JP2004064659A - Recording and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording and reproducing device for efficiently reproducing desired contents. <P>SOLUTION: The device includes a recording means (700) for recording the desired contents; generating means (100, 101) for specifying recorded contents to be the link source of the prescribed contents when the recording means records the prescribed contents, and generating contents link information for linking the prescribed contents with the recorded contents of the link source; and reproducing means (100, 700) for reproducing the contents based on the contents link information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a recording / reproducing apparatus that records content data (for example, video data) and reproduces the recorded content data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) recording / playback apparatuses equipped with hard disk drives have appeared. The hard disk of this DVD recording / reproducing apparatus tends to have a large capacity, and accordingly, a large number of contents can be recorded. Normally, when playing back recorded content, the recording / playback apparatus displays a list of recorded content in response to a user's operation for displaying a list of playback candidates, and further displays a selected content in response to a user's selection operation. Reproduce.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the number of recorded contents is extremely large, that is, when the number of reproduction candidates is extremely large, all of these reproduction candidates may not be displayed on a display device such as a television at once. In such a case, the reproduction candidates are divided and displayed on a plurality of screens (a plurality of pages). In such a split display, it is inconvenient for the user to search for desired content, and as a result, there is a problem that the desired content cannot be searched for in a short time.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-74913 discloses a technique relating to a playback apparatus that automatically starts a content playback operation after a disc is inserted or power is turned on, without a user making a selection input on a menu screen. However, the technique disclosed in this document is intended only for automatic reproduction after inserting a disk or turning on the power, and does not solve the above-described problem.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of efficiently reproducing desired content in view of the above-described circumstances.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention is configured as follows.
[0007]
A recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a recording unit that records a predetermined content; and when recording the predetermined content by the recording unit, specifies a recorded content that is a link source of the predetermined content, and records the link source. Generating means for generating content link information for linking the predetermined content to the completed content; and reproducing means for reproducing the content based on the content link information.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0009]
The description will be made on the assumption that the content to be recorded is recorded in the RTR (Real Time Recording) -DVD format. Note that the present invention is not limited to recording in the RTR format.
[0010]
First, a file system compatible with RTR (Real Time Recording) -DVD will be briefly described. Here, at least the first unit capable of continuously processing AV data is defined so that continuous playback can be performed even when a defect or jump occurs during recording in real time, and this is defined as a CDA (Contiguous Data Area). Call. Although the CDA physically recognizes the presence of a defective area and other data in the middle of the CDA on the disk, it is a logically continuous unit that skips over these.
[0011]
A limitation of the CDA block is that the CDA length is logically a fixed length, and the length is a positive multiple of an error correction code (ECC) block.
[0012]
In RTR-DVD, recording / reproducing processing using this CDA is specified. A GOP (group of picture) is considered as a minimum unit for enabling random access to MPEG video data. In the RTR-DVD, this GOP is closed, and each GOP can be processed independently.
[0013]
In DVD-Video, data is stored in a normal file format. Further, the title corresponds to, for example, one movie, and a plurality of titles are recorded on one disc. A collection of the titles is called a title set, and the title set is composed of a plurality of files.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a directory structure constructed on a disc on which information is recorded by the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 2, the directory constructed on the disc includes a (manufacturer-specific information. DAT) file storing a representative image, content link information described later, and the like. Further, this directory is provided as a "real-time recording movie video (VR_MOVIE.VRO)" file provided as one moving image data file on one disc, and as a still image after-recording audio data file (VR_AUDIO.VRO). Files, including a “real-time recording still picture video (VR_STILL.VRO)” file provided as a still image data file. Further, this directory includes "VR_MANGR.IFO" which is a management information file (video manager VMG file) for managing video data files.
[0016]
In addition, a directory exists for each standard in the entire DVD, a video title set (VIDEO_TS) for DVD-Video, an audio title set (AUDIO_TS) for DVD-Audio, and a real-time recording video (DVD_RTAV) for DVD. And Each record data exists in this directory.
[0017]
Furthermore, in DVD-Video, one disc has a file called a Video Manager (hereinafter referred to as VMG) as information for managing the disc.
[0018]
Further, a video title set (hereinafter, referred to as VTS) includes a video title set information (VideoTitle Set Information: hereinafter, referred to as VTSI) file which is information for managing the video title set, and video data. A video file and a VTSI backup file are included.
[0019]
In the recording and reproduction standard (hereinafter referred to as the RTR standard), VMGI and VTSI are combined to form a VMG, and a video data file is managed.
[0020]
Video files are managed in a hierarchical structure. One video object set (VOBS) is composed of a plurality of VOBs. According to the RTR standard, one VOB is composed of one cell and the DVD video standard In, one VOB is composed of a plurality of cells, and in both standards, one VOB is composed of a plurality of video object units (hereinafter referred to as VOBUs). Further, the VOBU is constituted by a pack including a plurality of various types of data. One pack is composed of one or more packets and a pack header, and each video data and audio data is recorded in this packet.
[0021]
In the case of still image data, one picture = 1VOBU = 1VOB is managed, and a video data pack (V pack) row is followed by a sub-picture pack (SP pack) row and an audio pack (A pack) row. However, in the case of still image data, SP data and audio data are optional and may not be present. Here, the pack is the minimum unit for performing the data transfer process.
[0022]
Further, the minimum unit for performing logical processing is a cell unit, and the logical processing is performed in this unit. The order in which data is reproduced is defined by a PGC (Program Chain). A plurality of PGs (Programs) are registered in the PGC, and cells are registered in the PGs.
