JP2006166264A - Display device, recording medium, and display method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device, a recording medium and a display method, which reduces the time required for a user to select a play list file. <P>SOLUTION: There is recorded an identifier indicating which one of menu items is to be displayed by a menu pattern for each of (a) digital contents, (b) play list files designating the order of digital contents to be reproduced, (c) menu items for designating a play list file, and (d) menu pattern. A reproducing apparatus 100 comprises; a recording medium 200 wherein the identifier is menu item accessory information; an input means 107 for selecting a predetermined menu pattern in response to an instruction, from the outside, for selecting the predetermined menu pattern; and a display means 104 for displaying the menu item indicated by the identifier to be displayed by the selected predetermined menu pattern. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device, a recording medium, and a display method for reproducing digital content by using, for example, a playlist file in which the reproduction order of the digital content is recorded.

  In recent years, on a recording medium such as a DVD or a hard disk, together with the digital content, a management file in which the file name of the digital content is recorded in order to manage the digital content is recorded, and the management file in which the playback device is recorded is read. A function that allows a user to search for a desired digital content by displaying a list of file names of the digital content is realized.

  For example, in HighMAT (High Performance Media Access Technology), a playlist file in which the playback order of digital contents is recorded, and a hierarchical structure is managed according to the type and genre of the digital contents storing the playlist file. A function is realized in which a defined menu file is defined and recorded on a recording medium, and a playback device analyzes the menu file and displays a hierarchical menu screen (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Here, the data structure of the menu file 500 defined in HighMAT will be described with reference mainly to FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of a conventional menu file 500.

  The menu file 500 includes a file header section 501 and a menu information storage section 502.

  In the file header section 501, an offset information storage section 501a for the top menu and a menu number storage section 501b are defined.

  The top menu offset information storage unit 501a stores the top offset in the menu file 500 of the menu 502-1 corresponding to the top menu among the menus stored in the menu information storage unit 502.

  The total number of menus stored in the menu file 500 is stored in the menu number storage unit 501b. Here, since the two menus from the menu 502-1 to the menu 502-2 are stored in the menu information storage unit 502, 2 is stored in the menu number storage unit 501b.

  The menu information storage unit 502 defines an offset information storage unit 502a for the parent menu, a menu item number storage unit 502b, and a menu item unit 502c. The menu item unit 502c includes an offset to the child menu. An information storage unit 302d is defined.

  The menu item is an item such as “travel”, “music”, “news”, “sports”, etc. for designating one or more playlist files, and may be the playlist file itself. However, when the menu has a hierarchical structure, it may be a folder for storing menus existing in a lower hierarchy.

  The menu screen can display a corresponding playlist file, a thumbnail image representing a menu existing in a lower layer, and a unique item name. The menu item section 502c stored in the menu information storage section 502 can be displayed. Such information is also stored in.

  In the offset information storage unit 502a for the parent menu, the top offset in the menu file 500 of the parent menu storing the information of the menu screen to be displayed when moving from the corresponding menu screen to the next higher level is stored. Stored.

  The menu item number storage unit 502b stores the total number of menu items in the menu item unit 502c stored in one menu 502-n (n = 1, 2). The number of menu items stored in the menu item number storage unit 502b is used for page control when a large number of menu items are stored in the menu item unit 502c and the menu items in the menu item unit 502c are displayed over a plurality of pages. The

  In the offset information storage unit 502d for the child menu, the menu file 500 of the child menu that stores information of the menu screen to be displayed when the menu item is selected and moved to the next lower level from the corresponding menu screen. The first offset within is stored.

When a recording device, such as a HighMAT compatible player, that corresponds to a recording medium on which the menu file 500 is recorded is read, the menu file 500 is first analyzed and a menu screen is displayed, which is selected from the menu screen by a user operation. The digital content is reproduced based on the playlist file associated with the menu item.
JP 2000-76801 A

  However, in the conventional playback device described above, there are a large amount of digital contents and playlist files stored in the recording medium, and the number of layers defined in the menu file or registered in one menu screen. There are usually a large number of menu items.

  In such a case, the user must navigate through the menu screens and move between menu levels and menu items before searching for the desired playlist file and starting playback. was there.

  As a result, the conventional playback device described above has a problem that it may take a long time for the user to select a playlist file.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, the present invention provides, for example, a display device, a recording medium, and a display method that can reduce the time required for a user to select a playlist file. Objective.

The first aspect of the present invention is: (a) digital content; (b) a playlist file that specifies the playback order of the single or plural digital contents; and (c) a menu for specifying the single or plural playlist files. An item, and (d) for each of the singular or plural menu patterns, an identifier indicating whether the menu pattern should display one or plural menu items is recorded, A recording medium that is attached information of the menu item;
Selecting means for selecting the predetermined menu pattern in response to an instruction from the outside for selecting the predetermined menu pattern among the one or more menu patterns;
A display device comprising display means for displaying the menu item indicated by the identifier that the selected predetermined menu pattern should be displayed.

