JP2004039113A - Information output device, its method, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a feel of use and operability in the reproduction of audio files. <P>SOLUTION: The reproduction order of a plurality of audio files stored in an HDD is managed on the basis of list information for managing reproduction order information. The list information is prepared every a plurality of sort items. Even if a sort item is switched and set in accordance with user's operation when audio files are reproduced and outputted in accordance with the reproduction order managed by the list information, audio file reproduction is managed so that operation for continuing the current audio file reproduction is obtained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information output device capable of outputting some information based on, for example, unit information stored in a storage medium, and a method therefor. Further, the present invention relates to a program for realizing such an information output device and an information output method, and a storage medium for storing the program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, inexpensive large-capacity hard disks (HDDs) have become widespread. Also, it has been widely used to compress and record audio data by ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) method or MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III) method.
Along with this, so-called ripping, in which audio data recorded on a CD (Compact Disc) is compressed and then recorded and stored on a hard disk, is widely used. Such ripping is performed by, for example, a personal computer. Further, for example, by configuring and providing an audio device including a disk drive capable of reproducing a CD and an HDD, ripping can be performed by such an audio device.
[0003]
For example, by storing audio data such as a large number of music pieces on a hard disk by ripping in this way, the user can replace the CD of an album that he / she wants to listen to and play it back. It will be open and you can get a more fulfilling music listening environment than before.
[0004]
Further, an application for managing and reproducing audio data files (hereinafter also referred to as audio files) recorded on the HDD by ripping can manage and reproduce audio files according to a plurality of classification items. Is common.
[0005]
FIG. 11 shows the concept of an example of audio file management using a plurality of classification items.
If the HDD in which the audio file is stored is regarded as a root, the audio file stored in the HDD is first branched for each classification item such as album, artist, and so on. Then, for example, under the category of album, grouping is performed for each album, such as album A, album B, and so on. Then, the audio files are managed so that the audio file groups belong to the respective albums. Here, the concept of an album corresponds to the recorded contents of a CD as an album.
The audio file group included in each album is managed so as to have a reproduction order corresponding to the content of the album.
[0006]
Similarly, under the category of artist, grouping is performed for each artist, such as artists A, B,..., And an audio file group is assigned to each artist. Be managed. In addition, within the group for each artist, the playback order is set and managed according to a predetermined rule such as the playback order specified by the user, the ripping order, or the alphabetical order of song titles, or the order of the aileo. I have.
[0007]
When playing back an audio file recorded on the HDD, the user can select a group of audio files according to a desired classification item and play it. For example, if the user wants to play back a group of audio files as album A, first, the user selects an album as a category, and then selects and plays a group of album A from albums belonging to the category of the album. You are asked to perform an operation.
Similarly, when the user wants to listen to the audio files of the artist B collectively, the artist is selected as the classification item, and the group of the artist B is selected from the group and the reproduction operation is performed.
[0008]
In this way, the user can arbitrarily select and play back a group of audio file groups according to the classification items. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the audio file C belongs to the album A in the album classification and belongs to the artist B in the artist classification. When playing back the same audio file C, the user can listen to one of the songs belonging to the album A or one of the songs played by the artist B according to his / her preference. .
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional configuration in which the audio file is reproduced by the above-described operation procedure under the management of the audio file described with reference to FIG. 11 has the following inconvenience.
[0010]
Here, it is assumed that, for example, the user has selected the group of album A and is now playing back the audio file C. Then, it is assumed that from this state, the user wants to reproduce the same audio file C by the group of the artist B to which the same audio file C belongs, and to continuously listen to the songs (audio files) of the remaining artist B.
[0011]
In such a case, according to the operation procedure described with reference to FIG. 11, first, the user performs a predetermined operation to return to the hierarchy for selecting a group of albums (album A, B, etc.), and further performs classification. The item (album, artist, etc.) is returned to a selectable route. Then, an artist B is selected from the artist group after an artist is newly selected as a classification item in the hierarchy of this root. Then, an operation for reproducing the audio file C from the audio file group presented as belonging to the artist B is performed.
[0012]
Under the management of the audio files described with reference to FIG. 11, the contents of the audio file groups forming each group differ among the groups having different classification items even if the same audio file partially belongs. Come. Therefore, the reproduction order of the audio file itself and the audio file to be reproduced next to the audio file also differ.
The above operation procedure is based on such a premise. In other words, even when the same audio file is reproduced, when the group (classification item) is changed, the reproduction order of the group before the change is cleared, and the reproduction order according to the newly selected group is renewed. The reproduction is to be started.
[0013]
However, by re-selecting the classification items and the groups as described above, and performing the operation of selecting and reproducing the audio file C, the audio file C which has been reproduced and output halfway until now is temporarily terminated. Then, the reproduction is started again from the beginning. That is, even if the same audio file is to be reproduced, if the classification item is changed, the audio file cannot be reproduced continuously. For this reason, for example, the user has a feeling of incongruity and annoyance that he has to listen again to the place he has listened to.
In the above-described operation, for example, an operation of temporarily returning to the root from the group to which the audio file C that has been played so far belongs, and then selecting the desired classification item → group → audio file from the root Are performed sequentially. That is, it can be said that the number of operation procedures is very large, and it is troublesome for the user.
In this way, it can be said that, under the current combination of audio file management and operation procedures, there is room for improvement in convenience and usability regarding audio file reproduction.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, in consideration of the above problem, the present invention is configured as an information output device as follows.
That is, it is assumed that the reproduction order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the reproduction order information, and the reproduction order information includes at least first reproduction order information based on the first classification item. A reproduction order management unit capable of managing the reproduction order based on the second reproduction order information based on the second classification item, a classification item setting unit for setting the classification item according to the operation, and unit information. An information output means capable of outputting a predetermined information based on the reproduction order information of the classification items set by the classification item setting means; and information based on one unit information by the information output means. When the output is performed and the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting means, the base of the information output by the information output means at this time is It was decided and a control means for controlling to maintain the unit information Tsu.
[0015]
Further, the information output method is configured as follows.