[0023]
What actually records the structure of this PGC is program chain information (PGCI). The reproduction process is performed according to the PGCI, and the PGCI is created at the time of recording or editing.
[0024]
In the RTR standard, a special PGC for reproducing in the recording order is referred to as an original PGC, and information of the original PGC is recorded in an original program chain information (ORG_PGCI) file.
[0025]
When content (such as a television program) is recorded, the recorded program is recorded as an original PGC.
[0026]
The recording / reproducing apparatus has, in addition to the management information conforming to the RTR format, unique management information for extending the function of each content. The main memory unit 101 of the recording / reproducing apparatus holds content link information for linking a recorded content with a content. When the content (program) is reproduced, the content link information is developed in the work memory in a form linked to the PGCI information, and is used for the reproduction process. The reproduction processing based on the content link information held in the main memory unit 101 and the content link information by the main MPU 100 will be described later in detail.
[0027]
Next, returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus will be described.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, the recording / reproducing apparatus includes a recording medium 11, a main MPU unit 100, a main memory unit 101, a recording reservation memory 102, a display unit 120, a key input unit 130, an encoding unit 200, a TV tuner unit 201, / V input unit 202, decoding unit 300, I / F (interface) 317, STC (system time counter) unit 400, V mixing unit 500, frame memory unit 501, D / A (digital / analog conversion) unit 502, I / F (interface) 503, D-PRO (data processing) section 600, disk drive section 700, time stamp conversion section 800, SW (switch) 801 and temporary storage section 802.
[0029]
The encoding unit 200 includes an A / D (analog / digital conversion) unit 211, a video encoding unit 212, an audio encoding unit 213, an SP (sub-picture) encoding unit 214, a formatter unit 215, a buffer memory 216, and a CC (closed caption data). ) A conversion unit 217 is provided.
[0030]
The decoding unit 300 includes a separation unit 311, a video decoding unit 312, an SP decoding unit 313, an audio decoding unit 314, a V-PRO (video processing unit) unit 315, a D / A unit 316, and the like.
[0031]
The MPU unit 100 controls each block, and is connected to each unit. The display unit 120 and the key input unit 130 are connected to the MPU unit 100. The key input unit 130 inputs commands such as play, stop, and recording in response to a user operation.
[0032]
A TV tuner unit 201 and an A / V input unit 202 are connected to the encoding unit 200. The encoding unit 200 includes an A / V input unit 202 and an A / D unit 211 to which signals from the TV tuner unit 201 are supplied. The video signal that has been analog-to-digital converted by the A / D unit 211 is supplied to a video encoding unit 212, and the audio signal is supplied to an audio encoding unit 213. In addition, text broadcasting, caption information, and the like from the tuner unit 201 are supplied to the SP encoding unit 214. A signal from an external terminal (not shown) may be supplied to the SP encoding unit 214. The CC conversion unit 217 extracts closed caption data superimposed on the video signal guided from the tuner unit 217 during the vertical blanking period. When the closed caption data is recorded, the data is processed in the video encoding unit 212 so as to be inserted into the user area of the GOP. The data inserted in the user area is DVD 21 line 21 data.
[0033]
The digital video signal is compressed by the MPEG system, and the audio digital signal is compressed by the AC3 system or the audio compression of the MPEG system. The audio digital signal may be recorded in a linear PCM format without compression. The outputs of the video encoding unit 212, the audio encoding unit 213, and the SP encoding unit 214 are input to the formatter unit 215 and are formatted in the above-described predetermined format. Each data is arranged to be a packet of 2048 bytes. At the time of formatting, the buffer memory unit 216 is used for temporarily storing data.
[0034]
At this time, for example, one VOBU is set for each GOP of MPEG video, and the segmentation information at this time is stored in the buffer memory unit 216. When the segmentation information has accumulated to some extent, it is transferred to the MPU unit 100. The MPU unit 100 creates time map information (TMAP) based on the information (sends it at the time of a GOP head interrupt or the like). Here, the segmentation information is, for example, one or more of the size of the VOBU, the reproduction time from the beginning to the end of the VOBU, the end address of the I picture from the beginning of the VOBU, and the like.
[0035]
Further, the formatter unit 215 may directly create time map information based on the above-described segmentation information, and pass the time map information to the MPU unit 100 in the form of TMAP. The data formatted by the formatter unit 215 is input to the D-PRO unit 600.
[0036]
The D-PRO unit 600 forms an ECC block for each encoded data pack sequence for every 16 packs, attaches error correction data to the ECC block, and records the ECC block on the recording medium 10 or 11 by the disk drive unit 700. The recording medium 10 is, for example, an optical disk, and the recording medium 11 is, for example, a hard disk. The MPU unit 100 instructs which recording medium to record data. Here, when the drive unit 700 is in a busy state due to a case such as during a seek or a track jump, the data is stored in the temporary storage unit 800 and waits until the drive unit 700 is ready. .
[0037]
In the recording / reproducing DVD, a video file for moving images and a data file for still images are each one file per disk.
[0038]
The signal from the digital processing unit 600 is supplied to the separation unit 311 of the decoding unit 300. The separation unit 311 separates each data for each type. The pack of video data is guided to the video decoder 312, the pack of sub-picture data is guided to the SP decoder 313, and the pack of audio data is guided to the audio decoder 314.
