (Program Map Table) are also packetized and multiplexed in units of TS packet payload 146. Among these, the PAT stores a table indicating packet IDs of a plurality of PMTs. In particular, the MPE G2 standard stipulates that (000) is assigned to PAT as a predetermined packet ID as shown in FIG. That is, the TS packet payload 146 in which the PAT is packetized is detected as the TS packet payload 146 whose packet ID is (000) among a large number of packets multiplexed at the same time. . The PMT stores a table indicating the packet HD for each elementary stream constituting each program for one or a plurality of programs. Arbitrary packet IDs can be assigned to the PMT, but these packet IDs are indicated by the PAT that can be detected with the packet ID (000) as described above. Therefore, among many packets multiplexed at the same time, the TS packet payload 146 in which the PMT is packetized (that is, the TS packet to which the packet IDs (100), (200), and (300) are assigned in FIG. Payload 146) Force It is configured to be detected by PAT.

[0108] When the transport stream as shown in Fig. 8 is digitally transmitted, the tuner refers to the PAT and PMT configured as described above, so that the medium power of the multiplexed packet can be obtained as well. It is possible to extract the one corresponding to the mental stream and demodulate it.

In the present embodiment, such a PAT or PMT packet is included as the TS packet payload 146 stored in the TS clip 142 shown in FIG. In other words, when a transport stream as shown in FIG. 8 is transmitted, it can be recorded on the optical disc 100 as it is.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the PAT and PMT recorded in this way are not referred to when the optical disc 100 is played back, but are described later with reference to the ES map tape shown in FIG. By referring to the file 134, it may be configured to enable more efficient reproduction and cope with complicated multi-vision reproduction. For this reason, in this embodiment, for example, the correspondence between the elementary stream and the packet obtained by referring to the PAT and PMT at the time of demodulation or recording is not in the form of the ES map table 134 and packetized or multiplexed. In this case, the clip information file 130 may be stored.

[0111] (1 -4) Logical configuration

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a logical configuration of data on the optical disc according to the information recording medium of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the logical configuration of data on the optical disc according to the information recording medium of the present invention, focusing on the development from the logical hierarchy to the object hierarchy or the entity hierarchy. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a playlist including a main path and a sub path as a logical configuration of data on the optical disk according to the information recording medium of the present invention.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 9, one or a plurality of movie objects (so-called video objects) 200 that are logically large pieces such as one movie and one television program are recorded on the optical disc 100. And

[0113] Selection of one movie object 200 is performed based on a designation (command) called from the movie object 200 including menu information such as an operation menu for which user power is also operated. In other words, one movie object 200 is called from the movie object 200 including the menu information. Transition (movement) from one movie object 200 to another movie object 200 is performed by a call such as a “Jump To Object Command”.

[0114] Each movie object 200 includes one or more commands 200-1. One command 200-1 includes playback command information 201 for playback of the playlist 126 such as “Play playlist command”. The reproduction command information 201 includes playlist designation information 202 for designating at least one playlist 126 as well as the playlist set 126S. The playback command information 201 plays back at least one playlist 126 based on the playlist designation information 202. More specifically, based on the playlist designation information 202, for example, the plurality of playlists 126 may be played back sequentially or played back in a branched manner. May be.

[0115] Each playlist 126 is logically composed of a plurality of items (play items) 204 that are continuously reproduced. Within each playlist 126, the plurality of items 204 may have a sequential structure or a branch structure. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, each playlist 126 may be configured to include an item 204 constituting a main node and an item 204 constituting a sub path. Here, the main node is a sequence (order) of items to be played back as a primary and main purpose such as a still image slide show. On the other hand, the sub node is a sequence of items that are played back in synchronization with the playback of the main path such as BGM (background music) that is added to a still image slide show and played.

[0116] It is also possible to refer to one item 204 from a plurality of playlists 126.

The playback range of the TS clip 142, which is a playback data object such as MPEG2, is logically specified by the above-described IN point information and OUT point information described in the item 204, for example. Then, by referring to the clip information file 130 for the logically designated reproduction range, finally, the reproduction range of the TS clip 142 is physically designated via the file system. That is, based on the clip information 130, time information such as the above-described IN point information and OUT point information described in the item 204 can be converted into address space information. More specifically, the clip information file 130 contains various information for reproducing the TS clip 142, such as attribute information of the TS clip 142 and EP (entry nose) address information 134d necessary for data search in the TS clip 142. (Note that the ES map table 134 shown in FIG. 3 includes a plurality of such EP address information 134d).

[0117] When the TS clip 142 is played back by the information recording / playback apparatus described later, the physical address to be played back in the TS clip 142 is acquired from the item 204 and the clip information 130, and a desired elementary stream is obtained. Is played back.

As described above, in this embodiment, the IN point information and OUT point information described in the item 204 and the EP address information 134d described in the ES map table 134 (see FIG. 3) of the clip information file 130 are stored. The logical hierarchy power in the playback sequence As a result, the movie object 200 can be played back.

[0119] As described in detail above, in this embodiment, multiple recordings are performed on the optical disc 100 in units of TS packet payloads 146, and as a result, a large number of elementary streams as shown in Fig. 2 (b) are obtained. The transport stream including the data can be multiplexed and recorded on the optical disc 100.

[0120] (2) Information recording / reproducing apparatus

(2-1) Basic configuration

Next, an embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the information recording apparatus of the present invention.

In FIG. 11, an information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 is roughly divided into a reproduction system and a recording system, and is configured to be able to record information on the optical disc 100 described above and to reproduce information recorded on the optical disk 100. Has been. In the present embodiment, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 is used for recording / reproducing as described above. However, basically, the recording system partial force can be configured according to the embodiment of the recording apparatus of the present invention. The embodiment of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention can be configured from the reproducing system portion.

[0122] The information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 includes an optical pickup 502, a servo unit 503, a spindle motor 504, a demodulator 506, a demultiplexer 508, a video decoder 511, an audio decoder 512, a calorie calculator 514, and a still picture decoder 515. A system controller 520, a memory 530, a memory 550, a modulator 606, a formatter 608, a D3 and 3-object generator 610, a video encoder 611, an audio encoder 612, and a still image encoder 615. The system controller 520 includes a file system Z logical structure data generator 521 and a file system Z logical structure data reader 522. Further, the system controller 520 is connected to a memory 530 and a user interface 720 for inputting user information such as title information.