That is, it is assumed that the reproduction order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the reproduction order information, and the reproduction order information includes at least first reproduction order information based on the first classification item. A reproduction order management step capable of managing the reproduction order based on the second reproduction order information based on the second classification item, a classification item setting step of setting the classification item according to the operation, and unit information. An information output step capable of outputting a predetermined information based on the reproduction order information of the classification items set in the classification item setting step, and information based on one unit information by the information output step When the output is performed and the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item in the classification item setting step, the information output step is performed at this time. Ri was be configured to include a control step of controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information that is being output.
[0016]
The program is configured as follows.
That is, it is assumed that the reproduction order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the reproduction order information, and the reproduction order information includes at least first reproduction order information based on the first classification item. A reproduction order management step capable of managing the reproduction order based on the second reproduction order information based on the second classification item, a classification item setting step of setting the classification item according to the operation, and unit information. An information output step capable of outputting a predetermined information based on the reproduction order information of the classification items set in the classification item setting step, and information based on one unit information by the information output step When the output is performed and the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item in the classification item setting step, the information output step is performed at this time. Ri and a control step of controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information outputted, was be configured to execute in the information output device.
[0017]
In addition, a storage medium is configured by storing the above-described program.
[0018]
According to each of the above configurations, the reproduction order of the unit information stored in the storage medium is managed so as to be different for each classification item selected according to the user operation. At the same time, some information output (playback output, display output, etc.) is performed according to the playback order information based on the unit information.
In performing the above-described information output, even if the classification item is changed and set, the unit information serving as the basis of the information output at this time is maintained without being changed according to the change of the classification item. Is done.
That is, when there is unit information that is considered to belong in common among a plurality of classification items, information output according to the change of the classification item is performed with the common unit information as an axis. That means. Further, since the information output means outputs information corresponding to the reproduction order, even if the reproduction order of the unit information is changed according to the change of the classification item, the common unit information is changed within the changed reproduction order. Will be maintained.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The following description will be made in the following order.
1. Configuration of recording / playback device
2. Basic management form of audio file of this embodiment
3. Switching of classification items
4. Program structure
5. Playback management of audio files (first example)
5-1. data structure
5-2. Processing operation
6. Audio file playback management (second example)
6-1. data structure
6-2. Processing operation
7. Audio file playback management (third example)
[0020]
1. Configuration of recording / playback device
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 performs overall control and arithmetic processing of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 based on the started program. For example, it performs a communication operation via a network, an input / output operation for a user, reproduction and ripping of a CD, storage of contents in the HDD 21 and management for the same.
The CPU 11 exchanges control signals and data with each circuit unit via the bus 12.
[0021]
The memory unit 13 comprehensively indicates a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory (non-volatile memory), and the like used by the CPU 11 for processing.
The ROM in the memory unit 13 stores an operation program to be executed by the CPU 11, a program loader, and the like. The flash memory in the memory unit 13 stores various operation coefficients, parameters used in programs, and the like. In the RAM of the memory unit 13, a data area and a task area for executing the program are temporarily secured.
[0022]
The operation input unit 15 is a part including various operation elements such as operation keys, a jog dial, and a touch panel provided on a casing of the recording and reproducing apparatus 1. Note that a keyboard or mouse for a GUI (Graphical User Interface) operation may be provided as the operation input unit 15.
Information input by the operation input unit 15 is subjected to predetermined processing in the input processing unit 14 and transmitted to the CPU 11 as an operation command. The CPU 11 performs necessary calculations and controls so as to obtain an operation as a device in response to the input operation command.
[0023]
As the display monitor 17, a display device such as a liquid crystal display is connected, and various information is displayed.
When the CPU 11 supplies display information to the display processing unit 16 according to various operation states, input states, and communication states, the display processing unit 16 causes the display monitor 17 to execute a display operation based on the supplied display data.
For example, in the case of the present embodiment, a GUI screen for managing and reproducing an audio file is displayed according to a program for reproducing and managing a ripped audio file.
[0024]
The CD drive 19 includes an optical head, a spindle motor, a reproduction signal processing unit, a servo circuit, and the like, and performs a reproduction operation for a CD. The CD drive control unit 18 controls a reproduction operation, an access operation, and the like for a CD in the CD drive 19. For example, when the user performs a CD reproduction operation from the input unit 15, the CPU 11 instructs the CD drive control unit 18 to reproduce a CD. Then, the CD drive control unit 18 controls the CD drive 19 to execute reproduction / access.
The CD drive 19 decodes the signal read from the CD and sends the reproduced data to the bus 12 via the CD drive control unit 18.
The reproduced data is subjected to sound field processing such as equalizing, volume adjustment, D / A conversion, amplification and the like in the audio data processing section 24, and is output from the speaker section 25.
[0025]
The data reproduced by the CD drive 19 can be subjected to a required file encoding process by the processing of the CPU 11 and stored in the HDD 21 as an audio file. That is, an audio file obtained by so-called ripping can be stored.
The format of the audio file may be 16-bit quantized digital audio data at a sampling frequency of 44.1 KHz in the CD format. In order to save the capacity of the HDD 21, compression processing is performed according to a predetermined method. It may be compressed audio data in the applied format. Although the compression method is not limited, an ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) method, an MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III) method, or the like can be used.
[0026]
As is well known, management information called TOC is recorded on the innermost side of a CD, and tracks (contents) on a disc are accessed based on the TOC during reproduction of the CD. Therefore, when a CD is loaded, the CD drive control unit 18 instructs the CD drive 19 to read the TOC and obtains the read TOC data, whereby the reproduction of the CD can be controlled.
[0027]
The tuner 27 is, for example, an AM / FM radio tuner, and demodulates a broadcast signal received by the antenna 26 under the control of the CPU 11. Of course, a tuner as a TV tuner, a satellite broadcast tuner, a digital broadcast tuner, or the like may be used.
The demodulated broadcast audio signal is subjected to required processing in an audio data processing unit 24 and output from the speaker unit 25 as broadcast audio.
[0028]
The communication processing unit 22 performs an encoding process on transmission data and a decoding process on reception data under the control of the CPU 11.