[0039]
The video data and sub-picture data decoded by the video decoding unit 312 and the SP decoding unit 313 are guided to the V-PRO unit 315, synthesized and output. When the audio data decoded by the audio decoding unit 314 is transmitted in a digital state, the audio data is output via the I / F 317. When converted into an analog signal, the signal is input to the D / A unit 316 and output, and supplied to, for example, a speaker.
[0040]
The data output from the video processing unit 315 is input to the video mixing unit 500, and is supplied to the D / A unit 502 and the I / F 503 via the data. Data output via the I / F 503 is transmitted to, for example, a transmission line (IEEE 1394 standard). The analog signal is supplied to a display.
[0041]
The STC unit 400 is used as data of a time stamp serving as a reference for recording and reproduction in the data recording mode and the data reproduction mode.
[0042]
Here, the structure of management information standardized in the RTR_DVD system will be described hierarchically.
[0043]
VMG (video manager) includes RTR (real time recording) video manager information (RTR_VMGI), movie AV file information table (M_AVFIT), still picture AV file information table (S_AVFIT), original PGC information (ORG_PGCI), and user-defined PGC information table. (UD_PGCIT), a text data manager (TXTDT_MG), and a manufacturer information table (MNFIT).
[0044]
(RTR_VMGI) is composed of VMGI_MAT (video manager information management table) and PL_SRPT (playlist search pointer table).
[0045]
The VMGI_MAT describes an identification signal of the VMG, an end address of the entire VMG, an end address of the VMGI, a version number, a time zone on a disc, a still time of a still picture, a character set code of a basic text, and the like. .
[0046]
PL_SRPT describes information for searching and accessing a playlist in the disc. The playlist is formed by a user defined program chain (UD_PGC). Therefore, each playlist search pointer has a PGC number corresponding to each playlist. That is, PL_SRPT describes playlist search pointer information (PL_SRPTI) and playlist search pointer (PL_SRP # n).
[0047]
The playlist search pointer (PL_SRP # n) includes a playlist type (identification as a movie playlist, still picture playlist, or hybrid playlist), a PGC number, a time when the playlist is increased, a basic text. Information, a text search pointer for the play list, thumbnail pointer information, and the like are described.
[0048]
The movie AV file information table (M_AVFIT) describes movie AV file information table information (M_AVFITI), movie VOB stream information #n (M_VOB_STI # n), and movie AV file information (MV_AVFI).
[0049]
In M_AVFITI, the number of movie AV file information, the number of movie VOB stream information, and the end address are described. M_VOB_STI # n describes a video attribute, the number of audio streams, the number of sub-picture streams, the attribute of each audio stream, the attribute of a sub-picture stream, the color palette of a sub-picture, and the like.
[0050]
Further, the M_AVFI describes movie AV file general information (M_AVFI_GI), a movie VOB information search pointer (M_VOB_SRP # n), and movie VOB information #n (M_VOB_STI # n).
[0051]
M_AVFI_GI describes the number in M_VOB_SRP, and M_VOB_SRP # n describes the start address of the corresponding movie VOB information.
[0052]
Movie VOB information #n (M_VOB_STI # n) includes movie VOB general information (M_VOBI_GI), seamless information (SMLI), audio gap information (AGAPI), and time map information (TMAPI).
[0053]
The movie VOB general information (M_VOBI_GI) includes the video type, the time of the VOB head when the VOB is recorded, the time (second) of the VOB head when the VOB is recorded, the movie VOB stream information number, and the VOB. Of the VOB and the end PTM (presentation time) of this VOB are described.
[0054]
The video type indicates whether this VOB is a normal type or a temporary erase type. It also indicates whether the audio stream # 0 is the original stream, or whether the stream is partially or completely corrected. Also, whether the audio stream # 1 is an original one or a modified one, furthermore, whether it is a dummy and untouched one, and furthermore, it is a dummy first and is used in some form and modified Is added. Also, it indicates whether or not an audio gap exists.
[0055]
The seamless information (SMLI) describes a system clock reference (SCR) for the first pack necessary to provide this VOB seamlessly from the previous VOB. Also, the SCR of the last pack of the previous VOB is described.
[0056]
The audio gap information (AGAPI) describes audio gap information of each audio stream in the VOB, and describes the audio stop time at a discontinuous portion.
[0057]
The time map information (TMAPI) is prepared for realizing special reproduction and time search, and includes general time map information (TMAP_GI), time entry information (TM_ENT # n), and VOBU entry information (VOBU_ENT # n). Etc. are described.
[0058]
Each VOBU entry information (VOBU_ENT # n) includes size and reproduction time information of each VOBU. The size of the VOBU is measured by the number of sectors, and the reproduction time is measured by the number of video fields. Each time entry information is VOBU entry information to be reproduced every 10 s from the start of the VOB, the number of VOBU entries from the beginning of the VOBU, the number of frames in the VOBU with just 10 s, and the number of VOBU entries from the beginning of the VOB. Is shown.
[0059]
Therefore, various VOBUs can be handled by using this time entry information. Further, the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 can use this time entry information or can correct the time entry information.
[0060]
The still picture AV file information table (S_AVFIT) includes still picture AV file information table information (S_AVFITI), still picture VOB stream information (S_VOB_STI # n), still picture AV file information (S_AVFI), and still picture added audio stream information (S_AVFI). S_AA_STI # n) and still picture added audio file information (S_AAFI).
[0061]
In the still picture AV file information table information (S_AVFITI), the end address of a table of the number of AV file information, the number of additional audio file information, the number of still picture VOB stream information, and the number of still picture additional audio stream information is described. Is done.
