JP2006012200A - Content recording and reproducing apparatus, and content management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a chapter division and a chapter name impartion for a recorded content with a single operation. <P>SOLUTION: This apparatus is constituted so that, when processing for making text data of words being a chapter name correspond to a button for performing the chapter division processing of a remote controller 116 is performed, the chapter division processing is performed by operating the button, the words to be made to correspond to the button are imparted to a newly-set chapter. A plurality of contents different as words are prepared, switching selection is performed successively whenever the button of the remote controller 116 is operated, the apparatus is constituted so as to be imparted as the chapter name, or constituted so that a plurality of the buttons of the remote controller 116 are set for chapter division processing and different words are allotted, respectively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content recording / playback apparatus and a content management raw method for setting a chapter for, for example, video data recorded on a recording medium, and more particularly to a process for newly dividing a chapter and a divided chapter. The present invention relates to a content recording / playback apparatus and a content management method that can easily perform a chapter name assigning process.

  In general, in a recording / playback apparatus such as a DVD recorder using a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as a recording medium, it is possible to specify and play back a recorded broadcast program, for example, by a title. In addition, the title has a function that makes it possible to search and view special scenes using the concept of chapters for distinguishing video content transitions. Products are also available on the market.

  Specifically, the chapter indicates an area delimited by landmark information or the like for specifying the chapter boundary. For a recorded program (title), the playback screen of the title is displayed using an editing function. While watching, it is possible to set the chapter boundary at a desired position.

  Thereby, different chapters are set before and after the chapter boundary. The division of the original chapter by setting a new chapter boundary in this way is called chapter division.

  For example, the chapters can be identified by numbering in ascending order from the top direction of the title, but this is for convenience only and represents the contents of the video contained in the chapter. In other words, it is not necessarily suitable for use in searching or the like. For this reason, it is comprised so that the name which shows the content can be attached | subjected with respect to each chapter.

  As a work procedure for assigning chapter names, generally, a two-step procedure is first performed, in which chapter division is performed, and then a target chapter is selected and assigned a name. This is an editing function with a high degree of freedom that can sufficiently reflect the user's intention, but also has the aspect that the operation is complicated.

  That is, in a recording / playback device such as a DVD recorder, since it has a large recording capacity, for example, it is routinely used to collect a plurality of broadcast programs such as a series drama for several weeks. When such a title becomes available, the user performs a batch editing process to select the title that the user really wants to save, and perform chapter title division and chapter name assignment processing. Will do.

  Here, it can be inferred that assigning a similar name to a plurality of chapters as a chapter name is not rare, but rather frequently performed. Even in such a case, a two-stage process of dividing a chapter and assigning a chapter name must be performed for each chapter, which is not desirable in terms of operability. For this reason, the editing function with a high degree of flexibility is troublesome in its operation, and there is a problem that the convenience is not fully utilized, for example, it is avoided to give a chapter name. .

Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of assigning and recording character information to a plurality of chapters including video information and audio information. However, in Patent Document 1, a chapter name is assigned. It is only disclosed and there is no description about simplification of the work procedure.
JP 2004-5980 A

  As described above, conventionally, when a chapter is set for a recorded content and a name is assigned to the chapter by character information, two steps of division of the chapter and assignment of the name are necessary. The workability was not good.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points. A content recording / playback apparatus and content management in which workability is remarkably improved by dividing chapters and assigning names by one operation. It aims to provide a method.

  The content recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes a partial area setting unit that sets a partial area for the recorded content data and writes the partial area as management information in an accessible manner, and a character string information holding unit that holds character string information The partial area setting means is activated to set a partial area for the content data, and the character string information is read from the character string information holding means in conjunction with the activation. Control means for executing a process of writing as the management information in association with the area set by the partial area setting means.

  The content management method of the present invention is a content management method comprising a partial area setting step of performing a process of setting a partial area for content data recorded on a recording medium and writing this as accessible management information. A setting step is activated to set a partial area for the content data, and character string information is obtained from character string information holding means in which a plurality of character string information is stored in advance in conjunction with the activation of the partial area setting step. The step of reading and writing the read character string information as the management information in association with the area set by the partial area setting step is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to execute chapter setting and chapter name assignment for recorded content in one operation.

  Hereinafter, a content recording / playback apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an embodiment of a content recording / playback apparatus 100 to which the present invention is applied. In this embodiment, a device capable of handling both a DVD-RAM (DVD-Random Access Memory) 101 and an HDD 102 as a recording medium is shown. However, either one or both of the HDD 102 and the DVD-RAM 101 is a semiconductor memory. May be replaced with a recording medium or the like.

  1 is roughly divided, the main block of the recording unit is shown on the left side of the drawing, and the main block of the reproducing unit is shown on the right side.

  First, the recording unit includes a disk drive unit 103 that rotationally drives an optical disk 101 as a first medium, which is an information recording medium that can construct a video file, and executes reading and writing of information. Further, it has an HDD drive unit 104 that drives the HDD 102 as the second medium. The disk drive unit 103 includes a rotation control system, a laser drive system, an optical system, and the like for the optical disk 101.

  The disk drive unit 103 and the HDD drive unit 104 are connected to the data processor unit 105. The data processor unit 105 can supply recording data to the disk drive unit 103 and the HDD drive unit 104, and can receive reproduced data.

  The data processor unit 105 handles data in recording or reproduction units, and includes a buffer circuit, a modulation / demodulation circuit, an error correction circuit, and the like.