  The second aspect of the present invention is the display device according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising identifier setting changing means for setting or changing the identifier according to an instruction from the outside.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, (a) a digital content, (b) a playlist file that specifies the playback order of the one or more digital contents, and (c) a menu for specifying the one or more playlist files. An item, and (d) for each of the singular or plural menu patterns, an identifier indicating whether the menu pattern should display one or plural menu items is recorded, A recording medium, which is information attached to the menu item,
The predetermined menu pattern is selected in response to an instruction from the outside for selecting the predetermined menu pattern among the one or more menu patterns.
A recording medium on which the menu item indicated by the identifier indicates that the selected predetermined menu pattern is to be displayed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, (a) digital content, (b) a playlist file that designates the reproduction order of the single or plural digital contents, and (c) a menu for designating the single or plural playlist files. An item, and (d) for each of the one or more menu patterns, an identifier is recorded indicating which of the menu items the menu pattern should be displayed, wherein the identifier is A selection that selects the predetermined menu pattern according to an instruction from the outside for selecting a predetermined menu pattern of the one or more menu patterns from a recording medium that is ancillary information of the menu item Steps,
A display step including displaying the menu item indicated by the identifier that the selected predetermined menu pattern is to be displayed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the display method of the fourth aspect of the present invention, (a) a digital content, (b) a playlist file that specifies the playback order of the one or more digital contents, (c) the singular or plural A menu item for designating the playlist file, and (d) for each of the one or more menu patterns, indicating whether the menu pattern should display one or more of the menu items An identifier is recorded, and the identifier is ancillary information of the menu item, in response to an instruction from the outside for selecting a predetermined menu pattern of the one or more menu patterns from a recording medium, A selecting step for selecting the predetermined menu pattern; and the selected predetermined menu pattern. Displaying the menu item indicated by the identifier and over emissions should be displayed, a program for executing a display step in the computer.

  The sixth aspect of the present invention is a recording medium that records the program of the fifth aspect of the present invention, and is a recording medium that can be processed by a computer.

  The present invention has an advantage that, for example, it takes less time for a user to select a playlist file.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the configuration of the playback device 100 and the recording medium 200 of the present embodiment will be described with reference mainly to FIG. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the playback apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  More specifically, the playback apparatus 100 is a PC, a CD player, a DVD player, a DVD recorder, or the like that plays back digital content recorded on a hard disk, various memories, etc., and the recording medium 200 is a CD-ROM / RW. , DVD, etc.

  The reproduction apparatus 100 includes a data acquisition unit 101, an analysis unit 102, a display data creation unit 103, a display unit 104, a control unit 105, a reproduction unit 106, and an input unit 107.

  In addition, a plurality of digital contents 201, a plurality of playlist files 202, and a menu file 300 are recorded on the recording medium 200.

  The types of digital contents 201 include audio files such as MP3 and WMA (Windows (registered trademark) Media Audio), image files such as JPEG, and video files such as WMV (Windows Media Video). The recording medium 200 includes: One or more types of these digital contents are recorded.

  The data acquisition unit 101 is a unit that reads the digital content 201, the playlist file 202, and the menu file 300 from the recording medium 200 and inputs them to the analysis unit 102.

  The analysis unit 102 is a unit that analyzes the digital content 201, the playlist file 202, and the menu file 300 input from the data acquisition unit 101. The analysis unit 102 is a unit that analyzes the menu file 300 input from the data acquisition unit 101 and analyzes the menu pattern recorded in the menu file 300. The analysis unit 102 is a unit that notifies the display data creation unit 103 that a menu pattern selection screen is to be created using the analyzed menu pattern. The analysis unit 102 is a unit that analyzes the menu file 300 input from the data acquisition unit 101 and notifies the display data creation unit 103 that a menu screen is to be created. The analysis unit 102 is a unit that inputs the menu pattern selection screen displayed on the display unit 104 and information necessary for controlling the menu screen to the control unit 105. Also, the analysis unit 102 notifies the data acquisition unit 101 that the data of the playlist file 202 and the digital content 201 is acquired in response to the input input from the control unit 105, and the play acquired by the data acquisition unit 101 is transmitted. This is means for analyzing the list file 202 and the digital content 201.

  The display data creation unit 103 is a unit that creates a menu screen or menu pattern selection screen to be displayed on the display unit 104 using the menu pattern or information about the menu input from the analysis unit 102 and inputs the menu screen to the display unit 104. .

  The display unit 104 is a CRT, a liquid crystal display, or the like, and is a unit that displays a menu screen, a menu pattern selection screen, or the like input from the display data creation unit 103.

  The control means 105 uses the menu pattern selection screen input from the analysis means 102 and the information necessary for controlling the menu screen, and the playlist file 202 selected on the menu screen displayed on the display means 104 and the display. It is means for managing the menu screen page, hierarchy information, and the like, and managing the menu pattern selected on the menu pattern selection screen. The control unit 105 is a unit that inputs information related to the playlist file 202 corresponding to the information input from the input unit 107 to the analysis unit 102. The control unit 105 is a unit that controls the reproduction of the playlist file 202 of the reproduction unit 106.

  The reproduction means 106 is means for starting reproduction of the designated playlist file 202 when notified from the control means 105 that the playlist file 202 is reproduced.