[0062]
In the still picture VOB stream information (S_VOB_STI # n), the video attribute, the audio attribute of the original audio, the attribute of the sub-picture, and the color palette of the sub-picture are described.
[0063]
Still picture AV file information (S_AVFI) describes still picture AV file general information (S_AVFI_GI), still picture VOB group information search pointer (S_VOGI_SRP # n), and still picture VOB group information (S_VOGI). S_AVFI_GI describes the number of still picture VOB group information, and S_VOGI_SRP # n describes the start address of the still picture VOB group information.
[0064]
Still picture VOB group information (S_VOGI # n) describes still picture VOB group general information (S_VOG_GI) and still picture VOB entry #n (S_VOG_ENT # n).
[0065]
S_VOG_GI includes the number of still picture VOBs, the VOB stream information number, the time when the first VOB of this VOB group was recorded, the time when the last VOB of this VOB group was recorded, and the start address of the VOB group. Is described. S_VOG_ENT # n includes information necessary for accessing or searching for a VOB of a group. There are a plurality of types of S_VOG_ENT # n. In type 1, type information indicating whether the VOB is in a normal state or temporarily erased, and size information of a video portion are described. Type 2 describes the size of the original audio portion and the reproduction time of the audio portion in addition to the above. In type 3, type information indicating whether the VOB is in a normal state or temporarily erased, size information of a video portion, an additional audio group number, and an entry number of the additional audio group are described. Is done. In the type 4, information combining the above types 3 and 4 is described.
[0066]
The still picture additional audio file information (S_AAFI) includes general information (S_AAFI_GI) of the file information, a search pointer #n (S_AAGI_GSRP # n) of the additional audio group information, and additional audio group information #n (S_AAGI # n). Is described.
[0067]
S_AAFI_GI describes the number of search pointers, and S_AAGI_GSRP # n describes the address of the corresponding information. S_AAGI # n describes the general information and entry information. The general information includes the number of entries, the number of additional audio stream information, and the start address of the stream information. Also, the entry information includes the type of the additional audio, the size of the audio stream according to the sector, the reproduction time of the additional audio stream, and the like.
[0068]
Next, the user-defined program chain information table (UD_PGCIT) and the original program chain information table (OD_PGCITI) will be described.
[0069]
The user-defined program chain information table (UD_PGCIT) describes user-defined PGC information table information (UD_PGCITI), user-defined PGC search pointer #n (UD_PGC_SRP # n), and user-defined PGC information #n (UD_PGCI # n). .
[0070]
In UD_PGCITI, the number of UD_PGC_SRP (UD_PGC search pointer) and the end address of UD_PGCIT (UD_PGC information table) are described. In UD_PGC_SRP, the start address of UD_PGCI is described.
[0071]
Although the program chain information (PGCI) exists in each of the user-defined program chain information table and the original program chain information table, their data formats are the same and will be described in common.
[0072]
The program chain information (PGCI) describes program chain general information (PGCI_GI), program information (PGI # n), cell information search pointer (CI_SRP # n), and cell information (CI # n).
[0073]
In the program chain general information (PGCI_GI), the number of programs (PG_Ns) and the number of cell information search pointers (CI_SRP_Ns) are described. The program information (PGCI # 1) includes a program type (PG_TY), the number of cells in the program (C_Ns), basic text information (PRM_TXTI), an IT text search pointer number (IT_TEXT_SRPN), and thumbnail pointer information (THM_PTRI). Is described.
[0074]
In the cell information #n CI #n, cell general information (C_GI) and cell entry information (C_EPI # n) are described. The cell general information (C_GI) includes a cell type (C_TY), a movie VOB information search pointer number (M_VOBI_SRPN), the number of cell entry point information (C_EPI_Ns), a cell reproduction start time (C_V_S_PTM), and a cell reproduction end time (C_V_E_PTM). Is described.
[0075]
As the cell entry point information (C_EPI), the type of the entry point (EP_TY), the reproduction time of the entry point, and basic text information (PRM_TXTI) of the entry point are described. EP_TY is 0 when basic text information (PRM_TXTI) exists, and 1 otherwise.
[0076]
In the program type (PG_TY), it can be described whether this program can be erased or prohibited. In the cell information search pointer (CI_SRP # n), the start address (CI_SA) of the cell information is described. The cell information (CI # n) describes movie cell information (M_CI) or still picture cell information (S_CI). Here, the movie cell information will be described. M_CI includes M_CI_GI (movie cell general information) and M_C_EPI # n (movie cell entry point information).
[0077]
Further, in the movie cell general information, C_TY (cell type) movie or still picture, M_VOBI_SRPN (movie VOB search pointer number corresponding to this cell), C_EPI_Ns (the number of entry point information of this cell), C_V_S_PTM (of this cell Start presentation time) and C_V_E_PTM (end presentation time of this cell) are described.
[0078]
The cell entry point information (M_C_EPI) describes the type (EP_TY) of the entry point and the presentation time (EP_PTM) of the entry point. Type 1 is when there is no primary text information, and type 2 is when there is.
[0079]
The recording process will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0080]
(1) The file system data is read, and it is checked whether or not there is free space. If there is no free space, a message to that effect is displayed and the processing is terminated (steps A1, A2, A3, A4).
[0081]
(2) If there is a capacity, a pre-recording process (described later) is performed to determine a write address (step A5).
[0082]
(3) Perform initial recording setting for each encoder. At this time, PG (program), CELL (cell), and VOBU delimiter conditions are set in the formatter unit, and the formatter unit 215 automatically separates them. Also, when performing the alignment processing, the setting is made in the formatter unit 215 (step A6).