The network interface 23 transmits the transmission data encoded by the communication processing unit 22 to a predetermined external network compatible device via a network. In addition, it passes a signal transmitted from an external network compatible device to the communication processing unit 22 via the network.
The communication processing unit 22 transfers the received information to the CPU 11.
[0029]
The configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.
For example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive, an MD (Mini Disc) drive, a tape drive, or the like is provided so as to correspond to various recording media. An interface with a device may be provided.
Further, a terminal used for connection of a microphone or external headphones, a video output terminal corresponding to DVD reproduction, a line connection terminal, an optical digital connection terminal, or the like may be provided.
In addition, a PCMCIA slot, a memory card slot, and the like may be formed to enable data exchange with an external information processing device or audio device.
[0030]
2. Basic management form of audio file of this embodiment
Next, a basic management form of the audio file stored in the HDD 21 will be described.
The management of the audio file in the present embodiment may be the same as that shown in FIG. The present embodiment adopts such a management mode and adopts a playback management configuration to be described later, so that superior operability and comfort can be obtained with respect to audio file playback as compared with the related art. .
[0031]
The management form shown in FIG. 11 means that, as shown in the figure, for example, an HDD in which audio files are stored is regarded as a root, and under this root, classification is made for each classification item. Branch.
In FIG. 11, at least two items of “album” and “artist” are shown as the classification items. However, in the present embodiment, in addition to “album” and “artist”, “genre” , “Label”, and “keyword” are set. That is, in the present embodiment, a total of five classification items are set. Needless to say, more classification items may be set.
[0032]
Then, for example, under the category of album, grouping is performed for each album, such as album A, album B, and so on. Then, the audio files are managed so that the audio file group corresponding to each album belongs. Note that, also here, the concept of an album corresponds to the recorded contents of a CD as an album. Further, the audio file group included in each album is managed in principle so as to have a reproduction order corresponding to the content of the album. The user may be set so that it can be changed later according to his / her preference.
[0033]
Similarly, under the category of artist, grouping is performed for each artist, such as artists A, B,..., And audio files corresponding to each artist belong to the group. Is done. Also in this case, within the group for each artist, the playback order is set according to a predetermined rule such as the playback order specified by the user, the ripping order, or the alphabetical order of the song titles, the order of the aileo, etc. Is being managed.
And, although not shown in this figure, even under the remaining classification items of “genre”, “label”, and “keyword”, grouping is performed for each genre, label, and keyword, respectively. The audio file group corresponding to the group is managed so that it belongs.
[0034]
3. Switching of classification items
In the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment previously shown in FIG. 1, the audio file stored in the HDD 21 can be reproduced and output as, for example, audio. The fact that the basic management shown in FIG. 11 is performed means that when a certain audio file is reproduced, the audio file is stored in one group under the currently selected classification item. Are included in the list. That is, when a user plays back an audio file, it is necessary to first specify a classification item to which a group to be played belongs.
[0035]
Therefore, subsequently, an example of a classification item switching operation in the case where an audio file is played back in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In particular, the present embodiment has a feature in a user interface when, for example, a certain audio file is being reproduced and output, and this point will be described here.
[0036]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a display mode of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for group selection displayed on the display screen of the display monitor 17.
Here, for example, it is assumed that a certain specific group in the category item of the album is currently selected, and an audio file whose reproduction order is managed as the sixth tune in this group is being reproduced.
In response, the album list image A1 is displayed on the display screen of the display monitor 17 as shown in FIG. In the album list image A1, audio files belonging to a group of albums currently selected for reproduction are displayed as a reproduction list.
[0037]
In the album list image A1, as shown, first, a title area A11 is arranged in the uppermost area in the image frame. Here, the title name of the group is indicated by character display so that the user can recognize the group. In this case, since the album is a group, the album title is indicated.
Below that, a track list area A12 is arranged. In the track list area A12, numbers as track numbers corresponding to the reproduction order are shown in ascending order from the first music piece. Then, the file name (song title) of the audio file is shown corresponding to each track number.
In this case, as described above, it is assumed that the sixth tune is being reproduced and output in the group indicated as the album list. In response, in the track list area A12, the row of the track number 6 is highlighted as the reproduction file instruction display A13 as shown in the figure. Thus, the user visually recognizes that the group of the album displayed in FIG. 2A is to be reproduced and that the sixth song in this group is currently being reproduced. can do.
[0038]
Then, in this state, it is assumed that the user wants to change the classification item of the group to which the currently reproduced audio file belongs to something other than the current album.
In this case, such a change operation of the classification item is a toggle operation using a certain specific operation element (or a classification item change button displayed on the screen). That is, each time the operating element is operated once, the classification item is changed one by one. In the case of the present embodiment, as described above, since there are five classification items of “album”, “artist”, “genre”, “label”, and “keyword”, the operator is operated once. Each time, these classification items are switched. The switching of the classification items is performed in a cyclic manner.
Of course, the operation of changing the classification item is not limited to the above-described toggle operation. For example, by operating an operator or a button on a GUI screen assigned to each classification item in advance, a target classification item may be directly specified.
[0039]
Then, if the user performs an operation for changing the classification item once from the state shown in FIG. 2A, the classification item list image displayed as shown in FIG. 2B is switched, for example. . In this case, the album is switched to the category of the artist after the album. In response to this, the artist list image A2 is displayed in FIG. 2B.
For example, a plurality of artist groups are created under the category of artist. In this case, among the plurality of artist groups, the artist group including the audio file currently being played is selected. The corresponding artist list image A2 is automatically selected and displayed.
As the display content of the artist list image A2, the artist name is shown in the title area A11, and the file name of the audio file belonging to the group (music piece) in the track list area A12 corresponding to the track number (playback order). Title). Also in this case, in the track list area A12, a line displaying an audio file that is currently being reproduced is highlighted as a reproduction file instruction display A13. In this case, it is understood that the audio file of the track number 13 (13th music piece) in this group is being reproduced.