  The input unit 107 may be a remote control key, an operation button attached to the playback device 100, a cursor key, a numeric key, or the like, and an input for the user to operate the playback device 100. Is a possible means. The input unit 107 is a unit that inputs information input from the user to the control unit 105.

  Although not shown, the playback apparatus 100 includes a disk drive that can read the recording medium 200.

  Although not shown, the playback apparatus 100 holds a memory that can temporarily store data such as the read menu file 300 and other files.

  The recording medium of the present invention corresponds to the recording medium 200, the selection unit of the present invention corresponds to the input unit 107, and the display unit of the present invention corresponds to the display unit 104. The display device of the present invention corresponds to the playback device 100.

  Here, the data structure of the menu file 300 recorded on the recording medium 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference mainly to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the menu file 300 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The menu file 300 collects information of the playlist file 202 recorded on the recording medium 200 and manages it using a hierarchical structure.

  Such a hierarchical structure may be in accordance with the folder structure in which the playlist file 202 is recorded on the recording medium 200, or the playlist file 202 is classified into genres and the like. It may be assigned a hierarchy or menu item.

  The file format of the menu file 300 may be a binary format in which the meaning of information is defined for each bit and data of a determined length, and the data is recorded in order, It may be a text file in which property information or the like is recorded with numbers or character strings, or may be in other formats.

  The menu file 300 includes a file header section 301 and a menu information storage section 302.

  In the file header section 301, an offset information storage section 301a for the top menu, a menu number storage section 301b, and a menu pattern number storage section 303c are defined.

  The top menu offset information storage unit 301a stores the top offset in the menu file 300 of the menu 302-1 corresponding to the top menu among the menus stored in the menu information storage unit 302.

  The total number of menus stored in the menu file 300 is stored in the menu number storage unit 301b. Here, since two menus from the menu 302-1 to the menu 302-2 are stored in the menu information storage unit 302, 2 is stored in the menu number storage unit 301b.

  The number of menu patterns registered in the menu file 300 is stored in the menu pattern number storage unit 303c. Here, since two menu patterns of “menu pattern A” and “menu pattern B” are registered, 2 is stored in the menu pattern number storage section 303c.

  The menu information storage unit 302 defines an offset information storage unit 302a for a parent menu, a menu item number storage unit 302b, and a menu item unit 302c. The menu item unit 302c includes an offset to a child menu. An information storage unit 302d and a display setting unit 302e are defined.

  As described above, the menu item is an item such as “travel”, “music”, “news”, “sports”, etc. for specifying one or more playlist files, and the playlist file itself. If the menu has a hierarchical structure, it may be a folder for storing a menu that exists in a lower hierarchy.

  The menu screen can display a corresponding playlist file, a thumbnail image representing a menu existing in a lower layer, and a unique item name. The menu item portion 302c stores such information. Yes.

  In the offset information storage unit 302a for the parent menu, the top offset in the menu file 300 of the parent menu storing the information of the menu screen to be displayed when moving from the corresponding menu screen to the next higher level is stored. Stored.

  The menu item number storage unit 302b stores the total number of menu items in the menu item unit 302c stored in one menu 302-n (n = 1, 2). The number of menu items stored in the menu item number storage unit 302b is used for page control when a large number of menu items are stored in the menu item unit 302c and the menu items in the menu item unit 302c are displayed over a plurality of pages. The

  In the offset information storage unit 302d for the child menu, the menu file 300 of the child menu that stores information on the menu screen to be displayed when the menu item is selected and moved to the next lower level from the corresponding menu screen. The first offset within is stored.

  In the display setting unit 302e, whether or not to display each menu item is set for each menu pattern using “1” representing display and “0” representing non-display.

  Next, the operations of the playback apparatus 100 and the recording medium 200 of the present embodiment will be described with reference mainly to FIGS. 3 to 5, and an embodiment of the display method of the present invention will also be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the playback apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) for explaining a menu pattern selection screen and a menu display screen displayed by the playback device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (No. 2) for explaining the menu pattern selection screen and the menu display screen displayed by the playback device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The playback apparatus 100 acquires the menu file 300 from the recording medium 200, analyzes the menu pattern, creates a menu screen to be displayed from the specified menu pattern, displays it on the display means 104, and displays it on the display means 104 by the user. A flow of processing for reproducing the playlist file 202 selected from the menu screen that has been reproduced by the reproduction means 106 will be described.

  S101: When the recording medium 200 is loaded into the playback apparatus 100, the data acquisition unit 101 acquires the menu file 300 recorded on the recording medium 200 and inputs it to the analysis unit 102.

  The analysis unit 102 analyzes the menu file 300 input from the data acquisition unit 101, analyzes the number of registered menu patterns stored in the menu pattern number storage unit 301c of the menu file 300, and stores the registered menu pattern. Check the number.

  S102 to S108: When the number of registered menu patterns stored in the menu pattern number storage unit 301c of the menu file 300 is 1 or more, the analysis unit 102 creates information about the registered menu patterns as display data. Input to the means 103 and notify the display data creation means 103 to create a menu pattern selection screen.