[0083]
(4) A recording start command is set in the encoder unit (step A7).
[0084]
(5) When the first 1 CDA is stored in the buffer memory 216, a write address, a write length, and a write command are issued to the disk drive unit 700 (steps A8 and A9).
[0085]
(6) It is checked whether or not the segmentation information has been accumulated. If the segmentation information has been accumulated, the segmentation information is read from the formatter unit 215 (steps A10 and A11).
[0086]
(7) It is checked whether data for one CDA has been stored in the buffer memory unit (step A12). If not, the process proceeds to item (9).
[0087]
(8) If accumulated, a recording address, a recording length, and a recording command are issued to the drive unit 700 (step A13).
[0088]
(9) It is checked whether or not a recording end key has been entered, and if there is no stop key input, the process proceeds to item (6) (step A14).
[0089]
(10) Recording end processing (described later) is performed (step A15).
[0090]
As shown in FIG. 5, the interrupt processing includes an interrupt from the formatter unit 215 notifying that the separation information has accumulated, a cut notifying that the D-PRO unit 600 has transferred one pack of data, and the like. Each processing is performed.
[0091]
With reference to FIG. 7, an operation flow of the above-described processing at the start of recording (step A5) will be described.
[0092]
(1) Check the file system. If there is no file system, build a file system and a DVD_RTR directory and shift to item (4) (steps B1, B2, B3, B4).
[0093]
(2) A directory check is performed (step B5). If there is no RTR directory, an RTR directory is created (step B6), and the process proceeds to item (4).
[0094]
(3) Check the CDA table (step B7), and if so, read the CDA table into the work memory (step B8). In step B8, the CDA table may be simply developed in the work RAM (not necessarily recorded on the disk).
[0095]
(4) An error check is performed (step B9). If an error occurs in the above process, "error occurred in file system" is displayed (step B10), and the process ends.
[0096]
(5) It is checked whether the VMG is in the disk (DISC) (step B11). If not, a VMG table is constructed in the work memory (step B12). Is read (step B13) and expanded in the work RAM of the MPU unit. Here, the constructed VMG in the initial state may be saved as a file in the area specified by the file system in the disk. Here, if it is not necessary to save the VMG, the VMG having the updated content may be saved at the end of the recording, reflecting the recorded content. In step B12, the VMG and VTSI may be simply developed in the work RAM (they need not be recorded on the disk).
[0097]
(6) Perform an error check (step B14), and if an error occurs, display "management data could not be created" (step B15) and end.
[0098]
With reference to FIG. 6, the operation of the previous process (step A15) at the end of recording will be described.
[0099]
(1) Perform CDA processing at the end of recording (steps C1 and C2).
[0100]
(2) The VMG in the work is updated based on the separation information received from the formatter unit 215 (step C3).
[0101]
(3) It is checked whether or not a VOBS file (VRO file) exists in the directory record information under the RTR_DVD directory in the file system (step C4). If there is, the information of the VRO file is read (in the recorded video file). The information is updated (step C5), and if not, the directory record information of the VRO file is added to the directory (to the information of the recorded video file) (step C6).
[0102]
(4) Check whether there is a CDA table (step C7). If there is no CDA table, record the CDA table in the work at the position specified by the file system (step C8). Updates the CDA table with the CDA table constructed in the work (step C9).
[0103]
(5) It is checked whether or not there is an IFO file (VMG file) in the directory record information under the RTR_DVD directory (step C10). If not, the VMG constructed in the work is recorded in a free area (step C11). Then, the information of the IFO file is added to the directory record information under the RTR_DVD directory, and in some cases, the location of the IFO file is updated from the VMG in the work, and the directory record information under the RTR_DVD directory is updated (step). C12).
[0104]
Next, the reproduction process will be described.
[0105]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall data processing operation when the recording / reproducing apparatus is in the reproducing mode.
[0106]
(1) Check the disc (steps G1 and G2) to check whether the disc is a rewritable disc (for example, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM). If the disc is not a rewritable disc, return to that effect and end. (Step G3).
[0107]
(2) The file system of the disk is read, and it is checked whether or not there is a volume structure (step G4). If there is no disk structure, "not recorded" is displayed (step G5), and the process ends.
[0108]
(3) It is checked whether there is a DVD_RTR directory (step G6). If there is no DVD_RTR directory, "not recorded" is displayed and the process is terminated.
[0109]
(4) It is checked whether there is a CDA table (step G7). If there is no CDA table, "not recorded" is displayed and the processing is terminated.
[0110]
(4-1) If there is a CDA table, it is read and stored in the work ram (step G8).
[0111]
(4-2) An error check is performed, and if the error is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, a message that "an error has occurred in the file system" is displayed, and the process ends (steps G9 and G10).
[0112]
(4-4) It is checked whether there is a VMG file, and if there is no VMG file, a message "not recorded" is displayed and the process ends (steps G11 and G13).
[0113]
(4-5) If there is a VMG file, it is stored in the read work RAM (step G12).
[0114]
(5) It is checked whether or not there is a VRO file (step G14). If not, "not recorded" is displayed (step G13), and the process ends.
[0115]
(6) Read the VMG file, determine the program and cell to be played (select by the user), and determine the file pointer (logical address) to start playing (step G15).
[0116]
(7) Perform CDA processing at the start of reproduction (step G16).
[0117]
(8) Initialize each decoder (step G17).
