JP2001184077A - Reproducing device and recording medium where reproducing program is recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily provide the best reproduction characteristics for a user by saving the trouble to make settings by the user. SOLUTION: A reproducing device reproduces information recorded on reproduction media 22. An MPU 10 sets reproduction characteristics (sound volume level, equalizing characteristics, etc.), of reproduction in specific units (e.g. music) of the information recorded on the reproduction media 22 according to a user's indication inputted from a panel part 12 and stores them as reproduction control data in a specific area of a storage part 18 in the device or the reproduction media 22. The MPU 10 reproduces the information recorded on the reproduction media 22 according to the reproduction characteristics (reproduction control data) stored on the reproduction media 22.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing program for adjusting reproduction characteristics (volume level, sound quality, image quality, etc.) when reproducing music, images, etc. recorded on various media. Recording media.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent audio equipment, not only a sound source (song) recorded on various media is simply reproduced, but also reproduction characteristics such as an equalizing characteristic and a volume level of the sound source are manipulated, and each user's operation is performed. It is possible to play with the settings you like. For example, JP-A-2
JP-A-233008 discloses that the volume / volume is controlled by specifying the equalizing and operating the volume level in the reproduction of music.
It is described that the sound quality is maintained.

In a conventional apparatus, when a single sound source is reproduced, a reproduction characteristic such as an equalizing characteristic or a volume level is set to reproduce the sound source, and the reproduction of the sound source is executed in accordance with the setting. However, when the reproduction is stopped, the set reproduction characteristics such as the equalizing characteristic and the volume level disappear, so that the same setting is performed again in order to reproduce with the same reproduction characteristic.

When recording and editing a plurality of sound sources (songs) on one playback medium, since the original equalizing characteristics and volume bells of each sound source do not always match, if the sound sources are simply recorded on the playback medium, When the edited sound source is reproduced, the sound quality and volume of each sound source may vary, which may make it difficult to hear. In such a case, for each piece of music to be reproduced, it is necessary to adjust the equalizing characteristics and the volume level to adjust the desired sound quality and volume each time.

[0005]

As described above, in the conventional apparatus (reproducing apparatus), the setting of the reproducing characteristic such as the equalizing characteristic and the volume level is lost when the reproduction is stopped. I had to. Also, when playing multiple sound sources, if the equalizing characteristics and volume levels of each sound source are different,
In order to reproduce all the sound sources with the desired sound and volume, the reproduction characteristics must be set for each reproduction of the sound sources.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and reduces a troublesome setting by a user, and can easily provide an optimum reproduction characteristic for a user. And a recording medium on which a reproduction program is recorded.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on a reproduction medium, comprising: setting means for setting reproduction characteristics at the time of reproduction for each predetermined unit of the information recorded on the reproduction medium. Storage means for storing the reproduction characteristic set by the setting means, and reproduction for reproducing information of each predetermined unit recorded on the reproduction medium in accordance with the reproduction characteristic for each predetermined unit stored by the storage means. Means.

According to such a configuration, when reproducing information (such as music and images) recorded on the reproduction medium, the reproduction characteristics desired by the user, for example, music, etc., in response to a request from the user. Settings for equalizing characteristics, volume levels, saturation, brightness, color correction values, etc. for images are set in predetermined units, for example, all information in the playback media,
Alternatively, the reproduction characteristic is stored for each of a predetermined number of music pieces and for each image, and thereafter, reproduction of information in a predetermined unit is performed according to the stored reproduction characteristic.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the playback device according to the present embodiment. The playback device reads a program recorded on a recording medium (not shown), and can be realized by a computer whose operation is controlled by the program. The playback device according to the present embodiment is an audio device that performs playback by audio output in accordance with music information (song data) recorded on a playback medium.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an MPU 10, a panel unit 12, a D / A converter 14, a speaker 16, a sound quality control unit 17, a storage unit 18,
The playback media access unit 20 is provided.

