JP2003319324A - Information recording medium, information recording apparatus, information recording and reproducing apparatus, and information recording and reproducing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To store volume information for specifying a reproduction volume of the main information without losing a recording capacity of the main information and to reproduce the volume information in an optimum state. <P>SOLUTION: An information reproducing apparatus 1 stores the volume information for controlling the information reproducing apparatus 1 in a unique mode so that the volume information is detected at a reproduction operation to reproduce and operate the main information at a unique reproduction volume level. The volume information is defined in compliance with a prescribed recording form of the main information recorded in a main information recording area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention records main information composed of various contents such as music information and video information in a recording form defining control information for controlling a recording / reproducing operation in a unique mode. The present invention relates to a new information recording medium, an information recording apparatus for recording main information on the information recording medium, an information recording / reproducing apparatus and an information recording / reproducing method for reproducing main information in a unique mode using the information recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various kinds of computerized information have been promoted in development such as multifunctionalization, high performance or high-capacity processing of equipment, improvement of processing technology such as image compression technology, maintenance of use environment by Internet, etc. Alternatively, utilization is promoted by improving processing speed and communication speed. The computerized information is, for example, a portable storage medium such as a fixed storage means such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory provided in the device, or an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, a magnetic disc or the like that can be carried by being inserted into and removed from the device (hereinafter referred to as information. A recording medium is collectively referred to as a recording medium), and is reproduced by an information reproducing apparatus or an information recording / reproducing apparatus (hereinafter collectively referred to as an information recording / reproducing apparatus) and recorded in an appropriate recording means.

In general, an information recording medium has an information recording area formatted into a main information recording area for recording main information such as various contents such as music and video or various data, and a predetermined control signal recording area for recording control signals and the like. When the main information is recorded in the main information recording area, control information such as recording position, time, recording method, etc. is recorded in the control signal recording area. In a conventional information recording medium, when a user reproduces main information by an information recording / reproducing apparatus, a control signal is read from a control signal recording area, and each main information is uniquely controlled and reproduced. Therefore, in the conventional information recording medium, it is possible to perform random reproduction or random recording of the main information, but the main information is recorded as fixed information based on the above-described conditions, and each information is reproduced by the information recording / reproducing apparatus in the order specified by the user. The main information was being played.

Further, various kinds of electronic information, such as music information, movie information, game software information, etc., are transmitted by a user to a predetermined provider (external information distribution organization) via a communication means such as wire or wireless. There is also an information distribution service that is provided free of charge or for a fee by performing distribution request access. In such an information distribution service, the provider side allows the user to distribute the electronic information requested to the connected terminal device such as a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, or a mobile phone to the user through a predetermined procedure. Done. The user records these electronic information in the main information recording area of the information recording medium in a predetermined format.

[0005]

By the way, in the conventional information recording medium, a plurality of main information are recorded with a volume value reproduced at an average level,
When a reproducing operation is performed by the information recording / reproducing apparatus, the volume adjusting operation is performed by the user operating the volume adjusting button or the like each time. Although the volume adjustment operation varies depending on the type of main information, for example, the volume adjustment button, the adjustment lever, or the like is operated or the electrical adjustment is performed on the volume, brightness, frequency band, brightness, image quality, focus, or the like.

In the information recording / reproducing apparatus, generally, even when the reproducing operation is finished, the adjusting positions of the volume adjusting buttons and the like are mechanically held, so that the reproducing operation under the same condition is performed when the next reproducing operation is performed. To do. However, the information recording / reproducing apparatus has almost no usage pattern of continuously reproducing the same information recording medium except for a special usage pattern such as background music. In the information recording / reproducing apparatus, the user has to adjust the volume each time because the volume condition has changed even if the information recording medium has been reproduced before.

For example, in the information recording medium for music, a plurality of music pieces are recorded, but as described above, each music piece information is recorded with an average volume value. In the reproduction operation of the music information, the user also performs volume adjustment, for example, listening to a favorite song at a high volume and listening to other songs at a volume that does not disturb the music. Further, as the information recording medium for music, for example, a mixture of a high volume song and a low volume song is provided, but it does not have a means for controlling the volume volume during reproduction. I had no choice but to sacrifice dynamic range. For example, in a reproducing operation of classical music or the like, it is difficult to record the information recording medium with high precision reproducibility because the music itself has a large dynamic range. I couldn't get the immersive replay when replaying.

Also, for movie information, for example, the back music is set to a high volume in a live theater and a low volume in a wet scene, so that the production intention of the creator is transmitted to the viewer. However, even in the reproduction operation of such movie information, when the main information is reproduced from the information recording medium at the level of personal use by the information recording / reproducing apparatus owned by each user, the reproduction control of the back music is performed at the volume intended by the creator. It was difficult to do.

On the other hand, in various information reproducing operations, when the information recording medium is loaded into the information recording / reproducing apparatus and the main information is reproduced, not only the above-mentioned volume value is controlled independently but also the time zone and the surroundings. It is also important to control according to the situation or environmental conditions such as weather and temperature. For example, in the reproduction operation of the music information, it is necessary to perform an adjustment operation such that the user listens at a high volume during the daytime, but reduces the volume during the nighttime. For example, even in the reproduction operation of movie information, the volume, the image quality, etc. are adjusted according to the time zone and the content, so that the enjoyment can be deepened. However, in various conventional information reproducing operations, the user has to perform all volume adjustment operations,
It was difficult to take a very detailed response.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the volume value information defining the reproduction volume value of the main information composed of various contents such as music and video is held without damaging the recording capacity of the main information, thereby increasing the added value. Recording medium, information recording apparatus for recording volume value information on the information recording medium, and information recording / reproducing apparatus and information recording capable of reproducing main information from the information recording medium in an optimum state based on the volume value information It is proposed for the purpose of providing a reproducing method.

[0011]

An information recording medium according to the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object is provided with a control signal which is detected at the time of a reproducing operation and controls an information reproducing apparatus to an eigenmode, and additional information including predetermined information. A volume that defines and holds the main information recorded in the main information recording area according to a predetermined recording mode, and controls the information reproducing apparatus so that the additional information is operated to reproduce the main information at a specific reproduction volume level. Value information is defined.

According to the information recording medium of the present invention configured as described above, the volume value, that is, the luminance, when reproducing the main information composed of various contents such as music information and movie information without requiring a recording area Adjustment level information of various types of volume such as adjustment, volume adjustment, reproduction frequency band adjustment, image quality adjustment, etc. is held internally. According to the information recording medium, the volume value information is detected when the main information is reproduced, and the main information is reproduced at the optimum level adjusted based on the volume value information.
According to the information recording medium, there is also a usage mode in which the intention of the content creator is more strongly communicated to the user by reproducing the main information by arbitrarily changing the brightness, the volume, the image quality, or the like based on the volume value information defined in advance. It is possible. According to the information recording medium, by holding the volume value information set by the user, personalization can be achieved and optimal reproduction conditions can be reproduced.