[0118]
(9) Perform cell playback processing (step G18) and check whether playback has been completed (step G19). If the playback has been completed, perform an error check (step G20). If no error is displayed, a reproduction end process is performed, and the operation ends (steps G21 and G22).
[0119]
(10) The connection process (described later) is performed according to the program to be reproduced next and the content link information. (Step G28).
[0120]
(11) If the reproduction has not been completed, the next cell is determined from the PGCI (step G23), and it is checked whether or not the setting of the decoder has been changed (step G24). A change attribute is set to the decoder so that the setting of the decoder is changed at the sequence end code (at the end of the VOB) (step G25).
[0121]
(12) It is checked whether or not the setting (resolution, etc.) for the video decoder section has been changed. If the setting has been changed, the setting for the decoder is changed after the last sequence end code of CELL (VOB). The changed attribute is set to the decoder so as to be performed (step G25).
[0122]
(13) It is checked whether or not the connection is seamless (step G26). If the connection is seamless, the operation mode of the video decoder is changed to the free-run mode (instead of performing decoding and display in accordance with the STC, decoding and displaying in accordance with the video synchronization signal). Display mode), the seamless connection flag is set, and the process proceeds to item (9).
[0123]
Next, the link processing of the content to be reproduced next in FIG. 3 will be described.
[0124]
(1) Content link information of the content whose reproduction has been completed is acquired. Each content is recorded on the recording medium 10 or 11, and the content link information is recorded on the main memory unit 101. Note that the content link information may be recorded together with each content on the same medium.
[0125]
(2) If the reproduced content does not have the content link information, the process proceeds to (3). If the reproduced content has the content link information, the process proceeds to (4).
[0126]
(3) If the setting of the recording / playback device is such that the playback is stopped after the content playback ends, the link processing ends. That is, the reproduction process ends regardless of the presence or absence of the content link information. When the recording / reproducing apparatus is set to perform continuous reproduction in ascending program number order, the next program number (content) is set and normal reproduction is started.
[0127]
(4) If the program number (link destination content) described in the content link information is unique, the program number is set to the program number to be reproduced next, and the process proceeds to step G15 in the figure. Then, the link processing ends. If there are a plurality of program numbers (link destination contents) described in the content link information, the process proceeds to (5).
[0128]
(5) The program number (content of the link destination) described in the content link information is displayed, and the user selects and determines the program (content) to be reproduced next. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the link destination selection screen. FIG. 14 will be described later.
[0129]
(6) The program number selected and set is set as the program number to be reproduced next, and the process proceeds to step G15 in the figure, ending the link processing.
[0130]
Next, generation of content link information will be described.
[0131]
As described above, after a certain content has been reproduced, information specifying the content to be reproduced next among a plurality of contents existing on the disc is referred to as content link information. The content link information is generated as follows.
[0132]
(1) Generation of content link information at the time of recording with recording reservation
The reservation setting of a television program (for example, a serial drama) that is continuously broadcasted is broadcast on a fixed channel on a fixed time on a fixed day of the week. It is assumed that a reservation for such a continuous broadcast program is made, and recording based on the reservation is executed. For example, the first content is recorded in the first week. In the second week, the second content following the first content is recorded. The main MPU unit 100 gives content link information to the first content when recording the second content. That is, the content link information of the first content is stored in the main memory unit 101. In the content link information of the first content, a program number for specifying the second content is described. Thus, when the reproduction of the first content is completed under the reproduction control of the main MPU unit 100, the second content is reproduced based on the content link information of the first content. That is, when reproducing a serial drama, it is possible to easily reproduce the subsequent content without searching, selecting, or deciding from a huge amount of content recorded in the recording medium. It is also possible to set not to automatically generate content link information at the time of continuous reservation of a program to be continuously broadcast.
[0133]
(2) Generation of content link information according to user editing operation
The user selects the first content of the link source and the second content of the link destination from a plurality of contents recorded in the recording medium. This selection operation is performed via the key input unit 130. In response to this selection operation, the first content selected as the link source has content link information. That is, the content link information of the first content is stored in the main memory unit 101. In this content link information, a program number for specifying the second content is described. Thus, under the playback control of the main MPU unit 100, when the playback of the first content at the link source ends, the playback of the second content is automatically started.
[0134]
Further, the user selects the first content of the link source and the second and third content of the link destination from the plurality of contents recorded in the recording medium via the key input unit 130. You can also. Here, in order to make the description easy to understand, a case where two contents are selected as link destinations will be described. However, three or more contents may be selected as link destinations. In response to the user's selection operation, the first content selected as the link source has content link information. That is, the content link information of the first content is stored in the main memory unit 101. In the content link information, a program number for specifying the second and third contents is described. When the reproduction of the first content of the link source is completed under the reproduction control of the main MPU unit 100, an inquiry screen as to which of the second and third contents is to be reproduced is displayed. When the user selects one of the second and third contents via the inquiry screen (by operating the cursor from the key input unit 130), the reproduction of the selected content is started.
[0135]
Next, a link process using the user-defined program chain information (UD_PGCI) will be described. UD_PGCI is configured by link information to ORG_PGC. The UD_PGCI in the RTR_DVD system is a program that a user can create by freely selecting and connecting a part or the whole of a program from recorded contents.
[0136]
The above-described generation of content link information by user editing can be realized by using UD_PGCI.
[0137]
Therefore, a method of setting the content link information at the time of the above-described recording reservation using the UD_PGC will be described. When a TV program to be continuously broadcast is reserved, UD_PGCI is created when the first program of the continuous program is recorded. The UD_PGC of the continuous program is created by adding the created UD_PGCI cell information in synchronization with the recording of the continuous program. By selecting and reproducing the UD_PGC, the user can reproduce the continuous program without searching, selecting, or determining from the content recorded on the recording medium.