  When the number of registered menu patterns stored in the menu pattern number storage unit 301 c of the menu file 300 is 0, the analysis unit 102 stores the offset information storage unit 301 a for the top menu of the file header unit 301 of the menu file 300. Based on the offset, the data of the menu 302-1 which is the top menu and, if necessary, information on other menus are input to the display data creation means 103, and a menu screen using all menu items Is notified to the display data creating means 103.

  When the information about the menu pattern is input from the analysis unit 102 and the display data creation unit 103 is notified that the menu pattern selection screen is to be created, the display data creation unit 103 creates the menu pattern selection screen using the information about the input menu pattern. Then, the information is input to the display unit 104 to notify the display unit 104 of display.

  When the display unit 104 receives the menu pattern selection screen from the display data creation unit 103 and is notified that the menu pattern selection screen is displayed, the display unit 104 displays the menu pattern selection screen (S102 to S103).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the menu pattern selection screen M100 is instructed to display a selection button M100a indicating “menu pattern A”, a selection button M100b indicating “menu pattern B”, and all menus. A selection button M100c indicating “all menus” to be displayed is displayed.

  The analysis unit 104 inputs information for controlling the displayed menu pattern selection screen to the control unit 105.

  When the menu pattern selection screen is displayed on the display unit 104, the user selects a menu pattern to be displayed by a predetermined operation of the input unit 107 (S104 to S105).

  The control unit 105 controls the menu pattern selection screen based on the operation content input by the user from the input unit 107 based on the information for controlling the menu pattern selection screen input from the analysis unit 102.

  Further, the control unit 105 inputs information on the selection item selected by the user through a predetermined operation of the input unit 107 to the analysis unit 102.

  X1 when the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “menu pattern A”, X2 when “menu pattern B”, and X3 when “all menu” is described.

  (X1) When the user's selection item input from the control unit 105 is “menu pattern A”, the analysis unit 102 selects the menu among the display setting information set in the display setting unit 302e of the menu item unit 302c. A menu item designated to be displayed in the pattern A and information related to the menu item in the menu item portion 302c are input to the display data creating means 103, and a menu screen is created using the information. The display data creation means 103 is notified.

  When information related to the menu designated to be displayed with the menu pattern A is input from the analysis unit 102, the display data generation unit 103 generates a menu screen using the input information and inputs it to the display unit 104. Then, the display unit 104 is notified that the menu screen is to be displayed.

  When notified that the display data creation unit 103 displays the menu screen, the display unit 104 displays the menu screen M101 (see FIG. 4) input from the display data creation unit 103 (S106).

  In the menu # 1, the menu items displayed in the menu pattern A are the menu item # 1 “travel”, the menu item # 3 “news”, and the menu item # 4 “sport” (see FIG. 2).

  The analysis unit 102 inputs information for controlling the displayed menu screen to the control unit 105.

  (X2) When the user's selection item input from the control unit 105 is “menu pattern B”, the analysis unit 102 selects the menu among the display setting information set in the display setting unit 302e of the menu item unit 302c. A menu item designated to be displayed in the pattern B and information related to the menu item in the menu item portion 302c are input to the display data creating means 103, and a menu screen is created using the information. The display data creation means 103 is notified.

  When information related to the menu designated to be displayed in the menu pattern B is input from the analysis unit 102, the display data generation unit 103 generates a menu screen using the input information and inputs it to the display unit 104. Then, the display unit 104 is notified that the menu screen is to be displayed.

  When notified that the display data creation unit 103 displays the menu screen, the display unit 104 displays the menu screen M104 (see FIG. 4) input from the display data creation unit 103 (S107).

  In the menu # 1, the menu items displayed in the menu pattern B are the menu item # 2 “music” and the menu item # 4 “sport” (see FIG. 2).

  The analysis unit 102 inputs information for controlling the displayed menu screen to the control unit 105.

  (X3) When the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “all menus”, the analysis means 102 provides information related to all menu items in the menu file 300 and the menu items in the menu item portion 302c. Is input to the display data creating means 103, and the display data creating means 103 is notified that the menu screen is to be created using the information.

  When information related to a menu designated to be displayed as “all menus” is input from the analysis unit 102, the display data generation unit 103 generates a menu screen using the input information, and displays it on the display unit 104. The display unit 104 is notified that the menu screen is displayed.

  When the display means 104 is notified that the menu screen is displayed from the display data creation means 103, the display means 104 displays the menu screen M200 (see FIG. 5) input from the display data creation means 103 (S108).

  For example, menu item # 1 “travel”, menu item # 2 “music”, menu item # 3 “news”, and menu item # 4 “sports” are displayed as menu items displayed in “all menus”. There are four (see FIG. 2).

  The analysis unit 102 inputs information for controlling the displayed menu screen to the control unit 105.

  The case where the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “menu pattern A” is described as X1, “menu pattern B” as X2, and “all menu” as X3.

  When the menu screen is displayed on the display unit 104 in this way, the user selects a desired menu item by a predetermined operation of the input unit 107.

  The control unit 105 controls the menu screen based on the operation content input by the user from the input unit 107 based on the information for controlling the menu screen input from the analysis unit 102.