[0040]
Here, according to the present embodiment, even if the switching operation of the classification item is performed, for example, the audio file being reproduced is continued to be reproduced unless there is a stop operation or a reproduction file change operation by the user. You. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the track number 6 indicated as being reproduced in FIG. 2A and the track indicated as being reproduced in FIG. The audio file with the number 13 is the same audio file.
Then, assuming that, for example, the user performs a classification item selection operation under the display state shown in FIG. 2B, the reproduction target classification item is added to the artist list group shown in FIG. 2B. It is set as switched.
However, in this case, the reproduction is not started again from the track number 1 of the artist list after the switching, and the reproduction of the audio file being reproduced is continued without ending. . However, after switching, the audio file does not belong to the album list group shown in FIG. 2A, but belongs to the artist list group shown in FIG. 2B newly set as a playback target. Is treated as something. Therefore, when the reproduction of the audio file is completed, the audio file to be reproduced next is the audio file having the track number 14 (the 14th song) in the artist list shown in FIG. 2B.
[0041]
It is assumed that, for example, when the artist list image A2 shown in FIG. 2B is displayed, an operation for switching the classification item is performed without performing the determination operation. In this case, the display is sequentially switched to the label list image A3 → the genre list image A4 → the keyword list image A5, for example, as shown as a transition of FIG. 2 (c) → (d) → (e). .
The display contents of the label list image A3, the genre list image A4, and the keyword list image A5 are in accordance with the list images shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. That is, by displaying the label name, genre, and keyword in the title area A11, it is possible to visually recognize what the group is. In the track list area A12, the file name (song title) of the audio file is displayed in association with the track number (playback order). Further, similarly, the audio file assumed to be currently reproduced is indicated by the reproduction file instruction display A13.
[0042]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the GUI file for selecting the category item necessarily includes the audio file that is currently being reproduced in the list image of the group that is switched and displayed according to the change of the category item. Is to be.
That is, the information output based on the audio files (unit information) stored in the HDD 21 is a list image display in which the tracks belonging to the list (the group under the classification item) are displayed in the order of reproduction. is there. Then, even if the list image is switched, the highlighted display by the reproduction file instruction display A13 for the audio file being reproduced and output is continued.
[0043]
Also, when the selection of the classification item is determined, the reproduction of the audio file that was reproduced before the switching is continued.
That is, in the present embodiment, even if a classification item is changed while a certain audio file is being reproduced, the audio file is continuously reproduced and output. Thus, for example, the user can continuously listen to the song without re-listening from the beginning. In other words, the playback of the audio file is more adapted to the user's sense, and the usability is enhanced.
Further, the operation procedure for this is very simple in the present embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, according to the operation for switching the category item, a group including the audio file being reproduced is selected under the category item, and a list image of the group is immediately displayed. That is, here, the group selection operation for the classification items is omitted. Then, if a determination operation is performed after selecting a desired classification item, a group including the audio file being reproduced is set as a reproduction target in the classification item, and the reproduction is being performed as described above. The audio file is continuously reproduced and output. According to this, for example, it can be said that, for example, after the user has intentionally selected and determined the group, the operation of further selecting the same audio file that was reproduced before the change of the classification item is omitted.
[0044]
4. Program structure
Hereinafter, a description will be given of a technical configuration for realizing the reproduction management of the audio file according to the selection of the classification item according to the present embodiment described with reference to FIG.
First, a program configuration corresponding to file playback management according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This program is stored as a file reproduction management program in, for example, the ROM in the memory unit 13 or the HDD 21, and when the CPU 11 executes processing in accordance with the program, the reproduction management of the audio file described in FIG. Operation will be obtained.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 3, the program structure is roughly divided into a module structure including a user interface module, a reproduction control module, and a track management module.
The user interface module is a program that controls a user interface according to file playback management according to the present embodiment, and has functions as, for example, an input operation corresponding processing block and a display control processing block as illustrated.
The input operation corresponding processing block executes a required process corresponding to an operation element as the operation input unit 15 and operation information input from an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard. In addition, the display control processing block performs display so that a required GUI image is displayed on the display monitor 17 in response to reproduction management of an audio file such as display of a list image of the group shown in FIG. Execute control processing.
[0046]
The reproduction control module executes reproduction control for reading out and reproducing and outputting an audio file from the HDD 21. For this purpose, the reproduction control module manages current reproduction file information and current list information as shown in the figure.
The current playback file information is information for identifying and recognizing an audio file that is currently being played back. For example, at least information such as a file ID and a file name given to the currently played back audio file is stored. Stored and formed. The information content required as the current reproduction file information can be obtained based on the additional information of the audio file.
The current list information is information for identifying and recognizing a list (each individually synonymous with a group) set as a reproduction target. Then, as will be described below, it is formed by storing at least a list ID and a list name (album name, artist name, etc.) assigned to each list, which are managed by the track management module.
[0047]
The track management module is a module that creates and manages list information corresponding to each group created under each classification item.
That is, as the information managed by the track management module, as shown in the frame as the track management module in FIG. 3, first, one or more album lists storing management information for each group of created albums are provided. It is shown.
In one album list, a list ID and an album title name corresponding to the album list are first stored as information on one album. In addition, in cooperation with information of a predetermined content stored as additional information in the audio file, information for identifying the audio files belonging to the album and the reproduction order (track number) of these audio files is provided. are doing.
[0048]
Then, similarly to the album list, one or more artist lists storing the created management information for each artist group are shown. Further, list information of one or more genre lists, label lists, and keyword lists corresponding to each created genre, label, and keyword group is shown.
Each of these list information can be created using the additional information of the audio file. Then, each created list information is stored in the HDD 21 so as to be stored in a required directory, for example.
The program configuration shown in FIG. 3 is common to the audio file reproduction management of the first example and the second example described below. However, in the reproduction management of the audio file of the first and second examples, the data structure of each list information and the content of the additional information stored in the audio file are different, and accordingly, the processing sequence for the reproduction management is changed. Is different.