Further, in the information recording apparatus according to the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object, the operation section for setting the recording condition of the main information and the control information for the information recording medium, and the predetermined area of the information recording medium based on the recording condition. The main information and the control signal are recorded in the recording medium, and the main information is recorded in a predetermined recording form to define a control signal which is detected during the reproducing operation and controls the information reproducing apparatus to the eigenmode, and additional information including the predetermined information. And a recording unit to be attached. The information recording device causes the recording medium to hold, as additional information, volume value information for controlling the reproduction operation of the main information by the information reproducing device using the information recording medium to be performed at a specific reproduction volume level.

According to the information recording apparatus of the present invention having the above-described structure, the volume value, that is, the luminance when the main information including various contents such as music information and movie information is reproduced without requiring the recording area. Provided is an information recording medium which internally holds adjustment level information of various volumes such as adjustment, volume adjustment, reproduction frequency band adjustment or image quality adjustment. According to the information recording device, volume value information is detected during reproduction of the main information, and the information recording medium with high added value is provided in which the main information is reproduced at the optimum level adjusted based on the volume value information. It is possible. According to the information recording device, for example, by reproducing the main information by arbitrarily changing the brightness, the volume, the image quality, or the like based on the volume value information defined in advance,
It is also possible to use a new information recording medium in which the intention of the content creator is more strongly communicated to the user. According to the information recording device, the volume value information optimally set by the user during the reproduction operation of the main information is held in the information recording medium, so that the optimum reproduction condition is maintained even when the reproduction operation is performed next time. It is possible to provide an information recording medium that can be reproduced and is personalized.

Further, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention which achieves the above object, the volume value information for controlling the reproduction operation of the main information recorded in the main information recording area to the specific reproduction volume level is the main information. An information recording medium that is defined by a recording form and holds as additional information is used. An information recording / reproducing apparatus includes an operation unit for setting a reproduction operation of main information, a reproducing unit for detecting volume value information from an information recording medium and reproducing main information, and a predetermined unit for defining main information as volume value information. A recording unit for recording in a recording form and a control unit for outputting a control signal to each unit are configured.
The information recording / reproducing apparatus includes an external input / output unit connected to an external information distribution organization or an external charging processing organization.

According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, the volume value at the time of reproducing the main information composed of various contents such as music information and movie information without requiring a recording area, that is, An information recording medium that internally holds adjustment level information of various volumes such as brightness adjustment, volume adjustment, reproduction frequency band adjustment, or image quality adjustment is used. According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus, the main information is reproduced at a specific reproduction volume level by the control signal output from the control unit based on the volume value information detected from the information recording medium by the reproducing unit, and at the end of the reproducing operation. The recording unit records the main information on the recording medium in a recording form in which the volume value information is updated.

According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus, since the main information is reproduced on the basis of the volume value information detected from the information recording medium, the operability is simplified and the reproduction is performed under the optimum condition. . According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus, use of a new information recording medium for reproducing main information by arbitrarily changing brightness, volume or image quality based on volume value information defined in advance based on the intention of a content creator. Aspect can also be realized. According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus, each information recording medium has its own volume value information, so that individualization can be achieved.

Further, in the information recording / reproducing method according to the present invention which achieves the above-mentioned object, the volume value information for controlling the reproduction operation of the main information recorded in the main information recording area to the specific reproduction volume level is the main information. An information recording medium that is defined by a recording form and holds as additional information is used. The information recording / reproducing method includes an operation unit that sets a reproduction operation of main information, a reproducing unit that detects volume value information from an information recording medium and reproduces main information, and a predetermined unit that defines volume value information as main information. An information recording / reproducing apparatus is used which includes a recording unit for recording in a recording form and a control unit for outputting a control signal to each unit.

The information recording / reproducing method includes a process of performing an operation of setting a reproduction condition of main information by the operation unit in a state where the information recording / reproducing apparatus is loaded with an information recording medium, and a reproduction condition of the main information set by the operation unit. A process of controlling the reproducing unit by a control signal output from the control unit based on the volume value information detected from the information recording medium and reproducing the main information at a specific reproduction volume level;
When the reproduction operation of the main information is completed, the recording unit records the main information on the recording medium in a recording form in which the volume value information is updated.

According to the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention, the main information is reproduced on the basis of the volume value information detected from the information recording medium by the information recording / reproducing apparatus. Playback will be performed under the conditions. According to the information recording / reproducing method, for example, volume value information defined in advance is held in the information recording medium based on the intention of the content creator, and the brightness, volume, image quality, or the like of the main information is arbitrarily set based on the volume value information. It is also possible to realize a new reproduction expression mode such as changing and reproducing. According to the information recording / reproducing method, the main information is reproduced on the basis of the unique volume value information held for each information recording medium, so that individualization can be achieved.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. An information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 as an embodiment uses an information recording medium 2 whose details will be described later, and various main information M such as music information, video information or data information is recorded on the information recording medium 2. Is recorded in a predetermined recording form. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 reads the predetermined main information M together with the control signal information SM from the loaded information recording medium 2 and reproduces the information. The additional information (trigger information) AM is defined based on the recording form of the main information M. By adding the information and detecting the additional information AM when reproducing the main information M, the reproduction operation, the recording operation, etc. are controlled to the eigenmode according to each information recording medium 2. The information recording medium 2 holds unique additional information AM depending on the recording form of the main information M, as will be described later in detail. When the reproducing operation is completed, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 updates the additional information AM by recording the main information M on the information recording medium 2 in a predetermined recording form.

The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is connected to the external information distribution organization 3 via an appropriate connecting means such as a wired or wireless connection as will be described later in detail, so that the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is connected to the external information distribution organization 3 as a main component. Various kinds of information recorded as additional information AM are provided together with the information M, and new main information NM is provided under a predetermined condition. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 causes the information recording medium 2 to hold the additional information AM by also recording the new main information NM in a predetermined recording form. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is provided with new main information NM from, for example, the external information distribution organization 3 by being connected to the external billing processing organization 4 via an appropriate connecting means such as a wired or wireless connection as will be described later in detail. When receiving the charge, the charge processing is performed with the external charge processing organization 4. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is based on the additional information AM uniquely held in the above-mentioned distribution processing of the new main information NM with the external information distribution organization 3 and the charging processing with the external charging processing organization 4. Each information recording medium 2
According to the above, individual processing is performed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 11 and a control unit 12, the details of which will be described later.
The information recording medium 2 includes a recording / reproducing unit 13 into / from which the information recording medium 2 is inserted / removed, and an external input / output unit 14. Information recording / reproducing apparatus 1
Although not shown, includes a drive unit that drives the information recording medium 2, a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit, an output unit such as a speaker and a display unit, and the like. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 may be configured as, for example, a portable type or a stationary type dedicated apparatus, or may be configured by being incorporated in a personal computer or the like. It goes without saying that the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is not limited to the configuration described below for each part depending on the configuration of a dedicated device, a built-in device, or the like.

FIG. 2 shows the basic structure of, for example, a magneto-optical disk used as the information recording medium 2. In the magneto-optical disk 2, generally, control signal information SM such as disk definition information and control conditions is recorded in control track areas 5a and 5b formed in an inner peripheral area and an outer peripheral area. In the magneto-optical disk 2, the area between the inner and outer control track areas 5a and 5b is configured as a recording area 6 for the main information M by the user as a format area. On the magneto-optical disk 2, recording tracks 7 are spirally or concentrically formed in the main information recording area 6.
Is formed, and the data of the main information M is recorded in a pit format, for example, as shown in FIG. The magneto-optical disk 2 is
Control signal information S in the control track areas 5a and 5b
Although M is recorded as fixed information, the additional information AM is held as control information open to the user as described later.