Among these components, the demodulator 506, the demultiplexer 508, the video decoder 511, the audio decoder 512, the calorie calculator 514, the still picture decoder 515, and the memory 550 are used. Ne playback system is configured. On the other hand, out of these components, modulator 606, formatter 608, and Ding 3? The three-object generator 610, the video encoder 611, the audio encoder 612, and the still image encoder 615 generally constitute a recording system. The optical pickup 502, servo unit 503, spindle motor 504, system controller 520 and memory 530, and user interface 720 for inputting user information such as title information are generally shared by both the reproduction system and the recording system. The Furthermore, for the recording system, TS object data source 700 (or PS object data source 700 or still image data source 700 such as bit map data and JPEG data), video data source 711, audio data source 712, and still image data Source 715 is provided. In addition, the file system Z logical structure data generator 521 provided in the system controller 520 is mainly used in the recording system, and the file system Z logical structure reader 522 is mainly used in the reproduction system. .

[0124] The optical pickup 502 irradiates the optical disc 100 with a light beam LB such as a laser beam at a first power as a read light during reproduction and at a recording power with a second power as a write light during recording. To do. The servo unit 503 is controlled by a control signal Scl output from the system controller 520 during reproduction and recording, and performs focus servo, tracking servo, etc. in the optical pickup 502 and spindle servo in the spindle motor 504. The spindle motor 504 is configured to rotate the optical disc 100 at a predetermined speed while receiving spindle servo from the servo unit 503.

Note that the still picture encoder 615 is configured to be able to encode sub-picture data as a TS object, and the still picture decoder 515 may be configured to be able to decode sub-picture data. .

[0126] (2-2) Detailed configuration and schematic operation of playback system

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a specific configuration and operation of each component constituting the playback system of the information recording / playback apparatus 500 will be described.

In FIG. 11, the user interface 720 displays the title to be played back from the optical disc 100, its playback condition, etc. Is input to the controller. At this time, the user interface 720 is controlled by the control signal Sc4 of the system controller 520 and can perform input processing according to the content to be played back, such as selection via the title menu screen. .

In response to this, the system controller 520 performs disc playback control on the optical disc 100, and the optical pickup 502 sends a read signal S 7 to the demodulator 506.

The demodulator 506 demodulates the recording signal recorded on the optical disc 100 from the read signal S7 and outputs it as demodulated data D8. The logical information file data that is multiplexed and included in the demodulated data D8 (that is, the file system 105, the disk information file 110, the P list information file 120, and the object information file shown in FIG. 3). 130) is supplied to the system controller 520. Based on the logical information file data, the system controller 520 executes various reproduction controls such as reproduction address determination processing and optical pickup 502 control.

[0130] On the other hand, the demodulated data D8 includes TS object data as a multiplexed information part, or includes still image data! In response to this, the switch SW3 is controlled by the control signal SclO from the system controller 520 to switch to the demultiplexer 508 side which is the multi 1 side or the still image decoder 515 side which is the multi 2 side. Can be switched to. This selectively supplies TS object data to the demultiplexer 508 and still image data to the still image decoder 515.

[0131] With respect to the TS object data as the multiplexed information portion included in the demodulated data D8, the demultiplexer 508 is demultiplexed under the control of the control signal Sc2 from the system controller 520. Here, when the access to the playback position address is completed by the playback control of the system controller 520, the control signal Sc2 is transmitted so as to start the demultiplexing.

From the demultiplexer 508, a video packet, an audio packet, and a sub-picture packet are sent out and supplied to the video decoder 511, the audio decoder 512, and the still picture decoder 515, respectively. Then, video data DV, audio data DA, and sub-picture data DS are decoded. And the video data DV is the adder 514 Audio data DA is supplied as an audio output.

Here, in the present embodiment, the sub-picture data DS or the still image data output from the still image decoder 515 is supplied to the switch SW4. The switch SW4 receives control by the control signal Scl 1 from the system controller 520 depending on whether the data supplied from the still picture decoder 515 is sub-picture data DS or still picture data. Therefore, the force can be switched to the adder 514 side which is the mal 1 side, or the memory 550 side which is the mal 2 side. As a result, the sub-picture data DS is selectively supplied to the adder 514 and the still image data is supplied to the memory 550.

The adder 514 receives video data DV and sub-picture data DS decoded by the video decoder 511 and the still picture decoder 515 under the control of the control signal Sc3 instructing mixing from the system controller 520, respectively. Are mixed or superimposed at a predetermined timing. The result is output as a video output from the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 to, for example, a television monitor. As described later, still image data supplied from SW5 at a predetermined timing is mixed or superimposed with video data DV and sub-picture data DS.

[0135] At this time, the sub-picture data DS may be configured to be supplied to the adder 514 via a memory (not shown). Alternatively, the sub-picture data may be stored in the memory 550 in the same manner as the still image data as will be described later. In this case, the sub-picture data DS is output from the memory under control by a control signal from the system controller 520, or at a predetermined timing or selectively, and superimposition with the video data DV is appropriately performed. Preferably, it is done. That is, it is possible to control the timing of superimposing and the necessity of superimposing as compared with the case of superimposing the subpicture data output from the subpicture decoder 513 as it is. For example, the output control using the control signal does not force the main video to display the subtitle using the sub picture as appropriate, or the menu screen using the sub picture as appropriate. It is also possible to help.

On the other hand, for example, still image data supplied to the still image decoder 515 is switched to the Mar 2 side by the control of the control signal Sell from the system controller 520. [0137] In addition, the background image data and button data are supplied to the adder 514 via the switch SW5 at a predetermined timing under the control of the control signal Scl2. Thus, superimposition of still image data (that is, background image data or button data, for example), video data DV, and sub-picture data DS is appropriately performed. That is, the timing of superimposing and the necessity of superimposing can be controlled as compared with the case where the still image data output from the still image decoder 515 is superimposed as it is. For example, by output control using the control signal Scl2, a still image such as a menu screen or a window screen using still image data or a still image as a background image is appropriately displayed on the main video or sub video. It is also possible to make a force.

In addition, even if still image data is separately output via a switch (not shown) via the switching switch SW5 that is switched to the side 2 under the control of the control signal Scl3 from the system controller 520. Good.

[0139] When the background image data and button data are output by the switch SW5, the button data is displayed on the background image defined by the background image data under the control of the control signal Scl3 from the system controller 520. It is preferable to supply a button menu that is created by overlaying prescribed button images.