[0049]
5. Playback management of audio files (first example)
5-1. data structure
Next, a first example as an example of audio file playback management based on the program structure shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
FIG. 4 shows an example of the data structure of the list information and the audio file for the audio file reproduction management as the first example.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 4A, first, an audio file is composed of additional information and audio data. The structure of the additional information in this case includes a file ID and a file name (song title) as shown in FIG. 4B.
Also, an album name of an album list (album group) to which the audio file belongs is stored. Correspondingly, the track number in the album list is stored as information indicating the track number (playback order) in the album list.
[0051]
Further, in the additional information, information on the artist name of the audio file and the track number in the artist list indicating the track number in the artist list to which the audio file belongs are stored.
Also, information on a label name corresponding to the audio file and a track number in the label list indicating a track number in a label list to which the audio file belongs are stored.
Also, information on a genre name corresponding to the audio file and a track number in a genre list indicating a track number in a genre list to which the audio file belongs are stored.
Further, information of a keyword name corresponding to the audio file and a track number in the keyword list indicating a track number in a keyword list to which the audio file belongs are stored.
[0052]
Here, it is assumed that information [A] is stored as album name information. The artist name information [B], the label name [C], the genre name [D], and the keyword [E] are stored. The information of these names may be, for example, text data. It should be noted that the information of each name exemplified here is for convenience of explanation only, and actually stores information of an actual name using a plurality of characters.
The track number in the album list for the audio file is indicated by (p). Similarly,
Track number in artist list = q
Track number in genre list = r
Track number in label list = s
Track number in keyword list = t
It is shown as follows.
[0053]
Further, as an album list structure, an album list to which the audio files shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B belong will be described as an example.
This album list stores the same information as the album name in the additional information of the audio file shown in FIG. 4B, such as album [A] as shown in FIG. 4C. . Further, a list ID is stored. This list ID is an ID that is unique for all list information.
Then, as the information of the tracks forming the album list, track numbers corresponding to the number of audio files currently registered in the album list are stored. It can be seen that the audio file shown in FIG. 4A is managed according to this album list as a track with track number = p (that is, the p-th song).
[0054]
Similarly, the artist list of the artist group to which the audio files shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B belong is as shown in FIG. 4D. This artist list also stores artist name [B], the same information as the artist name in the additional information of the audio file shown in FIG. 4B, and further stores a list ID.
Also, track numbers for the number of audio files currently registered in the artist list are stored as track information forming the list. In this case, the audio file shown in FIG. 4A is managed as a track having a track number = q, depending on the artist list.
[0055]
Similarly, the genre list to which the audio files shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B belong is as shown in FIG. 4D. This genre list stores the same genre name [C] as the genre name information shown in FIG. 4B, and further stores a list ID.
The track information forming the list is formed by storing track numbers for the number of audio files currently registered in the artist list. The audio file shown in FIG. 4A is managed as a track having a track number = r, depending on the artist list.
[0056]
The label list and the keyword list shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G are also list information of the label and keyword groups to which the audio files shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B belong. The information also complies with the above list information.
Regarding track number management, the audio file shown in FIG. 4A is managed as a track having track number = s in the label list of FIG. 4F. In addition, in the keyword list of FIG. 4G, the track is managed as a track having a track number = t.
[0057]
5-2. Processing operation
Subsequently, an example of a processing operation for audio file reproduction management according to the present embodiment based on the audio file and each list information shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS. . Each processing shown in these figures involves inter-module communication by required modules in the program structure shown in FIG.
[0058]
First, the current list information managed by the playback control module needs to be changed in response to a classification item change operation performed by the user. The processing for this is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, first, in the user interface module, an operation for determining the switching of the list image (that is, corresponding to the group under the classification item) as described with reference to FIG. Waiting to be done. If it is determined that the switching determination operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S12.
Here, the user interface module needs to read out the list information used for displaying each list image from the HDD 21 when switching the display output of the list image, and thus has the list ID of each list information. . Then, in step S12, the reproduction control module is notified of the list ID of the list information on which the list image specified by the selection decision is based.
The user interface module switches the list screen display as shown in FIG. 2 every time the list screen is changed by a toggle operation, for example. The display control process for this will be described later.
[0059]
When the playback control module receives the list ID notified from the user interface module in the process of step S21, in the next step S22, the content of the current list information managed by the playback control module corresponds to the received list ID. The update is performed as follows.
[0060]
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a processing operation for audio file reproduction will be described. This processing is realized by inter-module communication between the reproduction control module and the track management module.
Here, it is assumed that the reproduction control module is currently executing a control process for reproducing and outputting a certain audio file. Then, in step S31, the process waits until a next track reproduction request is obtained. Here, for example, when the timing at which the reproduction of the audio file being reproduced and output is completed is reached, or when a cueing operation to the next track is performed, a next track reproduction request is obtained, and The process proceeds to S32 and subsequent steps.
In step S32, the current list information and the current reproduction file information are transmitted to the track management module. Here, for confirmation, the audio file indicated by the current playback file information is not the audio file to be played back by the next track playback request, but the information indicating the audio file that has been played back and output so far. is there.
[0061]
In the track management module, after transmitting the current list information and the current reproduction file information in step S41, the process proceeds to step S42.
In step S42, it is possible to search the HDD 21 for an audio file that is currently being reproduced by referring to the content of the received current reproduction file information. Then, in the next step S43, the value of the track number in the list corresponding to the received current list information is read from the additional information of the audio file searched in the above step S42.
For example, it is assumed that the audio file currently being reproduced is the one shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and if the received current list information indicates an album list, the additional information Will read the track number in the album list. In the case of FIG. 4B, the value [n] of the read track number in the current list is n = 6.
[0062]
If it is determined that the track number in the album list has been read and acquired by the processing in step S43, the reproduction control module creates a search condition in the next step S44. Here, a search condition “track number n + 1 in the list corresponding to the current list information” is created.
Then, in the next step S45, from among the audio files stored in the HDD 21, an audio file that stores “track number n + 1 in the list corresponding to the current list information” in the additional information is searched.
For example, suppose that the audio file shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is being reproduced, and that the received current list information specifies the album list of album [A] shown in FIG. 4C. Then, in step S45, "audio file having album name information of album name [A] and track number = p + 1 in album list" is searched.