The MPU 10 controls the entire reproduction apparatus, and controls each unit by executing a program (not shown) to realize a function of reproducing information recorded on a reproduction medium with predetermined reproduction characteristics. In MPU10,
A setting function for setting a reproduction characteristic at the time of reproduction for each predetermined unit of information recorded on the reproduction medium (for example, all the music pieces in the reproduction medium 22 or a predetermined number of music pieces); ) Is stored in a predetermined storage area, for example, is stored in a reproduction medium via a reproduction medium access unit 20, or is stored in a storage unit 18 provided inside the apparatus, and a predetermined unit stored by the storage function is used. According to the reproduction characteristics of the above, the reproduction function of reproducing the information of each predetermined unit recorded on the reproduction medium under the control of the sound quality control unit 17 and outputting it through the D / A converter 14 and the speaker 16 is realized. Also,
In the case where the reproduction characteristics are automatically recorded, a reference characteristic setting function for setting the reproduction characteristics as a reference when reproducing the information recorded on the reproduction medium is provided.

The panel unit 12 displays information for notifying a user of the operation state of the playback device and inputs various instructions from the user to the playback device. In this embodiment, the panel unit 30 shown in FIG. (The details will be described later). In the present embodiment, the panel unit 12
The user specifies the equalizing characteristic and the reproduction characteristic based on the setting of the volume level.

The D / A converter 14 includes a sound quality control unit 17
The audio data whose reproduction characteristics are controlled by the above is converted into an audio signal and output to the speaker 16. The speaker 16 is D
The audio is output according to the audio signal output from the / A converter 14. The sound quality control unit 17 generates, under the control of the MPU 10, audio data corresponding to the reproduction characteristics specified by the panel unit 12 or the reproduction characteristics set in advance for the reproduction medium to be reproduced. Output to the D / A converter 14. A plurality of equalizing characteristic values are preset in the sound quality control unit 17, and the user can designate a reproduction characteristic from the preset equalizing characteristic values by operating the panel.

The storage section 18 stores various data. If the playback medium is a playback medium that cannot be additionally stored, the playback section 18 shows playback characteristics when information recorded on the playback medium is played back. Control data 18a is stored. The details of the reproduction control data 18a will be described later (FIGS. 4 and 5).

The playback media access unit 20 holds the playback media inserted by the user in a media insertion slot provided in the housing of the playback device, and accesses the media under the control of the MPU 10. The playback media access unit 20
It is configured according to the playback medium to be processed, and includes a semiconductor device, a magnetic disk, an optical disk (CD
-ROM, DVD, MD, etc.).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a panel 30 on which display and input are performed by the panel unit 12. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the panel 30 has a display 31 on which a display for notifying a user of the operation state of the playback device is provided.
Stop button 32 (reproduction stop), play button 33 for controlling reproduction of music recorded on the reproduction medium
(Reproduction start) and a pause button 34 (reproduction interruption) are provided. Also, a volume button 35 for controlling the reproduction characteristics of the information to be reproduced, an equalizing button 3
6 are provided. With the volume button 35,
By operating the "+" or "-" button, any one of a plurality of volume levels prepared in advance can be selected. With the equalizing button 36,
For each of the divided frequency bands,
By operating the “+” or “−” button, a plurality of equalizing characteristic values prepared in advance can be selected. In the example of the panel 30 shown in FIG.
h), an equalizing characteristic can be designated for each of three frequency bands of a middle tone (Mid) and a low tone (Low). With the storage button 38, the reproduction characteristics set by the volume button 35 and the equalizing button 36 can be stored so that the same reproduction media can be used thereafter.

Next, the operation of the reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. First, a basic operation when reproducing information recorded on the reproduction medium 22 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. In the reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment, reproduction characteristics can be set for each piece of music information of a plurality of pieces of music recorded on the reproduction medium 22, and reproduction can be performed according to the reproduction characteristics of each piece of music.