On the other hand, the audio data DA decoded by the audio decoder 512 is output as an audio output from the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 to, for example, an external speaker.

[0141] It should be noted that the PAT or PMT packetized packets included in the transport stream shown in Fig. 8 are each discarded by the power demultiplexer 508 included as part of the demodulated data D8.

[0142] (3) First example of content linkage playback processing

(3-1) Outline of content linkage playback processing

Next, referring to FIG. 11 described above in addition to FIG. 12 as appropriate, an outline of the overall processing of the content linked playback process constituted by the alternative playback according to the present invention and the normal playback including the main nose and the sub path will be described. explain. Here, FIG. 12 schematically shows the outline of the overall processing of the content linked playback processing constituted by the alternative playback and normal playback according to the present invention. It is the conceptual diagram shown. From FIG. 12, in the step numbers shown in FIG. 14 to be described later, the same step numbers indicate the same steps (processes).

As shown in FIG. 12, first, when an information recording / reproducing apparatus is loaded with an optical disc 100 such as a BD-ROM in which a program for performing content-linked reproduction processing is recorded, initial setting is performed. (Step S10).

[0144] Next, for content linked playback, downloading is performed in order to transfer data stored in the server 900 to the local memory of the client computer via the Internet, for example (step S20). This download is performed as a background process of a playback presentation composed of alternative playback and normal playback by the information recording / playback apparatus.

Subsequently, the alternative content information is reproduced (alternative reproduction) at the same time as or after the download in step S20 (step S30).

Subsequently, after the download is completed, the alternative playback is switched to the normal playback, and for example, the main path normal playback is performed (step S40).

Subsequently, sub-pass normal playback is performed in synchronization with secondary playback of the main pass (step S 50).

[0148] (3- 2) Details of content linkage playback processing

Next, referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 described above in addition to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 as appropriate, content linked reproduction processing constituted by alternative reproduction according to the present invention and normal reproduction including the main path and sub path Details of the overall processing will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the overall processing of the content linkage playback processing constituted by the alternative playback and the normal playback according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a detailed conceptual diagram schematically showing the details of the entire content linked playback process constituted by alternative playback and normal playback according to the present invention. Note that the content linkage reproduction processing according to the first embodiment is configured by a table description type logical structure. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram (FIG. 15 (a)) schematically showing one specific example of processing of the main path and the sub path included in the normal reproduction according to the present invention, and another specific example of the main path. Is a conceptual diagram (Fig. 15 (b)).

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, first, a program for performing content linkage playback processing When the information recording / reproducing apparatus is filled with, for example, an optical disc 100 such as a BD-ROM, in which an initial setting is performed (step S10).

More specifically, a desired movie object 200 is selected by the user interface 720 (step S 11). More specifically, the system controller 520 acquires information related to the playback sequence from the interpretation result of the file system Z logical structure interpreter 522. In the selection of the movie object 200, a desired one of a plurality of commands 200-1 (see FIG. 9) constituting the movie object 200 is selected by an external input operation by a user using a remote controller or the like. Alternatively, one command 200-1 may be automatically selected according to the system parameters set in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500!

[0151] Next, alternative play list designation information (for example, # 9 etc.) force for reproducing one alternative reproduction content information (side trip content) corresponding to the selected movie object 200 Control of the system controller 520 It is obtained below (step S12).

[0152] Next, parameter information according to the present invention for reproducing this one alternative reproduction content information (side trip content) (for example, information indicating one switching type (interrupt type) described later, etc.) Force Acquired under the control of the system controller 520 (step S13).

Subsequently, for content linked reproduction, downloading is performed in order to transfer the data stored in the server 900 to the local memory of the client computer via, for example, the Internet (step S20). This download is performed as a background process of a playback presentation composed of alternative playback and normal playback by the information recording / playback apparatus. Specifically, for example, data location specifying information indicating the location in the server 900 external network in which object data such as TS clips for normal playback by sub-path is stored is obtained under the control of the system controller 520. (Step S21). More specifically, the command indicated by the following syntax is executed.

[0154] DownloadData ("Position Argument") (0— 0)

In the positional argument, for example, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the server 900 etc. Data location designation information indicating the location in the local network is input.

Next, download is started under the control of system controller 520 based on the download instruction command information (step S22). In detail, the status status of the download may be indicated by “DownloadStatusJ. Here,“ DownloadStatus ”is the download status indicated by using the system register of the system controller 520. More specifically, the following three download statuses may be indicated by “DownloadStatus”.

[0156] Not Ready (0—1)

Progressing (0— 2)

Complete (0— 3)

Note that Not Ready (0-1) indicates that downloading cannot be started. Progressing (0-2) indicates the current download state. Complete (0-3) indicates that the download is complete.

Subsequently, after the download in step S22 is started, the alternative content information is reproduced (alternative reproduction) (step S30). Specifically, first, after the download in step S22 is started, it is determined whether or not the alternative content information needs to be reproduced (alternative reproduction) under the control of the system controller 520 (step S31). More specifically, if it is estimated that the time required to download object data such as TS clips for normal playback using the sub-pass described above is short, the alternative playback may be omitted. Good. If alternative playback is required (step S31: Yes), the alternative playlist designation information (command #i) and parameter information (command) included in the alternative playback command information under the control of the system controller 520 Based on #j), alternative playback is performed (step S32).

[0158] More specifically, two commands indicated by the following syntax included in the movie object 200 are executed.

[0159] SideTripRegister ("number argument") (1-1)

In the number argument, alternative playlist designation information such as the ninth playlist number (PlayListjd) acquired in step S12 is input. Also, “SideTripRegister Instead of ("number argument") ", the command rpiayPL (" number argument ") may be executed!

[0160] SideTripCondition (“Parameter Argument”) (1—2)

Note that the parameter information acquired in step S13 is input to the parameter argument. This parameter argument may also consist of the following six types of forces.

[0161] Interrupt— type (2—1)

This “Interrupt_type” is a parameter argument that defines a switching method from alternative playback to normal playback, which will be described later.

[0162] Maximum— duration (2— 2)

This “Maximum_duration” is a parameter argument that specifies the maximum playback time of alternative playback described later.

[0163] Side— trip— type (2— 3)

This “Side_trip_type” indicates that one alternative playback content information (side trip content) specified by the alternative playlist specification information is played back only once, or alternative playback is repeated until the download is completed. It is a parameter argument that specifies what is to be done.