In the magneto-optical disk 2, generally, FIG.
Data pits p1 to p3 for recording the data of the main information M are respectively located on the track center line 1 and recorded, as shown in the recording track 7a at the center of the. Further, the magneto-optical disk 2 has the additional information A described above in the main information M.
In order to define M, data pits for recording a predetermined range of data are vertically shifted and recorded with respect to the track center line 1 within a track controllable range. That is,
The magneto-optical disk 2 is recorded with the data pits p4 to p6 of the data M2 of the main information M being shifted upward by Δx with respect to the track center line of the recording track 7b. Further, the magneto-optical disk 2 has data pits p7 to p of data M3.
9 is Δx with respect to the track center line 1 of the recording track 7c.
It is recorded by shifting to the lower side.

In the magneto-optical disk 2, the data M1 to M3 of the fixed range of the main information M are recorded on the recording track 7 in different recording modes. When reproducing the main information M, the magneto-optical disk 2 causes jitter in the output of each of the data M1 to M3 recorded by shifting the position by Δx with respect to the track center line 1.
Therefore, in the magneto-optical disk 2, this difference in the amount of jitter is detected, and, for example, the pit p4 formed in the upper area.
"0" in the output of ~ p6, pit p formed in the lower area
By encoding "1" to the outputs of 7 to p9, it becomes possible to define various additional information AM described later.

The magneto-optical disk 2 has, for example, main information M.
With respect to the data in a certain area, the recording start area of the additional information AM is defined by first arranging and recording so as to define the encoding of [1,0,0], and finally, [0,0]. , 1] are arranged and recorded so as to define the coding of [1] to define the recording end area of the additional information AM. The magneto-optical disk 2 records additional information A by recording in a predetermined arrangement in the area between them.
It defines the contents of M. The magneto-optical disk 2 holds unique additional information AM depending on the recording form of the main information M.

As the information recording medium 2, not only the above-mentioned magneto-optical disk but also an appropriate information recording medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk or a semiconductor memory is used. The information recording medium 2 may be one or plural, and may be incorporated in a cartridge. The information recording medium 2 may have one recording layer or multiple recording layers. The information recording medium 2 may be a magnetic disk on the main unit side when the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is incorporated in a personal computer, for example. By defining the additional information AM, the information recording medium 2 does not limit the recording form of the main information M to the misalignment recording with respect to the track center line described above. The information recording medium 2 may record the data M1 to M3 defining the additional information AM by shifting the reference position in the track traveling direction. In the information recording medium 2, target data M1 to M3 for defining the additional information AM are appropriately set according to the data amount of the additional information AM. In the information recording medium 2, if the main information recording area 6 has a sufficient capacity, some additional information AM may be directly recorded in this area regardless of the recording mode of the main information M. Good.

In the conventional information recording medium, in order to retain new control signal information in addition to the control signal information SM recorded in advance in the control track area, the capacity of the main information recording area 6 is lost. . In the information recording medium 2, as described above, the main information M is recorded in different recording modes to define and hold various unique additional information AM. Therefore, the recording capacity of the main information recording area 6 is large. Is retained and various operation controls of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 are enabled.

The information recording medium 2 has common control signal information S
It is possible to uniquely hold various additional information AM together with M as described above. As the additional information AM,
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the identification information AM-1 and the characteristic amount information AM- of each main information M recorded on the information recording medium 2 are recorded.
2. The log information AM-3 or the link information AM-4 that defines the reproduction order is defined. As the identification information AM-1, the identification information AM-1-1 belonging to the information recording medium 2 is used.
And the identification information AM-1-2 belonging to each main information M recorded on the information recording medium 2 are defined. The recording medium identification information AM-1-1 is, for example, the ID of the information recording medium 2.
The information includes information such as information, grade ID, and whether or not the record can be updated. The recording medium identification information AM-1-1 is fixedly recorded in the main information recording area 6 along with the predetermined main information M unless it is necessary to update the recording medium identification information AM-1-1 during the reproducing operation of the main information M. You may do it.

The feature amount information AM-2 includes, for example, information defining a motion vector in the image when the main information M is image information. The characteristic amount information AM-2 does not need to be updated particularly when reproducing the main information M, and is fixedly recorded in the main information recording area 6 along with the predetermined main information M. As the log information AM-3, reproduction number information A for each main information M
M-3-1, reproduction order history information AM-3-2, volume value information AM-3-3 during reproduction operation, environment information AM
-3-4 or reproduction order information AM-3-5 or the like is defined. The log information AM-3 is updated when each main information M is re-recorded after the reproduction operation is completed.

The volume value information AM-3-3 is a parameter adjusted with the volume adjustment amount set by the operation unit 11 of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 when reproducing the main information M, as will be described later in detail. Is additional information that defines As the volume value information AM-3-3, for example, image quality adjustment amount information AM-3-3-1, volume adjustment amount information AM-3-3-2, and image brightness adjustment amount information AM-3.
-3-3 and sound quality adjustment amount (equalizer) information AM-3-3
-4 and the like are defined. Volume information AM-3-
3, the set value is updated and recorded in the information recording medium 2 when the reproducing operation is completed, so that the set value is reset when the power of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is turned off or the information recording medium 2 is taken out. However, the reproduction operation can be performed under the unique condition of the information recording medium 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the volume value information AM-3-3 has an optimum reproduction volume for each of the contents C-1 to C-4 constituting the main information M recorded on the information recording medium 2. So that the volume volume values AM-3-3-2 of level 5, level 6, level 5, and level 8 are set respectively. As the volume value information AM-3-3, for example, when the content C-2 is reproduced, the volume volume value information AM-3-3-2 of level 6 is detected and the reproduction unit 16 is controlled.

The environmental information AM-3-4 is the main information M.
It is additional information that defines the environmental conditions for each reproduction operation or for each reproduction operation. The environment information AM-3-4 includes, for example, time information AM such as time and time zone at which the main information is reproduced.
3-4-1, temperature information AM-3-4-2 or weather information AM-3-4-3 at that time is defined. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the environmental information AM-3-4 is recorded with the time when the contents C-1 to C-4 constituting the main information M recorded on the information recording medium 2 are reproduced.
The environment information AM-3-4 controls to select the content C-3 when the reproduction operation of the information recording medium 2 is performed at 16:00, for example. It should be noted that the environmental information AM-3-4 is sequentially accumulated each time a reproducing operation is performed, for example, in the case of sequentially recording the performance information, but the environmental information AM-3-4 may be deleted from the oldest order within a certain range.