First, the reproduction medium 22 is inserted into the medium insertion slot of the reproduction apparatus by the user (step A).
1). When the MPU 10 detects that the playback media 22 is held by the playback media access unit 20, the MPU 10
The user specifies reproduction characteristics when reproducing information (songs) recorded on the reproduction medium 22 (step A2). For example, the MPU 10 displays a message requesting the user to specify the reproduction characteristic of the first music on the display 31 to urge the user to specify the reproduction characteristic. The user can set the reproduction characteristic by selecting the volume level with the volume button 35 of the panel 30 shown in FIG. 2 and the equalizing characteristic value preset in the sound quality control unit 17 with the equalizing button 36. Here, the reproduction characteristics of the first music piece recorded on the reproduction medium 22 are set.

Here, when the storage button 38 is pressed (step A3), the MPU 10
5 and the reproduction characteristic designated by the equalizing button 36 are written into the storage unit 18 as reproduction control data 18a for the first music piece (step A4).

If the reproduction characteristics have not been stored for all the music pieces recorded on the reproduction medium 22 (step A5), the MPU 10 sets the reproduction characteristics for the next music piece as follows.
The user is designated by displaying a message on the display 31 or the like. Hereinafter, similarly, the reproduction medium 2
The reproduction characteristic is designated for each of all the songs recorded in No. 2 and stored in the storage unit 18 as the reproduction control data 18a.

Incidentally, the operation of the volume button 35 and the equalizing button 36 is not performed, and the storage button 3
When 8 is pressed, it is assumed that the preset default volume level and equalizing characteristic value are stored as the reproduction characteristic of the music to be set.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the reproduction control data 18a stored in the storage unit 18. As shown in FIG. 4, ten songs (song number 1) recorded on the reproduction medium 22
10 to 10), volume data indicating the volume level specified by operating the volume button 35 and equalizing data indicating the equalizing characteristics specified by operating the equalizing button 36 are recorded. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the equalizing characteristic is divided into four or more frequency bands, and the level for each frequency band is set (in this case, panel 30 corresponds to each frequency band). An equalizing button 36 is provided). Also, song number 0
, Equalizing data and volume data of default values prepared in advance on the playback device side are set.

When an instruction to the play button 33 is input after the reproduction characteristics are set for all the music pieces stored in the reproduction medium 22, the MPU 10 performs reproduction based on the music data recorded on the reproduction medium 22. Is started (step A6).

The MPU 10 has a playback media access unit 2
The music data is read out from the reproduction medium 22 via the D / A converter 0, the audio data is generated in the sound quality control unit 17, and the music data is output via the D / A converter 14 and the speaker 16. At this time, the MPU 10 reads out the reproduction control data 18a set for the music to be reproduced and stored in the storage unit 18, and the reproduction quality (volume level, equalizing) according to the reproduction control data 18a by the sound quality control unit 17. (Step A7).

In the same manner, music pieces recorded on the playback medium 22 are sequentially played back according to the playback characteristics designated by the user based on the playback control data 18a set for each piece. Playback output.

If the user resets the reproduction characteristics by operating the volume button 35 or the equalizing button 36 during the reproduction of the music (step A8), and presses the storage button 38 (step A9). The MPU 10 converts the reset reproduction characteristics (the values of the volume level and the equalizing characteristics) into
Playback control data 18 corresponding to the corresponding music (song number)
As a, the original data stored in the storage unit 18 is overwritten (step A10). In this case, the music whose reproduction characteristics have been changed is reproduced and output according to the changed reproduction characteristics (step A7). In this way, the user can arbitrarily change the reproduction characteristic of each music stored in the reproduction medium 22 according to his / her preference, and can always reproduce each music with the volume and sound quality that suit his / her preference.

The reproduction control data 1 stored in the storage unit 18
8a indicates that the playback media 22 is the playback media access unit 2;
While it is held at 0, it is stored as it is. Therefore, even when the power of the playback device is turned off, the backup control data 18a stored in the storage unit 18 is backed up so as not to be erased. When the power of the playback apparatus is turned on and the playback of the music recorded on the playback medium 22 is instructed by operating the play button 33, the playback control data 18 stored in the storage unit 18 as it is is stored.
a and read out the reproduction control data 18a as described above.
The music is reproduced by the reproduction characteristic according to.