  The device 100 further includes an encoder unit 106 provided on the recording unit side, a decoder unit 107 provided on the reproduction unit side, and a microcomputer block (MPU) 108 that controls the operation of the device main body. Is the main component.

  The encoder unit 106 is a video and audio analog-digital converter that digitizes an input analog video signal or analog audio signal, a video encoder that compresses the digitized video signal, and a digitized audio signal. And an audio encoder for compression. Furthermore, an encoder for compressing sub-picture data is also included.

  The output of the encoder unit 106 is converted into a predetermined DVD-RAM format by a formatter 110 including a buffer memory 109 and supplied to the data processor unit 105.

  The encoder unit 106 receives an external analog video signal and an external analog audio signal from an A / V (Audio Visual) input unit 111 or an analog video signal and an analog audio signal from a TV (Television) tuner 112.

  Note that the encoder unit 106 can also supply the compressed digital video signal or digital audio signal directly to the formatter 110 when a compressed digital video signal or digital audio signal is directly input. Further, the encoder unit 106 can also directly supply the digital video signal and audio signal that have been converted from analog to digital to a video mixing unit and an audio selector, which will be described later.

  The video encoder included in the encoder unit 106 converts a digital video signal into a digital video signal compressed at a variable bit rate based on MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 or MPEG1 standard. Similarly, a digital audio signal is converted into a digital audio signal compressed at a fixed bit rate based on the MPEG or AC-3 (Audio Code number 3) standard, or converted into a linear PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) digital audio signal. To do.

  When a sub video signal is input from the A / V input unit 111 (for example, a signal from a DVD video player with an independent output terminal of a sub video signal) or a DVD video signal having such a data structure is broadcast and Is received by the TV tuner 112, the sub-picture signal in the DVD video signal is encoded (run-length encoded) by the sub-picture encoder to become a sub-picture bitmap.

  The encoded digital video signal, digital audio signal, and sub-picture data are packed by the formatter 110 to become a video pack, an audio pack, and a sub-picture pack, and these are assembled to form a DVD recording standard (for example, DVD-RAM, DVD-R: DVD-Recordable, DVD-RW: DVD-ReWritable, etc.).

  Here, the apparatus 100 in FIG. 1 includes information (packets of video, audio, sub-picture data, etc.) formatted by the formatter 110 and information having a function as an index for specifying and reproducing the contents. The management information generated so as to be included can be supplied to the HDD drive unit 104 or the disk drive unit 103 via the data processor unit 105 and recorded on the HDD 102 or the optical disc 101.

  In addition, information recorded on the HDD 102 or the optical disk 101 can be reproduced and recorded on the optical disk 101 or the HDD 102 via the data processor unit 105 and the disk drive unit 103. That is, dubbing can be performed between the optical disc 101 and the HDD 102.

  It is also possible to perform editing processing such as deleting a part of video objects of a plurality of programs recorded on the HDD 102 or the optical disc 101 or connecting objects of different programs. This is because the data unit handled by the format according to the present invention is defined to facilitate editing.

  The microcomputer block 108 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) (or CPU (Central Processing Unit)) 108a, a ROM 108b in which a control program and the like are written, and a work RAM 108c for providing a work area necessary for program execution. Contains.

  The MPU 108a of the microcomputer block 108 uses the work RAM 108c as a work area in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 108b, detects a defective area in the recording area of the DVD, detects an unrecorded area, sets a recording information recording position, UDF (Universal Disk) Format) recording, AV address setting, etc. are executed.

  The microcomputer block 108 includes an information processing unit necessary for controlling the entire system, and further includes a directory detection unit 108d as a function, a VMG (Video Manager) (total video management information) information creation unit, Management information control unit 108d and recording during editing including a copy related information detection unit, a copy and scrambling information processing unit (RDI), a packet header processing unit, a sequence header processing unit, an aspect ratio information processing unit, and the like Time management information control unit 108e. The means featured by the present invention is executed by the management information control unit 108d during editing in the form of a control program.

  A display unit 113 is connected to the microcomputer block 108, and the contents to be notified to the user among the execution results of the MPU 108a are displayed on the display unit 113, or OSD (On Screen display). The OSD information includes information in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) format and is generated by the microcomputer block 108 using data such as characters, codes, and characters stored in the ROM 108b. Further, the microcomputer block 108 has a key input unit 114 that gives an operation signal for setting or adjusting the function and operation of the apparatus 100 when operated by the user.

  Furthermore, the microcomputer block 108 is connected to an infrared light receiving unit 115 and receives an infrared remote control signal (hereinafter referred to as a remote control signal) transmitted from the remote controller 116. The remote control signal received by the infrared light receiving unit 115 is decoded by the microcomputer block 108 and is used for setting or adjusting the function and operation of the apparatus in the same manner as the operation signal from the key input unit 114.

  An STC (System Time Clock) 118 is connected to the microcomputer block 108, and timing for controlling the disk drive unit 103, HDD drive unit 104, data processor unit 105, encoder unit 106 and / or decoder unit 107, etc. The time data from the STC 118 can be set and processed. The recording and playback operations are normally executed in synchronization with the time clock from the STC 118, but other processes may be executed at a timing independent of the STC 118.

  The decoder unit 107 separates and extracts each pack from a DVD format signal having a pack structure, a memory used when pack separation or other signal processing is performed, and main video data (video pack) separated by the separator. The video decoder that decodes the content) into an uncompressed digital video signal, the SP (Sub Picture) decoder that decodes the sub-picture data (sub-picture pack contents) separated by the separator, and the separator 1 and a decoder for decoding the audio data (the contents of the audio pack) and converting it into an uncompressed digital audio signal, which is omitted in FIG.