[0164] Forced— playback— flag (2— 4)

This “Forced_playback_flag” is a parameter argument that prescribes that alternate playback is started even if the download is completed immediately.

[0165] Interrupt— effect (2— 5)

This “Interrupt_effect” is a parameter argument that defines the effect of screen display such as fade-out and fade-in of the screen when switching from alternative playback to normal playback.

[0166] Side— trip— delay (2— 6)

This “Side_trip_del _a y” is a parameter argument that defines the start conditions such as the timing for starting alternative playback. This parameter argument may be specified so that, for example, alternative playback is started after a predetermined time such as an average time required for downloading has elapsed.

Returning to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 again. Correspondence to the logical hierarchy force object hierarchy such as the movie object 200 related to the alternative reproduction in step S32 is described later from step S41. Since it is almost the same as the normal playback in S43, it will be described in addition to the description of the normal playback. On the other hand, if it is not necessary to perform alternative reproduction (step S31: No), the alternative reproduction is omitted under the control of the system controller 520.

[0168] In particular, a command group including various control functions capable of displaying the progress of download during alternative playback in step S30 constituted by steps S31 and S32 may be defined. Alternatively, you can configure your computer or playback device (player) to have a function to display the progress of the download during alternate playback! /!

[0169] Furthermore, in step S30 (alternative playback) configured by steps S31 and S32, the degree of download progress is reflected in the alternative playback, in other words, the degree of download progress is synchronized with the alternative playback. You may comprise. More specifically, it may be composed of a plurality of types of slideshows having different contents based on the degree of download progress. Alternatively, for example, the content may be changed immediately after the download is completed. More specifically, a register indicating the degree of progress of download may be added to a system register provided in a computer or playback device (player). Then, it may be configured such that during the alternative reproduction, a register indicating the degree of progress of the download is monitored from various commands and the alternative reproduction is controlled. It may be configured to control such alternative playback by a group of commands including various control functions.

[0170] Subsequently, after the download is completed, the alternative playback is switched to the normal playback, and for example, the main nose is played back (step S40). Details of the switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction will be described later.

[0171] Specifically, in order to perform normal playback of the main node, the playlist specification information (alternatively included in the playback command information (command #n) which is the command 200—1 constituting the selected movie object 200) In the case of playback, alternative playlist designation information) is acquired under the control of the system controller 520 (step S41). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), the first one of the plurality of playlists 126 constituting the playlist set 126S is designated as one playlist 126, and the item 204 ( For example, items # 1, # 2, and #y) can be specified. Note that this step S41 That is, the acquisition of the playlist and the information of each item constituting the playlist is completed.

[0172] Next, based on the item 204 specified by the playlist 126 specified in step S41, a TS clip 142 (see Fig. 9) to be played is determined under the control of the system controller 520. (Step S42). More specifically, the clip information file 130 (see FIG. 3) related to the TS clip 142 to be reproduced is acquired based on the item 204, and the stream number, address, etc. of the TS clip 142 to be reproduced are Identified. In this step S42, the association between the logical hierarchy and the object hierarchy is completed.

[0173] Next, playback of the TS clip 142 determined in step S42 is actually started. That is, the object hierarchy process is started based on the logical hierarchy process (step S43). Note that the processing of the object hierarchy is completed in step S43.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), sub-pass normal playback is performed in sub-synchronization with main-pass normal playback (step S50). Normal playback of this sub-path is almost the same as normal playback of the main path. However, the TS clip 142 is actually stored in the local memory 530 (550). Specifically, in order to perform normal playback of the sub path, the playlist designation information included in the playback command information (command #n), which is the command 200-1 constituting the selected movie object 200, is stored in the system controller 520. Obtained under control (step S51).

[0175] Next, playback is performed under the control of the system controller 520 based on the item 204 (eg, item # 1, ..., #z) specified by the playlist 126 specified in step S51. The TS clip 142 (see FIG. 9) to be determined is determined (step S52).

[0176] Next, playback of the TS clip 142 determined in step S52 is actually started. That is, the object hierarchy process is started based on the logical hierarchy process (step S53).

[0177] In particular, FIG. 15 (b) shows another specific example of the normal reproduction (refer to step S40 and step S50) in the main path described above. In other words, the normal playback of the main path is not only the TS clip 142 recorded on the optical disc 100 but also the TS clip 142 downloaded and actually stored in the local memory 530 (550). Done by You may make it do. As a result, it is possible to realize a content reproduction mode with a higher degree of freedom.

[0178] (4) Details of switching from alternative playback to normal playback

Next, referring to FIG. 16 to FIG. 26, switching to alternative reproduction normal reproduction in content linked reproduction processing constituted by alternative reproduction according to the present invention and normal reproduction including the main path and sub path. Details of the method will be described.

[0179] (4-1) First switching method

First, the first switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction will be described with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the first switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing each process in the first switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention.

[0180] As shown in Fig. 16, in the first switching method of alternative playback power to normal playback, when download is completed and the alternative playback is completed, switching from alternative playback to normal playback is performed. It is characterized by starting normal playback. In addition, the arrow located at the lower side in FIG. 16 indicates the playback time axis. Downloading is performed as a background process for playback presentations consisting of alternative playback and normal playback capabilities. In the first switching method, configure the parameter argument “Interrupt_type (2—l)” to be set to “1”.

Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the flow of each process in the first switching method from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction will be described.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 17, the alternative reproduction is started, that is, the side trip content reproduction is started (step S101).

Next, it is determined whether or not the download has been completed under the control of the system controller 520 (step S102). If the download is completed as a result of the determination in step S102 (step S102: Yes), it is further determined whether or not the alternative reproduction has ended (step S103). Here, when the alternative reproduction is completed (step S103: Yes), the alternative reproduction power is also switched to the normal reproduction, and the normal reproduction is started (step S104).

[0184] On the other hand, if the alternative reproduction has not ended (step S103: No), the alternative reproduction ends again. It is determined whether or not the power is finished, that is, the alternative reproduction content such as side trip content is reproduced until the end (step S103).

On the other hand, if the download has not been completed (step S102: No), it is determined again whether the download has been completed, that is, the alternative reproduction is continued (step S102).

[0186] (4- la) First switching method (specific example of language description type)

Here, an example when the first switching method is described in a high-level language such as C language using the above-described various commands and various arguments is shown below. \ // XXX start /

“Z” etc. are comments explaining the meaning of each process expressed in c language. In addition, in order to make the explanation easier to share, explanation will be made including each process of download in addition to each process of alternative reproduction.