The volume value information AM-3-3 and the environment information AM-3-4 may be defined as combination information as shown in FIG. The combination information shown in the figure is the volume volume value so that the reproduction volume of the contents C-1 to C-4 forming the main information M is different for each time zone of morning, daytime and night. AM-3-
3-2 is defined. The content C-1 is controlled by the volume volume value AM-3-3-2 of level 6 when reproduced in the morning time zone, and the volume volume of level 12 when reproduced in the daytime zone. Value AM-3
-3-2, the volume volume value AM-3-3-3 of level 3 when reproduced during the night time
2 is controlled and reproduced. Content C-3 is
When reproduced in the daytime, it is reproduced by being controlled by the volume volume value AM-3-3-2 of level 13.

As the link information AM-4, for example, information defining that a plurality of main information M recorded on the information recording medium 2 are sequentially reproduced in different reproduction orders is defined. When the information recording medium 2 is loaded into the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1, the reproducing unit 16 detects the link information AM-4, and the plurality of main information M are reproduced in different orders. The link information AM-4 can also be controlled so that when the main information M is recorded as information of different story development, a reproduction operation with different story development is performed.

The information recording medium 2 has a recording mode in which an initial value is set in advance when the above-mentioned various additional information AM is recorded by the recording device on the provider side with the main information M and the control information SM. It is added and provided by recording the information M. Regarding the recording device,
Since the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 described later is configured by a device that does not require the reproducing unit 16 or the external input / output unit 14, the details thereof will be omitted.

When the information recording medium 2 is loaded in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the reproducing operation of the main information M is performed, the additional information AM, that is, the volume value information AM-3-3 is detected and the reproducing section 16 is operated. By controlling the main information M, the reproduction operation is performed at a predetermined reproduction level. On the information recording medium 2, the reproduction operation of the main information M is performed by the procedure shown in FIG. In the reproduction procedure, the reproduction unit 16 of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 performs a process of detecting the ID of each main information M recorded from the information recording medium 2 and the volume value information AM-3-3 relating to these main information M (ss-
1). The reproduction operation is also performed to detect other necessary information from the information recording medium 2.

In the reproduction procedure, a process of acquiring information about main information to be reproduced set by the user using the operation unit 11 (ss-2). In the reproduction procedure, the detected volume value information AM-3-3 from the information recording medium 2 is compared with the acquired operation information from the operation unit 11, and each volume value when reproducing the main information M to be reproduced is determined. A process for determining is performed (ss-3). In the reproduction procedure, when determining the reproduction volume value of the main information M, for example, the noise adjustment amount (DRC-Vn) of the output image, the volume adjustment amount, the image brightness adjustment amount and the sound quality adjustment amount (equalizer) are set. Determine each.

In the reproducing procedure, the reproducing unit 16 performs a process of reproducing the main information M according to the determined reproduction volume value (ss-4). In the reproduction procedure, each processing described above is repeated while the reproduction operation of all the main information M to be reproduced is performed (ss-5). In the reproduction procedure, when the reproduction of all the main information M to be reproduced according to the above-described procedure is completed, the user performs an end operation via the operation unit 11.

The information recording medium 2 holds the environmental value AM-3-4 together with the volume value information AM-3-3 as the additional information AM as described above, and the environmental information AM is followed according to the procedure shown in FIG. -3-4 is also read and the reproduction operation of the main information M is performed. The reproducing procedure is performed by the reproducing unit 16 of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 by the information recording medium 2
Then, a process of detecting the ID of the main information M to be reproduced and the volume value information AM-3-3 and environment information AM-3-4 related to this main information M is performed (ss-10).

In the reproduction procedure, a process of acquiring information about main information to be reproduced set by the user through the operation unit 11 (ss-11). The reproduction procedure compares the detected volume value information AM-3-3 and environment information AM-3-4 from the information recording medium 2 with the acquired operation information from the operation unit 11 to determine the main information M to be reproduced. A process of determining each volume value when reproducing is performed (ss-12). In the reproduction procedure, it is determined whether the user has set the reproduction volume value of the main information M via the operation unit 11 (ss-13). When the reproduction volume value is set by the user, the reproduction procedure gives priority to the volume value information AM-3-3 held by the information recording medium 2 and the main information M based on the set volume value. Is reproduced (ss-14).

In the reproducing procedure, the main information M to be reproduced is re-recorded on the information recording medium 2 by the recording unit 15, and at this time, it is recorded in a recording form defining the volume value set by the user. The volume value information AM-3-3 detected as the initial value is updated, and the environment information AM-3-4 according to the reproduction environment such as the reproduction time is updated.
Is also defined and recorded (ss-15). In the reproduction procedure, each processing described above is repeated while the reproduction operation of all the main information M to be reproduced is performed (ss-16).

In the reproduction procedure, when it is detected in step ss-13 that the user has not set the reproduction volume value of the main information M through the operation unit 11,
The main information M is reproduced according to the reproduction volume value determined in step ss-12 (ss-
17). In the reproduction procedure, even in this case, while the reproduction operation of all the main information M to be reproduced is performed, each processing described above is repeated (ss-1).
6). In the reproduction procedure, when the reproduction of all the main information M to be reproduced according to the above-described procedure is completed, the user performs an end operation via the operation unit 11. It is needless to say that steps ss-13 to ss-17 may be adopted in the reproduction procedure of the volume value information AM-3-3 described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the information recording medium 2 holds the combination information which is the combination of the volume value information AM-3-3 and the environment information AM-3-4 as the additional information AM, and reads this combination information. The reproduction operation of the main information M is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. In the reproducing procedure, the reproducing unit 16 of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 performs a process of detecting the ID of the main information M to be reproduced from the information recording medium 2 and the combination information regarding the main information M (ss-20).

In the reproduction procedure, a process of acquiring information about main information to be reproduced set by the user through the operation unit 11 is performed (ss-21). In the reproduction procedure, the detected combination information from the information recording medium 2 is compared with the acquired operation information from the operation unit 11 to determine the volume value when reproducing the main information M to be reproduced ( ss-2
2). In the reproduction procedure, it is determined whether or not the user has set the reproduction volume value of the main information M via the operation unit 11 (ss-23). If the playback volume value is set by the user,
The combination information held by the information recording medium 2 is given priority, and the main information M is reproduced based on the set volume value (ss-24).

In the reproducing procedure, the main information M to be reproduced is re-recorded on the information recording medium 2 by the recording unit 15, but at the time, it is recorded in a recording form defining the volume value set by the user. The combination information detected as the initial value is updated and recorded (ss-25). In the reproduction procedure, each processing described above is repeated while the reproduction operation of all the main information M to be reproduced is performed (ss-26).

In the reproduction procedure, when it is detected in step ss-23 that the reproduction volume value of the main information M has not been set by the user via the operation unit 11,
The main information M is reproduced according to the reproduction volume value determined in step ss-22 (ss-
27). In the reproduction procedure, even in this case, while the reproduction operation of all the main information M to be reproduced is performed, the above-described respective processes are repeated (ss-2).
6). In the reproduction procedure, when the reproduction of all the main information M to be reproduced according to the above-described procedure is completed, the user performs an end operation via the operation unit 11.

The reproducing procedure is as shown in FIGS.
The volume value information AM is not limited to the procedures shown in 0.
It is needless to say that it is appropriately changed depending on the contents of -3-3 and environment information AM-3-4. As for the reproduction procedure, for example, when the reproduction order of the main information M is rearranged based on the reproduction order information AM-3-5, the volume value information AM-3-3 and the environment information AM according to each main information M. -3-
4 will be rearranged.