  A video processor is also provided that appropriately synthesizes the decoded sub-video with the decoded main video and outputs the menu, highlight button, subtitles, and other sub-videos superimposed on the main video.

  The video signal output from the decoder unit 107 is input to the V (video) mixing unit 119. In the V mixing unit 119, text data is synthesized. The V mixing unit 119 is also connected to a line that directly takes in signals output from the TV tuner 112 and the A / V input unit 111 via the encoder unit 106.

  A frame memory 120 used as a buffer is connected to the V mixing unit 119. When the output of the V mixing unit 119 is an analog output, it is output to the outside via an I / F (Interface) 121, and when it is a digital output, it is externally output via a digital / analog converter (D / A) 122. The signal is output from the lead-out terminal and displayed on the monitor 123 or the like.

  The audio signal output from the decoder unit 107 is converted into an analog signal by a digital / analog converter (D / A) 125 via a selector 124, output to the outside from an external derivation terminal, and output as sound from a speaker 126 or the like.

  The selector 124 is controlled by a select signal from the microcomputer block 108. Thus, the selector 124 can directly select a signal that has passed through the encoder unit 106 when directly monitoring the digital signal from the TV tuner 112 or the A / V input unit 111.

  In the formatter 110 of the encoder unit 106, during the recording, each segmentation information is created and periodically sent to the MPU 108a of the microcomputer block 108. As the segmentation information, for example, information such as MPEG GOP (Group Of Picture) start interrupt, the number of packs of VOBU (Video Object Unit), the end address of I (Intra) picture from the beginning of VOBU, and playback of VOBU Information such as time is included.

  At the same time, information from the aspect information processing unit included in the management information control unit 108e at the time of recording in the microcomputer block 108 is sent to the MPU 108a at the start of recording, and the MPU 108a creates VOB (Video Object) stream information (STI: Stream Information). To do. Here, the STI includes resolution data, aspect data, and the like, and at the time of reproduction, each decoder unit is initialized based on this information.

  In the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, one video file is stored on one disk. In order to continue playback without interruption while data is being accessed (seeked), a minimum continuous information unit (size) is determined, and this unit is called a CDA (Contiguous Data Area). The CDA size is a multiple of an ECC (Error Correcting Code) block (16 sectors), and the file system records in this CDA unit.

  The data processor unit 105 receives data in units of VOBU from the formatter 110 of the encoder unit 106 and supplies data in units of CDA to the disk drive unit 103 or the HDD drive unit 104. Further, the MPU 108a of the microcomputer block 108 creates management information necessary for reproducing the recorded data by the management information control unit 108e at the time of recording. When the MPU 108a recognizes a data recording end command, the MPU 108a stores the created management information as data. The data is sent to the processor unit 105. As a result, the management information is recorded on the optical disc 101.

  Therefore, when encoding is performed, the MPU 108 a of the microcomputer block 108 receives data unit information (such as segmentation information) from the encoder unit 106. Also, the MPU 108a of the microcomputer block 108 recognizes management information (file system) read from the optical disc 101 and the HDD 102 at the start of recording, recognizes an unrecorded area of each disc, and sets a recording area on data to the data processor unit 105. Set to each disk via.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the button arrangement of the remote controller 116 applied to the content recording / playback apparatus 100 configured as described above. As shown in the figure, the remote controller 116 has an EDIT (edit) button 201 for opening an editing-related operation screen such as a chapter division screen, Enter (determination) used for determination of a selected menu, execution of chapter division, or the like. ) Button 202, cursor movement button 203 used to select a menu or focus on a selection item on the GUI screen, used to execute chapter division during playback processing without opening the chapter division operation screen. C. SEP (chapter division) button 204, FUNC (function) button 205 used to call up a menu screen, etc. Play / stop / pause / fast forward / fast reverse / slow / reverse used for playback display of recorded titles A series of buttons 206 such as slow / skip / frame advance, a Rec (recording) button 207, and the like are provided.

  In addition, a numeric key button group 208 which is usually used for inputting a channel number of a television receiver, inputting data at the time of recording reservation, and the like is also provided. Further, the remote controller 116 is provided with a lid member 209 that covers the numeric key button group 208 so as to be freely opened and closed. However, the lid member 209 may be omitted and the numeric key button group 208 may be exposed. It is.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the relationship between the management information and the actual video data as the content will be briefly described.

  In FIG. 3, the actual video data will be described first. Here, it is assumed that the actual video data is collected into one file on the recording medium. One file is composed of one or a plurality of actual video data streams 301. Each actual video data stream 301 may be a unit recorded by one recording process, for example. This corresponds to, for example, VOB in the DVD recording standard.

  One real video data stream 301 is composed of one or a plurality of stream partial areas 302. This corresponds to, for example, VOBU in the DVD recording standard, GOP in the MPEG2 standard, or the like. One stream partial area 302 is composed of a plurality of packs. The plurality of packs include an information pack 303, a video pack 304, an audio pack 305, and the like, but a sub-video pack 306 may exist.

  The information pack 303 corresponds to, for example, an RDI (Real time Data Information) pack in the DVD recording standard. In this case, this pack includes information indicating the start time of reproduction of the first field of the VOBU to which the pack belongs, information indicating the recording time of the VOBU, manufacturer information (MNFI: MaNuFacturer Information), and the like. In addition, display control information (DCI) and copy control information (CCI) are included. The display control information indicates aspect ratio information, subtitle mode information, and film camera mode information, and the copy control information includes copy permission information or copy prohibition (non-permission) information.