DownloadData ("Position Argument"); // Start download. ZZ

while (DownloadStatus == Progressing no {

Alternate playback continues during ZZ download. //

PlayPL (PlayListjd of alternative playback content information);

For example, the alternative reproduction content information included in the ninth playlist with the playlist number designated by the ZZ alternative playlist designation information (HayListjd) is reproduced. //

When ZZ download is completed, normal playback starts. ZZ

PlayPL (PlayListjd of normal playback content information);

For example, normal playback of normal playback content information included in the ninth playlist with the playlist number specified by the ZZ playlist specification information (PlayListjd) is started.

(4-2) Second switching method

Next, the second switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction will be described with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. Here, FIG. 18 shows the second cut from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows notionally the replacement method. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing each process in the second switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention. In the second switching method, the same steps as those in the first switching method are denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the second switching method in which the alternative playback power is also switched to the normal playback, after the download is completed, a plurality of playback interruptions provided at predetermined time intervals on the playback time axis of the alternative playback are provided. The alternate playback is terminated when the playback is interrupted at the first point of time (Interrupt mark point). The alternative playback power is characterized by switching to normal playback and starting normal playback. In the second switching method, the parameter argument “Interrupt_type (2-l)” may be set to “2”. This mark is defined in the playlist.

Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the flow of each process in the second switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction will be described.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 19, when the download is completed as a result of the determination in step S102 through step S101 and step S102 described above (step S102: Yes), the force that has reached the playback interruption point It is determined whether or not (step S201). Here, when the playback interruption point is reached (step S201: Yes), the alternative playback is ended (step S202). On the other hand, if the playback interruption point has not been reached (step S201: No), it is determined again whether or not the power has reached the playback interruption point.In other words, alternative playback content such as side trip content is Playback is performed until the playback interruption point is reached (step S201).

[0190] Subsequently, as described above, the alternative reproduction power is also switched to normal reproduction, and normal reproduction is started (step S104).

[0191] (4-2a) Second switching method (specific example of language description type)

Here, an example of expressing the second switching method in a high-level script language such as C language using the above-described various commands and various arguments is shown below. In order to simplify the explanation, explanations of the respective processes that are substantially the same as those in the first switching method are omitted, and only the features that are characteristic of the second switching method will be described.

[0192] In the second switching method, at the time of the above-mentioned playback interruption, the description is as follows: Is done.

if (DownloadStatus == Complete) {

When the zz download is completed, the alternative playback is terminated. zz

TerminatePL ();

ZZ Alternative reproduction of the alternative reproduction content information currently being reproduced is terminated. ZZ (4- 3) 3rd switching method

Next, the third switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction will be described with reference to FIG. 20 and FIG. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the third switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing each process in the third switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention. In the third switching method, the same step numbers are assigned to the same steps as those in the first and second switching methods, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 20, in the third switching method to the alternative playback power normal playback, the alternative playback is immediately terminated after the download is completed. A feature is that the switching from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction is performed and the normal reproduction is started. For the third switching method, the parameter argument “Interrupt_type (2-1)” may be set to “3”.

Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the flow of each process in the second switching method from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction will be described.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 21, when the download is completed as a result of the determination in step S102 through step S101 and step S102 described above (step S102: Yes), the alternative playback is terminated (step S102). S202).

[0196] Subsequently, as described above, the alternative reproduction power is also switched to normal reproduction, and normal reproduction is started (step S104).

[0197] (4-3a) Third switching method (a specific example of language description type)

Here, an example of expressing the third switching method in a high-level script language such as C language using the above-described various commands and various arguments is shown below. In order to simplify the explanation, explanations of the respective processes that are substantially the same as those of the first and second switching methods described above are omitted. For brevity, only the features that characterize the third switching method will be described.

[0198] In the third switching method, the following processing is added in addition to the DownloadData command described above. In addition, expand the DownloadData command and configure it to include the added processing.

DownloadData ("Position Argument"); // Start download. ZZ

if (Download¾tatus == then omplete) {

When the zz download is completed, the alternative playback is terminated. ZZ

TerminatePL ();

ZZ Alternative reproduction of the alternative reproduction content information currently being reproduced is terminated. ZZ (4-4) 4th switching method

Next, the fourth switching method from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction will be described with reference to FIG. 22 to FIG. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the fourth switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing each process in the fourth switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention. In the fourth switching method, the same step numbers are assigned to the same steps as those in the first to third switching methods, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a menu screen on which the switching operation by the user is performed in the fourth switching method from the alternative playback to the normal playback according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 22, in the fourth switching method to the alternative playback power normal playback, the user is notified after the download is completed. A feature is that the user himself / herself terminates the alternative reproduction, switches from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction, and starts the normal reproduction. The 4th switching method may be configured so that the parameter argument “Interrupt_type (2-1)” is set to “4”! /.

[0200] Next, with reference to FIG. 23, the flow of each process in the fourth switching method from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction will be described.

[0201] As shown in FIG. 23, when the download is completed as a result of the determination in step S102 through step S101 and step S102 described above (step S102: Yes), the down-slot is displayed. The user is notified that the mode has been completed (step S401).

[0202] Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the user has performed an operation of switching to the alternative reproduction power normal reproduction (step S402). Here, when the switching operation from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction is performed by the user (step S402: Yes), the alternative reproduction is ended (step S202). On the other hand, if the user has not performed an operation to switch to the alternative playback power normal playback (step S402: No), it is determined again whether or not the user has performed an operation to switch from the alternative playback to the normal playback. For example, the alternative playback content such as the side trip content is alternative played until the switching operation by the user is performed (step S402).

[0203] Subsequently, as described above, the alternative reproduction power is also switched to normal reproduction, and normal reproduction is started (step S104).

[0204] In particular, in the fourth switching method, after the download is completed, for example, an operation is performed by the user on the menu including the buttons shown in FIG. 24, and the main path included in the normal playback is displayed. Start playback. Therefore, a command group including various control functions that can display to the user that the download has been completed, that is, the preparation for normal playback of the main path has been completed, may be defined. Alternatively, the computer or the playback device (player) may be configured to have a function of displaying to the user that preparation for normal playback of the main path has been completed.