  Further, the control unit 105 inputs information on the menu item selected by the user to the analysis unit 102.

  S109: Y1 when the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is "menu pattern A", Y2 when "menu pattern B", and Y3 when "all menu" are described.

  (Y1) When the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “menu pattern A”, in the menu screen M101 (see FIG. 4), menu item # 4 “sports” in the menu item portion 302c (see FIG. 2) And the menu item button M102a corresponding to the menu item # 24 “Volleyball” in the menu item portion 302c ′ (see FIG. 2) is selected on the menu screen M102 displayed next. .

  (Y2) When the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “menu pattern B”, the menu item # 4 “sports” in the menu item portion 302c (see FIG. 2) is displayed on the menu screen M104 (see FIG. 4). And the menu item button M105a corresponding to the menu item # 24 “Volleyball” in the menu item portion 302c ′ (see FIG. 2) is selected on the menu screen M105 displayed next. .

  (Y3) When the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “all menu”, menu item # 4 “sports” in the menu item portion 302c (see FIG. 2) on the menu screen M201 (see FIG. 5). The menu item button M201a corresponding to the menu item M201a is selected, then the menu screens M202 to M205 are moved, and finally the menu item # 24 “Volleyball” in the menu item portion 302c ′ (see FIG. 2) of the menu screen M205 is selected. The menu item button M205a corresponding to "" is selected.

  The case where the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “menu pattern A” is described as Y1, “menu pattern B” as Y2, and “all menu” as Y3.

  S110: The analysis unit 102 analyzes the information of the menu item input from the control unit 105, specifies the playlist file 202 associated with the corresponding menu item, and the corresponding playlist file 202 from the recording medium 200. Is notified to the data acquisition means 101.

  When the data acquisition unit 101 is notified that the playlist file 202 is acquired from the analysis unit 102, the data acquisition unit 101 acquires the designated playlist file 202 from the recording medium 200 and inputs it to the analysis unit 102.

  When the playlist file 202 is input from the data acquisition unit 101, the analysis unit 102 inputs the playlist file 202 to the control unit 105.

  The control unit 105 inputs the playlist file 202 input from the analysis unit 102 to the playback unit 106 and notifies that playback according to the playlist file 202 is started.

  When the playback unit 106 is notified from the control unit 105 that playback according to the playlist file 202 is started, the playback unit 106 starts playback of the digital content 201 according to the playlist file 202.

  S111: Z1 when the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “menu pattern A”, Z2 when “menu pattern B”, and Z3 when “all menu” are described.

  (Z1) When the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “menu pattern A”, the digital content 201 corresponding to the playlist file 202 is reproduced on the menu screen M103 (see FIG. 4).

  (Z2) When the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “menu pattern B”, the digital content 201 corresponding to the playlist file 202 is reproduced on the menu screen M106 (see FIG. 4).

  (Z3) When the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “menu pattern B”, the digital content 201 corresponding to the playlist file 202 is reproduced on the menu screen M206 (see FIG. 5).

  The case where the user's selection item input from the control means 105 is “menu pattern A” Z1, “menu pattern B” Z2 and “all menu” Z3 has been described.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to display a menu screen using only predetermined menu items in order for the user to search for a desired playlist file, and a plurality of playlists can be displayed. The search time for selecting a desired playlist file from the file can be shortened, and the operability of the device can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)
First, the configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 and the recording medium 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference mainly to FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  More specifically, the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 is a PC, a CD player, a DVD player, a DVD recorder, or the like that reproduces digital content recorded in a hard disk, various memories, or the like.

  The recording / playback apparatus 400 includes a data acquisition unit 401, an analysis unit 402, a display data creation unit 403, a display unit 404, a control unit 405, a playback unit 406, an input unit 407, and a menu file creation unit 408. , And recording means 409.

  Further, as described above, a plurality of digital contents 201, a plurality of playlist files 202, and a menu file 300 are recorded on the recording medium 200.

  Data acquisition means 401, analysis means 402, display data creation means 403, display means 404, control means 405, reproduction means 406, input means 407 in the present embodiment, and data acquisition means 101 in the first embodiment described above, analysis The means 102, the display data creation means 103, the display means 104, the control means 105, the reproduction means 106, and the input means 107 are the same components having the same functions.

  Therefore, the configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 will be described mainly with respect to differences from the configuration of the reproducing apparatus 100.

  The display unit 404 determines whether or not to newly register a playlist file being played back or a menu item being selected on the menu screen by a predetermined operation of the user during playback of the playlist file or menu screen display. This is means for displaying a menu registration screen for making an inquiry.

  The control unit 405 is a unit that controls the menu registration screen by a user's predetermined operation from the input unit 407. The control unit 405 is a unit that inputs the selection item input from the input unit 407 by the user's predetermined operation while the menu registration screen is displayed to the analysis unit 402. The control means 405 is a means for notifying the menu file creation means 408 that a menu file will be created.

  When the selection item selected by the user is input from the control unit 405, the analysis unit 402 identifies information to be updated among the pieces of information in the menu information storage unit 302 of the menu file 300, and information to be updated. The update contents are input to the menu file creation means 408 and notify the menu file creation means 408 that the menu file 300 is to be updated.