On the other hand, when the reproduction medium 22 held in the reproduction medium access section 20 is taken out and another reproduction medium 22 is set (step A11), M
The PU 10 resets the playback control data 18a stored in the storage unit 18 corresponding to the playback media 22 taken out, and ends the processing for the playback media 22 up to that point (step A12).

In this way, by storing the reproduction characteristics specified by the user in the storage section 18 provided in the apparatus, the user can store a plurality of music pieces recorded on the reproduction medium 22 by the user. Reproduction can be performed according to specified reproduction characteristics. If the state in which the playback media 22 is held in the playback media access unit 20 is maintained, the playback control data 18
can be reproduced by the reproduction characteristics stored in a.
There is no need for the user to sequentially set the reproduction characteristics.

In the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, before the information recorded on the reproduction medium is reproduced, the reproduction characteristics are set for all the recorded music pieces, and then the reproduction is started. However, it is also possible to arbitrarily start reproduction by an instruction to the play button 33 before the setting of all the songs is completed. In this case, it is assumed that a music piece for which the reproduction characteristic has not been set is reproduced using the default volume level and equalizing characteristic set as the music number 0 in FIG.

In the processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the reproduction characteristic specified by the user is stored in the storage unit 18 provided in the apparatus, so that the reproduction medium can be reproduced regardless of the type of the reproduction medium. Each of the plurality of recorded music pieces can be reproduced according to reproduction characteristics specified by the user.

In the description with reference to FIG. 3, it is assumed that the reproduction control data indicating the reproduction characteristics is stored in the storage unit 18 in the apparatus. The reproduction control data 22a can be stored in the reproduction medium 22.

Hereinafter, the operation when the reproduction control data 22a is stored in the reproduction medium 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the reproduction medium 22 is inserted into the medium insertion slot of the reproduction device by the user (step a1). When detecting that the reproduction medium 22 is held by the reproduction medium access unit 20, the MPU 10 reads information recorded in a predetermined area of the reproduction medium 22. Here, in addition to a list of songs (song name, artist name, etc.) recorded on the playback medium 22, playback control data 22a set for each song is read (step a2). MP
U10 writes the reproduction control data 22a read from the reproduction medium 22 into the storage unit 18 so that it can be referred to when reproducing the music (see FIG. 4).

The reproduction control data 22a stored in the reproduction control data 22a has the same reproduction characteristics as those described with reference to FIG. 3 during the reproduction of the music by the user operating the volume button 35 or the equalizing button 36 by the user. The settings are made and the save button 38
Is pressed, the set reproduction characteristics (each value of the volume level and the equalizing characteristic) are written as the reproduction control data 22a corresponding to the corresponding music (song number).

FIG. 6 shows an example of the format of the reproduction media data stored in the reproduction medium 22. As the reproduction media data stored in the reproduction medium 22, data as shown in FIG. 6B is stored for each of a plurality of music pieces. The data of each music is provided with a header section storing various data related to the music, and a data section storing music data for reproducing the music. In the header portion, in addition to identification information (ID) for identifying each song, a song-related data area in which data such as a song title, an artist name, and a song length are stored, and input by an input means (not shown). A comment area for storing comments (data such as sentences) from the user and a reproduction control data area for storing the reproduction control data 22a are provided.
Note that the size of each area in the header section shown in FIG. 6B is not provided at the size ratio shown in the figure,
An area of a capacity corresponding to each data is secured. The capacity of the playback control data area is
It differs depending on the number of frequency bands of the divided equalizing characteristics, the number of characteristic levels in each frequency band, and whether the reproduced music is stereo or monaural, and the volume data differs depending on the number of volume levels. In the case of the example of the equalizing data and the volume data shown in FIG.

After the playback control data 22a read from the playback medium 22 is stored in the storage unit 18 and an instruction to the play button 33 is input, the MPU 10 reads the music data recorded on the playback medium 22. The reproduction based on this is started (step a4).

The MPU 10 has a playback media access unit 2
The music data is read out from the reproduction medium 22 via the D / A converter 0, the audio data is generated in the sound quality control unit 17, and the music data is output via the D / A converter 14 and the speaker 16. At this time, the MPU 10 reads out the reproduction control data 18a set for the music to be reproduced and stored in the storage unit 18, and the reproduction quality (volume level, equalizing) according to the reproduction control data 18a by the sound quality control unit 17. (Step a5).