[0138]
Next, recording (moving or copying) of content having content link information will be described.
[0139]
As shown in FIG. 1, there are a plurality of recording media accessible by the recording / reproducing apparatus. That is, a recording medium 11 such as a hard disk and a recording medium 10 such as a DVD. It is assumed that movement or copying of content between the recording medium 10 and the recording medium 11 is permitted. In the following description, only the copying of the content will be described, but the same applies to the movement of the content. In the case of moving content, the original content is erased with the movement.
[0140]
(1) The user selects the content to be copied (selected from the key input unit 130).
[0141]
(2) Copy the selected content (copy instruction from key input unit 130).
[0142]
(3) After the copy of the selected content is completed, the content link information of the content is read, and the data size of the linked content is calculated from the program number described in the content link information. If the content to be copied has no content link information, the process ends.
[0143]
(4) If the data size of the linked content is smaller than the remaining capacity of the copy destination recording medium, the linked content is also copied. Returning to (3), the content link information is traced, and the linked content is copied one after another. Copying of the content based on the content link information is realized by the recording control of the main MPU unit 100.
[0144]
(5) If the data size of the program is larger than the remaining capacity of the recording medium, the copy processing ends.
[0145]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating various functions of the main MPU unit 100 having an application for performing the various processes described above.
[0146]
As shown in FIG. 8, the main MPU unit 100 includes a work RAM unit 100a, a recording reservation unit 100b, a CDA table creation unit 100c, a content link information editing unit 100d, and a directory detection unit 100e.
[0147]
Next, a link process based on the content link information will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0148]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording reservation list. Recording reservation can be set by a user operation via the key input unit 130. The recording reservation unit 100b of the main MPU 100 writes the recording reservation information to the recording reservation list in accordance with the setting of the recording reservation. The recording reservation list is stored in the recording reservation memory unit 102.
[0149]
As shown in FIG. 9, the recording reservation list includes items such as a recording date, a channel number, a recording start time, a recording end time, a continuous reservation ID, a recording order in the continuous reservation ID, and a link title number. Of all the items included in the recording reservation list, for example, items other than the link title number can be displayed on the display. That is, the user can confirm the contents of the recording reservation from the display contents on the display. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that a recording reservation for recording channel 8 is set every Wednesday from July 3 to July 17 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.
[0150]
Here, with reference to FIG. 12, writing of the recording reservation information to the recording reservation list corresponding to the continuous reservation will be described. When the recording reservation is set by a user operation (step D1), the recording reservation information is written into the recording reservation list corresponding to the setting of the recording reservation (step D2). Here, it is determined whether the reservation is continuous. The continuous reservation is, for example, a daily reservation or a weekly reservation. In the reservation with continuity (step D3, YES), the same continuous reservation ID is written (step D4). In the example of the recording reservation list shown in FIG. 9, the same continuous reservation ID (00120) is written in the reservation with continuity, that is, the reservation of the recording date 7/3, 7/10, 7/17. Further, a number indicating the recording start order is written in these continuous reservations (step D5). For example, the recording order 1 is written for the reservation of the recording date 7/3, the recording order 2 is written for the reservation of the recording date 7/10, and the recording order 3 is written for the reservation of the recording date 7/17.
[0151]
The main MPU 100 executes recording based on the recording reservation list. For example, at 7:00 pm on 7/3, recording of channel 8 is executed. At this time, it is assumed that a 7/3 program (content) is recorded as title 8. At this time, title 8 is recorded as the link title number of 7/10 following 7/3. Therefore, the recording reservation list after the 7/3 program is recorded as title 8 is in the state shown in FIG.
[0152]
At 7:00 pm on 7/10, recording of channel 8 is performed again. At this time, it is assumed that a 7/3 program (content) is recorded as title 11 (for example, title 9 and title 10 have other programs recorded and cannot be used). At this time, the content link information of the 7/3 recorded content describes that the title 11 is a link destination. Further, the title 11 is recorded as the link title number of 7/17 following 7/10. Therefore, after the 7/10 program is recorded as title 11, the recording reservation list is in the state shown in FIG.
[0153]
In other words, when recording the first content and then recording the second content having continuity with the first content, when the first content is recorded, the recording location of the first content is changed. The indicated information (title number) is written in a part of the recording reservation information of the second content. As a result, when the second content is recorded, the information (title number) indicating the recording location of the second content is recorded in the content link information of the first content. That is, information indicating the link destination is recorded in the content link information of the first content. Therefore, when the reproduction of the first content is completed, the link destination can be known by reading the content link information of the first content, and the second content is automatically reproduced following the reproduction of the first content. Content can be played.
[0154]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing how the link title number in the recording reservation list and the content link information of each content are updated with the recording. When the recording of the predetermined content is started (step E1), the link title number of the predetermined content in the recording reservation list is checked (searching for the link source content), and if the link title number is described (step E1). E2, YES), the recorded content indicated by the link title number is determined as the link source. Here, information indicating the link destination is described in the content link information of the recorded content (step E3). In other words, in the content link information of the recorded content, information having a predetermined content as a link destination is described. Further, the title number indicating the predetermined content is described in the link title number of the content having continuity with the predetermined content in the recording reservation list (step E4).