  When the information to be updated and the update contents are input from the control unit 405 and the menu file creation unit 408 is notified that the menu file 300 is to be created, the information to be updated input from the analysis unit 402 and the update This is a means for updating the menu file 300 based on the contents, creating the menu file 300b and inputting it to the recording means 409, and notifying the recording means 409 that the menu file 300b is to be recorded on the recording medium 200.

  The recording unit 409 is a unit that records the menu file 300 b input from the menu file creation unit 408 on the recording medium 200 when the menu file creation unit 408 notifies that the menu file is to be recorded on the recording medium 200.

  The identifier setting changing unit of the present invention corresponds to the input unit 407. The display device of the present invention corresponds to the recording / reproducing device 400.

  Next, the operations of the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 and the recording medium 200 of the present embodiment will be described with reference mainly to FIGS. 7 to 10, and an embodiment of the display method of the present invention will also be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (No. 1) for explaining a menu registration inquiry screen displayed by the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (No. 2) for explaining the menu registration inquiry screen displayed by the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a menu pattern selection screen and a menu display screen displayed by the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  A flow of processing in which the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 updates the menu file 300 according to the input content from the input unit 407 to create the menu file 300b and records the updated menu file 300b on the recording medium 200 will be described.

  S201 to S205: The case where the digital content 201 is reproduced using the playlist file 202 (1) and the case where the menu item is displayed on the menu display screen (2) will be described.

  (1) When the digital content 201 is reproduced using the playlist file 202, the control unit 405 is used for reproducing the digital content in accordance with a predetermined input from the user input unit 407. The display means 404 is notified that a message for inquiring whether to register the menu item “travel” having the play list file as a menu is displayed.

  When the display unit 404 is notified by the control unit 405 that a message for inquiring whether or not to register a menu is displayed, a message for inquiring whether or not to register a menu and “yes” for selecting whether to register or not are registered by the user. "And" No "selection items are displayed using the message screen M300 (see FIG. 8) (S201).

  The user inputs whether or not the menu item “travel” is registered in the menu by a predetermined operation from the input unit 407.

  The user selects the selection item “Yes” by clicking the selection button M300a (see FIG. 8) when registering the menu item “travel” as a menu, and selects the selection button M300b (see FIG. 8) when not registering the menu. Click to select the selection item “No”.

  The input unit 407 inputs the selection item selected by the user to the control unit 405.

  When the selection item input from the input unit 407 is “Yes”, the control unit 405 notifies the analysis unit 402 that the menu pattern information registered in the menu file is input to the display data generation unit 403. . Further, when the analysis unit 402 is notified by the control unit 405 that the menu pattern is input to the display data creation unit 403, the analysis unit 402 inputs the menu pattern to the display data creation unit 403, and uses the input information to enter the menu pattern. The display data creation means 403 is notified that the selection screen is to be created.

  Of course, when the selection item input from the input unit 407 is “No”, the control unit 405 returns to the normal play list file playback screen and ends the menu registration process (S203).

  When the display data creation means 403 receives the menu pattern from the analysis means 402 and is notified that the menu pattern selection screen is to be created, the display data creation means 403 creates and displays the menu pattern selection screen using the input menu pattern. The information is input to the means 404 and the display means 404 is notified that the menu pattern selection screen is displayed.

  When the display unit 404 receives the menu pattern selection screen from the display data creation unit 403 and is notified to display it, the display unit 404 displays the menu pattern selection screen M301 (see FIG. 8) (S204).

  The user selects a menu pattern for registering a menu item “travel” having a playlist file used for reproduction of digital content from the menu pattern selection screen by a predetermined operation from the input unit 407.

  When registering to a menu pattern that has already been registered, “menu pattern A” of M301a (see FIG. 8) or “menu pattern B” of M301b (see FIG. 8), which is an existing menu pattern, is selected.

  When a new menu pattern is to be created, the “menu pattern C” of M301c (see FIG. 8), which is a new menu pattern, is selected. When “new registration” is selected, information on “menu pattern C” can be registered later.

  The input unit 407 inputs the selection item selected by the user to the control unit 405 (S205).

  (2) When the menu item is displayed on the menu display screen, the control unit 405 responds to a predetermined input from the user input unit 407 and the menu item “travel” selected in advance on the menu display screen. "Is notified to the display means 404 that a message for inquiring whether or not to register the menu is displayed.

  When the display unit 404 is notified by the control unit 405 that a message for inquiring whether or not to register a menu is displayed, a message for inquiring whether or not to register a menu and “yes” for selecting whether to register or not are registered by the user. "And" No "selection items are displayed using the message screen M400 (see FIG. 9) (S201).

  The user inputs whether or not the menu item “travel” is registered in the menu by a predetermined operation from the input unit 407.

  When the menu item “travel” is registered in the menu, the user selects the selection item “Yes” by clicking the selection button M400a (see FIG. 9). When the menu item “travel” is not registered, the user selects the selection button M400b (see FIG. 9). ) To select the selection item “No”.