In the above-described reproduction procedure, the main information of the main information is set by the reproduction volume value set via the operation unit 11 in preference to the initial volume value information AM-3-3 and the environment information AM-3-4. Although the reproduction is performed, the procedure is not limited to this. In the reproduction procedure, for example, the volume value information AM-3-3 of the initial value and the environment information AM are recorded on the information recording medium 2 for the user during reproduction.
A procedure for inquiring whether to reproduce by selecting either -3-4 or the newly set volume value may be provided. Further, in the reproducing procedure, when the setting of a new volume value by the user does not have all the reproducing conditions specified in the volume value information AM-3-3 of the initial value and the environment information AM-3-4, The reproduction operation is performed by complementing the reproduction condition of the initial value.

Further, in the above-mentioned reproduction procedure, each main information M is recorded in a recording mode in which the reproduction volume value set by the user via the operation unit 11 is defined at the end of reproduction. However, the procedure is not limited to this. In the reproduction procedure, for example, at the end of the reproduction, the volume value information AM-3-3 of the initial value and the environment information AM-3-4 are recorded on the information recording medium 2 for the user.
Alternatively, a procedure for inquiring whether to select and record any of the newly set volume values may be provided.

The operation unit 11 is operated by the user when recording / reproducing the main information M using the above-described information recording medium 2. The operation unit 11 includes the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1
When the device is configured as an integrated device, the device has a function of displaying an operation state as well as setting an operation mode by the user. The operation unit 11 includes a user interface and a display device. The user interface includes a power switch, a reproduction operation switch, a recording operation switch, a volume switch, a selection switch, and the like. The operation unit 11 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 12 when the user operates the above-described switches and the like while the recording / reproducing unit 13 is loaded with the recording medium 2. The operation unit 11 displays the operating state of the system on a display device according to the control signal output from the control unit 12, and controls the switching of the set mode. When the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is a unit incorporated in a personal computer or the like, the operation section 11 is a section to which an operation signal output by a user operating the operation panel is input.

The operation unit 11 performs an operation of reproducing the main information M from the information recording medium 2 loaded by the user, and also sets a reproduction volume value by a volume or a changeover switch. The operation unit 11 may display, for example, the contents of the volume value information AM-3-3 and the environment information AM-3-4 detected from the information recording medium 2 registered as the initial value by the display device.

The control unit 12 is composed of, for example, a CPU and receives various signals output from the respective units. Control unit 12
Performs a predetermined process based on these input signals and outputs a control signal to each unit. An operation signal is input to the control unit 12 from the operation unit 11 as described above, and an information signal based on various additional information AM defined by a recording mode of main information M, which will be described in detail later, from the recording / reproducing unit 13. Etc. are input. The control signal of the connection state is input to the control unit 12 from the external input / output unit 14, and
A control signal from the external information distribution organization 3 or the external charging processing organization 4 connected via the external input / output unit 14 is input.

The control unit 12 includes a reproducing unit 1 as described later.
6 is supplied with the additional information AM such as the volume value information AM-3-3 and the environment information AM-3-4 defined in the information recording medium 2 output by the user, and is output from the operation unit 11 by the user. The reproduction order information and the like of the set main information M are supplied. The control unit 12 determines the main information M to be reproduced and the reproduction condition based on these information, and outputs a control signal to the reproduction unit 16.

The control unit 12 controls the supplied volume value information AM-3-3, environment information AM-3-4, or the operation unit 1.
Based on the volume value information etc. set by 1,
The volume value of the main information M to be reproduced is determined and a control signal is output to the reproducing unit 16. The control unit 12
When it is determined from the various additional information AM detected from the information recording medium 2 that these meet predetermined requirements, the external input / output unit 14 is notified to the external information distribution institution 3 and the external charging processing institution 4. The control signal of the connection instruction of is output.

The recording / reproducing unit 13 is arranged in the loading unit of the information recording medium 2 and reproduces the main information M from the recording unit 15 for recording the main information M on the information recording medium 2. And a reproduction unit 16. The recording / reproducing unit 13 uses the recording medium 2 as in the conventional information recording / reproducing apparatus.
Recording and reproducing means generally used for recording and reproducing various information for Recording / playback unit 13
Is provided with an optical pickup device and a magnetic head device when the information recording medium 2 is a magneto-optical disk, for example.
If the disk is a magnetic disk, a magnetic head device is provided. In the recording / reproducing unit 13, in order to detect the additional information AM based on the recording form of the main information M, the reproducing unit 16 is provided with an appropriate detecting means. For example, when detecting the difference in the jitter amount of the output signal of the main information M based on the above-mentioned recording position on the track, the detecting means is composed of, for example, a comparator or the like. The detection means is, for example, the main information M.
If you want to directly detect the recording position of
It is composed of a computing unit or the like for computing the detection output of the position detection sensor.

When the information recording medium 2 is loaded in the recording unit 15 and a reproducing operation is performed by the user via the operation unit 11, the reproducing unit 16 detects and outputs the additional information as shown in FIG. Information AM and control signal information SM
The control signal output from the controller 12 is input based on the above. When the reproducing operation of the main information M is completed, the recording unit 15 records the main information M and the additional information AM output from the reproducing unit 16 in the recording / reproducing unit 13 based on the control signal output from the control unit 12. The information is recorded again on the loaded information recording medium 2. The recording unit 15 re-records the main information M in a predetermined recording form to define the additional information AM and store it in the information recording medium 2. The recording unit 15 re-records the main information M on the information recording medium 2 in a predetermined recording form. At this time, a part of the additional information AM is defined as it is and the other part is predetermined. Definition to update to the contents of.

When the new main information NM is distributed from the external information distribution organization 3 via the external input / output unit 14, the recording unit 15 outputs the new main information NM based on the control signal output from the control unit 12. The information is recorded on the information recording medium 2. The recording unit 15 records the new main information NM in a predetermined recording form, defines the additional information AM, and stores it in the information recording medium 2.

The recording unit 15 has the reproduction order history information AM-3.
-2 based on the control signal output from the control unit 12 based on -2, each cell information CM is recorded on the information recording medium 2 in a recording form that defines the updated reproduction order history information AM-3-2. To do. The recording unit 15 outputs to the control unit 12 control signals such as a standby state, a recording state mode, and a recording operation progress state. The state of the recording unit 15 is processed by the control unit 12, a predetermined control signal is output to the operation unit 11, and is displayed on, for example, a display.

The recording unit 15 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and may have a multiple recording unit 15a for multiplexing the main information M and the additional information AM as shown in FIG. 12, for example. The recording unit 15 multiplexes the main information M output from the reproducing unit 16 and the additional information AM or the new main information NM distributed from the external information distribution institution 3 and the additional information AM incidental thereto by the multiplex recording unit 15a. Then, the information is recorded on the information recording medium 2 in a predetermined recording form based on the result.