[0063]
When the track management module searches for an audio file that matches the search condition by the process of step S45, in the next step S46, the track management module notifies the playback control module of the file ID of the searched audio file.
[0064]
Upon receiving the file ID in step S33, the reproduction control module proceeds to step S34.
In step S34, the current playback file information is updated such that the audio file having the received file ID is managed as the current playback file. Subsequently, in this case, in step S35, the process waits until it is time to start reproduction of the next track for which reproduction has been requested in step S31.
If it is determined in step S35 that the timing to start reproduction of the next track has been reached, the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the contents of the current reproduction file information managed by the self at the present time are recognized, and a control process for reproducing and outputting the audio data of the audio file indicated by the current reproduction file information is executed.
[0065]
As described above, in the file reproduction management according to the present embodiment, at the timing immediately before the next track is to be reproduced, the currently set group (list) is set based on the current list information and the current reproduction file information. ), An audio file to be reproduced next is searched, and the searched audio file is newly registered in the current reproduction file information. When the reproduction of the next track is started, the audio file indicated by the newly registered reproduction file information is reproduced.
For example, as described with reference to FIG. 2, when a list is changed while a certain audio file is being reproduced, the current list information has been changed by the processing shown in FIG. Then, by executing the above-described processing, even if an operation to determine the switching of the list (the group under the classification item) is performed while a certain audio file is being reproduced, first, during the reproduction, The reproduction of the audio file having the number of. Then, the audio file to be reproduced next is selected in the changed list (the group under the classification item) in the reproduction order next to the audio file that has been reproduced so far.
For example, if the case of FIG. 2 is to be handled, after the switching from the album list image A1 shown in FIG. 2A to the artist list image A2 shown in FIG. Is the track 13 on the artist list image A2. Therefore, what is reproduced next is the audio file as the track 14 in the artist list.
[0066]
In addition, in response to the user performing the switching operation of the list image, the file being reproduced is always highlighted by the reproduction file instruction display A13 as shown in FIG. Switching display is performed. The processing operation for this will be described with reference to FIG.
As the processing shown in FIG. 7, first, the user interface module determines whether or not an operation for switching the list image (classification item) as described in FIG. 2 has been performed by the processing in step S51. I have. In this case, instead of determining whether or not there is an operation for determining switching of the list image, for example, it is determined that a change operation by the above-described toggle operation is performed.
[0067]
When it is determined that the above-described change operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, list information corresponding to the list image designated to be changed is read from the HDD 21. In this case, the list information may be retrieved and read from the HDD 21 with reference to the list ID of the list information corresponding to the designated list image. Then, the read list information is held in, for example, the RAM in the memory unit 13.
[0068]
In subsequent step S53, the HDD 21 is searched for an audio file corresponding to each track information described in the list information by referring to the contents of the list information held in the RAM. That is, the list information has title information such as an album name, an artist name, a genre name, and the like, and has a track number in the list corresponding to a classification item (album, artist, genre, etc.) corresponding to the list. Search all audio files that are playing. Then, the file name (music title name) is obtained from the searched audio file, and is stored in the RAM.
In the next step S54, the current playback file information is requested to the playback control module.
[0069]
Upon receiving the request for the current playback file information in the process of step S61, the playback control module transmits the current playback file information to the user interface module in the subsequent process of step S62.
[0070]
The user interface module receives the current playback file information through the processing in step S55. Then, in step S56, the track number being reproduced in the list selected and designated by the user operation is recognized based on the received current reproduction file information.
For this purpose, first, the file name of the audio file currently being reproduced is recognized from the received current reproduction file information. Then, a match with the file name acquired and held in the previous step S53 is checked. Then, in the list information currently held in the RAM, the track number corresponding to the matching file name is recognized as the track number currently being reproduced.
[0071]
By the processing up to this point, the list information for which the change is specified, the file name (music title) of each track, and the information of the currently reproduced track number are obtained. In the next step S57, a list image as shown in FIG. 2 is generated using these pieces of information. Then, in a succeeding step S58, a process for displaying and outputting the generated list image on the display monitor 17 is executed.
[0072]
6. Audio file playback management (second example)
6-1. data structure
Subsequently, a second example as an example of audio file reproduction management based on the program structure shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
FIG. 8 shows an example of a data structure of audio information and list information for audio file reproduction management as a second example.
In this case, the entire structure of the audio file shown in FIG. 8A includes additional information and audio data, as in FIG. 4A. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, at least a file ID and a file name may be stored as the additional information in this case. That is, as shown in FIG. It is not necessary to store information on various title names such as an album name and an artist name, and information on track numbers in a list corresponding to each classification item, including track numbers in an album list.
[0073]
Here, as an example of the structure of the album list, FIG. 8C shows an album list to which the audio files shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B belong. In this case, the album list also stores information on the album title and the list ID. Here, if the audio file shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B belongs to album A, album [A] is described as the album title.
[0074]
As shown in the drawing, the track information in this case has a structure in which the file ID of the audio file is associated with each track number.
Here, it is assumed that the file ID of the audio file shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is [xyz]. Then, in the track information of the album list shown in FIG. 8A, file ID = [xyz] is stored corresponding to track number 6 (Tr # 6). Therefore, the audio files shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are managed as tracks of track number 6 (sixth music) in this album list.
[0075]
Similarly, the artist list, genre list, label list, and keyword list to which the audio files shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B belong are shown in FIGS. 8D, 8E, 8F, and 8G, respectively. Shows the structure of each list information. As can be seen from these figures, each list information also describes title information indicating the name of each list, such as artist [B], genre [C], label [D], and keyword [E]. Also, a list ID is stored.
The internal track information has a structure in which a file number of an audio file is associated with a track number.
In this case, the audio files shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are managed as the tracks having the track number 13 in the artist list shown in FIG. 8D.
In the genre list shown in FIG. 8E, the track is managed as the track having the track number 9.
In the label list shown in FIG. 8 (f), the track is managed as the track with the track number 5.