  The input unit 407 inputs the selection item selected by the user to the control unit 405.

  When the selection item input from the input unit 407 is “Yes”, the control unit 405 notifies the analysis unit 402 that the menu pattern information registered in the menu file is input to the display data generation unit 403. . Further, when the analysis unit 402 is notified by the control unit 405 that the menu pattern is input to the display data creation unit 403, the analysis unit 402 inputs the menu pattern to the display data creation unit 403, and uses the input information to enter the menu pattern. The display data creation means 403 is notified that the selection screen is to be created.

  Of course, if the selection item input from the input unit 407 is “No”, the control unit 405 returns to the original menu display screen and ends the menu registration process (S203).

  When the display data creation means 403 receives the menu pattern from the analysis means 402 and is notified that the menu pattern selection screen is to be created, the display data creation means 403 creates and displays the menu pattern selection screen using the input menu pattern. The information is input to the means 404 and the display means 404 is notified that the menu pattern selection screen is displayed.

  When the display unit 404 receives the menu pattern selection screen from the display data creation unit 403 and is notified to display it, the display unit 404 displays the menu pattern selection screen M401 (see FIG. 9) (S204).

  The user selects a menu pattern for registering the menu item “travel” selected on the menu display screen from the menu pattern selection screen by a predetermined operation from the input unit 407.

  When registering in the already registered menu pattern, “menu pattern A” of M401a (see FIG. 9) or “menu pattern B” of M401b (see FIG. 9) is selected.

  When a new menu pattern is created, the “menu pattern C” of M401c (see FIG. 9), which is a new menu pattern, is selected. When “new registration” is selected, information on “menu pattern C” can be registered later.

  The input unit 407 inputs the selection item selected by the user to the control unit 405 (S205).

  The case where the digital content 201 is reproduced using the playlist file 202 (1) and the case where the menu item is displayed on the menu display screen (2) have been described.

  When the selection item input from the input unit 407 is a menu pattern that has already been registered, the control unit 405 stores the data for setting display / non-display of the selected menu pattern in the menu information storage unit 302 ( The display setting unit 302e of FIG. 2) updates the menu file 300 to notify the menu file creation means 408 that the menu file 300 is updated.

  When the selection item input from the input unit 407 is a new menu pattern, the control unit 405 increases the value of the menu pattern number storage unit 301c (see FIG. 2) by 1 and the display setting unit 302e (see FIG. 2). 2) add new data to set the display / non-display of the new menu pattern, set the selected menu item “Travel” to display, and set the other menu items to non-display The menu file creation means 408 is notified that the menu file 300 (see FIG. 2) is to be updated (S206).

  Thus, when notified from the control means 405 that the menu file 300 is to be updated, the menu file creation means 408 causes the menu file to be updated according to the content of the notification according to whether or not the above-mentioned selection item has already been registered. 300 is changed to create a menu file 300b.

  In addition, the menu file creation unit 408 notifies the recording unit 309 that the updated menu file 300b is to be recorded on the recording medium 200 (S207, 208).

  When notified from the menu file creation means 308 that the updated menu file 300b is to be recorded on the recording medium 200, the recording means 309 records the updated menu file 300b on the recording medium 200 (S209).

  A case where the digital content 201 is reproduced using the playlist file 202 (1) and a case where the menu item is displayed on the menu display screen (2) will be described.

  (1) When the digital content 201 is reproduced using the playlist file 202, the menu pattern registration notification screen M302 (see FIG. 8) notifies that the menu pattern has been registered.

  (2) When the menu item is displayed on the menu display screen, the menu pattern registration notification screen M402 (see FIG. 9) notifies that the menu pattern has been registered.

  The case where the digital content 201 is reproduced using the playlist file 202 (1) and the case where the menu item is displayed on the menu display screen (2) have been described.

  Of course, for example, when “menu pattern C” is newly registered, “menu pattern C” is displayed on the menu pattern selection screen M500 (see FIG. 10) displayed when the menu file 300b is read by a playback device or the like. The selection button M500c is newly displayed in addition to the selection button M500a for "menu pattern A" and the selection button M500b for "menu pattern B".

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the time taken to select a set menu item, and it is possible to improve user operability.

  The first and second embodiments have been described in detail above.

  (A) In the embodiment of the present invention, the playlist file may designate the same digital content any number of times. For audio and video digital content, different playback start times and playback stop times may be set for the same digital content each time it is specified. Even in such a case, it can be considered that there are substantially a plurality of digital contents as contents having different reproduction start times and reproduction stop times, but there is only one digital content as a file recorded on a recording medium. It can be one.

  (B) In the embodiment of the present invention, the same playlist file may be designated as the menu file any number of times. With regard to a playlist file in which a plurality of digital contents are registered, reproduction of different digital contents may be designated every time the same playlist file is designated. Even in such a case, it can be considered that there are substantially a plurality of playlist files that specify reproduction of different digital contents, but there may be only one playlist file as a file recorded on the recording medium. is there.

  (C) In the embodiment of the present invention, the menu item may directly refer to the digital content. Of course, even in such a case, it can be considered that the menu item refers to a playlist file in which only one digital content is registered.