As shown in FIG. 13, the reproducing section 16 includes a main information detecting section 16a for detecting the main information M from the information recording medium 2 and an additional information detecting section 16 for detecting the additional information AM.
b and. The reproduction unit 16 has a control signal information detection unit (not shown) that detects the control signal information SM from the information recording medium 2. The reproducing unit 16 includes an adaptive processing unit 16c that converts the main information M into a predetermined output form and outputs the converted information. A control signal output from the control unit 12 is input to the reproduction unit 16 by a reproduction operation designated by the user using the operation unit 11.

The reproducing section 16 is controlled by the main information detecting section 16a and the additional information detecting section 16b based on the control signal.
The main information M and the control signal information SM are read from the information recording medium 2 loaded in the recording / reproducing unit 13, and the recording form of the main information M is detected to read the additional information AM. The reproducing unit 16 reads the additional information AM recorded independently. The reproduction unit 16 sends a control signal defined by the additional information AM and a control signal based on the control signal information SM to the control unit 1.
A control signal for controlling the reproduction operation generated by performing predetermined processing in the control unit 12 based on these control signals is input to the adaptive processing unit 16c. The reproducing unit 16 adaptively processes the main information M in the adaptive processing unit 16c based on the additional information AM, the control signal information SM, or the control signal output from the control unit 12.
The reproducing unit 16 outputs the adapted main information M to the external input / output unit 14 and the recording unit 15. Main information M
Is output from an appropriate output means connected to the external input / output unit 14.

The reproducing section 16 uses the reproduction order history information A, for example.
The unreproduced cell information CM is selected by the control signal output from the control unit 12 based on M-3-2, and is reproduced after the cell information CM is reproduced in the order set by the user. The reproduction unit 16 reproduces the cell information CM according to the selected reproduction order information AM-3-5 by the control signal output from the control unit 12 based on the reproduction order history information AM-3-2.

The reproducing section 16 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and when the information recording medium 2 in which the main information M and the additional information AM are multiplexed and recorded is used as shown in FIG. A main information / additional information separating unit 16d for separating the information M and the additional information AM may be provided. When the reproducing unit 16 determines the information recording medium 2 loaded in the recording / reproducing unit 13 and determines that the information recording medium 2 is a multiplexed information recording type recording medium, the information recording medium 2 is determined.
The multiplexed information read from the main information / additional information separating unit 16d is separated into main information M and additional information AM and output to the adaptive processing unit 16c. The reproducing unit 16 performs the above-described processing on the separated main information M and additional information AM.

The external input / output unit 14 is shown as a general interface unit for inputting / outputting the main information M to / from the recording / reproducing unit 13 in FIG. 1, and is appropriately selected according to the form of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1. Will have the function of.
The external input / output unit 14 does not directly function when the main information M is output from a speaker, a monitor or the like included in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 as shown by a broken line in the figure. The external input / output unit 14 is connected to, for example, an external speaker or monitor, so that the main information M such as music information or image information is reproduced via these external connection devices. The external input / output unit 14 is connected to a recording / reproducing unit such as a magnetic disk built in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 so that the main information M is input / output. The external input / output unit 14 inputs / outputs the main information M by being connected to a personal computer, a mobile phone, or the external information distribution institution 3 or the external charging processing institution 4 as described above, for example, via a wire or wirelessly. To do so.

The external input / output unit 14 includes a communication interface 14a and a buffer memory 1 as shown in FIG.
4b. The communication interface 14a has a function of connecting to an appropriate communication unit 17 such as a public line or wireless communication, and is connected to an external device 18 via, for example, the Internet network to transmit / receive external input / output information. .
The buffer memory 14b has a function of avoiding the influence of a time shift when transmitting / receiving external input / output information to / from the external device 18, and transmits based on a control signal output from the control unit 12. Information and received information are temporarily stored and input / output is performed in order.

The external input / output unit 14 is shown in FIG.
6, the communication interface 14a described above is used.
Instead of or in addition to this, the connection interface 14c
May be provided. Connection interface 14c
Is an external device 1 having a connection jack or the like, such as a personal computer, a PDA or a portable recording / reproducing device.
9 has a function of connecting with a cable 20. The buffer memory 14b is also connected to the connection interface 14c.

In the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1, the main information M is
It has been described that the above-mentioned information recording medium 2 provided to the user from the provider side is used in a state of being recorded in advance in a recording form in which each additional information AM is defined as an initial value.
In the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1, the new main information NM may be distributed from the external information distribution organization 3 connected via the external input / output unit 14, and the new main information NM may be downloaded to the information recording medium 2. .

In the information recording medium 2 and the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 using the information recording medium 2 described above, as shown in FIG. 17, the information recording / reproducing apparatuses 1A to 1N possessed by a large number of users have respective external input / output. By being connected to the external information distribution institution 3 and the external institution 22 such as the external billing processing institution 4 via the network 21 by the unit 14, contents such as music albums and movie programs and other appropriate new main information NM or a part thereof An information distribution system 23 for receiving a distribution service of information (hereinafter collectively referred to as new main information NM) is constructed. In the information distribution system 23, by using the information recording medium 2 that holds the above-mentioned additional information AM, new main information NM will be described as described later.
The distribution service will be made more efficient and diversified.

In the information distribution system 23, each information recording / reproducing apparatus (user) 1 side requests the external information distribution organization 3 to distribute new main information NM, and if necessary to the external charging processing organization 4. By performing a payment process of a predetermined usage amount on the other hand, the new main information NM is distributed from the external information distribution organization 3 to the user. Of course, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 can also exchange personal information with a personal computer or a portable recording / reproducing apparatus owned by the user.

The information distribution system 23 is operated based on the flowchart of the basic procedure shown in FIG.
The information distribution system 23 is a flowchart of a basic procedure including the charging process shown in FIG. 19 when a distribution service whose details will be described later is provided from the external information distribution organization 3 to the information recording / reproducing apparatus (user) 1 for a fee. It is operated based on. Of course, the information distribution system 23 is not limited to such a procedure flow chart, and the distribution service of the new main information NM is provided to the user by various service systems, but in any case, the information recording is performed. Various types of additional information AM recorded on the medium 2 are used to provide various services to the user from the external information distribution organization 3.

In the information distribution system 23, FIG.
As shown in, the user makes an application for using the information distribution service to the external information distribution organization 3 using the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1. The user performs an operation of inputting predetermined use application information such as his / her own ID and authentication information with the operation unit 11 of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 with the predetermined information recording medium 2 loaded (s-1), The predetermined additional information AM recorded from the information recording medium 2 is read (s-2), and a usage application is made to the external information distribution organization 3 via the external input / output unit 14 (s-3).

When the external information distribution organization 3 receives the usage application from the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 side, the external information distribution organization 3 checks whether this usage application has a predetermined requirement (s-4), and the result is the information. It is transmitted to the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 side. When the external information distribution organization 3 determines that the application is a usage request that does not have the predetermined requirements, it makes an unacceptable reply to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 (s-5). When the user receives the rejection response from the external information distribution organization 3, the user examines the content (s-6), and when continuing the usage application, for example, the above-mentioned usage application is performed according to the guide attached to the rejection request. Perform the operation again. The user performs a termination operation when it is determined that the predetermined requirements cannot be satisfied or when it is determined that continuation is not necessary (s-
7).