[0205] (4 4a) Fourth switching method (specific example of language description type)

Here, an example when the fourth switching method is expressed in a high-level script language such as C language using the above-described various commands and various arguments is shown below. In order to simplify the description, the description of each process that is substantially the same as the first to third switching methods described above will be omitted, and only the features that are characteristic of the fourth switching method will be described.

[0206] In the fourth switching method, the following processing is added in addition to the DownloadData command described above. In addition, expand the DownloadData command and configure it to include the added processing.

DownloadData ("Position Argument"); // Start download. ZZ

if (Download¾tatus == then omplete) { UOP— mask ();

When the ZZ download is completed, a message to that effect is displayed to the user, and an operation screen such as a menu that can be operated by the user is displayed. / /

(4- 5) Fifth switching method

Next, the fifth switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction will be described with reference to FIG. 25 and FIG. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the fifth switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing each process in the fifth switching method from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention. In the fifth switching method, the same steps as those in the first to fourth switching methods are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof is omitted.

[0207] As shown in FIG. 25, in the fifth switching method to the alternative playback power normal playback, when the download is not completed, the playback time of the alternative playback is further increased to the maximum playback time (Maximum duration). It is determined whether it is longer. If the result of the determination is long, the alternative playback is terminated, the alternative playback is switched to the normal playback, and the normal playback is started. In other words, by setting an upper limit on the playback time of alternative playback, an upper limit is set on the time required for downloading. Then, normal playback can be started without depending on whether the download is completed or not. In the fifth switching method, configure the parameter argument “Interrupt_type (2-l)” to be set to “5”.

Next, with reference to FIG. 26, the flow of each process in the fifth switching method from alternative reproduction to normal reproduction will be described.

[0209] As shown in FIG. 26, if the download is not completed as a result of the determination in step S102 through step S101 and step S102 described above (step S102: No), the alternative playback is further performed. It is determined whether the playback time is longer than the maximum playback time (Step S501). Here, when the playback time of the alternative playback is longer than the maximum playback time (Maximum duration) (step S501: Yes), the alternative playback is terminated (step S202). [0210] On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S501, if the playback time of the alternative playback is not longer than the maximum playback time (Maximum duration) (step S501: No), it is determined whether or not the download is completed. That is, the alternative reproduction is continued (step S102).

[0211] (4-5a) Fifth switching method (specific example of language description type)

Here, an example when the fifth switching method is expressed in a high-level script language such as C language using the above-described various commands and various arguments is shown below. In order to simplify the explanation, explanations of the processes that are substantially the same as those in the first to fourth switching methods will be omitted, and only the features that are characteristic of the fifth switching method will be explained.

[0212] In the fifth switching method, the following processing is added in addition to the DownloadData command described above. In addition, expand the DownloadData command and configure it to include the added processing.

DownloadData ("Position Argument"); // Start download. ZZ

while (DownloadStatus == Progressing) t

if (Maximum— duration) TerminatePL ();

If the playback time of ZZ alternate playback is longer than the maximum playback time (Maximum duration), the alternate playback is terminated. ZZ

(5) Examination of effects of alternative regeneration

Next, with reference to FIG. 27 to FIG. 29 as appropriate, the effect of the alternative regeneration according to the present invention will be examined. FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the state of switching from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction according to the present invention. FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a state in which a download through a network and a download through a broadcast wave are compared. FIG. 29 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a user's waiting time depending on a data transfer rate via a network.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 27, at least during download, alternate playback according to the present invention is performed. When the download is complete, the alternative playback is terminated. The alternative reproduction power is also switched to normal reproduction, and normal reproduction is started.

[0214] In addition, so-called streaming such as digital broadcasting as shown in the right part of FIG. This is a mechanism that allows the receiving side to receive unilaterally transmitted data, and the transmitting side is hardly or completely restricted by the frequency band and bandwidth (bandwidth). . Therefore, in data distribution using broadcast waves such as digital broadcasting, it is possible to always ensure a sufficient data transfer speed, and realize high-quality and highly reliable data download and content-linked playback. be able to.

[0215] However, in the data distribution via the network such as the Internet as shown in the left part of Fig. 28, the bandwidth on the transmission side is ensured. The bandwidth power of the network that exists between the two is constantly changing due to various factors such as the load on this network, so it is not always possible to ensure a sufficient data transfer rate. Therefore, there is a technical problem that it is difficult to realize high-quality and reliable data download and content linked reproduction.

[0216] More specifically, when this content linked playback is performed, all the necessary data must be prepared at the start of the ROM content playback. In other words, for example, it is necessary to complete downloading of data to a storage means provided in an information reproducing apparatus such as an optical disk player, that is, a local hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0217] However, the data distribution ability S When it goes through a network such as the Internet, it has the feature that it is downloaded on demand, and for the reasons described above, the time required for data transfer is not constant. . Therefore, as shown in the lower part of Figure 29, if the data transfer rate is insufficient, the user is forced to see a display screen showing the progress of the download, for example, and is waiting during the download. There must be. Alternatively, there is a high technical possibility that content-linked playback will stop if there is a high possibility that download has not been completed before or just before playback of the titles that make up the ROM content. This makes it impossible to realize comfortable content-linked playback in ROM applications, which greatly impairs the appeal of ROM applications.

[0218] On the other hand, according to the alternative reproduction according to the present invention, at least during the download, the alternative content information is substituted for the normal reproduction and the alternative reproduction is performed. More specifically It is possible to adjust the timing for switching from alternative playback to normal playback in response to fluctuations in the time required for downloading.

[0219] As a result of the above, for example, it is possible to make content linked playback in which ROM content and data downloaded via a network are linked more comfortably for the user.

[0220] (6) Second embodiment of content linkage playback processing

(6-1) Outline

Next, with reference to FIG. 30, an outline of the overall processing according to the second embodiment of the content linked playback processing constituted by the alternative playback according to the present invention and the normal playback including the main node and the sub path will be described. . FIG. 30 is a detailed conceptual diagram schematically showing the details of the entire processing according to the second embodiment of the content linkage playback processing constituted by alternative playback and normal playback according to the present invention. Unlike the table description type logical structure described in the first example (see FIGS. 1 to 26), the content linkage playback process according to the second example is configured by a language description type logical structure. Has been.

[0221] In particular, in the language description type logical structure according to the second embodiment of the content linkage playback processing, an object such as a TS clip is obtained by executing a command sequence described using a high-level language such as Java. Data playback is controlled. Specifically, still images such as JPEG

Playback of object data such as video such as MPEG and audio in various formats is controlled by each command in the command sequence. More specifically, each command in the command sequence may be configured such that, for example, the object data is reproduced in the sub path synchronized with the main path, or parallel reproduction is performed without being synchronized.