In the same manner, music pieces recorded on the playback medium 22 are sequentially played back according to the playback characteristics specified by the user based on the playback control data 18a set for each piece. Playback output.

When the user operates the volume button 35 or the equalizing button 36 to reset the reproduction characteristic during the reproduction of the music (step a6), and when the storage button 38 is pressed (step a7), The MPU 10 converts the reset reproduction characteristics (the values of the volume level and the equalizing characteristics) into
Playback control data 18 corresponding to the corresponding music (song number)
As a, the original data stored in the storage unit 18 is overwritten (step a8). In this case, the music piece whose reproduction characteristics have been changed is reproduced and output according to the changed reproduction characteristics (step a5).

The reproduction control data 1 stored in the storage unit 18
8a indicates that the playback media 22 is the playback media access unit 2;
While it is held at 0, it is stored as it is. Therefore, the playback control data 18a stored in the storage unit 18 is not erased even when the power of the playback apparatus is turned off. When the power of the playback device is turned on and the playback of the music recorded on the playback media 22 is instructed by operating the play button 33, the playback control data 18a stored in the storage unit 18 as it is is read, and the playback control data 18a is read as described above. Thus, the music is reproduced by the reproduction characteristic according to the reproduction control data 18a. Thus, by reading out the reproduction control data 22a stored in the reproduction medium 22,
Each music piece can be reproduced by the reproduction characteristics according to the reproduction control data 22a.

When the user operates the stop button 32 while the music stored in the playback medium 22 is being played, or when the playback of all the music is completed (step a9), the MPU 10 Playback media access unit 2 stored in storage unit 18
The playback control data corresponding to the playback medium 22 held by 0 is written to the playback control data area in the header portion of the playback medium 22, and the process ends.

In this way, by writing the reproduction control data 22a into the reproduction medium 22 itself, when the reproduction medium 22 is taken out from the reproduction medium access unit 20, the reproduction control data is held on the reproduction apparatus side. Since there is no need, there is no need to back up the data stored in the storage unit 18 so that the data stored in the storage unit 18 is not erased when the device is powered off. Further, it is not necessary to set the reproduction characteristics every time the music recorded on the reproduction medium 22 is reproduced, and if the reproduction apparatus has the same function even if the reproduction apparatus for performing the reproduction is changed, the user can use the reproduction apparatus. The music can be reproduced according to the preset reproduction characteristics.

Next, the operation for automatically setting the reproduction characteristics will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the above description, it is assumed that the user inputs the specification of the reproduction characteristic for each music piece recorded on the reproduction medium 22, but the reproduction is used as a reference when reproducing the information recorded on the reproduction medium 22. By setting the characteristics, it is possible to automatically set the reproduction characteristics according to the reference reproduction characteristics for each song.

First, the reproduction medium 22 is inserted into the medium insertion slot of the reproduction apparatus by the user (step B).
1). When the MPU 10 detects that the playback media 22 is held by the playback media access unit 20, the MPU 10
The user sets a reproduction characteristic that is used as a reference for automatically setting the reproduction characteristic when reproducing the information (song) recorded on the reproduction medium 22 so as to have a volume and a sound quality according to the user's preference. (Step B2). For example, the MPU 10 causes the display 31 to display a message requesting designation of a reference reproduction characteristic,
The user is prompted to specify a reference reproduction characteristic.
The user operates the volume button 3 on the panel 30 shown in FIG.
The reproduction characteristic can be set by selecting the volume level with the equalizing button 36 from among the equalizing characteristic values preset in the sound quality control unit 17 with the equalizing button 36. The MPU 10 causes the storage unit 18 to store reproduction control data (hereinafter, referred to as reference reproduction control data) indicating a reproduction characteristic to be a reference specified by the user.

When an instruction to the play button 33 is input after the reference reproduction characteristic is set, the MPU 10
The reproduction based on the music data recorded on the reproduction medium 22 is started (step B3). At this time, MPU10
Reads out the reference reproduction control data stored in the storage unit 18 and determines that the audio data (music to be reproduced) generated by the sound quality control unit 17 has reproduction characteristics (volume level, equalizing characteristics) according to the reference reproduction control data. Adjustment is made to approach (step B4). Since the reproduction characteristics are adjusted for each of a plurality of level values preset in the sound quality control unit 17, the reproduction characteristics are adjusted so as to approach the reference reproduction control data, and the reproduction characteristics based on the closest level value are obtained.

The MPU 10 stores the closest reproduction characteristic in the storage unit 18 as reproduction control data 18a (step B5), and thereafter stores the stored reproduction control data 18a.
Based on a, the sound quality control unit 17 generates audio data and reproduces the music (step B6).

When the reproduction medium 22 stored in the reproduction medium access unit 20 is taken out and another reproduction medium 22 is set (step B7), the MPU
10 automatically resets the playback control data 18a stored in the storage unit 18 in accordance with the playback media 22 taken out, and ends the processing for the playback media 22 up to that point (step B8).

As described above, after the playback medium 22 is inserted into the playback apparatus, the playback information to be set as a reference is set first, so that the playback of the music can be made closer to the reference playback characteristics.
A reproduction characteristic for performing the reproduction is obtained and stored in the reproduction control data 18a, and can be used for subsequent reproduction. By automatically setting the playback characteristics, it is possible to reduce the burden of setting work that requires fine adjustment of the playback information by the user and to continue playback in the state closest to the playback characteristics desired by the user. Become.

It should be noted that all the music pieces stored in the playback medium 22 may be played back by the playback control data 18a automatically registered in the storage unit 18 first. By performing the adjustment and the setting of the reproduction characteristics (reproduction control data 18a), it is possible to cause the storage unit 18 to store the reproduction characteristics corresponding to each music and to execute reproduction in accordance with the reproduction characteristics. Thereby, even if the plurality of music pieces stored in the playback medium 22 have variations in volume level and equalizing characteristics,
All songs can be reproduced according to the reproduction characteristics specified by the user as reference.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, when the reproduction medium 22 is changed, the storage unit 18
The playback control data 18a stored in the playback media 22 is reset, but the playback control data may be stored in the playback media 22 as described with reference to FIG. Thereby, it is not necessary to set the reference reproduction characteristic every time the music recorded on the reproduction medium 22 is reproduced, and if the reproduction apparatus has the same function even if the reproduction apparatus for performing the reproduction is changed, The music can be reproduced according to the reproduction characteristics automatically set earlier.

In the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the playback medium 22 is inserted into the playback apparatus,
Each time, it is assumed that the reference reproduction information is set by the user. However, the setting of the reference reproduction characteristic is separately performed, and the reference reproduction control data based on the setting is stored in the storage unit 18. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied in common to each playback medium 22 held by the playback media access unit 20. Further, whether or not to automatically set the reproduction characteristics using the reference reproduction control data may be separately designated in advance by setting an operation mode or the like. If the setting of the automatic reproduction characteristic is specified by this operation mode setting, the MP
As described above, U10 automatically sets the reproduction information for each music stored in the reproduction medium 22 while referring to the reference reproduction control data.

In the above description, in the case of the reproduction medium 22 that cannot be additionally stored, the reproduction characteristics such as the equalizing characteristic and the volume level set after setting the reproduction medium are maintained until the medium is replaced. However, it is assumed that the playback media is reset when the playback media is replaced.However, the playback media is retained after the replacement, and if the playback media used previously is set again, this is recognized and retained. The reproduction may be performed according to the reproduction characteristics. For this purpose, the playback device is provided with a function of identifying the playback media and a function of retaining the settings of the playback environment for each media. The MPU 10 identifies the playback medium 22 to be played back by the function of identifying the playback medium, reads out the corresponding playback control data 18a from the storage unit 18, and causes playback to be performed.