In the keyword list shown in FIG. 8G, the track is managed as a track having the track number 7.
[0076]
For example, in the structure corresponding to the first example shown in FIG. 4, a track number in a list in a group (list) for each classification item to which the audio file belongs is described in the audio file. That is, on the audio file side, there is information on the reproduction order in the group (list) for each classification item. On the other hand, in the second example, the track number is associated with the file ID of the audio file in the track information in the list information. In other words, it can be said that, on the list information side, information on the reproduction order in the group under the classification item corresponding to the list exists.
[0077]
6-2. Processing operation
FIG. 9 shows a processing operation for audio file reproduction management executed corresponding to the data structure of the audio file and each list information shown in FIG. The processing shown in this figure also involves module communication between the reproduction control module and the track management module.
[0078]
First, the reproduction control module waits until a reproduction request for the next track is obtained by the processing in step S101. If a reproduction request for the next track is obtained, the process proceeds to step S102, where the current list information and the current reproduction file information are transmitted to the track management module. Also in this case, the current reproduction file information transmitted here includes information indicating an audio file which is regarded as being currently reproduced and is located before the next track requested to be reproduced.
[0079]
When the track management module receives the current list information and the current reproduction file information in the process of step S201, the process proceeds to the process of step S202 and thereafter.
In step S202, the list information indicated by the received current list information is read from the HDD 21. That is, the list information corresponding to the group under the classification item that is currently being reproduced is acquired. Then, in the subsequent step S203, the track number associated with the audio file indicated by the received current playback file information is recognized from the contents of the read list information. That is, it recognizes the track number of the currently reproduced file in the list information to be reproduced.
In the subsequent step S204, the file ID associated with the next track number with respect to the track number recognized in step S203 is recognized from the contents of the read list information.
In the next step S205, the file ID associated with the next track number recognized in step S204 is notified to the playback control module.
[0080]
When the reproduction control module receives the file ID by the process of step S103, the process proceeds to the process of step S104.
In step S104, the current playback file information is updated so that the received and acquired audio file having the file ID is registered.
[0081]
In the following step S105, the process waits for the timing to start the reproduction of the next track for which the reproduction request was made in the previous step S101, and determines that the timing to start the reproduction of the next track has come. Then, the process proceeds to step S106.
In step S106, the contents of the current reproduction file information managed by the self at the present time are recognized, and control processing for reproducing and outputting the audio data of the audio file indicated by the current reproduction file information is executed. As a result, the next audio file is reproduced according to the reproduction order specified in the list information corresponding to the current list information.
[0082]
In the second example as well, by executing the above-described processing, even if a list change operation is performed while a certain audio file is being reproduced, the reproduction of the currently reproduced audio file is performed. Is continued. Further, in the changed list (the group under the classification item), the reproduction of the audio file in the reproduction order next to the audio file reproduced so far is started next.
[0083]
Note that the display switching control of the list image according to the user's list image change operation in the second example conforms to the processing shown in FIG. 7 earlier. The following mainly describes the differences from the previous processing.
Also in this case, the processing shown in steps S51 to S52 is executed according to the list image change operation.
The processing in step S53 in this case is different from the case of the first example. That is, in step S53, an audio file is searched from the HDD 21 based on each file ID described in the track information in the acquired list information, and the file name of each audio file is acquired and held.
Thereafter, as in the case of the first example, the current playback file information is requested from the playback control module and received by the processing of steps S54 to S55.
[0084]
The processing in the next step S56 is also different from the first example. In the process of step S56, the file number indicated by the received current playback file information is compared with the file ID stored in the track information of the acquired and held list information, so that the track number currently being played back is determined. Can be recognized.
Then, the subsequent processing from step S57 to step S58 is executed in the same manner as in the first example.
[0085]
7. Audio file playback management (third example)
By the way, the processing for audio file reproduction management as the first and second examples is based on the premise that the program has a set structure of modules shown in FIG. 3 and involves communication between these modules. It was what was.
However, the present embodiment can be realized not only by a program having such a set structure of modules but also by a program having another structure.
Therefore, as a third example, a case will be described in which the reproduction management of the audio file according to the present embodiment is realized by a single process in the program instead of the program having the module set structure.
[0086]
The flowchart of FIG. 10 shows a processing operation for performing reproduction management of an audio file corresponding to the third example. The processing shown in this figure is executed by the CPU 11 according to the program configured as the third example.
In this case, the management of the current playback file information and the current list information, and the list information and the audio files shown in FIG. 3 is collectively managed by the program as the third example. Further, the program as the third example also executes a program function as an input operation corresponding processing block as a user interface module and a display control processing block. That is, the third example is a program in which the program functions as the user interface module, the reproduction control module, and the track management module shown in FIG. 3 are integrated.
Further, in this case, as the data structure of the audio file and each list information, either the structure as the first example shown in FIG. 4 or the structure as the second example shown in FIG. 8 may be adopted. However, here, a case where the structure as the first example shown in FIG. 4 is adopted will be described as an example.
[0087]
In FIG. 10, first, in step S301, the process waits until a request for reproducing the next track is obtained. When the request for reproducing the next track is obtained, the process proceeds to step S302.
[0088]
In step S302, the list information indicated by the currently held current list information is read from the HDD 21.
Subsequent processing from step S303 to step S305 is similar to the processing from step S43 to step S45 executed by the track management module shown in FIG. 6, and thus description thereof will be omitted.
Then, if an audio file is found by the processing of step S305, the file ID of the found audio file is held in the RAM by the processing of step S306.
[0089]
Then, in the next step S307, the process waits until the next track reproduction start timing is reached, and if the next track reproduction start timing is reached, it is held in the previous step S306 by the processing of the following step S308. The audio file having the file ID is read from the HDD 21 and the main playback of the audio data is started.
[0090]
By the way, the program for realizing each of the above-described processes is stored and stored in advance in the ROM of the memory unit 13 in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 as described above. Alternatively, in this case, it may be stored in the HDD 21.