When the external information distribution organization 3 determines that the application is a usage application satisfying predetermined requirements, it creates a usage guide (s-8) and sends it to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 side. In the usage guide, for example, new main information NM newly distributed
List, each summary, specification information, consideration information, operation guide information for acquisition, and the like. For example, the new main information NM newly distributed for a fee is attached in advance to the usage guide as so-called hidden information that cannot be reproduced, information having a low image quality or sound quality level, or information that can be partially reproduced as a sample. Good. Such non-genuine information can be reproduced by being appropriately recorded on the information recording medium 2 as proper main information by performing an appropriate regulation releasing process by performing a charging process described later.

When the user receives the usage guide, the user examines the contents and determines whether or not to receive the distribution service (s-9). When the user determines that it is not necessary to receive the distribution service, the user performs a termination operation (s-1).
0). When the user determines to receive the distribution service based on the usage guide, the user selects new main information NM (s-11). Of course, the selection of new main information NM is
It is not particularly necessary when only one delivery service target is specified or specified. The user performs an input operation of distribution request information through the operation unit 11 based on the usage guide (s-12), and makes a distribution request to the external information distribution institution 3 through the external input / output unit 14.

When the external information distribution organization 3 receives the distribution request from the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 side, it verifies the requirements (s-13). A retransmission request is made (s-14). The user reprocesses the delivery request based on the resend request.
When the distribution request is judged to meet the requirements, the external information distribution organization 3 carries out the distribution process of the requested new main information NM (s-15), and adds the necessary additional information AM together with the new main information NM. It is attached and transmitted to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1. Note that the distribution process of the new main information NM becomes the information of the restriction release process, for example, when the predetermined information has been transmitted to a part of the main information M in advance by a format such as hidden information. The user performs a recording operation on the information recording medium 2 for the delivered new main information NM (s-16).
In this case, the new main information NM is recorded on the information recording medium 2 in a predetermined recording form defining the additional information AM as described above.

In the information distribution system 23, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the external information distribution organization 3 are operated when the distribution service of the new main information NM is provided from the external information distribution organization 3 to each user for a fee. The external billing processing organization 4 intervenes between these steps, and the billing procedure shown in FIG. 17, for example, is performed. The information distribution system 23 requires at least predetermined authentication information such as ID information and a password when a user applies for use of the external information distribution organization 3 described above. The external information distribution organization 3
When the ID information and the authentication information are transmitted from the user, the usage fee and the identification ID information of the user are attached together with these information, and the external charging processing organization 4 is inquired of the availability of the user together with the usage notification ( s-17).

The external charging processing organization 4 determines the I
In addition to holding D information, authentication information, account information, etc., it also holds information such as identification ID information and account information of the external information distribution organization 3. Based on the inquiry from the external information distribution organization 3, the external billing processing organization 4 extracts the user information to be held and sends it to the designated financial server 24 such as a bank or credit company for the user's authentication information and balance. Inquires about the account confirmation of (s-18). Regarding the authentication procedure of the authentication information, the external billing processing institution 4 may hold the authentication with the financial server 24 in a database, and the held information may be collated with the information presented by the user.

The financial server 24 collates the possessed information in response to the inquiry from the external charging processing institution 4 and makes an answer as to whether or not the user can use the account information such as the payment limit of the user and the adequacy of the authentication information. (S-19). The external billing processing institution 4 updates the possessed information as needed based on the response from the financial server 24, and also informs the external information delivery institution 3 of the user ID information such as the authentication result and whether or not the usage fee can be paid. Answer with information (s-2
0). The external information distribution organization 3 provides the above-mentioned usage guide to the user or makes an unacceptable reply based on the answer from the external charging processing organization 4. The external information distribution organization 3
When it is determined that there is no particular problem based on the user's request for delivery of the new main information NM based on the usage guide,
The new main information NM is distributed as described above.

The external information distribution organization 3 calculates the final amount of money used for the distribution of the new main information NM to the user,
Use notification is sent to the external charging processing organization 4 (s-2
1). The external charging processing organization 4 gives a transfer instruction to the user directly or to the user account of the financial server 24 of the user based on the usage notification (s-22). The transfer instruction is attached with, for example, user account information, usage amount (billing amount), account information of the external information distribution institution 3, and the like. Based on this transfer instruction, the user or the financial server 24 determines whether the external information distribution organization 3
Make a predetermined payment to the financial server 25 (s-2)
3).

The information delivery system 23 is not limited to the procedure flowchart of the charging process described above, and various procedure forms are adopted. In the information distribution system 23, for example, the user deposits a predetermined amount of money in advance to the external information distribution institution 3, so that the user and the external information distribution institution 3 within the amount range without performing the above-described charging process. A distribution service of the new main information NM may be performed. Information distribution system 23
In this case, the certified deposit information is recorded as the additional information AM of the information recording medium 2, and the new main information N
The deposit information may be updated each time the delivery service of M is received. The deposit information is recorded in the information recording medium 2 as additional information AM when a predetermined amount of money is deposited in the external information distribution organization 3, and is reduced and updated and recorded when receiving the distribution service of the new main information NM. You may do it.

[0083]

As described above in detail, according to the information recording medium of the present invention, various contents such as music information and movie information can be recorded in the main information recording area without damaging the recording capacity of the main information. The volume value adjusted when reproducing the main information, that is, the adjustment level information of various volumes such as the brightness adjustment, the volume adjustment, the reproduction frequency band adjustment, and the image quality adjustment is internally held as additional information. According to the information recording medium, the volume value information is detected when the main information is reproduced, and the main information is reproduced under the optimum condition adjusted based on the volume value information. Therefore, according to the information recording medium, the main information is reproduced, for example, by arbitrarily changing the brightness, the volume, the image quality, or the like based on the predetermined volume value information, so that the intention of the content creator is more strongly communicated to the user. Such a new usage mode is also possible. Further, according to the information recording medium, by holding the volume value information set by the user, it is possible to reproduce the optimum reproduction condition without personalizing each individual setting operation each time and improving convenience. Is planned.

Further, according to the information recording apparatus of the present invention, when reproducing main information composed of various contents such as music information and movie information without damaging the recording capacity of the main information in the recording area of the main information. (EN) An information recording medium having therein a volume value adjusted in accordance with, that is, adjustment level information of various volumes such as brightness adjustment, volume adjustment, reproduction frequency band adjustment or image quality adjustment. According to the information recording device, volume value information is detected during reproduction of the main information, and the information recording medium with high added value is provided in which the main information is reproduced at the optimum level adjusted based on the volume value information. It is possible. According to the information recording device, for example, it is possible to reproduce the main information by arbitrarily changing the brightness, volume, image quality, or the like based on the volume value information defined in advance, and it is possible to strongly convey the intention of the content creator to the user. It is possible to provide an information recording medium that can also be used.
According to the information recording device, the volume value information optimally set by the user during the reproduction operation of the main information is held in the information recording medium, so that the optimum reproduction condition is maintained even when the reproduction operation is performed next time. It is possible to provide an information recording medium that can be reproduced and is personalized.