[0155]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the link destination selection screen. As described above, a plurality of link destination contents can be set from one link source content by the content link information. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the content on the recording date 7/17 is recorded as title 11. A case where the content link information of the content on the recording date 7/17 indicates a plurality of link destinations will be described. For example, it is assumed that the content link information of the content on the recording date 7/17 includes information indicating the title 13, the title 14, and the title 15 as link destinations. In this case, when the reproduction of the content on the recording date 7/17 ends, a link destination selection screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. Here, when the user operates the cursor via the key input unit 130 and selects, for example, the title 14, the reproduction of the title 14 is started. Compared to the selection of the next playback candidate content from all the recorded contents, which is a conventional problem, the next playback candidate content can be selected by an extremely simple operation.
[0156]
Here, returning to FIG. 8 again, the operation of each functional block of the main MPU unit 100 will be summarized.
[0157]
In the work RAM unit 100a, the above-described recording reservation list, content link information, CDA table, and the like are expanded as necessary. The recording reservation unit 100b writes the recording reservation information to the recording reservation list developed in the work RAM unit 100a in response to the recording reservation operation by the user. The content link information editing unit 100d edits the content link information developed in the work RAM unit 100a in response to the content link information editing operation by the user. Further, as shown in step B5 of the flowchart of FIG. 7, the directory detection unit 100e checks, for example, the existence of the RTR directory. If the existence of the RTR directory is confirmed, then the existence of the CDA table is checked. If the existence of the CDA table is confirmed, the CDA table creation unit 100c writes the CDA table into the work RAM unit 100a as shown in step B5 of the flowchart in FIG. This concludes the description of each functional block of the main MPU unit 100.
[0158]
The following summarizes the above points.
[0159]
The digital AV stream data recording / reproducing apparatus specifies a recorded content that is a link source of the predetermined content when recording the predetermined content, and links the predetermined content to the recorded content of the link source. Of content link information is generated. After reproducing the predetermined content (link source content), the recording / reproducing apparatus reproduces the next content (link destination content) based on the content link information of the predetermined content. Therefore, the user does not have to select the content to be reproduced next after the reproduction of the predetermined content is completed. For example, when playing back continuous content such as a serial drama, continuous content is automatically played back continuously without the user having to make a selection operation.
[0160]
The user can arbitrarily change (edit) the link destination indicated by the content link information. That is, the user can freely specify the link destination.
[0161]
The user can also set a plurality of link destinations as the link destination indicated by the content link information. In this case, when the reproduction of the content of the link source ends, a list of candidates for the link destination is displayed. Therefore, the user can easily select the link destination from the list display.
[0162]
The recording reservation information has information on the continuity of the content, and the content link information is automatically generated when recording the content based on the recording reservation information. Therefore, the user can benefit from the reproduction based on the content link information without being aware of the content link (even if the user does not intentionally generate the content link information).
[0163]
When recording (copying or moving) a recorded content recorded on a first recording medium (for example, a hard disk) to a second recording medium (for example, an optical disk), the recorded content is recorded based on the content link information of the recorded content. The content and the content linked to the recorded content can be recorded on the second recording medium. Therefore, when a specific content is recorded on another medium, the content having continuity with the specific content can be collectively recorded on another medium without the user being conscious.
[0164]
Further, under the control of the main MPU unit 100, the content link information is converted into a playlist conforming to the DVD-RTR format, and the content indicated by the playlist is recorded on the information storage medium along with the playlist. Thus, the function of the content link information can be maintained without holding unique information (content link information) that does not conform to the DVD-RTR format.
[0165]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified in an implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations as much as possible, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effects described in the column of the effect of the invention can be solved. Is obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0166]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of efficiently reproducing desired content.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a directory structure constructed on a disc on which information is recorded by the recording / reproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction operation.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a recording operation.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an interruption process during recording.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing after recording.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing before recording.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining various functions of a main MPU.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a recording reservation list.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing transition state 1 of a recording reservation list.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing transition state 2 of the recording reservation list.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating writing of recording reservation information to a recording reservation list corresponding to a continuous reservation.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing how a link title number in a recording reservation list and content link information of each content are updated with recording.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a link destination selection screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Recording medium (optical disk)
11 Recording medium (hard disk)
100: Main MPU section
101: Main memory unit
102: Recording reservation memory
120 ... Display unit
130 ... key input section
200 ... encoding section
300 ... Decoding section

Claims (7)

Recording means for recording predetermined content;
When the predetermined content is recorded by the recording means, a recorded content that is a link source of the predetermined content is designated, and content link information for linking the predetermined content to the recorded content of the link source is specified. Generating means for generating;
Reproducing means for reproducing the predetermined content based on the content link information;
A recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: 2. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising editing means for editing the content link information in response to an editing instruction from a user. An editing means for editing the content link information in information for linking a plurality of link destination contents to one link source content in response to an editing instruction from a user. Item 2. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to Item 1. The generating means links the link source content and the predetermined content one-to-one,
The reproduction means reproduces the predetermined content after reproducing the link source content based on the content link information.
The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A reservation information generating unit that generates recording reservation information in response to a recording reservation operation from a user;
The generating means generates, when recording continuous content indicated by the recording reservation information, content link information for linking the continuous content,
The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When recording the recorded content recorded in the first recording destination by the recording means in the second recording destination, the recorded content and the recorded content are linked based on the content link information of the recorded content. 2. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recording control unit for recording the selected content in a second recording destination. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit converts the content link information into a playlist conforming to a DVD-RTR format, and records the content indicated by the playlist together with the playlist on an information storage medium. Recording and playback device.

Images