  The video pack 304 is obtained by compressing video data by the MPEG2 system, and includes a pack header, a packet header, and a video data portion. The audio pack 305 is obtained by processing audio data by a method such as linear PCM, MPEG, or AC-3, and includes a pack header, a packet header, and an audio data portion.

Next, management information will be described.
In the management information, original title (program) information 307, which is information (playback order information) for managing the playback order of actual video data, is defined. This corresponds to, for example, a program in the DVD recording standard. Reference information 309 is defined in each original title information (or program information) 308, which is linked to real video data information that is information relating to real video data to be reproduced. These correspond to, for example, cells and VOBI in the DVD recording standard.

  Thus, the original title (program) 307 has information for managing the playback order (playback order information) and its own real video data, and this title is usually created during recording.

  On the other hand, some information is composed only of information for managing the reproduction order (reproduction order information). This is the playlist information 310, which corresponds to, for example, a playlist in the DVD recording standard. This playlist information does not have its own real video data, and as shown in FIG. 3, it is played by editing (deleting or adding) the reference information 311 linked to the real video data information of the original title. Created as a list.

  In addition, time map information 313 is described in the real video data information 312. This time map information 313 designates a partial area constituting an actual video data stream corresponding to the actual video data information 312. The link from the original title information 307 of the management information or the reference information 309, 311 of the playlist information 310 to the actual video data information 312 is specified by a logical address.

  The link from the time map information 313 to the real video data stream 301 and its partial area 302 includes the number of the real video data stream 301, the number of partial areas 302 in the stream, the entry number for each partial area, and the individual parts. This is done based on the logical address to the area.

  With such a configuration, not only normal playback of recorded video data but also special playback such as double speed / slow playback and reverse playback, and scene search, etc. can be supported.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent drawings. In the following description, the content recording / reproducing apparatus 100 of the present invention is configured as follows.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, a content recording / reproducing apparatus 100 of the present invention is a hybrid recorder equipped with two recording media of a DVD and an HDD, and the DVD is based on the DVD recording standard (DVD-VR standard). In addition to having a function of recording to a DVD-RAM or the like according to the DVD-VR standard, it also has a function of recording to a DVD-R or DVD-RW based on the DVD video standard (DVD-Video standard). Shall have. Furthermore, dubbing between DVD and HDD is possible.

  In the content recording / playback apparatus 100 of the present invention, a partial area in a recorded title is referred to as a chapter. Further, the chapter uses an entry point (EP) defined in the DVD-VR standard set in the title as a mark of the boundary. That is, a section sandwiched between EPs set in the title is called a chapter. Note that the start and end points of the title are chapter boundaries regardless of the presence or absence of EP. Therefore, there may be no EP at the starting point of the first chapter of the title.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of an EP data structure defined in the DVD-VR standard.
In FIG. 4, EP 401 includes the following data. First, the entry point type (EP_Type) 402 describes the type of EP. Specifically, this EP indicates whether or not the EP has text information. In the DVD-VR standard, an EP that does not have text information is “Type_A”, and an EP that has text information is “Type_B”.

  Next, the presentation time (EP_PTM) 403 indicates the position where this EP exists in the form of time information. The reference information to the actual video data described above with reference to FIG. 3 corresponds to a cell in the DVD-VR standard, but EP is described in the cell. Therefore, only EP_PTM which is time information is used as information indicating the position of the EP.

  The above EP_Type and EP_PTM are the data that both “Type_A” / “Type_B” have in common, but the third primary text information (PRM_TXTI) 404 has only “Type_B” EP. The text information given to this EP is stored.

  In the content recording / playback apparatus 100 of the present invention, this means a data area for storing the chapter name assigned to the chapter headed by this EP. That is, in the content recording / playback apparatus 100 of the present invention, the chapter name is assigned by converting the EP located at the start point of the chapter into “Type_B” and describing the text information of the character string assigned as the chapter name in PRM_TXTI. It corresponds to that.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of mode switching processing when chapter division with a chapter name is performed in the content recording / playback apparatus of the present invention.

Here, it is assumed that there are two methods as an implementation method of chapter division with a chapter name.
First, as a first method, a predetermined plurality of buttons of the remote controller 116 for controlling the content recording / playback apparatus 100 of the present invention are set as buttons for executing chapter division processing, and each of the plurality of buttons is different. It is to assign a word. As a result, when a user selects a button to be operated at the time of chapter division, chapter division and chapter name assignment by words assigned to the button are realized at the same time.

  In this case, as the buttons of the remote controller 116, for example, a numeric key button group 208 is applied, and different words can be assigned to the numeric buttons. However, it is of course possible to apply other buttons that are not used in the chapter division process.

  As a second method, although there is one button of the remote controller 116 used for chapter division, an order table describing the order of chapter names assigned to chapters in advance is created, and each time chapter division is performed. The chapter names are assigned according to the order described in the order table.

  In this case, the buttons of the remote controller 116 include C.I. provided for executing chapter division processing. It is possible to apply the SEP button 204 or the Enter button 202 that is operated when the chapter division process is executed based on the GUI screen, and sequentially assign the words as chapter names each time they are operated. is there. However, even in this case, other buttons that are not used in the chapter division process can be applied.

  The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows an outline of processing for selecting a technique to be used out of these two techniques when performing chapter division with a chapter name.

  First, in step S501, it is determined which of the two methods is used, and the process is branched. Various logics can be taken as conditions for determining the branch, but here, the process is branched depending on whether or not a sequence table describing the order of chapter names is used. In the case of a method using a turntable, the process proceeds to step S502, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S504.

  Steps S502 to S503 are processing when a method using an order table that describes the order of the chapter names is selected. First, in step S502, a list of created order tables is displayed. The user can prepare and prepare a plurality of order tables describing the order of chapter names according to the usage. Here, a list of already created sequence tables is displayed so that the user can select the sequence table to be used.

  In the subsequent step S503, the sequence table of the number selected by the user is selected, this is associated with the chapter division button, and the series of processes is terminated. Thus, each time the chapter division button is operated, the setting for calling the words described in the selected order table in the order described in the order table and giving it as the chapter name is completed.

  Note that the data of the order table is created in advance and stored in the HDD 102 built in the content recording / playback apparatus 100 of the present invention, and the number is selected by the user selecting from the list of order tables in step S503. In general, the text information of the wording corresponding to the order table and the data of the calling order of the wording are read from the HDD 102 and expanded on the work RAM 108c of the microcomputer block 108. However, the data is stored in the ROM 108b from the beginning. It may be held, or may be read from the HDD 102 each time a chapter name is given while being held in the HDD 102.

  On the other hand, steps S504 to S505 are processes when a method using a plurality of buttons of the remote controller 116 is selected. First, in step S504, a list of word assignment patterns to a plurality of buttons of the remote controller 116 is displayed.

  The user can create a plurality of word assignment patterns for each button according to the application. In step S504, a list of already created allocation patterns is displayed so that the user can select an allocation pattern to be used.

  In the subsequent step S505, an allocation pattern of the number selected by the user is selected, the button of the remote controller 116 and the wording are associated according to the description, and the series of processes is terminated. Thereby, at the time of chapter division, the setting for calling a word according to the button selected and pressed by the user and giving it as a chapter name is completed.

  The created word assignment pattern data is held in the HDD 102 built in the content recording / playback apparatus 100 of the present invention, and the number assignment pattern is selected when the user selects a pattern number in step S505. Is generally read out from the HDD 102 and expanded on the work RAM 108 c of the computer block 108, but may be stored in the ROM 108 b from the beginning, or the chapter name may be stored in the HDD 102. It may be in the form of reading from the HDD every time it is given.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of chapter division processing with chapter names by a method using a plurality of buttons of the remote controller 116. Here, chapter division with chapter names can be performed by the user arbitrarily selecting and pressing a plurality of buttons of the remote controller 116 to which the wording is assigned by the processing from step S504 to step S505 of FIG. To be implemented.

  First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the number of EPs of the DVD-VR standard set at the chapter boundary position exceeds the upper limit when the chapter division is performed by pressing the button of the remote controller 116. Processing is branched.

  If EP exceeds the upper limit, the series of chapter division and chapter name assignment processes are skipped and the process ends. This corresponds to the case where the chapter division itself cannot be executed because the EP has already been used up to the upper limit. Conversely, if EP does not exceed the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, a DVD-VR standard EP is set as a chapter boundary mark at a position designated as a chapter division position. In the subsequent step S603, if the EP set in step S602 is the EP of “Type_B”, it is determined whether or not the upper limit value of the EP of “Type_B” is exceeded, and the process branches.

  If the upper limit value of EP of “Type_B” is exceeded, the process branches to step S607, and in step S607, the EP type set in step S602 is set to “Type_A”, and the series of processing ends. This is a case where chapter division can be executed, but the EP of “Type_B” has already been provided up to the upper limit, so that text information cannot be described in the PRM_TXTI of the EP, that is, the chapter name cannot be assigned. Equivalent to. Conversely, if the EP of “Type_B” does not exceed the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S604.

In step S604, the EP type set in step S602 is set to “Type_B”.
In step S605, the text information of the text assigned to the button of the remote controller 116 that is arbitrarily selected and pressed by the user is loaded. As described above, a format in which a word assignment pattern selected by the user is read from the HDD 102 and expanded on the work RAM 108c of the microcomputer block 108 is generally used. Alternatively, a format in which the data is read from the HDD 102 while being held in the HDD 102 may be used. Regardless of the format, in this step S605, the text information of the wording is read from the media.

  Next, in step S606, the text information of the loaded wording is described in the PRM_TXTI of the EP, and the series of processes is terminated.

  By the series of processing described above, chapter division processing with chapter names is performed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of chapter division processing with chapter names by the method using the order table. Here, chapter division with chapter names is performed based on the order table previously selected by the processing from step S502 to step S503 in FIG.

  First, in step S701, when the chapter division button is pressed and the chapter division is performed, it is determined whether or not the EP of the DVD-VR standard set at the chapter boundary position exceeds the upper limit value, and the process is branched. is doing. If EP exceeds the upper limit, the series of chapter division and chapter name assignment processes are skipped and the process ends. This corresponds to the case where the chapter division itself cannot be executed because the EP has already been used up to the upper limit. Conversely, if EP does not exceed the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S702.

  In step S702, a DVD-VR standard EP is set as a chapter boundary mark at a position designated as a chapter division position.

  In subsequent step S703, if the EP set in step S702 is the EP of “Type_B”, it is determined whether or not the upper limit value of the EP of “Type_B” is exceeded, and the process is branched.

  If the upper limit value of EP of “Type_B” is exceeded, the process branches to step S707, and in step S707, the EP type set in step S702 is set to “Type_A”, and the series of processes is ended. This is a case where chapter division can be executed, but the EP of “Type_B” has already been provided up to the upper limit, so that text information cannot be described in the PRM_TXTI of the EP, that is, the chapter name cannot be assigned. Equivalent to. On the other hand, if the EP of “Type_B” does not exceed the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S704, the EP type set in step S702 is set to “Type_B”.

  In step S705, the text information of the words described in the order in the order table is loaded. As described above, it is general that the order table selected by the user is read from the HDD 102 and expanded on the work RAM 108c of the microcomputer block 108, but may be stored in the ROM 108b from the beginning. Alternatively, the data may be read out while being held in the HDD 102. Regardless of the format, in step S705, the text is read from the medium holding the text information.

  Next, in step S706, the text information of the loaded wording is described in the PRM_TXTI of the EP, and the series of processing ends.

  By the series of processing described above, chapter division processing with chapter names is performed.

  The series of diagrams from FIG. 8 to FIG. 15 is an image diagram showing an example of the transition of the chapter division screen when the chapter division with the chapter name is performed, and each of the images displayed on the display screen of the monitor 123 is displayed, for example. Show. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same display components.

  First, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an initial state of a series of processing in a state where the chapter division processing screen is opened. The chapter division operation screen 801 includes a small screen 802 used as a monitor for chapter division positioning, a small screen 803 for displaying a time code when a title to be processed is reproduced for positioning, and a focus. A button 804 on the GUI screen for executing chapter division processing, a bar 805 representing an image of the entire title to be processed, a cursor 806 indicating the current reproduction position when reproduction is performed for division positioning, and A thumbnail 807 of a chapter existing in the title is displayed. In this example, the title to be processed has not yet been divided into a plurality of chapters, and the entire title is a single chapter, so only one chapter thumbnail 807 is displayed.

  Next, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which a menu screen for processing that can be performed on this chapter division processing screen is opened. A menu screen 902 is displayed on the operation screen 901 by operating the remote controller 116. Here, descriptions of menus that are not directly related to the description of the embodiment of the present invention are omitted, but a menu for performing chapter division with chapter names is displayed in this menu screen 902. . Specifically, there are two types: a menu of a method using a plurality of buttons of the remote controller 116 (denoted as (multi-button mode)) and a menu of a method using a sequence table (denoted as (order table mode)). It is.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image when the multi-button mode is selected on the menu screen 902 of FIG. The operation screen 1001 shows a state in which the mode is selected by applying a focus 1002 indicated by diagonal lines to the multi-button mode of the mode selection menu screen 902 shown in FIG. Selection of an item on the menu screen 902 is performed by using the cursor movement button 203 and the Enter button 202 of the remote controller 116. The cursor movement button 203 is used to move the focus 1002 indicated by diagonal lines to a desired selection item, and the Enter button 202 is pressed. Manipulate.

  As a result, a new menu screen 1003 is displayed, and a list of word assignment patterns to the buttons of the remote controller 116 that have already been created and exists is displayed. The user arbitrarily selects one to be used among the allocation patterns displayed on the menu screen 1003. That is, the focus button 1004 indicated by diagonal lines is moved to the target pattern number, and the Enter button 202 is operated.

  At this time, steps S501, S504, and S505 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 described above are performed in the content recording / playback apparatus of the present invention.

  On the other hand, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image when the order table mode is selected. Here, on the menu screen 902 shown in FIG. 9, the focus 1002 is applied to the order table mode and the mode is selected. As a result, a new menu screen 1102 is displayed on the operation screen 1101 and a list of order tables that have already been created and exist in plural are displayed. The user arbitrarily selects the one used by the user from the order table displayed on the menu screen 1102.

  In other words, the focus 1303 is focused on the sequence table to be used and the enter button 202 is used to select it. At this time, steps S501, S502, and S503 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 described above are performed in the content recording / playback apparatus of the present invention.

  After either the multi-button mode or the order table mode is selected, chapter division with a chapter name is performed as described below.

  First, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an image in which a title to be processed is reproduced for chapter division positioning. Here, the time code 1202 of the current playback position of the title to be processed is displayed on the operation screen 1201 on the small screen 803, and the relative value corresponding to the current playback position on the bar 805 representing the entire processing target title. The cursor 806 has moved to a specific position.

  Next, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image when chapter division is performed at a position determined by positioning. Here, it is assumed that chapter division is performed with the focus 1302 applied to a division (SEPARATE) button 8004 formed on the GUI-type operation screen 1301. When the multi-button mode is selected first, among the plurality of buttons of the remote controller 116, the button to which the word that the user wants to assign as the chapter name is pressed is divided into chapters.

  On the other hand, when the turntable mode is selected, the chapter division is performed by pressing the chapter division button 204 or the Enter button 202 of the remote controller 116. By this chapter division operation, a chapter boundary is newly set at the positioned position, and chapter division is performed.

  Along with this, a new chapter thumbnail 1503 starting from the division position is displayed in the lower part of the chapter division operation screen. At the same time, a small screen 1504 is opened so that the user can confirm the chapter name given to the newly set chapter, and the chapter name given simultaneously with the chapter division is displayed there. At this time, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 described above is performed in the content recording / playback apparatus of the present invention. The small screen 1304 may be opened for a few seconds, for example, and the chapter name may be displayed only during that time, or the chapter name may be continuously displayed.

  Next, FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an image in which a title to be processed is reproduced for positioning a new division position in order to continue the chapter division process. Here, the time code 1402 of the current playback position of the title to be processed is displayed on the operation screen 1401 on the small screen 803, and corresponds to the current playback position on the bar 805 representing the entire title to be processed. The cursor 806 has moved to a relative position. Further, a bar 1403 representing an image of the chapter boundary is displayed at the position where the chapter division is performed in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an image when chapter division is performed at the newly determined position. Also here, it is assumed that the chapter division is performed by putting the focus 1302 on the division (SEPARATE) button 804 formed on the operation screen 1501 in the GUI format.

  As a result, a new chapter thumbnail 1502 starting from the dividing position is displayed below the operation screen 1501. Further, the small screen 1503 is opened and the newly assigned chapter name is displayed on the small screen 1503 so that the user can confirm the chapter name assigned to the chapter newly set by chapter division. At this time, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 described above is performed in the content recording / playback apparatus of the present invention.

The chapter split operation screen transitions as described above.
In the case of using the sequence table mode, when chapter division is continued after reaching the end of the sequence table, the chapter name may not be assigned in the subsequent chapter division, Alternatively, it may be a format in which a chapter name is given again from the first word registered in the turntable. Further, a switching function may be provided so that the user can use these two formats properly.

  Further, in either case of the multi-button mode or the order table mode, there may be a mechanism capable of performing chapter division without chapter name assignment in the middle. For example, in the multi-button mode, it can be realized by setting a button that does not assign a word and performs only chapter division. Further, for example, in the order table mode, in addition to the button associated with the order table, it can be realized by setting a button that performs only chapter division and is not associated with the order table.

  For example, in the case of the turntable mode, the wording set as the current chapter name is repeatedly used in the next chapter division, or the wording registered in the turntable is described in the turntable. You may have a mechanism which enables temporarily irregular word selection, such as intentionally calling and using it without being bound by the order.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an overview of a process in which a user registers in advance a word used as a chapter name.

  First, in step S1601, an operation screen for registering in advance the wording used as the chapter name is opened. This is an operation screen named, for example, “Chapter Name Stock”, etc., which is omitted in this embodiment, but similar to an existing operation screen for setting the title name, chapter name, etc. You can think about it.

  Next, in step S1602, the user inputs a character string of a word used as a chapter name.

  Subsequently, in step S1603, it is determined whether or not the word registration process by the user has ended, and the process branches. If not completed, the process of step S1602 is repeated. On the other hand, if completed, the process advances to step S1604.

  In step S1604, the character string of the word input by the user is stored in the HDD 102 of the content recording / reproducing apparatus 100 of the present invention, and the series of processing ends. Here, an example is shown in which text information of a registered character string is stored in the HDD 102. For example, a part of the ROM 108b of the microcomputer block 108 is configured as a non-volatile memory and stored therein. It may be a form that continues.

  In the content recording / playback apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the words arbitrarily registered by the user as described above, text data of words that are likely to be used are registered in advance in the HDD or the like at the time of product shipment. It may be left.

  FIG. 17 shows an operation screen for assigning words to the buttons of the remote controller 116 in order to apply the method of dividing chapters using a plurality of buttons of the remote controller 116 (“multi-button mode” in FIG. 9). It is a figure showing the outline.

  The user can create a plurality of word assignment patterns for the buttons of the remote controller 116.

  In FIG. 17, the operation screen 1701 is provided with a small screen 1702, which displays the number of the allocation pattern that is currently being created. A small screen 1703 is formed on the screen in the lower right, and a pattern that has already been created. Is displayed.

  Below the small screen 1702, there are displayed a small screen 1704 for displaying a button (remote control button) of a remote controller selected as an object to be assigned a word, and a small screen 1705 for displaying a word to be assigned. In the lower part of the screen, a list 1707 composed of already assigned remote control buttons 1705 and assigned words 1706 is displayed.

  Using the word setting windows 1704 and 1705, the user selects a remote control button to which a word is assigned and performs a setting operation for the word to be assigned to the button.

  The words assigned to the remote control buttons are appropriately selected by the user from the words registered in the HDD or the like according to the process described above using the flowchart of FIG. 16 so that the same word can be reused in a plurality of assignment patterns. It becomes a form to select and set.

  However, it is also possible to newly set a word that has not been registered. In this case, for example, when a word to be assigned to a button to which a word is assigned is determined, or when an operation screen in FIG. At the timing, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 16 is executed, and a new word is registered in the HDD or the like.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an outline of an operation screen for creating a word sequence table to be set as a chapter name in order to apply the method using the sequence table (“sequence table mode” in FIG. 9). .

  The user can create a plurality of word order tables. The operation screen 1801 is provided with a small screen 1802, which displays the number of the sequence table currently being created. Further, a small screen 1803 is formed on the upper right and lower right of the screen, and patterns already created are displayed. It is displayed.

  Also, below the small screen 1802, a small screen 1804 for displaying the order of the sequence table currently being created and a small screen 1805 for displaying the words set in the order are displayed, and further on the lower part of the screen. A list 1807 composed of the already set order 1805 and the set wording 1806 is displayed.

  The user uses the order table creation windows 1804 and 1805 to perform a word registration operation on the order table. The words to be registered in the turntable are appropriately selected by the user from the words registered in the HDD or the like according to the process described above using the flowchart of FIG. 16 so that the same wording can be reused in a plurality of turntables. It becomes a form to select and set. However, it is also possible to newly set a word that has not been registered. In this case, for example, when the word to be registered in the order table is confirmed, or when the operation screen in FIG. Then, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 16 is executed, and the new word is registered in the HDD or the like.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described using drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that the content of this invention is not restricted only to what was described here, and can take various forms. .

  For example, in the above embodiment, in the method using a plurality of buttons of the remote controller 116 or the method using the order table, a fixed character is used as a word assigned to the buttons of the remote controller 116 or a word registered in the order table. An example of setting a column is shown. However, this is not necessarily limited to fixed text, but is a variable text that changes with each chapter division operation, or a combination of fixed text and variable text. There may be.

  Specifically, for example, in the case of only variable words, by describing a wild card word meaning meaning a number, “1”, “2”, “3”... The number may be given as the chapter name.

  In addition, for example, in the case of a combination of a fixed wording and a variable wording, by describing a combination of a fixed word “chapter” and “number” and a wildcard word meaning a number, Each time a chapter is divided, it may be changed as “Chapter 1”, “Chapter 2”, “Chapter 3”, and so on.

  Further, the variable wording is not limited to a wild card word meaning a number, and for example, words such as “first half” and “second half” may be switched and used. Specifically, in combination with fixed phrases such as “main part”, “(” and “)”, the main part is divided into “main part (first half)”. The chapter name “(second half)” may be given.

  Furthermore, the order table created for the method of using the order table may be used in combination with the equally spaced chapter division in addition to associating with the buttons of the remote controller 116. In other words, chapter division may be performed at a fixed time interval selected by the user, and words described in the order table may be sequentially assigned as chapter names.

  Note that the contents handled in the present invention include not only video data but also contents composed of audio only data.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the two processes of chapter division and chapter name assignment can be performed simultaneously by one operation, the operability is improved. In addition, since the wording given as the chapter name is registered in the main body of the content recording / playback apparatus of the present invention, the operability when using the same wording as the chapter name is improved and the convenience of the user is improved. To do.

1 is a circuit configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a content recording / playback apparatus according to the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the operation button arrangement | sequence of the remote controller applied to the apparatus shown in FIG. The figure for demonstrating the relationship between the management information handled by the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and real video data. The figure which shows the outline | summary of the data structure of the entry point defined by DVD-VR specification. The flowchart for demonstrating the process which selects the mode of the chapter division process with a chapter name in the content recording / reproducing apparatus based on this invention. The flowchart for demonstrating the chapter division process with a chapter name by one mode selected in FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the chapter division process with a chapter name by the other mode selected in FIG. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the content recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the content recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the content recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the content recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the content recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the content recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the content recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the content recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. The flowchart for demonstrating the process which a user registers beforehand the wording used as a chapter name in the content recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure showing the outline | summary of the operation screen which allocates a word to the operation button of a remote controller in order to perform the process shown in FIG. The figure showing the outline | summary of the operation screen which produces the turntable of the wording set as a chapter name in order to perform the process shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Content recording / reproducing apparatus 101 ... Disc 102 ... HDD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 ... Disk drive part 104 ... HDD drive part 105 ... Data processor part 106 ... Encoder part 107 ... Decoder part 108 ... Microcomputer block 109 ... Buffer memory 110 ... Formatter 111 ... A / V input part 112 ... TV tuner part 113 ... Display 114: Key input unit 115: Infrared light receiving unit 116: Remote controller 117 ... Memory 118 ... STC
119 ... V mixing unit 120 ... Frame memory unit 121 ... I / F (interface)
122 ... D / A
123 ... Monitor 124 ... Selector 125 ... D / A
126 ... Speaker

Claims (7)

Partial area setting means for setting the partial area for the recorded content data and writing this as accessible management information;
Character string information holding means for holding character string information;
The partial area setting means is activated to set a partial area for the content data, and in conjunction with the activation, the character string information is read from the character string information holding means, and the character string information is Control means for executing a process of writing as the management information in association with the area set by the area setting means;
A content recording / reproducing apparatus comprising:   2. The content recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a character string information registering unit configured to store a character string selected from a plurality of character strings in advance with respect to the character string information holding unit.   The control means includes a plurality of operators assigned respectively to the character information held in the character string information holding means, and the partial area setting means is activated and activated by any operation of the operators. 3. The content recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the assigned character string information is written in association with the partial area set by the partial area setting means as the management information.   The control means includes an operation element for activating the partial area setting means, and holds the character string information each time the partial area is set by the partial area setting means activated by the operation of the operation element. 3. The content according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of character string information held in the means is selected in a predetermined order and written as the management information in association with the set partial area. Recording / playback device. In a content management method comprising a partial area setting step for performing a process of setting a partial area for content data recorded on a recording medium and writing this as accessible management information,
The partial area setting step is activated to set a partial area for the content data, and a plurality of character string information is stored in advance in conjunction with the activation of the partial area setting step. A content management method comprising: reading column information; and writing the read character string information as the management information in association with the region set by the partial region setting step. The step of writing the management information includes
Assigning character information held in the character string information holding means to a plurality of operators, respectively;
The management information is activated by activating the partial area setting step by any one of the plurality of operators and associating character string information assigned to the operator that has activated the partial area setting step with the set partial area. Step to write as
The content management method according to claim 5, further comprising: The step of writing the management information includes
The partial area setting step is started by operating the operator, and a plurality of character information held in the character string information holding means is selected in a predetermined order to correspond to the partial area set in the partial area setting step. The content management method according to claim 5, further comprising a step of writing as the management information.

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