Further, according to the information recording / reproducing apparatus and the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention, since the main information is reproduced on the basis of the volume value information detected from the information recording medium, the operability is optimized and optimized. Playback will be performed under various conditions. According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus and the information recording / reproducing method, for example, new information such as reproducing the main information by arbitrarily changing the brightness, the volume or the image quality based on the volume value information defined in advance based on the intention of the content creator is newly added. The usage mode of the information recording medium can be realized. According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus and the information recording / reproducing method,
By having unique volume value information for each information recording medium, personalization can be achieved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of an information recording / reproducing apparatus shown as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a magneto-optical disk shown as an example of an information recording medium used in the information recording / reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a recording mode of main information recorded on the magneto-optical disk.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of contents of additional information.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of contents of volume value information.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of contents of environment value information.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of contents of combination information of volume value information and environment value information.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a reproduction operation of main information based on volume value information.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a reproduction operation of main information based on volume value information and environment value information.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a reproduction operation of main information based on combination information of volume value information and environment value information.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the flow of various types of information centered on the recording unit.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of another recording unit.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the flow of various types of information centered on the reproduction unit.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of another reproducing unit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the flow of various types of information centered on an external input / output unit.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of another external input / output unit.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of an information distribution system in which a large number of information recording / reproducing devices are networked.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a basic procedure in the information distribution system.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a basic procedure having a charging process in the information distribution system.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 information recording / reproducing apparatus, 2 information recording medium, 3 external information distribution apparatus, 4 external billing processing apparatus, 11 operation unit, 1
2 control section, 13 recording / reproducing section, 14 external input / output section,
15 recording unit, 16 reproducing unit, 18 external device, 21
Network, 23 information distribution system, 24, 25
Financial server

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Takashi Sawao, the inventor             6-735 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Soni             -Inside the corporation (72) Inventor Shizuo Chikaoka             6-735 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Soni             -Inside the corporation (72) Inventor Naoki Fujiwara             6-735 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Soni             -Inside the corporation F-term (reference) 5C053 FA23 FA27 GB06 JA21 LA06                       LA11 LA14                 5D044 AB05 AB07 BC01 BC04 CC04                       DE42 EF05 FG18 FG30 GK12                       HL11 JJ02

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. Additional information consisting of a control signal and predetermined information, which is detected during a reproduction operation and controls the information reproducing apparatus to a unique mode, is defined by a predetermined recording mode of the main information recorded in the main information recording area. The volume value information for controlling the information reproducing apparatus so that the main information is reproduced by a specific reproduction volume level is defined and stored as the additional information. Information recording medium. 2. As the second additional information, environmental information defining reproduction environmental conditions of the main information by the information reproducing apparatus is defined and held by a recording mode of the main information recorded in the main information recording area. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction volume level of the main information by the information reproducing apparatus is controlled based on the volume value information and the environment information. 3. An operating section for setting recording conditions of main information and control information for an information recording medium, and recording the main information and control signals in predetermined areas of the information recording medium based on the recording conditions, respectively. A recording section for defining additional information consisting of a control signal and predetermined information which is detected during a reproduction operation and controls the information reproducing apparatus to the eigenmode by recording the main information in a predetermined recording mode; As the information, the recording medium holds volume value information for controlling the reproduction operation of the main information by the information reproducing apparatus using the information recording medium so as to be performed at a specific reproduction volume level. Recording device. 4. As the second additional information, environmental information defining reproduction environmental conditions of the main information by the information reproducing apparatus is defined by a recording mode of the main information recorded in the main information recording area. The information recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information recording apparatus is held. 5. An information record in which volume value information for controlling the reproduction operation of the main information recorded in the main information recording area to a specific reproduction volume level is defined as the additional information and is defined by the recording mode of the main information. A medium is used, an operation section for setting a reproduction operation of the main information, a reproduction section for detecting the volume value information from the information recording medium and reproducing the main information, and the main information for the volume value information. A recording unit for recording in a predetermined recording mode to be defined and a control unit for outputting a control signal to each unit are provided, and based on the volume value information detected from the information recording medium by the reproducing unit. With the control signal output from the control unit, the main information is reproduced at a specific reproduction volume level, Information recording and reproducing apparatus characterized by recording the record mode for updating the volume value information the main information to the recording medium by the recording unit with the end of the raw operation I hereinafter. 6. The recording medium in which the main information is recorded in the main information recording area according to a recording mode in which environment information defining a reproduction environment condition of the main information is defined as second additional information. The reproduction unit reproduces the main information at a specific reproduction volume level by a control signal output from the control unit based on the volume value information and environment information detected from the information recording medium, and reproduces the main information. 6. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the main information is recorded on the recording medium by the recording unit in a recording form in which the volume value information is updated when the operation is completed. . 7. An external input / output unit for receiving additional or new main information distributed by being connected to an external information distribution organization, wherein the recording unit records the distribution information on the recording medium. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information is recorded in a recording form that defines information and environment information. 8. The external input / output unit is connected to an external billing processing organization together with the external information distribution organization, and based on a reception process of the additional cell information or new main information distributed from the external information distribution organization, The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a predetermined consideration payment process is performed with the external billing processing organization via an external input / output unit. 9. An information record in which volume value information for controlling the reproduction operation of the main information recorded in the main information recording area to a unique reproduction volume level is defined as the additional information and is defined by the recording mode of the main information. A medium, an operation unit for setting a reproduction operation of the main information, a reproduction unit for detecting the volume value information from the information recording medium and reproducing the main information, and defining the main information as the volume value information. An information recording / reproducing apparatus including a recording section for recording in a predetermined recording mode and a control section for outputting a control signal to each section is used, and the information recording / reproducing apparatus is loaded with the information recording medium. In a state where the operation section sets an operation condition for setting the reproduction condition of the main information in the state, and the operation section set by the operation section. The reproduction unit is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit based on the reproduction condition of the main information and the volume value information detected from the information recording medium, and the main information is reproduced at a specific reproduction volume level. And a process of recording the main information on the recording medium by the recording unit in a recording mode in which the volume value information is updated when the reproduction operation of the main information is completed. And information recording and reproducing method. 10. The recording medium in which the main information is recorded in the main information recording area in a recording form defining environment information defining reproduction environment conditions of the main information as second additional information is used. The reproducing process of the main information by the reproducing unit is based on the reproducing condition of the main information set by the operating unit, the volume value information detected from the information recording medium, and the environment information. The main information is reproduced at a specific reproduction volume level by a control signal output from the main information recording processing by the recording unit, and the main information is recorded at the end of the reproduction operation of the main information. And a recording process for updating the volume value information and the environment information on the recording medium. Information recording and reproducing method according to claim 9, wherein the door. 11. The information recording / reproducing apparatus includes an external input / output unit that receives additional or new main information distributed by being connected to an external information distribution organization, and the recording unit records the distribution information. 10. The information recording / reproducing method according to claim 9, wherein a recording process is performed on the recording medium in a recording form that defines the volume value information. 12. The information recording / reproducing apparatus is connected to an external billing processing organization together with the external information distribution organization via the external input / output section, and is connected to the external billing processing organization via the external input / output section. Then, a process of performing a predetermined payment for the additional cell information or the new main information distributed from the external information distribution organization, and the external information distribution via the external input / output unit based on the payment payment processing information. The information recording / reproducing method according to claim 11, further comprising: a process of receiving the additional cell information or the new main information distributed from the device.