[0222] In addition, the language description type logical structure according to the second embodiment was described using a high-level language in order to switch to the alternative playback power normal playback included in the content linkage playback processing. In the command sequence, a control structure is described or a control function is defined.

Furthermore, in addition to the “DownloadData” command and “DownloadStatus” command described in the first embodiment, the language description type logical structure according to the second embodiment includes the following three types of commands. Have you been? [0224] Play (“data argument”) (3-1): (corresponding to “PlayPL” according to the first embodiment) Note that the data argument is playback data information that specifies content information to be played back as an alternative or normal It may be. Alternatively, it may be information capable of identifying the content by PlayListjd or the like for designating a playlist in which alternative reproduction or normal reproduction is performed. Thus, even in the language description type logical structure according to the second embodiment, the reproduction data information is used instead of the playlist designation information, so that the logical structure centered on the playlist in FIG. It is also possible to control the playback of object data by using it.

[0225] TerminatePlay O (3-2): (corresponding to “TerminatePL” according to the first embodiment) The “TerminatePlay” command is a command for stopping the reproduction of the content information.

[0226] Wait (event condition) (3-3)

The “Wait (event condition)” command is a command for not executing the next command until various specified event conditions are satisfied.

[0227] Power! In addition, the “parameter argument” (2-1 to 2-6) according to the first embodiment may be adopted in the second embodiment.

[6-228] (6-2) Specific example of the language description type according to the second embodiment of the content linkage playback processing Below, switching from the alternative playback to the normal playback by the first to fourth switching methods described above is realized. Therefore, for example, a specific example of a command group described in a high-level language such as C language will be described. This command group should be configured to include the various control functions described above.

Also, // XXX start ZZ etc. is a comment explaining the meaning of each processing expressed in C language. In addition, in order to make the explanation easier to share, in addition to the alternative reproduction processes, the download processes will be described.

DownloadWithSideTrip ("positional argument", "data argument", "parameter argument") {

DownloadData ("positional argument");

// Start download

il P orced— playback— flag == l) {

Play (SideTripDataName); When “Forced—playback—flag” is “1”, alternate playback of the content information specified by the data argument of “SideTripDataName” is performed.

} else {

Wait (Side— trip— delay);

// Wait for the specified time specified by rside_trip_delayj ZZ il (DownloadStatus == Progressing) {

Play (SideTripDataName);

ZZ while (DownloadStatus == Progressing) {ZZ while (DownloadStatus = Progressing) {

il Maximum— duration) EndPlaybackO;

If the download is not completed within the maximum playback time, the alternative playback will be terminated.

case 1: ZZ 1st switching method ZZ

Wait (“alternative playback end”);

return;

// Wait for the alternate playback to finish and move to the next command ZZ case 2: // 2nd switching method ZZ

while (! Interrupt— mark) {

TerminatePlayO;

return;}

Wait for ZZ playback interruption point (Interruptjnark point), end alternate playback, and move to next command ZZ

case 3: / / 3rd switching method / /

TerminatePlayO;

return; ZZ End alternate playback and move to next command ZZ

case 4: // 4th switching method ZZ

Wait (user operation);

return;

ZZ Waits for user's operation, ends alternate playback and moves to next command, Z

As described above, as described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 30, according to this embodiment, at least during the download, the alternative content information is replaced with the normal playback and the alternative playback is performed. Is done. More specifically, it is possible to adjust the timing of switching to alternative playback power normal playback in response to fluctuations in the time required for downloading. As a result, for example, it is possible to make content linked playback that links ROM content and data downloaded via a network more comfortable for the user.

[0229] In the above-described embodiment, the optical disc 100 such as a BD-ROM or a DVD-ROM has been described as an example of the information recording medium. Further, the recorder or player according to the optical disc has been described as an example of the information reproducing / recording apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to an optical disc and its recorder or player, but can be applied to other high-density recording or various information recording media compatible with a high transfer rate and its recorder or player.

[0230] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be appropriately modified within the scope of the claims and the entire specification without departing from the gist or the idea of the invention which can be read. An information recording medium, an information recording apparatus and method, an information reproducing apparatus and method, an information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, a computer program for recording or reproduction control, and a data structure including a control signal are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Industrial applicability An information recording medium, an information recording apparatus and method, an information reproducing apparatus and method, an information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, a computer program for recording or reproduction control, and a data structure including a control signal are, for example, a DVD, etc. It can be used for a high-density optical disc, and can be used for a recording / reproducing apparatus such as a DVD recorder or a DVD player. Further, the present invention can also be used for a recording / reproducing apparatus mounted on various computer equipment for consumer use or business use or connectable to various computer equipment.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A part of object data forming a series of content information for normal playback and an object data file storing object data forming alternative content information for alternative playback performed in place of the normal playback;

An alternative playlist that stores a plurality of playlist information that defines a playback sequence of the object data in the normal playback in units of playlists, and that specifies a playback sequence of the object data in the alternative playback in units of the playlists A playlist information file for storing information, and

As playback control information for controlling the normal playback, (i) one play list that specifies a playlist to be played back during the normal playback among the plurality of playlist information stored in the playlist information file. Playlist specification information for specifying list information, (ii) playback command information indicating a command to be executed for the normal playback based on the one playlist information, and (iii) distributed via an external network , Including download instruction command information indicating a command to be executed to download another part of the object data required for the normal reproduction, and reproduction control information for controlling the alternative reproduction (Iv) The alternative playlist information for performing the alternative reproduction at least during the download. The information set comprising alternate playlist specifying information specifying a disk information file stores a plurality

An information recording medium comprising:

[2] The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the information set further includes (V) alternative reproduction command information indicating a command to be executed for the alternative reproduction.

[3] The object data is a unit in which the entire stream including a plurality of partial streams each configured with the content information capability is a physically accessible unit, and each packet unit stores the content information fragment. Multiplexed with

As another reproduction control information for controlling the reproduction of the object data file, there is further provided an out-of-object information file for storing correspondence definition information for defining a correspondence relationship between a plurality of multiplexed packets and the plurality of partial streams. A contract characterized by having The information recording medium according to item 1 of the scope of the request.