  (D) In the embodiment of the present invention, the analysis of the menu pattern of the menu file and the analysis of the display / non-display of each menu item are performed as a dedicated menu analysis provided as a separate device from the general-purpose analysis means. Means may do.

  (E) The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the operation of all or part of the steps of the display method of the present invention described above, and is a program that operates in cooperation with the computer. .

  The recording medium of the present invention is a recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute all or some of the steps of the display method of the present invention described above, and is readable by the computer. The read program is a recording medium for executing the operation in cooperation with the computer.

  The “partial steps” of the present invention means one or several steps out of the plurality of steps.

  The “step operation” of the present invention means the operation of all or part of the step.

  Further, one usage form of the program of the present invention may be an aspect in which the program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and operates in cooperation with the computer.

  Further, one usage form of the program of the present invention may be an aspect in which the program is transmitted through a transmission medium, read by a computer, and operated in cooperation with the computer.

  The recording medium includes a ROM and the like, and the transmission medium includes a transmission medium such as the Internet, light, radio waves, sound waves, and the like.

  The computer of the present invention described above is not limited to pure hardware such as a CPU, and may include firmware, an OS, and peripheral devices.

  As described above, the configuration of the present invention may be realized by software or hardware.

  The display device, the recording medium, and the display method according to the present invention are useful because, for example, it takes less time for the user to select a playlist file.

Functional block diagram of playback apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Explanatory drawing which showed the data structure of the menu file 300 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus 100 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the menu pattern selection screen and menu display screen which the reproducing | regenerating apparatus 100 concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention displays (the 1) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the menu pattern selection screen and menu display screen which the reproducing | regenerating apparatus 100 concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention displays (the 2) Functional block diagram of recording / reproducing apparatus 400 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Flowchart for explaining the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the menu registration inquiry screen which the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention displays (the 1) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the menu registration inquiry screen which the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention displays (the 2) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the menu pattern selection screen and menu display screen which the recording / reproducing apparatus 400 which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention displays. Explanatory drawing which showed the data structure of the conventional menu file 500

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Playback apparatus 101 Data acquisition means 102 Analysis means 103 Display data creation means 104 Display means 105 Analysis means 106 Playback means 107 Input means 200 Recording medium 201 Digital content 202 Playlist file 300 Menu file 400 Recording / playback apparatus 401 Data acquisition means 402 Analysis Means 403 Display data creation means 404 Display means 405 Analysis means 406 Playback means 407 Input means 408 Menu file creation means 409 Recording means

Claims (6)

(A) digital content, (b) a playlist file that specifies the playback order of the single or multiple digital contents, (c) a menu item for specifying the single or multiple playlist files, and (d) a single Alternatively, for each of a plurality of menu patterns, an identifier indicating whether the menu pattern should be displayed in one or more of the menu items is recorded, and the identifier is information attached to the menu item. A recording medium,
Selecting means for selecting the predetermined menu pattern in response to an instruction from the outside for selecting the predetermined menu pattern among the one or more menu patterns;
A display device comprising: display means for displaying the menu item indicated by the identifier that the selected predetermined menu pattern is to be displayed.   The display device according to claim 1, further comprising an identifier setting changing unit configured to set or change the identifier according to an instruction from the outside. (A) digital content, (b) a playlist file that specifies the playback order of the single or multiple digital contents, (c) a menu item for specifying the single or multiple playlist files, and (d) a single Alternatively, for each of a plurality of menu patterns, an identifier indicating whether the menu pattern should be displayed in one or more of the menu items is recorded, and the identifier is information attached to the menu item. A recording medium,
The predetermined menu pattern is selected in response to an instruction from the outside for selecting the predetermined menu pattern among the one or more menu patterns.
A recording medium on which the menu item indicated by the identifier is displayed that the selected predetermined menu pattern should be displayed. (A) digital content, (b) a playlist file that specifies the playback order of the single or multiple digital contents, (c) a menu item for specifying the single or multiple playlist files, and (d) a single Alternatively, for each of the plurality of menu patterns, an identifier indicating whether the menu pattern is to be displayed among one or a plurality of the menu items is recorded, and the identifier is information attached to the menu item. A selection step of selecting the predetermined menu pattern from a recording medium according to an instruction from the outside for selecting the predetermined menu pattern among the one or more menu patterns;
A display method comprising: a display step of displaying the menu item indicated by the identifier that the selected predetermined menu pattern is to be displayed.   5. The display method according to claim 4, wherein (a) digital content, (b) a playlist file that specifies the playback order of the digital content or the plurality of digital content, and (c) one or more playlist files are specified. And (d) for each of the singular or plural menu patterns, an identifier indicating whether the menu pattern should be displayed among the singular or plural menu items is recorded, The identifier is information attached to the menu item, and the predetermined menu pattern is selected from a recording medium in response to an external instruction for selecting the predetermined menu pattern from the one or more menu patterns. And a selection step and the selected predetermined menu pattern are displayed. Wherein displaying a menu item, a program for executing a display step in the computer indicated by the identifier to be the Ki. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 is recorded, wherein the recording medium can be processed by a computer.

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