JP2000173176A - Dvd player - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a DVD player for informing a user that an equipment region number of a DVD player is any number, and a disk region number of a DVD is any number with a proper means, clearly informing the user of the reason when the equipment region number isnot suited to the disk region number and without giving the user erroneous recognition and putting the user useless trouble. SOLUTION: A front end block 2 loaded with the DVD 1 and a back end block 3 are provided, and a video block 4 and an audio block 5 are connected to the output end of the back end block 3. A ROM 9 connected to a microcomputer 8 stores six disk region number data. A display 10 displays the equipment region number and the disk region number with a numeral, and is provided in the equipment main body of the DVD player.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a DVD (digital video disk) player, and more particularly to a DVD player for reproducing a DVD (soft DVD) on which image signals and audio signals are recorded. In the following description, “DVD” refers to software in which image signals and audio signals are recorded unless otherwise specified.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a DVD is a compact disk (CD).
Although it is an optical disk having the same diameter of 12 cm as that of the optical disk, it has a huge storage capacity, so that a single disk can record programs such as movies and music for a long time exceeding 2 hours.

[0003] In addition, since DVDs detect signals optically in a non-contact state, there is almost no deterioration in use due to abrasion like video tapes at present, so that the initial quality is maintained almost perfect for a long period of time. And multi-angle function, multi-aspect function, multi-language support function, parental lock function, and Dolby Digital (AC-3), which cannot be obtained in the past, in addition to the original basic function of video playback. It has functions, etc., and is extremely convenient to handle, and is currently becoming widely used as a replacement for video tape software.

A conventional DVD player for reproducing such a DVD is configured as shown in FIG.
1 is connected to an output side of a front end block 2 on which a video block 4 and an audio block 5 are connected in parallel. An output side of the back end block 3 is connected to a video block 4 and an audio block 5 in parallel.
The control key 6 is combinedly controlled by a microcomputer 7 connected thereto.

The video block 4 outputs a video signal (V output), and the audio block 5 outputs an L channel audio signal (AL output) and an R channel audio signal (AR output).

[0006] The front end block 2 performs servo control so that a read laser beam is maintained in a predetermined focus state and tracking state with respect to the pit surface of the DVD 1 mounted thereon, and performs digital control such as 8-16 conversion. It performs signal processing, and the back-end block 3
This is a so-called AV decoder that decodes a stream from the DVD 1 encoded according to the EG2 standard for video and audio.

The video block 4 extracts the video component data of the digital data from the back-end block 3, performs D / A conversion, and performs TV reception (NTSC, PAL,
The audio block 5 extracts audio component data of digital data from the back-end block 3 and performs D / A conversion to obtain a stereo (L, R channel) audio signal. is there.

In the DVD player and the DVD 1, a reproducible area number called a region number is divided into six regions in the whole world.
, And are divided according to the countries (regions) as shown in FIG. The reason why the region number is divided is to protect a disc released as a movie or the like from being broadcasted in a movie theater, and to prevent a decrease in a profit of importing the disc and broadcasting the disc. In addition, Japan is a region number, for example, Canada is a region number,
The United Kingdom is a region number, Indonesia is a region number, Mexico is a region number,
Russia is the region number and China is the region number.

Such a region number is assigned to both the DVD player and the disc. The DVD player is assigned the device region number, and the disc is assigned the disc region number.

[0010] This equipment region number is given only one region number of the region where the DVD player is used, and the DVD player sold and used in Japan is the equipment region number, and is manufactured in Japan. For example, a DVD player exported to and used in China has a device region number.

On the other hand, the disc region number is not limited to one like the device region number, and can have up to six discs. A disc that can be played back in Japan is a disc containing the disc region number. is there.

The device region number and the disc region number are called a region code and are defined by a flag at a predetermined address of a digital signal and are standardized. According to this, the respective region numbers of the disk and the DVD player are defined. The predetermined image and sound can be reproduced only when the values match.

The device region number of the DVD player is defined as a region number, a code value, and a bit field as shown in a system parameter SPRM shown in FIG. Since Japan is a region number,
Area code "2", code value "02h", b7-b0 8
The bit field of the bit is “00000010”.

On the other hand, the area code recorded on the disc is the CPR_MAI (FIG. 1) in the lead-in area.
0) and VMG_CAT (see FIG. 11) in the video manager information management table in the data area. This "CPR_MAI" and "VMG_CAT"
Are the same, and the data of RMA # 1 to RMA # 6 correspond to the device and disc region numbers.

[0015] Also, b8 to cPR_MAI shown in FIG.
The bit field of b39 is reserved and bits b40-b
47 is a CPS_ describing the type of the copyright protection system.
TY. Further, VMG_CA shown in FIG.
The bit fields of the bits b0 to b15 and b24 to b31 of T are reserved and can be appropriately used by a device manufacturer or a software manufacturer.

Here, for example, CPR_MAI (FIG. 10)
B7 to b0 (values of RMA # 8 to RMA # 1) of “0”
If it is "0111110", this disc can be reproduced only in the region of the region number.

Incidentally, undefined RMA # 7 and RMA # 8 can be dealt with even if the region number is increased in the future. At present, the flags of RMA # 7 and RMA # 8 are set in digital signal processing. Is ignored.

Returning to FIG. 7, as an example, when a DVD player with a disc region number is mounted on a DVD player with a device region number, a key input corresponding to reproduction is input from the control key 6 to the microcomputer 7. Then, the microcomputer 7 instructs the front end block 2 to "rotate the DVD 1, move the optical pickup to the initial position, turn on the laser light of the optical pickup" and the like.

Then, information of the lead-in area of the disc is first read from the DVD 1, and the values of RMA # 6 to RMA # 1 of CPR_MAI (see FIG. 10) in this information are read. Specifically, "111110" is the discrimination number. This "111110"
Is compared with “000010” which is the device region number of the microcomputer 7 and is determined to be not the same.

Then, the microcomputer 7 sends a so-called disc reproduction stop command such as “laser light of optical pickup, disc rotation motor off” to the front end block 2, and sends “th” to the back end block 3.
The video data with the message "is disk may not be played in your region" such as "This DVD player is not allowed to play this disk" is output from the back end block 3 and turned on the display (not shown). Display as screen screen.

Accordingly, the user is notified that the disc cannot be reproduced by the device, and that the user must reproduce another disc whose device region number matches the disc region number.

When the device region number and the disc region number match, it is naturally possible to carry out a predetermined reproduction. In this case, however, "the device region number and the disc region number are both used" Is reproducible because of the fact that they match. "

[0023]

In the conventional DVD player, when the device region number and the disc region number do not match, normal reproduction is not performed, and the "DVD cannot be reproduced because the device region number and the disc region number do not match. It is configured to display a message saying “possible”.

Therefore, for a user who has well understood the meanings of the device region number and the disc region number, it is possible to understand for the time being that the data cannot be reproduced, but the meanings of the device region number and the disc region number are well understood. If you are a novice user, you may mistakenly think that it is a software defect or equipment failure, contact the disk manufacturer (software company), contact the service department of the equipment manufacturer, or request a repair There is a possibility that useless work such as erroneous operations may be required.

Even if the user understands the meanings of the device region number and the disc region number well, even if the display that "the device region number does not match the disc region number and cannot be reproduced" is displayed, the actual device region number and the disc region number cannot be reproduced. Since the number of the numbers and the actual discrimination number are not notified to the user, it cannot be denied that the explanation is insufficient.

On the other hand, although it is permitted by the standard that a single disc has a plurality of disc region numbers, in this case, the disc region number is, for example, 3
In this case, even if the disc can be normally played on a DVD player having the device region number, whether the disc can be played on another DVD player is actually determined by a DVD player having another device region number. It is something that cannot be understood unless it is played back with.

In order to confirm whether or not the region numbers match without performing such a reproduction, both the disc manual contained in the disc case and the equipment instruction manual attached to the DVD player must be read. As a general rule of thumb, the general user should have a disc manual close to the disc and ready to read, but keep the device instruction manual for quick reference. It is rare, and most people are in a state where they should have been kept somewhere or lost. In addition, there are cases where the region number is not entered in the disc manual or the device instruction manual, or which is entered incorrectly.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to notify the user of the number of the device region number of the DVD player and the number of the disc region number of the DVD by an appropriate means, and to provide the device region number and the disc region number. In the event that is inappropriate, the reason is to provide a DVD player that clearly informs the reason and does not give the user erroneous recognition or troublesome work.

[0029]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a DVD player according to the present invention employs the following characteristic configuration.

(1) In a DVD player which reproduces a mounted DVD and outputs a predetermined image signal and audio signal, a device region number preset for the own device can be detected and displayed on the device body. DVD player configured in.

(2) In a DVD player that reproduces a mounted DVD and outputs predetermined image signals and audio signals, a predetermined image signal obtained by reproducing the DVD is
A DVD player configured to be able to superimpose and output an image signal corresponding to a device region number preset for the own device.

(3) In a DVD player for reproducing a mounted DVD and outputting predetermined image signals and audio signals, a disc region number recorded on the mounted DVD is detected, and the disc region number is detected. A DVD player configured to be displayed on a device body.

(4) In the above (3), the D
A DVD player configured to be able to collectively display a plurality of disc region numbers on a device main body when detecting that a plurality of disc region numbers are recorded on a VD.

(5) In a DVD player which reproduces a mounted DVD and outputs predetermined image signals and audio signals, a predetermined image signal obtained by reproducing the DVD is
A DVD player configured to superimpose and output an image signal corresponding to a disc region number recorded on a mounted DVD.

(6) In the above (5), the D
A DVD player configured to superimpose and output an image signal corresponding to collective display of a plurality of disc region numbers when it is detected that a plurality of disc region numbers are recorded on the VD.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a DVD player according to an embodiment of the present invention. The structure of "DVD 1, front end block 2, back end block 3, video block 4, audio block 5, control key 6" is basically the same. Specifically, it has the same functions as those described with reference to FIG. 7, and these are connected to a microcomputer 8 and are controlled in a complex manner.

The ROM 9 connected to the microcomputer 8 stores six discrimination numbers, that is, data corresponding to 〜. The display 10 connected to the microcomputer 8 stores the device region number and discrimination number. These are indicated by numerals and are provided on the main body of the DVD player.

Then, a video signal (V output) is output from the video block 4, and an L channel audio signal (AL output) and an R channel audio signal (AR output) are output from the audio block 5.

This DVD player is manufactured and used in Japan.
It is configured to be able to play D and VCD,
The device region number is set to, and one disc region number is set for DVD1.

The operation of detecting and notifying the discrimination number in the DVD player configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the DVD 1 is mounted on the front end block 2 and the operation is started by depressing the reproduction start key of the control key 6, first, the microcomputer 8 sends the DVD 1 to the front end block 2 in step S1.
1 is turned, the optical pickup is moved to the initial position, the laser light of the optical pickup is turned on, etc., and a disc reproduction command is issued. In the next step S2, it is determined whether or not the disc is a DVD. In the case of a DVD or VCD, the reproducing operation is continued as it is.

If it is DVD1, the next step S
3 is the CPR_MAI of the lead-in area (see FIG. 10)
By reading RMA # 6 to RMA # 1, the region code is detected. The data of the region code is compared with the data stored in the ROM 9 to determine in step S5 whether or not the region is a region. If the region is a region, reproduction (regular reproduction) is performed in the next step S6.

If the data of the region code of the DVD 1 is not a region, the process proceeds to step S7 to determine whether or not the region is a region. If the region is a region, the reproduction is stopped in the next step S8. At the same time, the display a shown in FIG. This display a indicates “This player's region number is
2. This disc's region number is can not play
!! ", indicating that reproduction is not possible because the device region number is and the disc region number is.

If it is determined in step S7 that the region is not a region, the process proceeds to the next step S9 to determine whether the region is a region. If the region is a region, the reproduction is stopped in the next step S10. At the same time, the display b shown in FIG.
This display b indicates “This player's region number is 2.
This disc's region number is 3. can not play !! ''
This indicates that reproduction is not possible because the device region number is and the disc region number is.

If it is determined in step S9 that the region is not a region, the process proceeds to the next step S11 to determine whether or not the region is a region. If the region is region 4, the reproduction is stopped in the next step S12. At the same time, the display c shown in FIG. This display c is "This player's region number is
2. This disc's region number is 4. can not play
!! ", indicating that reproduction is not possible because the device region number is and the disc region number is.

If it is determined in step S11 that the region is not a region, the process proceeds to the next step S13 to determine whether or not the region is a region. If the region is a region, reproduction is stopped in the next step S14. At the same time, the display d shown in FIG. This display d indicates "This player's region numberis
2. This disc's region number is can not play
!! ", indicating that reproduction is not possible because the device region number is and the disc region number is.

If it is determined in step S13 that the region is not a region, the process proceeds to the next step S15, it is determined that the region is a region, the process proceeds to the next step S15, and the reproduction is stopped. The display e shown in FIG. This display c is "This
player's region number is 2. This disc's region
number is 6. can not play !! ", indicating that playback is not possible because the device region number is and the disc region number is.

Therefore, not only a user who has well understood the meanings of the device region number and the disc region number, but also a novice user who has not well understood the meaning, the explanation will be sufficient, and the disc will be sufficiently explained. The relationship between the device region number and the disc region number can be understood without looking at the manual for the disc stored in the case and the device instruction manual attached to the DVD player, and the time and effort required as in the past is taken. There is no.

The displays a to e are stored in a memory (not shown) in advance, and are displayed on a display 10 provided in the main body of the DVD player under the control of the microcomputer 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and it goes without saying that any of the following four forms of display output (a) to (d) may be employed.

(A) The displays a to e are displayed in the video block 4
And superimposes it on a predetermined image signal output from.

(B) A device region number preset in the DVD player is detected and displayed on the device body.

(C) An image signal corresponding to the device region number is superimposed on a predetermined image signal (V output) output from the video block 4 and output.

(D) The discrimination number recorded on the DVD 1 mounted on the front end block 2 is detected, and the discrimination number is displayed on the main body of the apparatus.

(E) A predetermined image signal (V output) output from the video block 4 is added to the front end block 2
The discrimination number recorded on the DVD 1 mounted on the DVD1 is detected, and an image signal corresponding to the discrimination number is superimposed and output.

The example so far is a case where one discrimination number is set in DVD1.
Will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the DVD 1 is mounted on the front end block 2 and the operation starts, the microcomputer 8 sends the DVD 1 to the front end block 2 in step S16.
, The optical pickup is moved to the initial position, the laser light of the optical pickup is turned on, etc., and a disk reproduction command is issued, reproduction is started, and the flow proceeds to the next step S17.

In this step S17, it is determined whether or not a region number display key (not shown) of the control key 6 has been turned on, and if it has not been turned on (off).
Is returned to step S16 and the reproduction is continued.

If it is turned on, the next step S18
To R in the VMC_CAT in the video manager management table in the data area of the DVD 1 being reproduced.
MA # 6 to # 1 are read out, and in the next step S19, the video block 4 is instructed to display the region number corresponding to the RMA that is "0" as on-screen.

This on-screen display shows 6 DVDs.
If two discrimination numbers are set,
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, on the upper right portion of the screen of the on-screen display f, a character “REG” indicating a region is displayed, and a number 1 to 6 indicating a disc region number is displayed next to the character as a display unit g. Displayed or displayed in a color that is differentiated from others.

When three disc region numbers are set in the DVD 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the character "REG" indicating the region is displayed in the upper right portion of the screen of the on-screen display h. At the same time, the numbers 2 to 4 indicating the discrimination number are displayed as the display section i next to the display area i, or displayed in a color different from the others.

In this example, when it is detected that a plurality of disc region numbers are recorded on the DVD 1 mounted on the front end block 2, an image corresponding to the collective display of the plurality of disc region numbers is displayed. Although it is configured so that the signal can be superimposed and output, it goes without saying that the plurality of disc region numbers may be displayed collectively on the main body of the DVD player.

Also, as shown in FIG.
D1, a front end block 2, a back end block 3, a video block 4, an audio block 5, and a control key 6 ". The microcomputer 11 has a ROM 12, a first display 13 and a second display. 14 are connected, the six discrimination numbers, that is, data corresponding to are stored in the ROM 12, and the first display 13 and the second display 14
The first display 13 is provided on the device main body of the VD player, and the first display 13 displays the device region number exclusively.
4 may be used to exclusively display the discrimination number.

[0063]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the DVD player of the present invention, when the device region number and the disc region number do not match, normal reproduction is not performed, and the "device region number and the disc The message "playback is not possible because the region numbers do not match" is displayed, and the reason that playback is impossible because of the number of device region numbers and the number of disc region numbers is displayed. Not only a user who has well understood the meanings of the numbers and the discrimination number but also a novice user who has not well understood can easily recognize them.

For this reason, software may be incorrectly received as a software defect or a device failure, a disk manufacturer (software company) may be inquired, a service department of a device manufacturer may be inquired, or a failure repair may be performed. It is possible to prevent unnecessary work such as making a request.

If there are a plurality of disc region numbers, all of them are displayed, so it is necessary to look at both the disc manual contained in the disc case and the equipment instruction manual attached to the DVD player. No, it is possible to concentrate on comfortable playback operation.

Thus, the user is notified of the number of the device region number of the DVD player and the number of the disc region number of the DVD by an appropriate means, and the device region number and the disc region number are incompatible. DVD that clearly informs the reason and does not give the user the wrong recognition or troublesome
Players can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a DVD player according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of detecting and displaying a device region number and a disc region number of the DVD player shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram collectively showing a display example of the DVD player shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of detecting and displaying a DVD having a plurality of disc region numbers.

FIG. 5 is a diagram collectively showing a display example of a DVD having a plurality of disc region numbers.

FIG. 6 is a block circuit diagram showing a modification of the DVD player shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block circuit diagram of a conventional DVD player.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing world division regions of a device region number and a disc region number.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a list of data storage states of an area number, a code value, and a bit field.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing data storage contents of a lead-in area of a DVD.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing data storage contents of a device region number of a DVD player.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 DVD 2 Front end block 3 Back end block 4 Video block 5 Audio block 6 Control key 7, 8, 11 Microcomputer 9, 12 ROM 10 Display 13 First display 14 Second display

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A DVD player which reproduces a mounted DVD and outputs predetermined image signals and audio signals so that a device region number preset for the device itself can be detected and displayed on the device body. D characterized by comprising
VD player. 2. A DVD player which reproduces a mounted DVD and outputs a predetermined image signal and a sound signal, wherein a predetermined image signal obtained by reproducing the DVD is set to a device which is preset in its own device. A DVD player characterized in that an image signal corresponding to a region number can be superimposed and output. 3. A DVD player which reproduces a mounted DVD and outputs predetermined image signals and audio signals, detects a disc region number recorded on the mounted DVD, and converts the disc region number into a device. A DVD player characterized in that it can be displayed on a main body. 4. When a plurality of disc region numbers are detected to be recorded on a mounted DVD, the plurality of disc region numbers can be collectively displayed on a device main body. The DVD according to claim 3,
Player. 5. A DVD player for reproducing a mounted DVD and outputting predetermined image signals and audio signals, wherein a predetermined image signal obtained by reproducing the DVD is recorded on the mounted DVD. A DVD player configured to be able to superimpose and output an image signal corresponding to the discrimination number. 6. When it is detected that a plurality of disc region numbers are recorded on the mounted DVD, an image signal corresponding to collective display of the plurality of disc region numbers can be superimposed and output. 6. The DVD player according to claim 5, wherein the DVD player is configured as follows.