For a plurality of music pieces stored in the playback medium 22, reproduction characteristics can be set for all the music pieces or for each music piece. A common reproduction characteristic may be set for each song. In this case, it is assumed that a plurality of music pieces as a predetermined unit are grouped in advance, and the reproduction characteristics are set for each group.

Further, according to the invention of this embodiment, even when the information stored in the reproduction medium 22 is not related to music (music), but is image information such as a still image or a moving image, the information is The reproduction characteristic can be set for each predetermined unit specified by the user. Image parameters such as saturation, luminance, and color correction values can be adjusted for images, and can be implemented by treating these information in the same way as the volume level and equalizing characteristics audio parameters described above. it can.

In particular, when a moving image is recorded on the reproduction medium 22, the reproduction time may be longer than in the case of music reproduction, and when reproduction is interrupted by operating the stop button 32 during reproduction. By storing the last playback location in the same way as the playback characteristics described above,
Playback can be performed from the playback location stored next time.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the storage area for storing the reproduction control data is provided in the reproduction medium 22 or the storage section 18 in the apparatus itself.
An area for storing the reproduction control data may be provided in another storage medium and stored.

Note that the method described in the above-described embodiment includes, as programs that can be executed by a computer, for example, a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM,
DVD and the like, and can be written to a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory and provided to various devices. Further, it is also possible to transmit the data via a communication medium and provide it to various devices. A computer that implements the present apparatus reads the program recorded on a recording medium or receives the program via a communication medium, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation of the program.

[0058]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when reproducing information recorded on a reproduction medium, a setting of a reproduction characteristic desired by a user is made in accordance with a request from the user. Since the reproduction characteristics are stored in units, the information of a predetermined unit is reproduced in accordance with the stored reproduction characteristics, so that the troublesome setting by the user is reduced and the user can easily use the information. It is possible to provide optimal reproduction characteristics for the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram showing the system configuration of a playback device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a panel 30 used in the reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a basic operation when reproducing information recorded on a reproduction medium 22;

FIG. 4 shows reproduction control data 18a stored in a storage unit 18.
FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when the reproduction control data 22a is stored in the reproduction medium 22.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a format of playback media data stored in a playback medium 22.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation for automatically setting a reproduction characteristic. .

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... MPU 12 ... Panel part 14 ... D / A converter 16 ... Speaker 17 ... Sound quality control part 18 ... Storage part 18a, 22a ... Reproduction control data 20 ... Reproduction media access part 22 ... Reproduction medium 30 ... Panel 31 ... Display 35 ... Volume button 36 ... Equalizing button 38 ... Memory button

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on a reproduction medium, comprising: setting means for setting reproduction characteristics at the time of reproduction for each predetermined unit of the information recorded on the reproduction medium; Storage means for storing reproduction characteristics in a predetermined storage area; and reproduction means for reproducing information of each predetermined unit recorded on the reproduction medium according to the reproduction characteristics of each predetermined unit stored by the storage means. A playback device, comprising: 2. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined storage area is provided in a reproduction medium to be reproduced. 3. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined storage area is provided on a storage medium provided in the apparatus. 4. A reference characteristic setting means for setting a reproduction characteristic used as a reference when reproducing information recorded on the reproduction medium; and a reproduction characteristic for reproducing information by the reproduction means,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment unit that adjusts the reproduction characteristic to be set by the reference characteristic setting unit, and wherein the storage unit stores the reproduction characteristic adjusted by the adjustment unit. 3. Playback device. 5. A medium identification unit for identifying a playback medium to be played back, wherein the storage unit stores the playback characteristics set by the setting unit in a storage medium provided in its own device. Storing for each reproduction medium identified by the means, wherein the reproduction means reproduces information according to the reproduction characteristic stored by the storage means, which corresponds to the reproduction medium identified by the medium identification means. The playback device according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction characteristic is an equalizing characteristic. 7. A program for reproducing information recorded on a reproduction medium, wherein a reproduction characteristic at the time of reproduction is set for each predetermined unit of the information recorded on the reproduction medium. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for controlling a computer to reproduce the information of each predetermined unit recorded on the reproduction medium in accordance with the stored reproduction characteristic of each predetermined unit; .