Alternatively, the program is temporarily or permanently stored on a removable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Only Memory), an MO (Magnet Optical) disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory. Can be stored (recorded). Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software. For example, in the case of the present embodiment, a program can be recorded on a CD-ROM and provided as package software. Thus, in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1, the program can be read out by the CD drive 19 and stored in the ROM in the memory unit 13 to be installed.
The program can be installed from a removable recording medium as described above, or can be downloaded from a server or the like storing the program via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.
[0091]
Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, the module configuration of the program shown in FIG. 3, the data structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the respective processing operations shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, and the basic management structure of the audio file shown in FIG. This is merely an example, and may be actually changed as appropriate.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention manages the reproduction order of a plurality of unit information (audio files) stored in the storage medium (HDD) based on the reproduction order information (list information). This reproduction order information corresponds to each of a plurality of classification items.
Then, when the information output corresponding to the reproduction order indicated by the reproduction order information is performed based on the unit information, even if the classification item is changed (switched) in response to a user operation, for example, The unit information serving as a basis of the information output from the information output means is sometimes maintained.
That is, for example, when the reproduction of the unit information or the display output of the list information (list screen) in a display mode including one specific unit information is performed, even if the classification item is changed, The reproduction output of the unit information is continued. In addition, even when the list information to be displayed is changed in accordance with the change of the classification item, the specific one unit information is displayed so as to be always included as meaningful information.
[0093]
As a result, according to the present invention, even if the user performs an operation of changing the classification item, the information output at that time does not change and the output does not end, and the information is continuously output. Output. In other words, according to the present invention, information can be output in a manner more suitable for the user's sense, and accordingly, the usability of the device as the information output device is improved.
Further, in the related art, when the same information is output after the change operation of the classification item is performed, it is necessary to take a considerable operation procedure, which is troublesome. On the other hand, in the present invention, even if the change operation of the classification operation is performed, the information output before the change is maintained, so that it is not necessary to perform the operation according to the conventional procedure, and the operability is improved. It can be said that also in this respect, the above-mentioned improvement in the feeling of use is promoted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change in a display mode of a list image according to a classification item switching operation in the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a program structure according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a data structure corresponding to audio file reproduction management as a first example.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation for updating the current list information in response to a classification item change operation in the audio file reproduction management of the first example.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing operation for audio file reproduction in the audio file reproduction management of the first example.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating display control processing of a list image according to a classification item change operation.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a data structure corresponding to audio file reproduction management as a second example.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing operation for audio file reproduction in the audio file reproduction management of the second example.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing operation for audio file reproduction in audio file reproduction management as a third example.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a basic management form of an audio file in the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording / reproducing apparatus, 11 CPU, 13 memory part, 14 operation input part, 15 input processing part, 16 display processing part, 17 display monitor, 18 CD drive control part, 19 CD drive, 21 HDD, 22 communication processing part, 23 Network interface, 24 audio data processing unit, 25 speakers, 26 antenna, 27 tuner

Claims (6)

The reproduction order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the reproduction order information, and the reproduction order information includes at least first reproduction order information based on a first classification item; Playback order management means capable of managing the playback order based on the second playback order information based on the second classification item;
A classification item setting means for setting the classification item according to an operation;
An information output unit that can perform predetermined information output based on the unit information in accordance with the reproduction order information of the classification item set by the classification item setting unit;
When the information output means outputs information based on one piece of the unit information, and the classification item setting means changes the classification item from the first classification item to the second classification item. In, at this time, control means for controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information output by the information output means,
An information output device comprising: The information output means includes:
As a mode of the information output, a unit stored in the storage medium based on the reproduction order information corresponding to the classification item set by the classification item setting unit among the reproduction order information managed by the reproduction order management unit. It is possible to reproduce and output by switching information sequentially,
The control means includes:
At the time of switching the unit information reproduced and output by the information output unit, the unit before switching is switched based on the reproduction order information corresponding to the classification item set by the classification item setting unit at this time. The unit information to be reproduced next to the information is determined as the unit information to be reproduced after the switching,
The information output device according to claim 1, wherein: The information output means includes:
Based on the reproduction order information based on the classification items, unit information stored in the storage medium including the one unit information can be displayed and output according to a reproduction order in a predetermined display mode that can be visually recognized,
The control means includes:
When the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting means, the display of the one unit information is maintained, and only the display of the other unit information is performed. Change based on the reproduction order based on the second classification item,
The information output device according to claim 1, wherein the information output device is configured as follows. The reproduction order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the reproduction order information, and the reproduction order information includes at least first reproduction order information based on a first classification item; A reproduction order management step capable of performing reproduction order management based on second reproduction order information based on the second classification item;
A classification item setting step of setting the classification item according to an operation;
A predetermined information output based on the unit information, an information output step that can be performed in accordance with the reproduction order information of the classification item set in the classification item setting step,
When information output based on one unit information is performed by the information output step, and the classification item is changed and set from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting step In, at this time, a control step of controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information output by the information output step,
An information output method comprising: The reproduction order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the reproduction order information, and the reproduction order information includes at least first reproduction order information based on a first classification item; A reproduction order management step capable of performing reproduction order management based on second reproduction order information based on the second classification item;
A classification item setting step of setting the classification item according to an operation;
A predetermined information output based on the unit information, an information output step that can be performed in accordance with the reproduction order information of the classification item set in the classification item setting step,
When information output based on one unit information is performed by the information output step, and the classification item is changed and set from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting step In, at this time, a control step of controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information output by the information output step,
For causing an information output device to execute the program. The reproduction order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the reproduction order information, and the reproduction order information includes at least first reproduction order information based on a first classification item; A reproduction order management step capable of performing reproduction order management based on second reproduction order information based on the second classification item;
A classification item setting step of setting the classification item according to an operation;
A predetermined information output based on the unit information, an information output step that can be performed in accordance with the reproduction order information of the classification item set in the classification item setting step,
When information output based on one unit information is performed by the information output step, and the classification item is changed and set from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting step In, at this time, a control step of controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information output by the information output step,
A program for causing an information output device to execute the program.

Images