[4] The alternative playback command information further indicates an end command to be executed to end the alternative playback after completion of the download,

The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction command information further indicates a start command to be executed in order to start the normal reproduction after completion of the alternative reproduction.

[5] The alternative playback command information is a control to be executed for repeatedly playing the playlist specified by the alternative playlist information specified by the alternative playlist specification information for the alternative playback. The information recording medium according to claim 4, further comprising a command.

[6] The alternative reproduction command information reproduces the plurality of playlists specified by the alternative playlist information specified by the alternative playlist designation information in a predetermined sequence for the alternative reproduction. 5. The information recording medium according to claim 4, further comprising a control command to be executed for the purpose.

[7] The alternative playback command information further indicates another control command to be executed for switching to the alternative playback power or the normal playback for each predetermined segment of the playlist. The information recording medium according to item 5 of the scope.

[8] The information recording according to claim 4, wherein the alternative reproduction command information includes menu information that defines a switching menu that enables a switching operation from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction. Medium.

9. The information recording according to claim 4, wherein the alternative reproduction command information further includes parameter information indicating a parameter defining a switching procedure from the alternative reproduction to the normal reproduction. Medium.

10. The information recording according to claim 5, wherein the alternative playback command information further includes other parameter information indicating a parameter that defines the longest playback time of the alternative playback. Medium.

[11] The information set includes (vi) object data location specifying information indicating a location of the other part of the object data to be downloaded in the external network. Further comprising

2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the download instruction command information further indicates a command to be executed in order to cause the download based on the object data position designation information.

[12] The playlist information files are recorded together in one area on the information recording medium,

The disc information files are recorded together in another area on the information recording medium,

4. The information recording medium according to claim 3, wherein the object information files are collectively recorded in another area on the information recording medium.

[13] The playlist information file is recorded in one area on the information recording medium.

2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the disc information files are recorded together in another area on the information recording medium.

[14] First recording for recording a part of object data forming a series of content information for normal playback and an object data file storing object data forming alternative content information for alternative playback performed in place of the normal playback Means,

An alternative playlist that stores a plurality of playlist information that defines a playback sequence of the object data in the normal playback in units of playlists, and that specifies a playback sequence of the object data in the alternative playback in units of the playlists A second recording means for recording a playlist information file for storing information;

As playback control information for controlling the normal playback, (i) one play list that specifies a playlist to be played back during the normal playback among the plurality of playlist information stored in the playlist information file. Playlist specification information for specifying list information, (ii) playback command information indicating a command to be executed for the normal playback based on the one playlist information, and (iii) distributed via an external network , Including download instruction command information indicating a command to be executed in order to download another part of the object data necessary for the normal playback, and controls the alternative playback. (Iv) An information set including alternative playlist designation information for designating the alternative playlist information for performing the alternative reproduction at least during the download. A third recording means for recording a plurality of disc information files to be stored;

An information recording apparatus comprising:

[15] First recording for recording a part of object data forming a series of content information for normal playback and an object data file storing object data forming alternative content information for alternative playback performed in place of the normal playback Process,

An alternative playlist that stores a plurality of playlist information that defines a playback sequence of the object data in the normal playback in units of playlists, and that specifies a playback sequence of the object data in the alternative playback in units of the playlists A second recording step for recording a playlist information file for storing information;

As playback control information for controlling the normal playback, (i) one play list that specifies a playlist to be played back during the normal playback among the plurality of playlist information stored in the playlist information file. Playlist specification information for specifying list information, (ii) playback command information indicating a command to be executed for the normal playback based on the one playlist information, and (iii) distributed via an external network , Including download instruction command information indicating a command to be executed to download another part of the object data required for the normal reproduction, and reproduction control information for controlling the alternative reproduction (Iv) The alternative playlist information for performing the alternative reproduction at least during the download. The information set comprising alternate playlist specifying information specifying a third recording process of recording the disc information file stores a plurality

An information recording method comprising:

[16] An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing at least one of the content information and the alternative content information from the information recording medium according to claim 1.

Reading means for physically reading information from the information recording medium;

The reproduction control information included in the information read by the reading means, the playlist And reproducing means for reproducing the object data included in the information read by the reading means and another portion of the downloaded object data on the basis of at least one of the playback information and the alternative playlist information And an information reproducing device.

[17] An information reproducing method in an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing at least one of the content information and the alternative content information from the information recording medium according to claim 1.

A reading step of physically reading information from the information recording medium;

The object data included in the information read by the reading unit based on at least one of the reproduction control information, the playlist information, and the alternative playlist information included in the information read by the reading unit. A method for reproducing information, comprising: a reproducing step for reproducing data; and a storing step for storing other parts of the downloaded object data.

[18] An information recording / reproducing apparatus that records or reproduces at least one of the content information and the alternative content information from the information recording medium according to claim 1.

First recording means for recording the object data file;

A second recording means for recording the playlist information file;

A third recording means for recording the disc information file;

The object data included in the information read by the reading unit based on at least one of the reproduction control information, the playlist information, and the alternative playlist information included in the information read by the reading unit. An information recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: reproducing means for reproducing data; and storage means for storing other parts of the downloaded object data.

[19] An information recording / reproducing method in an information recording / reproducing apparatus for recording or reproducing at least one of the content information and the alternative content information from the information recording medium according to claim 1,

A first recording step for recording the object data file;

A second recording step for recording the playlist information file;

A third recording step for recording the disc information file;

The object data included in the information read by the reading unit based on at least one of the reproduction control information, the playlist information, and the alternative playlist information included in the information read by the reading unit. An information recording / reproducing method comprising: a reproducing step of reproducing the data; and a storing step of storing another part of the downloaded object data.

[20] A computer program for recording control for controlling a computer provided in the information recording device according to claim 14, comprising: the first recording means; the second recording means; A computer program for recording control, which functions as at least a part of the third recording means.

21. A computer program for reproduction control for controlling a computer provided in the information reproducing apparatus according to claim 16, comprising the reading unit, the reproducing unit, and the storage unit. A computer program for playback control that functions as at least a part of the program.

22. A computer program for recording / reproduction control for controlling a computer provided in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the computer is the first recording means and the second recording means. A computer program for recording / reproduction control that functions as at least part of the third recording unit, the reading unit, the reproducing unit, and the storage unit.

[23] A part of object data constituting a series of content information for normal reproduction and an object constituting alternative content information for alternative reproduction performed in place of the normal reproduction An object data file to store the data,

A data structure including a control signal characterized by comprising: