JP2009038811A - Recording medium for digital information including video information, recording method employing the medium playback method, and playback device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management system for digital information including video information. <P>SOLUTION: An information storage medium used in the present management system is capable of recording thereon one or more programs (PG#2 and others) including groups (VOG#B, VOG#E, VOG#F) of a video object constituted of prescribed control information (RTR_VMG) and one or more still pictures (B1-B80; B81-B99; B100-B162). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a management system for digital information including video information such as moving images and still images.

There is a digital camera that digitally records still image information. Digitally recorded still image information is used for menu images and the like in DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) video for digitally recording / reproducing moving image information in addition to a digital camera (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-182013.

  In a digital camera, each captured still image is stored as a separate file. Thus, when the still image information for each sheet is divided and stored in individual files, the following inconvenience occurs.

That is,
a) Since grouping is not performed for similar still image contents or for each still image taken at the same time, management and retrieval of individual still images becomes complicated. For example, since it is necessary to open a file separately to check the contents of individual still image information, it takes time to check the contents.

  b) When a plurality of still image information is to be handled in a recordable / reproducible DVD_RTR (real time recording) system, compatibility and continuity with the DVD video system cannot be maintained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a management system for digital information including video information.

  Alternatively, the purpose is to ensure consistency or continuity of recording format and management information between a moving image and a still image in a DVD_RTR recording / playback system that ensures a certain degree of compatibility and continuity with DVD video. Another object of the present invention is to provide a digital information management system capable of handling a plurality of still image information.

  The information recording medium (1001 in FIG. 1) used in the management system according to the present invention includes one or more including predetermined control information (RTR_VMG in FIG. 39) and one or more still images (B1 to B162 in FIG. 41). The program (PG # 2 etc. in FIG. 41) can be recorded.

  In the predetermined control information (RTR_VMG / PGI / PG_TY in FIG. 39), protect information for prohibiting erasing (rewritable) of the program can be stored in units of the program (PG # 2 in FIG. 41). It has become.

  The information storage medium (1001 in FIG. 1) used in the management system according to the present invention includes predetermined control information (RTR_VMG in FIG. 39) and one or more still images (B1 to B80 in FIG. 41; B81 to B99). ; B100 to B162) can record one or more programs (PG # 2 in FIG. 41, etc.) including a group of video objects (VOG # B, VOG # E, VOG # F in FIG. 41). Yes.

  The video object group is temporarily erased in a unit including the video object group (VOG # C, VOG # F in FIG. 41) in the predetermined control information (RTR_VMG / S_VOGI # / S_VOB_ENT_TY in FIG. 40). Temporary erasure information (TE in FIG. 40) set to (can be rewritten) can be stored.

  In addition, the information storage medium (1001 in FIG. 1) used in the management system according to the present invention records the first recording area (1011 in FIG. 1d) in which predetermined control information (RTR_VMG) can be recorded and still image data. A possible second recording area (1013 in FIG. 1d) is provided.

  In the present invention, at least one of the first recording area (1011 in FIG. 1d) and the second recording area (1013 in FIG. 1d) (that is, in the first and / or second recording area) is not recorded. An area (1460 in FIG. 4) can be set. The position distribution of the unrecorded area on the information storage medium can be specified by providing position distribution information (1621 in FIG. 5). This position distribution information (1621 in FIG. 5) is stored in the first recording area (1011 in FIG. 1d) and the unrecorded area (1460 in FIG. 4) existing in the second recording area (1013 in FIG. 1d). Management information (1621 in FIG. 5).

  In the protect information management method according to the present invention, erasure of the program is prohibited in the predetermined control information (RTR_VMG / PGI / PG_TY in FIG. 39) in units of the program (PG # 2 in FIG. 41). The rewritable protection information is written.

  In the protect information management method according to the present invention, the predetermined control information (RTR_VMG / S_VOGI # / S_VOB_ENT_TY in FIG. 40) includes the group of video objects (VOG # C, VOG # F in FIG. 41). The rewritable temporary erasure information (TE in FIG. 40) for setting the video object group in the temporary erasure state is written in units.

In the program erasure prohibition state changing method according to the present invention, a predetermined program (PG # 2 in FIG. 41) including a plurality of still images (B1 to B162 in FIG. 41) is in an erase prohibition state (protect information in FIG. 39). Is in 1b),
When the erase prohibition state of the predetermined program (PG # 2) is changed (in FIG. 41, the erase prohibition range = the protection range is changed from B1 to B162 to B1 to B80),
Combinations of still images constituting the video object group (VOG # B) are rearranged (ST102, ST104, and ST108 in FIG. 42; VOG # B = B1 to B162 in FIG. 41 is VOG # B = B1 to B80). And VOG # E = B81-B99 and VOG # F = B100-B162)
A program number is newly assigned to each group of video objects (VOG # B, VOG # E, VOG # F) after reorganization (ST102, ST106, ST110 in FIG. 42; VOG # B = GP # 2). , VOG # E = PG # 4, VOG # F = part of PG # 5).

  According to the present invention, the management system for digital information including moving images and still images can be improved.

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

  FIGS. 1A to 1F are diagrams for explaining the data structure of an information recording medium according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[1] Schematic structure of data on information storage medium As an information storage medium capable of recording / reproducing video information or music information, there is a DVD_RTR disk (optical disk using phase change) 1001 as shown in FIG. . The recorded information content (data structure) of information recorded on the disc 1001 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the schematic data structure of information recorded on the optical disc 1001 is as follows, starting from the inner peripheral side 1006: an embossed data zone having an uneven light reflecting surface, and a flat surface (mirror surface) A lead-in area 1002 having a mirror zone and a rewritable data zone in which information can be rewritten;
Volume / file management information 1003 that is recorded in a rewritable data zone that can be recorded and rewritten by the user, and that stores information relating to audio / video data (AV data) files or the entire volume;
A data area 1004 composed of a rewritable data zone which can be recorded and rewritten by the user;
A lead-out area 1005 composed of a rewritable data zone in which information can be rewritten;
It is divided into.

In the emboss data zone of the lead-in area 1002,
Information relating to the entire information storage medium such as a disk type such as DVD-ROM / DVD-RAM / DVD-R, disk size, recording density, physical sector number indicating recording start / recording end position;
-Information on recording / reproducing / erasing characteristics such as recording power and recording pulse width, erasing power, reproducing power, linear velocity during recording / erasing;
-Information on the production of one information storage medium such as a production number;
Is recorded in advance.

The rewritable data zone in the lead-in area 1002 and the rewritable data zone in the lead-out area 1005 are respectively
-Unique disk name recording area for each information storage medium,
-Trial recording area (for confirming recording erasure conditions),
A management information recording area relating to a defective area in the data area 1004 is provided, and information can be recorded in the area by the information recording / reproducing apparatus.

  In the data area 1004 sandwiched between the lead-in area 1002 and the lead-out area 1005, as shown in FIG. 1C, mixed recording of computer data and audio / video data (AV data) is possible. Yes.

  The recording order of computer data and audio / video data, and the size of each recording information are arbitrary. Here, a place where the computer data is recorded is called a computer data area 1008, 1010, and an area where the audio / video data is recorded is named an audio / video data area 1009.

The data structure of the information recorded in the audio / video data area 1009 is as shown in FIG.
Anchor pointer 1015 for control information: information that is arranged at the first position in the audio / video data area 1009 and indicates the head position (head address) where the control information 1011 in the audio / video data area 1009 is recorded ;
Control information 1011: Control information necessary for performing recording (recording), playback, editing, and search processing;
Video object 1012: Recording information of content (content) of video data;
Picture object 1013: Still image information such as a still image and a slide image;
Audio object 1014: Recording information of contents (contents) of audio data;
Thumbnail object 1016: Reduced image information such as a thumbnail used when searching for a desired place in the video data or editing.
Etc.

  The video object 1012, the picture object 1013, the audio object 1014, and the thumbnail object 1016 in FIG. 1 (d) mean a collection (group) of information classified for each content content (data contents).

  Accordingly, all video information recorded in the audio / video data area 1009 is included in the video object 1012, all still image information is included in the picture object 1013, and all audio / audio information is included in the audio object 1014. All thumbnail information used for information management / retrieval is included in the thumbnail object 1016.

  A video object VOB 1403 shown in FIG. 3 to be described later indicates a block of information recorded in the AV file (audio / video file) 1401, and has a definition different from that of the video object 1012 in FIG. It has become. Use similar terms, but be careful because they are used in completely different ways.

Furthermore, the content of the control information 1011 is as shown in FIG.
AV data control information 1101: Management information for managing the data structure in the video object 1012 and information on the recording position on the optical disc 1001 which is an information storage medium;
Playback control information 1021: Control information necessary for playback;
Recording control information 1022: Control information necessary for recording (recording / recording);
Edit control information 1023: Control information necessary for editing;
Thumbnail control information 1024: management information relating to a location search or edit thumbnail (thumbnail object) in the video data;
Etc.

  Note that the control information 1101 and 1021 in FIG. It corresponds to IFO and RTR_VMG in FIG.

The data structure in the AV data control information 1101 shown in FIG. 1 (e) is as shown in FIG.
Allocation map table 1105: Information on address setting along the actual arrangement on the information storage medium (optical disk 1001), identification of recorded / unrecorded areas, etc .;
Video title set information VTSI 1106: Indicates the overall information content in the AV file 1401 as shown in FIG. 3, such as connection information between VOBs, grouping information of multiple VOBs for management / search, time map table, etc. Time information (corresponding to RTR_VMGI in FIG. 8);
Video object information 1107: Indicates information on each VOB in the AV file 1401 as shown in FIG. 3D, and attribute (characteristic) information for each VOB and information on individual VOBUs included in the VOB (FIG. 8). M_AVFIT / S_AVFIT of FIG. 12 or S_AVFIT of FIG. 12);
Program chain control information 1103: Information on video information reproduction program (sequence) (corresponding to PGCI in FIG. 23);
Cell reproduction information 1108: Information on the data structure of the basic unit of video information at the time of reproduction (corresponding to CI in FIG. 23 or S_CI in FIG. 24);
It is composed of

  The outline of FIGS. 1A to 1F is as described above, but some supplementary explanations are given below for each piece of information.

Volume file management information 1003 includes
Information on the entire volume;
-Number of PC data files included, number of files related to AV data;
・ Recording layer information;
Information on such as is recorded.

In particular, as recording layer information
Number of constituent layers (example: one RAM / ROM double-layer disk counts as two layers, one ROM double-layer disk counts as two layers, and one single-sided disk counts as n layers);
-Logical sector number range table assigned to each layer (capacity for each layer);
・ Characteristics of each layer (eg, DVD-RAM disk, RAM / ROM dual-layer disk RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, etc.);
-Allocation logical sector number range table for each layer in the RAM area for each layer (including rewritable area capacity information for each layer);
-Unique ID information for each layer (for example, information for finding a disk replacement in a multiple disk pack);
Is recorded. As a result, consecutive logical sector numbers can be set for multiple disk packs and RAM / ROM double-layer disks so that they can be handled as one large volume space.

In the playback control information 1021,
-Information related to playback sequences that integrate PGCs;
-Information indicating a pseudo recording position in which the information storage medium is regarded as one tape like VTR or DVC in relation to the above (sequence for continuously reproducing all recorded cells);
-Information on simultaneous playback of multiple screens with different video information;
Search information (a table in which a cell ID corresponding to each search category and a start time table in the cell is recorded, and the user can select a category and directly access the corresponding video information);
Etc. are recorded.

The recording control information 1022 includes
・ Program reservation recording information is recorded.

Furthermore, the edit control information 1023 includes
Special editing information for each PGC unit (the time setting information and special editing contents are described as EDL information);
File conversion information (a specific part in an AV file is converted into a file that can be specially edited on a PC such as an AVI file, and the file storage location after conversion is designated);
Is recorded.

The thumbnail control information 1024 includes
Management information related to the thumbnail object 1016: the recording location of each thumbnail image in the AV data area 1009, the VOB or cell designation information related to each thumbnail image, the location in the VOB or cell related to each thumbnail image Information, etc. (VOB and cells will be described in detail in the content explanation place in FIG. 3)
Is described.

[2] Directory structure of data file in data area Next, the directory structure will be described. All information recorded in the data area 1004 in FIG. 1B is recorded in file units. The relationship between the data files is managed by a directory structure as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a plurality of subdirectories 1451 are installed under the root directory 1450 so as to be easily classified for each file content to be recorded.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, each data file related to computer data recorded in the computer data areas 1008 and 1010 of FIG. 1C is recorded under the computer data storage subdirectory 1457, and the audio / video data area 1009 is stored. Is recorded under the rewritable video title set RWV_TS1452.

  When the video information recorded on the DVD video disc (or DVD audio disc) is copied to the disc shown in FIG. 1A, the video information is copied under the video title set VIDEO_TS1455 and the audio title set AUDIO_TS1456.

  The control information 1011 information shown in FIG. 1D is recorded as one file as recording / playback video management data. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the file name is named RWVIDEO_CONTROL.IFO (or real-time recording information; RTR.IFO for short). In addition, the same information is recorded for backup as the file name RWVIDEO_CONTROL.BUP.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the video object (RTR_MOV.VRO) 1012, the picture object (RTR_STO.VRO) 1013, the audio object (RTR_STA.VRO) 1014, and the thumbnail object 1016 of FIG. The file names in the embodiment of FIG. 2 are collectively recorded in one file as RWOBJECT.OB).

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, recording / playback additional information 1454 that can be used at the time of video recording / playback can be recorded at the same time, and the information is collectively recorded as one file. In the embodiment of FIG. The file name is RWADD.DAT (corresponding to S_AA_STI / S_AAFI in FIG. 12 or AA_ENT in FIG. 27).

[3] Data structure in AV file An example of the data structure in the AV file is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3B, the entire AV file 1401 constitutes one video title set VTS (or RTR movie object RTR_MOV.VRO) 1402.

  The VTS 1402 includes a plurality of video objects VOB1403 separated into a plurality of parts of titles (or a plurality of chapters) 1407 and 1408 in accordance with the content of audio / video data and the order of information recorded in the AV file 1401. It consists of a collection of 1404 and 1405.

  VOBs 1403, 1404, and 1405 in FIG. 3D are defined as a group of audio / video data recorded in the AV file 1401, and have classification item colors such as video information / still image information / audio information / thumbnail information. The definition object is different from the strong video object 1012 shown in FIG.

  Accordingly, not only the information classified as the video object 1012 is recorded in the VOBs 1403, 1404, and 1405 in FIG. 3D, but also a picture object 1013, an audio object 1014, and a thumbnail object as shown in FIG. Information classified as 1016 is also recorded.

  Grouping is performed for each related VOB based on the information content (content) recorded in each VOB 1403, 1404, 1405, and each group is grouped as part of title PTT (or chapter) 1407, 1408. Yes.

  That is, the PTTs 1407 and 1408 are configured as an aggregate of one or a plurality of VOBs.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 3C, the PTT 1408 is composed of two VOBs, VOB 1404 and VOB 1405, and the PTT 1407 is composed of only one VOB 1403.

  The minimum basic unit of video information is called a video object unit VOBU 1411-1414, and data in the video object VOBs 1403-1405 is configured as an aggregate of these VOBUs 1411-1414 as shown in FIG.

  MPEG1 or MPEG2 is often used as the video information compression technique in VOBs 1403 to 1405.

  In MPEG, video information is divided into groups called group of pictures GOP at intervals of about 0.5 seconds, and video information is compressed in units of GOP. Video information compression units of the video object units VOBUs 1411 to 1414 are formed in synchronization with the GOP with the same size as the GOP.

  These VOBUs 1411 to 1414 are divided into 2048-byte units 1431 to 1437 and recorded. Each sector 1431 to 1437 is recorded in a pack structure format. That is, for each pack, raw video information, sub-video information, audio information, and dummy information are in the form of video pack V_PCK1421, 1425, 1426, 1427, sub-picture pack SP_PCK1422, audio pack A_PCK1423, dummy pack DM_PCK1424, respectively. It is recorded.

  The size of each pack is 2048 bytes, but since it has a 14-byte pack header at the beginning, the amount of information recorded in each pack is 2034 bytes.

  Here, the dummy pack DM_PCK 1424 is used for post-addition of post-recording additional information. For example, after-recording (after-recording) information is inserted in advance for use such as placing it in an audio pack and exchanging it with a dummy pack, or inserting memo information into a sub-picture pack and exchanging it with a dummy pack.

  A recording area of a DVD-RAM disk (DVD_RTR disk) which is an example of the information storage medium (optical disk 1001) shown in FIG. 1A is divided into a plurality of sectors. A data amount of 2048 bytes per sector can be recorded. This DVD-RAM disc performs recording / reproduction in units of sectors (2048 bytes). Therefore, when a DVD-RAM disk is used as the information storage medium (optical disk 1001), each pack is recorded in units of sectors 1431 to 1437 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, a video title set VTS (or RTR_MOV.VRO) 1402 is formed by a series of connections of all VOBs 1403 to 1405 in the AV file 1401. On the other hand, in the reproduction procedure described in the reproduction control information (pack control information) 1021, it is possible to designate an arbitrary range in an arbitrary VOB and reproduce in an arbitrary reproduction order. The basic units of video information at the time of reproduction are called cells 1441, 1442, and 1443.

  The cells 1441, 1442, and 1443 can specify an arbitrary range within an arbitrary VOB, but cannot be specified across VOBs (a range cannot be set by connecting multiple VOBs in one cell). .

  In the embodiment of FIG. 3G, the cell 1441 designates one VOBU 1412 in the VOB 1403, the cell 1442 designates the entire one VOB 1404, and the cell 1443 is only a specific pack (V_PCK1427) in the VOBU 1414. The range of is specified.

  Information indicating a video information playback sequence is set by a program chain PGC 1446, and this playback sequence is described by specifying one cell or information on connection of a plurality of cells. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3 (h), the program chain PGC 1446 constitutes a reproduction program as a connection of the cell 1441, the cell 1442 and the cell 1443 (detailed description of the relationship between the cell and the PGC will be described later).

  The VOB 1403 in FIG. 3 can include audio information as well as video information. In this case, the VOBU 1411 constituting the VOB 1403 includes V_PCK 1421 and SP_PCK 1422 constituting the video part, and A_PCK 1423 and DM_PCK (for after recording) 1424 constituting the audio part.

  The video part includes a sequence header and a GOP header composed of a part of the contents of the V-PCK, a MPEG I picture composed of the contents of the V_PCK group, and a part of the part of the end of the V-PCK. It is formed of a sequence end code composed of contents and a sub-picture unit SPU composed of contents of SP_PCK (see FIG. 3 (j)).

  The audio part includes audio data that is reproduced in synchronization with still image reproduction using the I picture of the video part, and is composed of one or more audio frames (see FIG. 3I).

[4] Contents of Allocation Map Table Next, the contents of the allocation map table 1105 in FIG. 1 (f) will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the recording area of the DVD-RAM disk is divided into a plurality of sectors, and logical sector numbers (LSN) are assigned successively in ascending order from the inner circumference side.

  Consider a case where video information is recorded in the data area 1004 of the information storage medium (optical disc 1001) according to the following procedure.

  1. An AV file 1401 recording area is secured in a continuous area (a <g) from logical sector numbers a + 1 to g in the data area 1004 in the information storage medium (optical disk 1001).

  2. Data of VOB # 1 · 4611 is recorded in a continuous area (b <c) from logical sector numbers b + 1 to c in the recording area of the AV file 1401.

  3. Data of VOB # 2 · 1462 is recorded in a continuous area (d <e) from logical sector numbers d + 1 to e in the AV file 1401 recording area.

  Above 1. To 3. As a result of the above processing, there are three unrecorded areas in the AV file 1401 that are logical sector numbers “a + 1 to b”, “c + 1 to d”, and “e + 1 to g”.

Next, when recording video information of VOB # 3 having a large data size in this unrecorded area,
4). The data of VOB # 3 is divided into a plurality according to the size of the unrecorded area in the recording area of the AV file 1401.

  5). The first data 1463 of the divided VOB # 3 is recorded in a continuous area (a <b) from logical sector numbers a + 1 to b.

  6). The next data 1464 of the divided VOB # 3 is recorded in a continuous area (c <d) from logical sector numbers c + 1 to d.

  7. The last data 1465 of the divided VOB # 3 is recorded in a continuous area (f <g) from logical sector numbers f + 1 to g.

As a result, an unrecorded area 1460 with logical sector numbers “e + 1 to f” remains in the AV file 1401.
This process is required.

  1 above. To 7. FIG. 4 shows the physical recording position distribution of each VOB in the AV file 1401 obtained as a result of the above processing.

  As can be seen from the above description, when the data in the AV file 1401 is partially erased or additional recording of new data is repeated in the unrecorded area in the AV file 1401, examples of VOB # 3/1463, 1464, 1465 As described above, it becomes necessary to record one VOB data in a plurality of locations.

  The information indicating the physical recording position distribution for each VOB of each data distributed and recorded in the same AV file 1401 is the allocation map table 1105 shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, an unrecorded area 1460 is provided for data to be recorded in real time (such as a still image object).

  However, such an unrecorded area is not limited to dedicated data such as a still image object. For example, an unrecorded area as illustrated in FIG. 4 can be provided for the control information 1011 in FIG. 1D or the contents of RTR_VMG (management information) in FIG.

  In this way, if an unrecorded area can be set as appropriate in the control information (management information), even if a part of the management information is deleted by editing or the like, it is not necessary to mess with the other parts of the management information. Information management can be simplified. As a result, the buffer memory size on the reproducing apparatus side required for the management information can be greatly saved.

  FIG. 5 shows information contents of the allocation map table 1105 when the data arrangement of FIG. 4 is taken as a specific example. The allocation map table 1105 is composed of unrecorded area position distribution information 1621 and data recording position distribution information 1622, 1623, and 1624 for each VOB.

  A block in which a continuous connection of sector numbers is secured in each VOB is defined as an “extent”.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the data of VOB # 3 is recorded in three groups. In the above example, since logical sector numbers (LSN) a + 1 to b have a continuous sector number connection, this area constitutes extent # γ1473. That is, the positions where the data of VOB # 3 is recorded are distributed in three places: extent # γ1473, extent # δ1474, and extent # ε1475.

  In the position distribution information regarding unrecorded areas and individual VOBs in the allocation map table 1105 shown in FIG. 5, the extent numbers 1601, 1602, 1603, and 1604 are recorded first. Thereafter, head addresses 1606, 1607, 1608, 1609, 1610, 1611 and extent sizes 1614, 1615, 1616, 1617, 1618, 1619 for each extent are recorded.

  The start address is represented by a “difference number” (or relative sector number) from the start sector number (logical sector number) of the AV file 1401. When expressed in this way as a difference number, when the entire contents of the AV file 1401 are ported to another information storage medium, it is not necessary to change the information in the allocation map table 1105, thereby improving the portability of the file.

  In FIG. 5, the extent size is expressed by the number of sectors. However, as another method, the extent size can be expressed by the final address of the extent.

  In the DVD-RAM disk (or DVD-RTR disk) standard, the physical address on the information storage medium (optical disk 1001) is indicated by a physical sector number (PSN). The entire address handled by the file system is indicated by a logical sector number (LSN). On the other hand, addresses defined on the file system in the data area 1004 in FIG. 1A are distinguished as logical block numbers (LBN).

  However, if the above description method (a description method in which PSN, LSN, and LBN are strictly distinguished) is faithfully followed, the content of explanation becomes complicated. Therefore, in FIG. 4 to FIG. 5, importance is given to ease of understanding, and explanation is given in terms of logical sector numbers (LSN).

  The information storage medium (1001 in FIG. 1) used in the management system according to the present invention records the first recording area (1011 in FIG. 1d) for recording predetermined control information (RTR_VMG) and still image data. A second recording area (1013 in FIG. 1d) can be provided. In at least one of the first recording area (1011 in FIG. 1d) and the second recording area (1013 in FIG. 1d) (that is, in the first and / or second recording area), an unrecorded area (in FIG. 4). 1460) can be set. The position distribution of the unrecorded area on the information storage medium can be specified by the position distribution information (1621 in FIG. 5).

[5] Content of Playback Control Information 1021 The content of playback control information 1021 will be described with reference to FIGS. The program chain PGC control information 1103 in the playback control information 1021 has the data structure shown in FIG. 6, and the playback order is determined by the PGC and the cell. PGC indicates a unit for executing a series of reproductions in which the reproduction order of cells is designated. The cell indicates a playback section in which playback data in each VOB is designated by a start address and an end address as shown in FIG.

  Program chain control information 1103 includes PGC information management information (or PGCI management information) 1052, search pointers (or PGCI search pointers) 1053 and 1054 for one or more PGC information, and PGC information (PGCI) 1055, 1056, and 1057. Composed.

  The PGC information management information (or PGCI management information) 1052 includes information (PGCN) indicating the number of program chains PGC. PGC information search pointers (or PGCI search pointers) 1053 and 1054 point to the beginning of each PGC information (PGCI), and facilitate search.

  Each of PGC information (PGCI) 1055, 1056, 1057 includes PGC general information (PGC_GI) 1061, one or more program information (PGI # m), one or more cell IDs (or cell information search pointer CI_SRP # m), And one or more pieces of cell information (CI # n).

  The PGC general information (PGC_GI) 1061 includes information indicating the PGC playback time and the number of cells (number of cell playback information).

  Alternatively, the PGC general information 1061 can include information (PG_Ns) indicating the number of programs PG and information (CI_SRP_Ns) indicating the number of cell information search pointers CI_SRP.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, reproduction data is designated as a cell in the reproduction section from cell A to cell F, and PGC information is defined in each PGC.

  1. PGC # 1 shows an example composed of cells in which consecutive playback sections are designated, and the playback order is cell A → cell B → cell C.

  2. PGC # 2 shows an example composed of cells that specify intermittent playback sections, and the playback order is cell D → cell E → cell F.

  3. PGC # 3 shows an example in which playback is possible regardless of playback direction or overlap playback, and the playback order is cell E → cell A → cell D → cell B → cell E.

  The control information (RTR.IFO) 1011 shown in FIG. 1 or 2 includes navigation data RTR_VMG (real-time recording / video manager) corresponding to the control information 1101 and 1021 as shown in FIG. The RTR_VMG includes video title set information VTSI (or RTR_VMG information RTR_VMGI) 1106 as shown in FIG.

  This information (RTR_VMGI) 1106 includes information used when the sequence of VOBs 1403, 1404, 1405,... In FIG.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, RTR_VMG (or RTR.IFO in FIG. 2), a data structure, and contents thereof will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, navigation data RTR_VMG (control information RTR.IFO) includes RTR video manager information (RTR_VMGI), a movie AV file information table (M_AVFIT), a still image AV file information table (S_AVFIT), an original PGC information (ORG_PGCI), a user-defined PGC information table (UD_PGCIT), a text data manager (TXTDT_MG), and a manufacturer information table (MNFIT).

  RTR_VMGI included in the RTR_VMG corresponds to the video title set (VTS) information 1106 in FIG.

  This information (RTR_VMGI) 1106 includes VTS general information 1751, VOB sequence information 1752, PTT information 1753, and a VTS time map table 1754, as shown in FIG.

  From another viewpoint, this information (RTR_VMGI) 1106 includes a playlist search pointer table (PL_SRPT) corresponding to VOB sequence information 1752 and a video manager information management table (VMGI_MAT) corresponding to VTS general information 1751. It is out.

  This PL_SRPT includes information 1756 on the number of VOBs (or the number of playlist search pointers and the end address of PL_SRPT) in the VTS, and the ID of the first VOB in the VOB sequence (or the first playlist search pointer PL_SRP # 1). Information 1757, information 1758 of the ID (or second playlist search pointer PL_SRP # 2) of the second VOB in the VOB sequence, and the like.

  Each playlist search pointer (PL_SRP) includes information (PL_TY) indicating the format of the playlist, PGC number information (PGCN) corresponding to the playlist, and date / time information (PL_CREATE_TM) when the playlist is created. Primary text information related to this playlist (PRM_TXTI), item text search pointer number information used in this playlist (IT_TXTI_SRPN), and a reduced image (thumbnail) corresponding to the recorded contents of this playlist And thumbnail pointer information (THM_PTRI) indicating the (picture).

  The table (PL_SRPT) including the above information 1756, 1757, 1758,... Corresponds to the VOB sequence information 1752 included in the VTSI (RTR_VMGI) 1106.

The contents of this VTSI (RTR_VMGI) 1106 are summarized as follows:
[6] Content of video title set information (VTSI or RTR_VMGI) 1106 The data structure in video title set information (VTSI or RTR_VMGI) 1106 is as shown in FIG.
Information on general content items of the video title set (or the RTR data of the AV file 1401 in FIG. 2);
Video object sequence information 1752 ...
In the data structure of FIG. 3, a serial order is set for all VOBs in the video title set 1402 (= AV file 1401), and the order information of each VOB according to this sequence is described here;
・ Part of title information 1753 ...
Each object data recorded in the AV file 1401 is grouped for each related data for the purpose of data management and search, and a video title name is set for each group. The group (part of title PTT) is composed of a collection of VOBs. The VOB information included for each part of title PTT is described here;
・ Video title set time map table 1754 ...
VOBU position information at specific time intervals according to the video object sequence with respect to VOBs classified into the video object 1012 and the audio object 1014 in the video title set 1402;
Is recorded.

  As a specific data structure in the video object sequence information 1752, as shown on the right side of FIG. 8, first, the total number of VOBs (or playlist search pointer information PL_SRPTI) 1756 included in the video title set is recorded. Thereafter, VOB_IDs 1757, 1758,... (Or PL_SRP # 1, # 2,... #N) of the corresponding VOB are recorded in order in accordance with the sequence order of the video objects.

  The sequence indicated by the video object sequence information 1752 is, for example, “recording order in the AV file 1401 (in order of recording time)”, “recording order on the information storage medium (optical disc) as shown in FIG. 4”, It can be arbitrarily set by the user or the information recording / reproducing apparatus, such as “in order of VOB size”.

  By sequentially ordering all VOBs in the video title set VTS 1402, a user interface similar to a VTR that records video on one tape can be provided.

For example,
-Find the place you want to see by fast forward (FF) or rewind (FR) of the tape-Check the entire recorded content by fast forward (FF) of the tape-Recorded already by fast forward (FF) or rewind (FR) of the tape The video object sequence information 1752 can be used to perform processing such as searching for an unnecessary place and overwriting new video information in the unnecessary place.

  The content of the video object sequence information 1752 described on the right side of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, VOB # 1 to VOB # 3 are recorded with the arrangement order on the information storage medium (optical disk 1001) shown in FIG. 4, and this recording order is described in the section “[4] Contents of allocation map table”. 1. To 7. Consider the case where the order is made in the following order.

  With respect to these data, the sequence order arrangement when the sequence order is set in the “recording order to the AV file 1401 (order of recording time)” is as shown in FIG. Comparing this figure with FIG. 4, it can be seen that the arrangement order from extent # α1471 to extent # ζ1470 has changed.

  The “first VOB_ID 1757” in the video object sequence in FIG. 8 designates “VOB # 1 • 4611” in FIG. 9A3, and the “second VOB_ID 1758 in the video object sequence” in FIG. 9A3 indicates “VOB # 1”. 2 · 1462 ”is designated.

  FIG. 9B 3 shows another embodiment specified by the video object sequence information 1752.

  VOB # A · 1771 and VOB # B · 1772 belong to (categorized) the video object (movie VOB information M_VOBI #) 1012, and VOB # C · 1773, VOB # F · 1776, and VOB # G · 1777 are audio objects 1014. VOB # D · 1774 to VOB # G · 1777 belong to the picture object (still picture VOB group information S_VOGI #) 1013.

  In this way, the sequence order can be specified in a mixed manner regardless of the type of VOB. In FIG. 9, VOBs (VOB # H • 1778, VOB # I • 1779) belonging to the thumbnail object 1016 are set last.

[7] Recording Format of Still Image Information (Picture Object) A recording format (recording format) when recording still image information on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001) shown in FIG.

  The still picture information or the voice information added later to the still picture information (information on the individual still picture information is inputted as voice and this is additionally recorded by the after recording) is the picture object 1013 in FIG. Recorded at the location of the audio object 1016.

  This still image information recording format corresponds to the case where a plurality of still images taken with a digital camera or the like are recorded on an information storage medium (optical disc 1001) at a time. Can be recorded. In order to enable this continuous recording, the format is such that at least two still images are recorded subsequently to adjacent locations on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001).

  This still image information recording format follows the data structure of FIG. 3 with emphasis on format continuity and consistency with still image or audio information added to the still image and video information (video object 1012). .

  In MPEG1 or MPEG2, which is a kind of video information recording format (video information compression format), compressed information for one video frame corresponding to the above-mentioned GOP head position exists in the form of an “I-picture”.

  The input still image is converted into I-pictures 1706, 1707, 1708, and 1709 using MPEG1 or MPEG2 compression technology, and as shown in FIG. 10 (a3) or FIG. 10 (c3), V_PCK (video pack) ) 1661, 1662, 1663, 1668, 1669, 1670, 1671, 1672, 1673, 1674 and recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001).

As described above, in a DVD-RAM (DVD_RTR) disc, each V_PCK (video pack) is recorded for each sector having a recording size of 2034 bytes (see FIG. 3F). (One sector size is 2048 bytes, but since there is a pack header every 14 bytes, the recording amount in one pack is 2034 bytes.)
Dummy information 1704 is recorded in a portion where the I-picture size corresponding to one piece of still image information is insufficient for an integer multiple of 2034 bytes. As a result, each I-picture fits within an integer sector.

  Since the I-picture size 1808 in each VOBU is recorded in the information of the VOBU map for picture objects as shown in FIG. 13 (details will be described later), it can be seen from where in the V_PCK 1670 the dummy information 1704 is input. Therefore, the contents of the dummy information 1704 can be set arbitrarily.

  As the contents of the dummy information 1704, in addition to the padding data set to all “0” or all “1”, the sequence end code ( Alternatively, a packet header of stream ID = 0xbe) can be recorded.

  In FIG. 10 (b3) and FIG. 10 (d3), the arrangement of the I-picture is omitted, but these have the same structure as FIG. 10 (a3) and FIG. 10 (c3).

  For example, if you want to add a handwritten comment directly on the captured image (still image) after capturing a still image with a digital camera, the information is separate from the still image recorded in V_PCK as an I-picture. Comment contents can be recorded in sub-picture packs (SP_PCK) 1681, 1683, and 1684 as sub-picture streams.

  During reproduction, the I-picture still image information in V_PCK and the sub-picture (sub-picture) information in SP_PCK are displayed in an overlapping manner.

  Voice information obtained by voice input of comments and explanations for each still image is recorded in audio packs (A_PCK) 1691 to 1702.

  In this way, the V_PCK information 1661 to 1674, the SP_PCK information 1681 to 1684, and the A_PCK information 1691 to 1702 are collected for each related still image and are grouped in units of VOBUs (video objects for picture objects) 1641 to 1650. Therefore, the format shown in FIG. 10 constitutes a different VOBU for each still image.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, V_PCK and SP_PCK are always preceded by A_PCK in VOBU. As a result, each pack is separated in the VOBU, and management of information in each pack is facilitated.

  However, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is allowed to arrange A_PCK, V_PCK, and SP_PCK in a mixed order like the recording format in the video object 1012, for example, without adhering to the above limitation.

  In other words, V_PCK 1664 having still image information recorded in the I-picture format needs to be arranged in the same VOBU 1642, but a part of audio information related to VOBU 1642 is recorded. A_PCK (1694) is also allowed to be placed in the next VOBU1643.

  As will be described later in the description of FIG. 13, continuous audio information is associated with each still image using information of the reproduction end time (E_PTM) 1814 of audio information recorded in the VOBU map 1738 for picture objects. This is because they can be separated.

In the format structure shown in FIG. 10 as a format in which a plurality of still image information is continuously recorded,
1) One VOB is formed from a plurality of VOBUs;
2) One VOB has only one VOBU, and each VOB on which one still image is recorded is grouped to form a video title VTT;
These two methods are allowed and mixed recording of both is permitted.

  FIGS. 10B1 to 10D3 show the former format structure (1), and FIG. 10A shows the latter format structure (2).

  In the former format structure (1), FIG. 10 (b) shows the basic structure, as a special example, FIG. 10 (c) shows a structure that does not include audio information (A_PCK), and FIG. 10 (a) shows the original still image ( The structure does not include (V_PCK).

  For example, after recording a plurality of still image information captured by a digital camera that does not include audio information on an information storage medium (optical disc 1001), a memo is input for each still image while viewing the recorded still image information ( In some cases, additional recording is performed as SP_PCK) or voice input (additional recording is performed as A_PCK).

  In this case, only additional information (memo or audio format) is collected, a VOB different from the VOB in which the original still image information is recorded, and recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001). Can be edited and recorded efficiently. This is because it is not necessary to change the content of the VOB in which the original still image information is recorded when it is recorded as another VOB.

  As described above, the recording format in the VOB 1634 that collects only additional information (memo or audio format) for the purpose of editing still image information has a structure similar to that in FIG. 10D (only A_PCK and SP_PCK not including V_PCK). Data).

  10 (a3) and FIG. 10 (c3) corresponds to the I-picture in FIG. 3 (j), and the dummy in FIG. 10 (a3) and FIG. 10 (c3) corresponds to FIG. 3 (f). Corresponding to the dummy pack DM_PCK.

  Also, the video pack V_PCK, the sub-picture pack SP_PCK, and the audio pack A_PCK in FIGS. 10A1 to 10D3 correspond to V_PCK, SP_PCK, and A_PCK in FIG. 3F, respectively.

  The dummy pack DM_PCK shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 10 can be used as appropriate for audio data recording and other uses for after recording. For example, when the size of the I-picture data block after encoding does not become an integral multiple of the error correction code (ECC) block size (16 sectors, 32 kbytes) using a product code, the data block size of the I-picture DM_PCK can be appropriately added to this data chunk so that is an integral multiple of 32 kbytes.

  When all the data block sizes of I-pictures constituting a still image are matched with ECC block units (an integral multiple of 32 kbytes) by adding DM_PCK, the following merits occur.

  For example, when a part of a group of still images recorded continuously on the medium of FIG. 1 is later replaced (or deleted) with another still image, the still image (I-picture) of the replacement part (erased part) is Even if the size is different from the original still image, since it is in ECC block units, the ECC block unit of the I-picture of the part that is not replaced (the part that is not erased) is not collapsed.

  For this reason, even if a part of the still picture group is replaced (or erased) with another still picture later, it is not necessary to redo the ECC coding of the I-picture of the part that is not replaced (the part that is not erased). Since the operation of the RTR recorder is faster because the ECC coding does not need to be performed again, editing of still image groups after recording (such as replacement and deletion of some still images) can be performed smoothly.

  However, if the size of the still image to be replaced is larger than the size of the original still image, a part of the still image data to be replaced is moved to another recording location and recorded. That is, fragmentation occurs in the replaced still image. When the seek speed of the disk drive that reads data from the medium of FIG. 1 is slow, it may take some time to reproduce a still image with fragmentation. Therefore, when an RTR recorder that does not have a high-speed drive is used for still image playback, after the editing of the still image group is completed, the recorded data should be appropriately arranged (re-recording so as to eliminate fragmentation). good.

  When the latter format (2) is adopted as a format in which a plurality of still image information is continuously recorded, a plurality of VOBs are grouped and different video titles VTT 1407, as shown in FIG. It belongs to 1408 groups.

  In the recording format shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to record at least two still images following adjacent locations on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001), and generally a plurality of still images are continuously recorded. It is in a format that can be recorded. For this reason, for example, there is a great effect and feature that a plurality of still images taken with a digital camera can be recorded at a high speed when they are recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001) at a time.

  In addition, a recording format capable of recording a plurality of still images in a VOB has a great effect as described below.

  Conventionally, the recording format of a plurality of still images taken by a digital camera is divided and recorded in different data files for each still image. When each still image information is divided and recorded in separate files, there is no shooting order information between the still image information or grouping information between similar still image information. In contrast, photographic film always comes with a negative film (or a positive film that is created if necessary). For this reason, when a specific still image is designated by reprinting or the like, the desired still image can be searched for on the negative film while following the shooting order.

  The video information recording information recording / reproducing apparatus (video recorder) shown in FIG. 19 reads the information of the picture object video object 1632 recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001), and as shown in FIG. In this way, the VOBUs 1642 to 1644 can be displayed on the screen in the order of arrangement.

For example, the still image at the left end in FIG. 11 represents information of VOBU 1642, and the still image at the center displays information of VOBU 1643. The still image in FIG. 11 can be moved to the left and right on the screen, and the user designates the still image to be edited (or hard-copied). Unlike the video object 1012, the still image information designates individual still images using the display as shown in FIG. (In the video object 1012, the video information range to be edited is designated by the display time.)
[8] Data structure in video object information related to still picture information Next, a data structure in video object information related to still picture information will be described.

  The video object information (or AVFIT) 1107 shown in FIG. 1F is divided into a management information part (M_AVFIT in FIG. 8) related to general video information and a management information part (S_AVFIT in FIG. 8) related to still image information. ing. The data structure in the management information part relating to the latter still image information has the structure shown in FIG.

  The still image AV file information table (S_AVFIT) included in the navigation data RTR_VMG in FIG. 8 includes still image AV file information table information (S_AVFITI) and still image VOB stream information (S_VOB_STI #), as shown on the left side of FIG. 1 to #n), still image AV file information (S_AVFI), additional audio stream information for still images (S_AA_STI # 1 to #m), and additional audio file information for still images (S_AAFI). Yes.

  Still picture AV file information (S_AVFI) includes picture object management information VOB information (or S_AVFI general information S_AVFI_GI) 1721 and picture object VOB information search pointer # 1 (or as shown in the center of FIG. 12). Still picture VOB group information search pointers S_VOGI_SRP # 1) 1726 to #i (S_VOGI_SRP # i) 1727 to #k (S_VOGI_SRP # k) 1728 and picture object VOB information # 1 (or still picture VOB group information S_VOGI # 1) ) 1731 to #i (S_VOGI # i) 1732 to #k (S_VOGI # k) 1733.

  The picture object VOB information #i (or still picture VOB group information S_VOGI # i) 1732 has the contents shown on the right side of FIG. 12 (the picture object VOB information # 1 and #k are the same).

  That is, each picture object VOB information #i (or S_VOGI # i) includes VOB general information (or still picture VOB group general information S_VOG_GI) 1736 of the picture object, VOB attribute information 1737 of the picture object, VOBU map (or one or more still image VOB entries S_VOB_ENT #) 1738.

  Here, S_VOG_GI includes the number of VOBs (S_VOB_Ns), still picture VOB stream information number (S_VOB_STIN), time information when the first VOB in this VOB group is recorded (FIRST_VOB_REC_TM), and in this VOB group. Time information (LAST_VOB_REC_TM) when the last VOB was recorded, and the start address (S_VOG_SA) of this VOB group in the still image AF file. This S_VOG_SA expresses a relative address from the head of S_AVFI in units of sectors.

On the other hand, each S_VOB_ENT # has four types (type 1 to type 4), and each has the following contents:
(1) Type 1 S_VOB_ENT includes information (S_VOB_ENT_TY) indicating the format of a still picture VOB entry and information (V_PART_SZ) representing the size of a video part in the still picture VOB in units of sectors.

  (2) S_VOB_ENT of type 2 includes, in addition to S_VOB_ENT_TY and V_PART_SZ of type 1, information (A_PART_SZ) that represents the size of the original (original) audio part in the still image VOB in units of sectors, and And information (A_PB_TM) representing the playback time in video field units. When the actual playback time of the audio part does not coincide with the video field boundary, the portion of the end data of the audio part that protrudes from the video field is discarded.

  (3) Type 3 S_VOB_ENT includes type 1 S_VOB_ENT_TY and V_PART_SZ, additional audio group number information (S_AAGN) included in the audio stream added to the still picture VOB, and additional audio stream for this still picture VOB Information (AA_ENTN) corresponding to the entry number.

  (4) Type 4 S_VOB_ENT includes Type 3 S_AAGN and AA_ENTN in addition to Type 2 S_VOB_ENT_TY, V_PART_SZ, A_PART_SZ and A_PB_TM.

  Each of the S_VOB_ENT types 1 to 4 includes S_VOB_ENT_TY and V_PART_SZ of type 1 in common.

  Each S_AA_STI (# 1 to #m) on the left side of FIG. 12 includes audio attribute information of the additional audio stream. From this point of view, S_AA_STI corresponds to the VOB attribute information 1737 on the right side of FIG.

  Individual still picture information grouped in separate picture object video objects (picture object VOB) is recorded in the picture object video object information (or S_VOGI # 1 to S_VOGI # k) 1731 to 1733 in FIG. ing.

  The information content shown on the right side of FIG. 12 will be briefly described below.

The information 1732 in FIG. 12 includes the following information:
* VOB general information for picture object (or S_VOG_GI) 1736
For example, ID information uniquely set for each VOB so that a specific VOB can be designated in the cell playback information (CI of FIG. 1 or S_CI of FIG. 23) 1108;
・ VOB type information ...
Which information in (a) to (d) in FIG. 10 belongs to, which of the video information (video object 1012) / still image information (picture object 1013) / audio information (audio object 1014) is VOB, VOB? Recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001), etc .;
* Picture object VOB attribute information 1737
-Still image information attribute information such as resolution of still image information;
・ Attribute information of voice information;
・ Number of sub-picture information and recording format, etc .;
* VOBU map for picture objects 1738 ...
Information on all still images included in the VOB.

Information * as described above is recorded.

The management information 1721 of the video object information for picture objects includes
The number of VOBs for picture objects included in this AV file;
-General information about VOBs contained in this AV file;
Etc. are recorded.

  Also, the address information indicating where the respective video object information 1731 to 1733 is recorded in the video object information 1107 shown in FIG. 1F is the search pointer 1726 of the video object information for the picture object. ~ 1728.

[9] Data Structure in VOBU Map for Still Image Information Next, the data structure in the picture object VOBU map 1738 will be described with reference to FIG.

  At the beginning of the picture object VOBU map (S_VOB_ENT #) 1738, as shown in FIG. 13, the number of still images included in the corresponding VOB (the number of VOBUs; or the number of VOBs S_VOB_Ns) 1801 is described. .

  After that, information (1802, 1803, 1804,...) Related to each still image (content of VOBU) is described in the order in which they are arranged in the VOB.

  Information shown on the right side of FIG. 13 is recorded as information (for example, 1803) regarding each still image (content of VOBU).

  In FIG. 13, information of VOBU 1411 (FIG. 3 (e)) having one piece of still picture information including audio information is divided into a plurality of sectors 1431 to 1434 as shown in FIG. 3 (f), for example. Are recorded. The data size (V_PART_SZ and / or A_PART_SZ) 1806 for this one piece of still picture information (VOBU) can be expressed by the number of sectors that are divided and recorded.

  For a VOBU having an audio pack A_PCK inside as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the display time 1807 of one still image means the reproduction time of audio information in the VOBU. As shown in FIG. 10C, for a VOBU that does not have the audio pack A_PCK, a still image still display period is shown.

  The following information (FIG. 13) is recorded as information regarding the still image information itself in the VOBU in which one piece of still image information is recorded.

* First V_PCK address (or S_VOG_SA) 1808 in the corresponding VOBU ...
Taking FIG. 10 as an example, address information such as V_PCK 1661, 1664, 1665, 1666, 1667, 1668, 1671, and 1674 located at the head of each VOBU is recorded. When the ID of the VOB containing the still image to be viewed and the still image number (VOBU number) in the VOB are specified, the optical head (not shown) uses this address information to make the head V_PCK of the corresponding VOBU. Direct access to the address.

  In general, LSN (logical sector number) indicating a direct position on an information storage medium (optical disc 1001) as shown in FIG. 4 is used as address information. However, the present invention is not limited to this address display method, and there are other application examples. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 (a3), the addresses on the medium may be displayed by the number of sectors (relative addresses) counted in the sequence order from the head address of the same VOB according to the sequence arrangement of the data.

* I-picture size 1809 in the corresponding VOBU
As described with reference to FIGS. 10A3 and 10C3, dummy information 1704 is included in a portion of the data size of the I-pictures 1706 and 1707 that is insufficient for an integer multiple of 2034 bytes, which is the pack size. Is recorded.

  Therefore, if the I-picture size is known in advance, the location where the dummy information 1704 is recorded can also be known, so that it is possible to start an access operation to the next location without reproducing this portion during reproduction. Then, high-speed playback can be realized.

* Still image (V_PCK & SP_PCK) playback (presentation) start time (S_PTM) 1810 ...
This means information indicating the display timing of the still image and the sub-picture added thereto during reproduction. In the present invention, at the time of reproduction, a still picture recorded in V_PCK and a sub-picture added thereto are displayed simultaneously. This is used for setting display timing with audio information within the same VOBU.

* The first system clock (First_SCR) 1811 of the still image (V_PCK)
This means the value of the system clock when the first V_PCK in the VOBU is created for recording on the information storage medium (optical disk 1001), and this information is used when performing seamless (continuous) reproduction.

  Next, the following information is recorded as information regarding audio information in the VOBU in which one piece of still image information is recorded.

* Top A_PCK address 1812 in VOBU ...
Taking FIG. 10 as an example, address information such as A_PCK 1691, 1693, 1694, 1695, 1696, 1699, 1702 located at the head of each VOBU is recorded. When the ID of a VOB containing the still image to be viewed and the still image number (VOBU number) in the VOB are designated, the optical head (not shown) uses this address information to start the A_PCK of the corresponding VOBU. Direct access to the address.

  As shown in FIG. 14C, in the present invention, audio information (A_PCK information) in one VOB can be displayed in combination with still image information belonging to another VOB. Therefore, this information is used when only the audio information in the VOB is selectively reproduced.

* Audio information (A_PCK) playback (presentation) start time (S_PTM) 1813
This means information indicating the output timing of audio information during reproduction. In many cases, this value corresponds to the S_PTM 1810 of the still image (V_PCK & SP_PCK). However, if it is desired to output audio after a specific time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the still image screen is displayed, this value can be intentionally shifted.

  Thus, this information can be used for timing control between still image display and audio information output.

* Audio information (A_PCK) playback end time (E_PTM) 1814
This means information indicating the timing at the end of output of audio information during reproduction, and this information is used for timing control between still image display and audio information output.

  In many cases, this value coincides with S_PTM 1810 of the next still image (V_PCK & SP_PCK) to be displayed. However, when it is desired to display still image information to be displayed next after a specific time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of audio output, this value can be intentionally shifted.

* First system clock reference (First_SCR) 1815 of audio information (A_PCK)
This means the value of the system clock when the first A_PCK in the VOBU is created for recording on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001), and this information is used when performing seamless (continuous) reproduction.

* Last system clock reference (Last_SCR) 1816 of audio information (A_PCK)
This means the value of the system clock when the last A_PCK in the VOBU is created for recording on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001), and this information is used for seamless (continuous) reproduction.

  Note that the content corresponding to A_PB_TM mentioned in the description of S_VOB_ENT in FIG. 12 can be represented by the pair of First_SCR and Last_SCR.

  By recording the reproduction time information (PTM information) and the system clock reference information (SCR information) related to still image information and audio information in this way, the video information belonging to the video object 1012 in FIG. There is a feature that can be used in some.

  That is, the video information itself belonging to the video object 1012 is not processed at all, and new picture object video object information (S_VOB) for a still image is defined as shown below.

  Here, a case will be described in which a still image whose display is switched every 2 seconds, for example, is defined for the previous video information (video object 1012).

  In general, in MPEG video information, the time required for one GOP is about 0.5 seconds, so the length of one VOBU shown in FIG. 3 (e) is often around 0.5 seconds. Then, since 2 seconds (still image switching interval) ÷ 0.5 seconds (VOBU interval) = 4, the I-picture at the head of the GOP is regarded as a still image for every four VOBUs, and the leading V_PCK address in the VOB Information of 1808 and I-picture size 1809 in the VOB is set.

  Along with this setting, numerical values of information on the right side of FIG.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, by displaying a combination of still image information and audio information belonging to different VOBs (VOB # A, VOB # B), only the audio portion in the video information belonging to the video object 1012 is displayed. When a still image is displayed, audio can be output, or only a scene that the user likes in the video information belonging to the video object 1012 can be converted into a still image and displayed.

[10] Display Method for Plural Still Images Next, a display method for a plurality of still images will be described.

  As a method of displaying a plurality of still image information recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001), a method of displaying a plurality of images side by side as shown in FIG. 11 (however, still images displayed side by side are moved or replaced). There is a method in which one still image is displayed at a time and the still image displayed at a specific time is changed. In any case, the data structure uses the cell and PGC information as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the user can select the display method by the video information recording information recording / reproducing apparatus (DVD_RTR video recorder) shown in FIG. It is like that.

  Similar to the video object information 1107, the cell playback information (or CI) 1108 shown in FIG. 1 (f) is divided into cell playback information (M_CI) related to video information and cell playback information (S_CI) related to still image information. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the cell playback information (S_CI) related to still image information has a structure that allows playback and combination of still images and audio information from different locations.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 14C, V_PCK 1852 and 1854 and SP_PCK 1848 used for display in the cell specify still images 1832 and 1834 in VOB # A · 1821, and audio information output from the same cell is The audio information 1845 and 1846 in the VOB # B • 1822 different from the VOB # A • 1821 can be designated.

  This structure is convenient for after-recording settings for still images. For example, when still image information captured by a digital camera having no voice input function is recorded on an information storage medium (optical disc 1001) as it is, the recording result does not include the audio pack A_PCK as shown in FIG. 10 (c3). ing.

  While reproducing the information and displaying it on the screen as shown in FIG. 11, commentary or comment is provided for each one, “voice input by microphone”, “overwriting of handwritten marks”, “text by key input” Consider a case where information is added by a method such as “adding information”.

  In this case, if the recording format is changed from the structure not including A_PCK in FIG. 10C3 to the structure including A_PCK as shown in FIG. 10B3, recording on the information storage medium (optical disk 1001) is performed again. Processing occurs. Then, the processing becomes troublesome and the processing time is significantly increased.

  On the other hand, without modifying the data not including the audio pack A_PCK shown in FIG. 10 (c3), only the additional information is changed to another VOB1634 as shown in FIG. 10 (d) on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001). If recorded, the subsequent information addition process for the still image can be performed very easily and in a short time. In this case, at the time of display, VOB 1633 and VOB 1634 in FIGS. 10 (c1) and (d1) are combined and displayed / output as VOBs 1403 to 1405 in FIG. 3 (d).

  FIG. 15 shows the data structure in the picture object cell playback information (S_CI) that enables the representation of FIG.

  First, ID information (or CI_SRP) 1873 that is an identifier unique to a cell is described.

Cell type information (or C_TY) 1880 described next is:
1) Identification information as to cell information related to video information (video object 1012), cell information related to still image (picture object 1013), or cell information related only to audio information (audio object 1014),
2) Cell information for a VOB (format shown in FIGS. 10B to 10D) in which a plurality of still images are recorded in the VOB (the structure shown in FIG. 15 is applicable), or only one still image in the VOB. Represents cell information with respect to VOB (format of FIG. 10A) in which is recorded (identification information related to the structure of FIG. 16).

  In this way, by absorbing the difference in the recording format of the VOB in which the still image is recorded at the level of the picture object cell playback information (S_CI), the PGC of the PGC shown in FIG. At the level, it is possible to reproduce and display still images and moving images in the same sequence without distinguishing between still images (still) and moving image information (movies). There is a big feature here.

  As the VOB ID information 1874 of FIG. 15 in which the video pack V_PCK is recorded, VOB # A · 1821 is designated in the embodiment of FIG. In order to display from the second still image of VOB # A · 1821, the still image number 2 of VOB # A · 1821 is designated as the first still image designation 1875 to be displayed in the cell. Further, in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the still picture designation 1876 to be displayed last in the cell designates the still picture number h of VOB # A · 1821.

  As described above, the picture object cell playback information (S_CI) has a significant feature in that “still image” itself is designated as a designation target.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 15, “still image number” is designated as the still image designation method, but not limited to this, “designation of the unit (for example, VOBU) in which the still image is recorded”, “still image” It is also possible to specify by “designating the start address where the image is recorded”, “sequence order in VOB”, or the like.

  In FIG. 15, the first and last still images in the cell are specified. Instead of the above display method, the first still image to be displayed in the cell and the total number of still images to be displayed in the cell are displayed. There is also a method.

  Similarly, in FIG. 15, the VOB ID information 1877 (VOB # B • 1822 is specified in the embodiment of FIG. 14) in which the audio pack A_PCK is recorded, and the audio information (A_PCK) that is output first in the cell ) Indicates the recording destination of 1) (in the embodiment of FIG. 14, the still image number j is designated).

  Incidentally, in FIG. 15, still picture number information indicating the recording destination of the audio information (A_PCK) output last in the cell is not described.

  However, since the total number of still images to be displayed in the same cell is known from the still image number 1875 displayed first in the cell and the still image number 1876 displayed last in the cell, the audio information (last output in the cell ( The still picture number information indicating the recording destination of (A_PCK) is not required to be described.

  When audio information is specified for all still images in FIG. 14C, the display time per still image is known from the audio information S_PTM 1813 and E_PTM 1814 in FIG. On the other hand, when audio information is not designated for a specific VOBU, the still image display time is set using the information of the still display time 1879 per still image.

  15, 1873 to 1876 correspond to the still image file (RTR_STO.VRO) in FIG. 2, and 1877 to 1879 correspond to the after recording audio file (RTR_STA.VRO) in FIG.

[11] Grouping / Display Method When Only One Still Image is Recorded in 1 VOB Next, a grouping / display method when only one still image is recorded in 1 VOB will be described.

  When only one still image is recorded in one VOB (picture object video object) 1631 as shown in FIG. 10A, a plurality of still image VOBs are collected and grouped and handled as a part of title.

  This grouping information is recorded in the part-of-title information 1753 shown in FIG. 8 in the video title set information (or RTR_VMGI) 1106 shown in FIG.

  The data structure in the part-of-title information 1753 related to the still image shown in FIG. 17 and the data structure in the VOB map 1899 for the picture object therein are the same as the data structure in the video object information (S_VOGI #) shown in FIG. And a data structure similar to the data structure in the picture object VOBU map (S_VOB_ENT #) shown in FIG.

  Also, the structure of the picture object cell playback information (CI) of FIG. 16 corresponding to this has the same structure as S_CI of FIG.

  Next, an example of an information recording / reproducing apparatus for recording video information (DVD_RTR video recorder) will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a block configuration in the DVD_RTR video recorder.

  The apparatus main body of the video recorder shown in FIG. 19 is roughly a disk that rotates and drives an information storage medium (optical disk) 1001, and performs recording and reproduction of video information on the information storage medium (optical disk) 1001. A system for controlling the operation of the apparatus body by incorporating a drive unit, an encoder unit 1550 constituting the recording side, a decoder unit 1560 constituting the playback side, and a ROM (program memory, etc.) and a RAM (work memory, etc.) inside And a control unit (MPU unit) 1530.

  The encoder unit 1550 includes an ADC (analog / digital converter) 1552, a video encoder (V encoder) 1553, an audio encoder (A encoder) 1554, a sub-picture encoder (SP encoder) 1555, a formatter 1556, and a buffer memory. 1557.

The ADC 1552 receives an external analog video signal + external analog audio signal from the AV input unit 1542 or an analog TV signal + analog audio signal from the TV tuner 1544. The ADC 1552 digitizes the input analog video signal with, for example, a sampling frequency of 13.5 MHz and a quantization bit number of 8 bits. (That is, each of the luminance component Y, the color difference component Cb (or YB or U) and the color difference component Cr (or YR or V) is quantized with 8 bits.)
Similarly, the ADC 1552 digitizes the input analog audio signal with, for example, a sampling frequency of 48 kHz and a quantization bit number of 16 bits.

  Note that when an analog video signal and a digital audio signal are input to the ADC 1552, the ADC 1552 causes the digital audio signal to pass through. (The content of the digital audio signal is not altered, and processing for reducing only the jitter accompanying the digital signal or processing for changing the sampling rate and the number of quantization bits may be performed).

  On the other hand, when a digital video signal and a digital audio signal are input to the ADC 1552, the ADC 1552 causes the digital video signal and the digital audio signal to pass through (the jitter reduction processing is performed for these digital signals without changing the contents). Or sampling rate change processing may be performed).

  In addition to the video signal input, for example, when still image information from the digital camera 1543 is input, the information is directly input to the V encoder 1553 without going through the ADC 1552.

  The digital video signal component from the ADC 1552 is sent to the formatter 1556 via the video encoder (V encoder) 1553. The digital audio signal component from the ADC 1552 is sent to the formatter 1556 via the audio encoder (A encoder) 1554. Alternatively, the still image signal directly input to the V encoder 1553 is sent from the V encoder 1553 to the formatter 1556.

  The V encoder 1553 has a function of converting an input digital video signal into a digital signal compressed at a variable bit rate based on the MPEG2 or MPEG1 standard.

  Still image information is recorded in the digital camera 1543 in a format such as a bitmap format or JPEG format. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a still image is recorded on the optical disc 1001 in the MPEG-2 I-picture format. Therefore, in this embodiment, the V encoder 1553 also has a format conversion function such as “bitmap → MPEG2”, “JPEG → MPEG2”.

  The A encoder 1554 has a function of converting an input digital audio signal into a digital signal (or linear PCM digital signal) compressed at a fixed bit rate based on the MPEG or AC-3 standard.

  When a video signal is input from the AV input unit 1542 (for example, a signal from a DVD video player with an independent output terminal for a sub-video signal), or a video signal having such a data structure is broadcast and received by the TV tuner 1544 In such a case, the sub video signal component (sub video pack) in the video signal is input to the sub video encoder (SP encoder) 1555. The sub-picture data input to the SP encoder 1555 is arranged in a predetermined signal form and sent to the formatter 1556.

  The formatter 1556 performs predetermined signal processing on the input video signal, audio signal, sub-picture signal, etc. while using the buffer memory 1557 as a work area, and records data that conforms to a predetermined format (file structure). Is output to the data processor 1536.

In the case of digital broadcasting, the video signal is transmitted in the MPEG2 TS (transport stream) format. In general, when a video signal is recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc) 1001 in the MPEG2 format, the PS (program stream) format is used. Therefore, when a digital broadcast is received, the received signal is directly sent from the TV tuner 1544 to the formatter 1556, and “TS → PS conversion” is performed in the formatter 1556.

  Here, a standard encoding process for creating the recording data will be briefly described. That is, when the encoding process is started in the encoder unit 1550 of FIG. 19, parameters necessary for encoding video (main video) data and audio data are set. Next, the main video data is pre-encoded using the set parameters, and the optimal code amount distribution for the set average transfer rate (recording rate) is calculated. Based on the code amount distribution obtained by the pre-encoding in this way, the main video is encoded. At this time, audio data is also encoded at the same time.

  As a result of pre-encoding, if the amount of data compression is insufficient (when the desired video program does not fit on the optical disc 1001 to be recorded), and if there is an opportunity to pre-encode again (for example, the recording source is videotape or video) If the source is a reproducible source such as a disc, the main video data is partially re-encoded and the re-encoded main video data is replaced with the previously pre-encoded main video data portion. By such a series of processing, main video data and audio data are encoded, and the average bit rate value required for recording is greatly reduced.

  Similarly, parameters necessary for encoding the sub-picture data are set, and the encoded sub-picture data is created.

  The main video data, audio data, and sub-video data encoded as described above are combined and converted into a data structure of a desired video object.

  That is, a cell as a minimum unit of main video data (video data) is set, and then the configuration of the cells constituting the program chain, main video, sub video, audio attributes, etc. are set (one of these attribute information). The information obtained when encoding each data is used), the management information including various types of information is related to the cell information in the management information recording area (control information 1011 in FIG. 1 (d) or FIG. RTR.IFO).

  The encoded main video data, audio data, and sub-video data are subdivided into packs of a certain size (2048 bytes). A dummy pack is appropriately inserted into these packs. Note that time stamps such as PTS (presentation time stamp) and DTS (decode time stamp) are appropriately described in packs other than dummy packs. For the sub-picture PTS, a time arbitrarily delayed from the PTS of the main picture data or audio data in the same reproduction time zone can be described.

  Each data cell is arranged in units of VOBU so that the data can be reproduced in the time code order of each data, thereby forming a VOB composed of a plurality of cells.

  Note that when video information is digitally copied from the digital output of the DVD_RTR video recorder in FIG. 19, the contents of the cell, program chain, management table, time stamp, etc. are determined from the beginning, so it is necessary to recreate them. Absent.

  The configuration for reading and writing (recording and / or reproducing) information with respect to the optical disc 1001 includes a disc drive unit (disc changer unit) 1500, an information recording / reproducing unit 101, a temporary storage unit 1534, a data processor 1536, A system time counter (or system time clock; STC) 1538.

  The temporary storage unit 1534 buffers a certain amount of data (data output from the encoder unit 1550) written to the optical disc 1001 via the information recording / reproducing unit 101, or passes through the information recording / reproducing unit 101. This is used to buffer a certain amount of data reproduced from the optical disc 1001 (data input to the decoder unit 1560).

  For example, when the temporary storage unit 1534 is composed of a 4 Mbyte semiconductor memory (DRAM), it is possible to buffer recording or reproduction data for about 8 seconds at an average recording rate of 4 Mbps. Further, when the temporary storage unit 1534 is composed of a 16 Mbyte EEPROM (flash memory), it is possible to buffer the recording or reproduction data of about 30 seconds at an average recording rate of 4 Mbps. Further, when the temporary storage unit 1534 is composed of a 100 Mbyte ultra-small HDD (hard disk), it is possible to buffer recording or reproduction data for 3 minutes or more at an average recording rate of 4 Mbps.

  The temporary storage unit 1534 can also be used to temporarily store recording information until the optical disk 1001 is replaced with a new disk when the optical disk 1001 is used up during recording.

  The temporary storage unit 1534 temporarily stores data read out from the normal drive within a predetermined time when a high-speed recording / reproducing unit of 2 × speed or more is adopted as the information recording / reproducing unit 101. Can also be used.

  If read data at the time of reproduction is buffered in the temporary storage unit 1534, even if an optical head (not shown) causes a read error due to vibration shock or the like, the reproduction data buffered in the temporary storage unit 1534 is switched and used. As a result, it is possible to prevent the playback video from being interrupted.

  Although not shown in FIG. 19, if the external card slot is provided in the DVD_RTR video recorder, the EEPROM can be sold separately as an optional IC card. If the DVD_RTR video recorder is provided with an external drive slot or a SCSI interface, the HDD can be sold as an optional expansion drive.

  In the embodiment in which the personal computer is converted into a DVD_RTR video recorder by software, a part of the free area of the hard disk drive of the personal computer itself or a part of the main memory can be used as the temporary storage unit 1534 of FIG.

The data processor 1536 shown in FIG. 19 is controlled by a system control unit (MPU unit) [ROM / RAM built-in] 1530.
-Supply of video information signals for recording from the encoder unit 1550 to the information recording / reproducing unit 101-Extraction of the reproduced video information signals from the information recording / reproducing unit 101 and transfer processing to other parts-Recording on the optical disc 1001 Rewriting processing of the management information (control information 1011) that has been recorded-Partial deletion processing of video information and management information (control information 1011 or RTR.IFO or RTR_VMG) that is data recorded on the optical disc 1001 is performed.

  The system control unit 1530 includes an MPU (or CPU), a ROM that is an IC memory in which a control program and the like are written, and a RAM that is an IC memory that provides a work area necessary for executing the program.

The contents to be notified to the user of the information recording / playback apparatus for recording video information (recording / playback recorder) among the execution results of the system control unit 1530 are displayed on the video recorder display unit 1548.

  The system control unit (MPU unit) 1530 controls the disc changer unit 1500, the information recording / reproducing unit 101, the data processor 1536, the encoder unit 1550, and / or the decoder unit 1560 based on the time data from the STC 1538. (Recording / playback operations are normally executed in synchronization with the time clock from the STC 1538, but other processing may be executed at a timing independent of the STC 1538).

  The decoder unit 1560 includes a separator 1562 that separates and extracts each pack from video information having a pack structure recorded on the optical disc 1001, a memory 1563 used when performing pack separation and other signal processing, and a main unit separated by the separator 1562. A video decoder (V decoder) 1564 for decoding video data (contents of a video pack) and a sub video decoder (SP decoder) 1565 for decoding sub video data (contents of a sub video pack) separated by a separator 1562 and a separator 1562 The video data from the audio decoder (A decoder) 1568 and V decoder 1564 for decoding the separated audio data (the contents of the audio pack) is appropriately combined with the sub-picture data from the SP decoder 1565, and the main video is displayed with a menu and a highlighter. A video processor 1566 that superimposes and outputs sub-pictures, subtitles and other sub-pictures, a video / digital / analog converter (V / DAC) 1567 that converts a digital video output from the video processor 1566 into an analog video signal, and an A decoder 1568 An audio / digital / analog converter (A / DAC) 1567 for converting the digital audio output into an analog audio signal is provided.

  An analog video signal (video information signal in an analog state) from the V · DAC 1567 and an analog audio signal from the A · DAC 67 are sent to an external component (not shown) (2-channel to 6-channel multi-channel stereo device) via an AV output unit 1546. + Monitor TV or projector).

  OSD (On Screen Display) data output from the system control unit (MPU unit) 1530 is input to the separator 1562 of the decoder unit 1560, passes through the V decoder 1564 (and is not particularly decoded), and is input to the video processor 1566. Is done. Then, this OSD data is superimposed on the main video and supplied to the external monitor TV connected to the AV output unit 1546. Then, a warning text is displayed with the main video.

  Next, each operation of the video information recording information recording / reproducing apparatus (DVD_RTR video recorder) of FIG. 19 will be described.

  The procedure for recording a plurality of still images on an information storage medium (DVD_RTR disc) will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, data is continuously input from still image files from the digital camera 1543 or the like (step ST1).

  Since the still image file from the digital camera 1543 is generally recorded in the JPEG format or the bitmap format, the input still image information is converted into MPEG2 I-picture data by the V encoder 1553 (step ST2).

  Next, in the formatter 1556, a VOBU structure having a data structure as shown in FIG. 3 is created for one piece of still image information, and a plurality of still images are grouped (grouped) to form a VOB ( Step ST3).

  In parallel with the above processing, all the control information 1011 (RTR.IFO / RTR_VMG) recorded on the information recording / reproducing unit 101 optical disc 1001 is reproduced, and the information is stored in the RAM unit (work memory) in the system control unit 1530. (Step ST4).

  In the system control unit 1530, the information of the allocation map table 1105 is searched from the control information 1011 (RTR.IFO / RTR_VMG) stored in the RAM unit, and the location of the unrecorded area 1460 (FIG. 4) is searched (step) ST5).

  Thereafter, the system control unit 1530 sends control information to the formatter 1556, the data processor 1536, and the information recording / reproducing unit 101, and the information recording / reproducing unit 101 records a VOB having a plurality of still image information in the unrecorded area 1460. (Step ST6).

  At the time of recording, the system control unit 1530 monitors the recording status and determines whether the recording of the VOB onto the optical disc 1001 is successful (step ST7).

  If a trouble occurs on the way, the processes of steps ST4 to ST6 are repeated.

  When the recording of the VOB onto the optical disc 1001 is successful, the VOBU map 1738 of FIG. 12 (or the VOB map 1899 of FIG. 17) is created in the system control unit 1530 based on the address information recorded on the optical disc 1001. (Step ST9).

  Finally, the information of the VOBU map 1738 (or VOB map 1899) created in the system control unit 1530 is added to the control information 1011 (RTR.IFO / RTR_VMG) on the optical disc 1001 using the information recording / reproducing unit 101. Record (step ST10).

  Next, the reproduction procedure of still image information including audio information will be described with reference to FIG.

  As in steps ST4 to ST5 in FIG. 20, all the control information 1011 (RTR.IFO / RTR_VMG) recorded on the optical disc 1001 is first reproduced by the information recording / reproducing unit 101, and the information is stored in the system control unit 1530. Is stored in the RAM section (work memory) (step ST11).

  Next, in the system control unit 1530, the reproduction control information 1021 (CI) information is searched from the control information 1011 (RTR.IFO / RTR_VMG) stored in the RAM unit, and information on the reproduction method is interpreted (step) ST12).

  Thereafter, in the system control unit 1530, a program of information to be reproduced is searched from the program chain control information 1103 (PGCI) stored in the RAM unit, and cells included in the PGC information are extracted.

  Next, the VOB_ID or PTT_ID designated by the corresponding cell is extracted from the cell reproduction information 1108 stored in the RAM unit (step ST13).

  Further, in the system control unit 1530, the VOB to be reproduced is recorded from the part-of-title information 1753 (FIG. 8) in the video object information 1107 (AVFIT) or video title set information 1106 (RTR_VMG) stored in the RAM unit. The address on the optical disc 1001 is extracted (step ST14).

  At the time of reproduction, as shown in FIG. 14, the still image information itself is reproduced from VOB # A, and the audio information recorded in VOB # B is displayed in an overlapping manner. Hereinafter, the reproduction procedure in this case will be described.

  First, an optical head (not shown) in the information recording / reproducing unit 101 is accessed based on a control signal from the system control unit 1530 to reproduce VOB # B information recorded on the optical disc 1001. Among them, audio information for a plurality of still images is temporarily stored in the memory 1563 (FIG. 19) (step ST18).

  Next, an optical head (not shown) in the information recording / reproducing unit 101 is accessed to the information recording position of VOB # A recorded on the optical disc 1001, and the still image information in VOB # A is reproduced (step). ST16).

  Finally, audio information in VOB # B and still image information in VOB # A are simultaneously output (displayed) by AV output 1546 (step ST17).

  As described above, only the audio information for a plurality of still images or only the still image information is reproduced together (for a plurality of images), the reproduction results are stored in the memory 1562, and the remaining information is collected. And the output (display) at the same time, the access frequency of the optical head (not shown) is greatly increased compared to the method of reproducing still image information and audio information for each piece of still image information. Can be reduced.

  As a result, seamless continuous playback becomes possible (the motion does not stop temporarily or the audio information is not interrupted at the transition of the still image display). This is a major feature of the present invention.

  In FIG. 21, the VOB # A still image information is reproduced after the VOB # B audio information is reproduced. However, changes within a range not departing from the technical concept of the present invention (for example, the reproduction order is changed). Is possible.

  In FIG. 10, the recording format is such that still image information and audio information are stored in pairs in the VOBU. However, the present invention is not limited to such a format, and various modifications are possible.

  For example, in the case of a recording format in which a plurality of V_PCKs are arranged together in the first half of one VOB or one PTT and a plurality of A_PCKs are arranged together in the second half, still images with the same number The position between V_PCK and A_PCK with respect to is separated on the information storage medium (optical disk) 1001.

  In this case, even when still image information (V_PCK information) and audio information (V_PCK information) of the same still image number in the same VOB are reproduced sequentially, the optical head access process is required.

  Accordingly, as described above, from the picture object 1013 having a recording format in which a plurality of V_PCKs are collectively arranged in the first half of one VOB or one PTT and a plurality of A_PCKs are collectively arranged in the second half. In the case of reproducing a plurality of still image information, either V_PCK information or V_PCK information is first read and stored in the memory 1563, and then the remaining information is reproduced and reproduced simultaneously. Output (display).

  Next, referring to FIG. 22, a method for additionally recording additional information for a still image by after recording will be described as another embodiment of the present invention.

  Additional information by after recording is made into a group (different VOB or another PTT) different from the original still picture information, and is synthesized and output (displayed) by the method shown in FIG. 14 during reproduction.

  In FIG. 22, steps ST11 to ST14 follow the same procedure as in FIG.

  In FIG. 22, the VOB information recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc) 1001 is accessed by accessing an optical head (not shown) in the information recording / reproducing unit 101 based on a control signal from the system control unit 1530. Playback is performed, and the display as shown in FIG.

  Next, additional information input by the user while viewing the display screen is received, and a plurality of still image portions are grouped by the formatter 1556 based on the input information to form a VOB or PTT (step ST19).

  Finally, the VOB information created by the formatter 1556 is recorded on the optical disc 1001 (step ST20).

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the data structure of the navigation data (RTR_VMG) in FIG. This RTR_VMG corresponds to the control information 1101 and 1021 in FIG. 1E, and corresponds to the control information (RTR.IFO) 1011 in the file structure of FIG.

  Among the navigation data RTR_VMG, the user-defined PGC information table UD-PGCIT includes user-defined PGC information table information (UD-PGCITI) and search pointers # 1 to #n (UD_PGCI_SRP # 1 to one or more user-defined PGC information). #N) and the number of user-defined PGC information # 1 to #n (UD_PGCI # 1 to #n) corresponding to these search pointers.

  Also, PGC information #i (PGCI # i) having contents corresponding to individual user-defined PGC information (one of UD_PGCI # 1 to #n) or original PGC information (ORG_PGCI) is PGC general information (PGC_GI). And one or more program information # 1 to #m (PGI # 1 to #m), one or more cell information search pointers # 1 to #n (CI_SRP # 1 to #n), and corresponding to these search pointers Cell information # 1 to #n (CI # 1 to #n).

  Each cell information search pointer (one of CI_SRP # 1 to #n) includes the start address (CI_SA) of the corresponding cell information, and individual cell information (one of CI # 1 to #n). Includes movie cell information (M_CI) or still picture cell information (S_CI).

  Note that RTR_VMGI in FIG. 23 corresponds to the video title set information 1106 in FIG. 1 (f), M_AVFIT and S_AVFIT in FIG. 23 correspond to the video object information 1107 in FIG. 1 (f), and ORG_PGCI and UD_PGCIT in FIG. This corresponds to the PGC control information 1103 in FIG.

  23 corresponds to the PGC control information 1103 in FIG. 1 (f), and CI # in FIG. 23 corresponds to the cell reproduction information 1108 in FIG. 1 (f).

  FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the still picture cell information (S_CI) in FIG. This S_CI includes still picture cell general information (S_C_GI) and entry point information # 1 to #n (S_C_EPI # 1 to #n) of one or more still picture cells. Here, S_CI in FIG. 24 corresponds to the cell reproduction information 1108 in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the contents of still image cell general information (S_C_GI) in FIG.

  This S_C_GI is a cell type (C_TY) describing the format of the corresponding cell, a still picture VOB group information search pointer number (S_VOGI_SRPN) of the VOB group used by this cell, and the number of cell entry point information in this cell. (C_EPI_Ns), the start address (S_S_VOB_ENTN) of the still picture VOB entry number of this cell, and the end address (E_S_VOB_ENTN) of the still picture VOB entry number of this cell.

  Here, S_S_VOB_ENTN in FIG. 25 corresponds to the still image number 1875 in VOB in FIG. 15, and E_S_VOB_ENTN in FIG. 25 corresponds to the still image number 1876 in VOB in FIG.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the contents of each still picture cell entry point information (S_C_EPI) in FIG. There are two types of S_C_EPI (type 1 and type 2).

  Type 1 S_C_EPI includes an entry point type (EP_TY) describing the format of an entry point, and an entry number (S_VOB_ENTN) of a still picture VOB.

  Type 2 S_C_EPI further includes primary text information (PRM_TXTI) in addition to EP_TY and S_VOB_ENTN. Comments and other information related to the corresponding still image can be recorded in this PRM_TXTI.

  Note that S_VOB_ENTN in FIG. 26 specifies each of one or more still image VOB entries S_VOB_ENT # (corresponding to the contents of the picture object VOB map 1738 in FIGS. 12 and 13 or the picture object VOB map 1899 in FIG. 17). Number information.

  FIG. 27 is a view for explaining the contents of still image additional audio file information (S_AAFI) in FIG.

  This S_AAFI includes general information (S_AAFI_GI) of additional audio file information for still images, search pointers # 1 to #n (S_AAGI_SRP # 1 to #n) of one or more additional audio group information for still images, and these searches. The number of additional audio group information for still images # 1 to #n (S_AAGI # 1 to #n) corresponding to the pointer is included.

  Individual still image additional audio group information (one of S_AAGI # 1 to #n) includes general information (S_AAG_GI) of additional still image audio groups and one or more additional audio entries # 1 to #n ( AA_ENT # 1 to #n).

  FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the general information (S_AAG_GI) of S_AAG in FIG.

  This S_AAG_GI includes the number of additional audio entries (AA_ENT_Ns), the number of additional audio stream information for still image (S_AA_STIN), and the start address (S_AAG_SA) of AAG in the additional audio file for still image.

  Here, AA_ENT_Ns in FIG. 28 has a value corresponding to the number of still images in VOB 1801 in FIG. 13 or the number of still images in PTT 1901 in FIG.

  Also, S_AAG_SA in FIG. 28 is the first still image address (VOB top still image information 1802 or VOBU top V_PCK address 1808; or PTT top still image information 1902 or VOB top V_PCK address 1908 in FIG. ).

  FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the additional audio entry (AA_ENT) in FIG.

  The AA_ENT includes an additional audio type (AA_TY) describing the format of the additional audio (normal or provisionally created, etc.), the size of the additional audio stream (AA_SZ), and the additional audio stream. Playback time (AA_PB_TM).

  Here, AA_SZ in FIG. 29 is the A_PCK address of the current additional audio (the head A_PCK address 1812 in VOBU in FIG. 13 or the head A_PCK address 1912 in VOB in FIG. 18) and the A_PCK address of the next additional audio (FIG. 13). 1812 or 1912 of FIG. 18).

  29 has a value corresponding to the value obtained by subtracting the audio S_PTM 1813 from the audio E_PTM 1814 in FIG. 13 (or the value obtained by subtracting the audio S_PTM 1913 from the audio E_PTM 1914 in FIG. 18).

  FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the still image VOB group general information (S_VOG_GI) in FIG.

  This S_VOG_GI records the number of still picture VOBs (S_VOB_Ns) describing the number of video parts in the corresponding VOB group, the number of still picture VOB stream information (S_VOB_STIN), and the first VOB in the corresponding VOB group. Time (FIRST_VOB_REC_TM), the time (LAST_VOB_REC_TM) when the last VOB in the corresponding VOB group was recorded, and the start address (S_VOG_SA) of the corresponding VOB group in the still picture AV file.

  Here, S_VOB_Ns in FIG. 30 has a value corresponding to the number of still images in VOB 1801 in FIG. 13 or the number of still images in PTT 1901 in FIG.

  30 is the first still image address (VOB first still image information 1802 or VOBU first V_PCK address 1808 in FIG. 13; or PTT first still image information 1902 or VOB first V_PCK address 1908 in FIG. ).

  FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a first example (type 1) of the contents of the still image VOB entry (S_VOB_ENT) in FIG.

  The S_VOB_ENT type 1 includes a still picture VOB entry type (S_VOB_ENT_TY) describing the format of the still picture VOB entry and the size of the corresponding still picture video part (V_PART_SZ).

  Here, S_VOB_ENT_TY includes information MAP_TY describing what type S_VOB_ENT is, and information TE describing whether the corresponding VOB is in a normal state or a provisionally erased state (temporary erase state). Information SPST_Ns describing the number of sub-picture streams that are included (that is, it is not included if it is zero).

  V_PART_SZ describes the size of the video part in the VOB in units of sectors.

  This V_PART_SZ corresponds to the difference between the address of the first V_PCK in the VOBU of the current still image (1808 in FIG. 13) and the address of the first A_PCK in the VOBU of the current still image (1812 in FIG. 13).

  Alternatively, this V_PART_SZ corresponds to the difference between the address of the first V_PCK in the VOB of the current still image (1908 in FIG. 18) and the address of the first A_PCK in the VOB of the current still image (1912 in FIG. 18). Yes.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining a second example (type 2) of the contents of the still image VOB entry (S_VOB_ENT) in FIG.

  This S_VOB_ENT type 2 includes, in addition to S_VOB_ENT_TY and V_PART_SZ of type 1 in FIG. 31, A_PART_SZ that represents the size of the audio part originally attached to the corresponding still image VOB in units of sectors, and the playback time of the audio part in the video field. A_PB_TM expressed in units.

  When the actual playback time of the audio part does not coincide with the video field boundary, the portion of the end data of the audio part that protrudes from the video field is discarded.

  Here, A_PART_SZ corresponds to a difference between the current VOBU top A_PCK address (1812 in FIG. 13) and the next VOBU top V_PCK address (1808 in FIG. 13).

  Alternatively, A_PART_SZ corresponds to the difference between the current VOB start A_PCK address (1912 in FIG. 18) and the next VOB start V_PCK address (1908 in FIG. 18).

  A_PB_TM corresponds to the difference between the current S_PTM 1810; FIG. 13 (or the current S_PTM 1910; FIG. 18) and the next S_PTM 1810; FIG. 13 (or the next S_PTM 1910; FIG. 18).

  Alternatively, A_PB_TM corresponds to the difference between S_PTM 1813 and E_PTM 1814 in FIG. 13 (or the difference between S_PTM 1913 and E_PTM 1914 in FIG. 18).

  FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a third example (type 3) of the contents of the still image VOB entry (S_VOB_ENT) in FIG.

  This S_VOB_ENT type 3 includes a still picture additional audio groove number (S_AAGN) and an additional audio entry number (AA_ENTN) in addition to S_VOB_ENT_TY and V_PART_SZ of type 1 in FIG.

  Here, S_AAGN indicates the number of the additional audio group including the additional audio stream of the corresponding VOB. This S_AAGN corresponds to the ID information 1877 of the VOB with A_PCK in FIG.

  AA_ENTN indicates the number of an additional audio entry corresponding to the additional audio stream of the corresponding VOB. This AA_ENTN corresponds to the still picture number 1878 in the VOB including the A_PCK of the first still picture in the cell in FIG.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a fourth example (type 4) of the contents of the still image VOB entry (S_VOB_ENT) in FIG.

  This S_VOB_ENT type 4 is a combination of S_VOB_ENT_TY and V_PART_SZ of type 1 of FIG. 31, A_PART_SZ and A_PB_TM of type 2 of FIG. 32, and S_AAGNAA_ENTN of type 3 of FIG.

  In S_VOB_ENT of type 1 to type 4 in FIGS. 31 to 34, the same field name (S_VOB_ENT_TY etc.) has the same contents.

   FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between original PGC information (ORG_PGCI in FIG. 8 or FIG. 23) and a still image video file (RTR_STO.VRO in FIG. 2) when only a still image VOB is recorded.

  In the original PGC in which only the still picture VOB is recorded, the program chain information PGCI is composed of a sequence of cells, and each cell corresponds to a still picture VOB group.

  Here, the still image VOB group is introduced in order to reduce the navigation data size associated with each still image VOB in consideration of the case where a huge number of still images VOB are recorded.

  However, the cell cannot refer to the movie VOB and the still image VOB at the same time. Therefore, if the movie VOB and the still picture VOB are recorded alternately, the still picture VOB group may include only one still picture VOB.

  In FIG. 35, it is assumed that the still image VOB group information S_VOGI # 2 corresponds to VOBs 1631 to 1633 in FIGS. 10 (a1) to 10 (d3).

  Under this assumption, for example, VOBU1641 in FIG. 10B, VOBU1644 in FIG. 10 (b2), and VOBU1646 in FIG. 10 (c2) are included in S_VOGI # 2. The video parts in the still image VOB group # 2 in FIG. 35 are packs 1661 to 1663 and 1681 in FIG. 10A3, pack 1665 in FIG. 10B3, or packs 1668 to 1670 in FIG. 10C3. And 1683.

  Also, assume that S_VOGI # 2 in FIG. 35 corresponds to VOB # A in FIG. 14 (a1).

  Under this assumption, for example, the still picture number 2 of the VOBU 1826 in FIG. 14 (a2) corresponds to the VOB entry number 2 of S_VOGI # 2, and the packs 1852, 1848, and 1862 of the still picture 1832 in FIG. 14 (a3). Corresponds to the central video part and audio part of the RTR_STO_VRO file in FIG. 35, and the pack 1853 of the still image 1833 in FIG. 14 (a3) corresponds to the video part behind the RTR_STO_VRO file.

  FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between original PGC information (ORG_PGCI) and the additional audio part of a still image (RTR_STA.VRO in FIG. 2).

  The VOB entry includes access information for the associated video part and audio part. These video part and audio part are both RTR_STO. It is recorded in the VRO file. This audio part is recorded immediately after the associated video part.

  The additional audio part accompanying the video part is RTR_STA. When recorded in the VRO file, the additional audio entry is described in a data field other than VOGI, and the link from the VOB entry to the additional audio entry is described in this VOB entry.

  36, the additional audio file RTR_STA. Assume that VRO corresponds to VOB # B in FIG. 14 (b1).

  Under this assumption, for example, an arrow from A_PCK 1865, 1866 in FIG. 14 (c) to A_PCK 1865, 1866 in FIG. 14 (b3) indicates the additional audio on the right side from the VOB entry in S_VOGI # 2 in FIG. Corresponds to the arrow to the entry.

  In this case, if attention is paid to the arrow of A_PCK1866, A_PCK1866 in FIG. 14B3 is changed to RTR_STA.1 in FIG. Corresponding to the audio part at the center of VRO, the still picture number h + j−2 in FIG. 14B2 constitutes a part corresponding to A_PCK1866 in the additional audio entry of FIG.

  The information part (the VOB entry part and the additional audio entry part in FIG. 36) connected by the arrow can be linked using the cell playback information 1108 in FIG. 1 (f) or S_CI in FIG.

  Note that RTR_STA. When the central audio part in the VRO file is after-recording audio information, A_PCK 1866 in FIG. 14 (b3) corresponding to this audio part uses the dummy pack DM_PCK as shown in FIG. 3 (f). Can be configured.

  FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of original PGC information (ORG_PGCI in FIG. 8 or FIG. 23) including a still image VOB (RTR_STO.VRO file) and a movie VOB (RTR_MOV.VRO file).

  37, PGCI # 1 program # 1 corresponds to VTS1762 in FIG. 9B2, S_VOGI # 1 and S_VOGI # 2 correspond to VOB # D1774 and VOB # E1775 in FIG. 9B3, and M_VOBI #. Assume that 1 and M_VOBI # 2 correspond to VOB # A1771 and VOB # B1772 in FIG. 9B3.

  Under this assumption, the picture object 1013 in FIG. 9B3 is changed to RTR_STO. The contents (video part and audio part) of the VRO file are configured, and the video object 1012 in FIG. 9B3 is changed to RTR_MOV. The contents of the VRO file (VOB # 1, VOB # 2,...) Are configured.

  In FIG. 37, the cell # in PGCI and the VOB entry in S_VOGI # can be linked using, for example, S_S_VOB_ENTN and E_S_VOB_ENTN in FIG.

  Also, RTR_STO. The logical address of the video part or audio part in the VRO file and the VOB number specified by the VOB entry of S_VOGI # can be linked using, for example, the relationship shown in FIGS.

  Here, the time map TMAP in M_VOBI # of FIG. 37 will be described.

  Although not shown, the movie AV file information table M_AVFIT in FIG. 8 or FIG. 23 includes movie AV file information general information (M_AVFI_GI), one or more movie VOB information search pointers (M_VOBI_SRP # 1 to #n), and this search pointer. The number of movie VOB information (M_VOBI # 1 to #n) corresponding to.

  Although not shown, each M_VOBI # includes movie VOB general information (M_VOBI_GI), seamless information (SMLI), audio gap information (AGAPI), and time map information (TMAPI).

  This TMAPI is used when performing special playback (cell playback in an order unique to an individual user using a user-defined PGC) and time search.

  Although not shown, TMAPI includes time map general information (TMAP_GI), one or more time entries (TM_ENT # 1 to #r), and one or more VOBU entries (VOBU_ENT # 1 # q).

  Each VOBU entry includes information on the size and playback time of each VOBU. The size of VOBU is indicated in units of sectors (2 kbytes or 2048 bytes), and the playback time is indicated in units of video fields (1 field 1/60 seconds in NTSC; 1 field 1/50 seconds in PAL).

  Since the VOBU size is indicated in units of sectors as described above, the VOBU can be accessed by addresses in units of sectors.

  Although not shown, each VOBU entry includes reference picture size information 1STREF_SZ, VOBU playback time information VOBU_PB_TM, and VOBU size information VOBU_SZ.

  Here, VOBU_PB_TM represents the playback time of the corresponding VOBU in video field units. The reference picture size information 1STREF_SZ represents the size of the first reference picture (corresponding to the MPEG I picture) of the VOBU in units of sectors.

  On the other hand, each time entry includes address information (VOBU_ADR) of the corresponding VOBU and time difference information (TM_DIFF) (not shown). This time difference information indicates the difference between the playback time specified by the time entry and the playback start time of the VOBU.

  If the time interval (time unit TMU) between two continuous time entries is 10 seconds, this time entry interval corresponds to 600 fields in NTSC video, for example.

  Normally, the “VOBU time interval” is represented by the number of fields in the VOBU entry. As another method, the “clock interval from one VOBU to the next VOBU” can be used to represent the “VOBU time interval”. "Count value by" can also be used.

  As a specific example, “the time interval of VOBU” is represented by “the difference value between the presentation time stamp PTS at the head position of one VOBU and the PTS value at the head position of the VOBU immediately after that”. be able to.

  In other words, “the time interval in the unit can be indicated by the differential value of the clock counter in the specific unit”.

  Although not shown, the time map general information TMAP_GI is TM_ENT_Ns indicating the number of time entries in the corresponding time map information, VOBU_ENT_Ns indicating the number of VOBU entries in the corresponding time map information, a time offset TM_OSF for the corresponding time map information, and the corresponding It includes the address offset ADR_OFS of the time map information.

  When the time unit TMU is a value corresponding to 600 fields in NTSC video (or 500 fields in PAL video) (corresponding to 10 seconds), the time offset TM_OSF is used to indicate a time lag within the TMU.

  When the VOB size is represented by the number of sectors, the address offset ADR_OFS is used to indicate a file pointer from the beginning of the AV file.

  Although not shown, the time entry TM_ENT includes VOBU_ENTN indicating the number of the corresponding VOBU entry, TM_DIFF indicating the time difference between the playback start time of the VOBU specified by the time entry and the calculated playback time, and the target VOBU address. VOBU_ADR shown.

  When the time unit TMU is represented by 600 fields in NTSC (or when the time unit TMU is represented by 500 fields in PAL), the “calculated playback time” for the time entry #j is TMU × (j−1) + TM_OSF.

  The VOBU_ADR represents the target VOBU address by the total size of the preceding VOBUs of the VOB when the VOBU size is expressed in units of sectors.

  In the data configuration as exemplified above, in order to start reproduction from the middle of a certain VOBU, the access point must be determined. Let this access point be a time entry point.

  This time entry point is located at a position separated from the position indicated by the movie address information of VOBU by the time difference indicated by the time difference information TM_DIFF in the time entry TM_ENT. This time entry point becomes a special reproduction start point (or time search point) indicated by the time map information TMAPI.

  The cell # in PGCI and the time map TMAP in M_VOBI # in FIG. 37 can be linked in the same way as in the case of S_VOGI #.

  FIG. 37 illustrates a case where the video field corresponding to the playback start time is in the middle of VOBU # k. In order to display the sequence of the video field group from the video field specified by the reproduction start time, it is necessary to input the VOBU data from the head to the decoder. The reason is that the decoder needs to decode all reference video fields having a playback time before the playback start time, even if the decoded field is not displayed. When the decoding operation reaches the video field corresponding to the playback start time, the decoder starts displaying the video image.

  Although it is not absolutely necessary, it is desirable to configure the apparatus (system) so that the display can be started accurately from the video field corresponding to the playback start time.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining a case where the user-defined PGC information (FIG. 6) refers to a still image VOB group.

  The user-defined PGC can include two types of cells each referring to a movie VOB or a still image VOB group.

  FIG. 38 shows an example of a user-defined PGC that refers to a still image VOB. In this figure, cell # 1 in the user-defined PGC refers to still picture VOB group # 2.

  Here, cell # 2 in the original PGC refers to the entire still picture VOB group # 2 by designating the first still picture VOB number and the last still picture VOB number in the still picture VOB group. However, cell # 1 in the user-defined PGC designates only the still picture VOB in this VOB group by designating the last still picture VOB number and the second still picture VOB as the first still picture VOB number. Refers to.

  In FIG. 38, it is assumed that PGCI corresponds to, for example, PGC (PGCI) 1446 in FIG. In this case, the cells # 1 and # 2 in the PGCI in FIG. 38 correspond to the cells 1441 and 1442 in FIG. Also, RTR_STO. The first video part in the VRO file corresponds to a block of V_PCK1421 and SP_PCK1422 in FIG. Further, it corresponds to the video part immediately following the head video part, and the blocks of A_PCK 1423 and DM_PCK 1424 in FIG.

  Next, characteristic parts in the above-described embodiments will be described together.

  a] 1 VOB or 1 PTT can include a plurality of pieces of still image information.

  b] At the time of recording a plurality of still images, at least two pieces of still image information can be continuously recorded in the empty area in one VOB.

  c] A plurality of continuous still image information can be designated by the cell information (S_CI).

  The effects a) to c) are common to the respective embodiments.

  In other words, a high-performance digital camera can record thousands or tens of thousands of still images. When data is transferred to an optical disc, the processing is easier and the transfer time is shorter when data is grouped into a plurality of discs and data is recorded on the optical disc.

  A high-performance digital camera can record thousands or tens of thousands of still images. If a VOB is configured for each still image and VOB information is created, management information becomes enormous. Management information can be greatly reduced by this inventive method.

  Furthermore, since the still image information for each sheet is a separate file in the digital camera, the management search is complicated. According to the present invention, grouping is performed for each of a plurality of sheets, so that management and retrieval are facilitated.

  In addition, since the still image information for each sheet is a separate file in the digital camera, the contents of the still image cannot be confirmed unless each file is opened. By grouping a plurality of sheets according to the present invention, the user can confirm the contents as easily as viewing a photographic positive film (or negative film) as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, video information over a plurality of video frames is recorded in units of VOB. By recording a plurality of still picture information in units of VOBs, the video information and the still picture information can be handled in the same hierarchy (the directory at the same level in FIG. 2). For example, the video information cell and the still picture information are stored in one PGC. In other words, video information and still image information can be mixedly displayed, and the range of expression can be increased.

  d] Presence of VOBU map (S_VOB_ENT #) or VOB map.

  e] The DVD_RTR recorder has a configuration for recording a VOBU map or a VOB map.

  The effects d) and e) are common to the embodiments.

  It is possible to directly access the still image you want to see using the VOBU map or VOB map in which information such as the recording address for each still image is recorded, and the access speed for displaying multiple still images is greatly increased. To be faster.

  In addition, when a plurality of still images are continuously displayed, a seamless display (continuous connection between still images) can be achieved by using reproduction time information (PTM) and / or system clock reference information (SCR). It becomes possible.

  In addition, the V_PCK where the still image itself is recorded and the A_PCK where the audio information is recorded are described separately, so high-speed access is easy when only still image information or audio information is to be reproduced. It becomes. As a result, seamless display is possible when audio information in a specific VOB is used for still image display of different VOBs (since only audio information can be accessed at high speed).

  f] The object specified by the cell information (S_CI) is an individual still image in the VOB.

  Therefore, since individual still images themselves can be designated at the time of reproduction (using a VOBU map or VOB map), access can be performed at high speed, and seamless display is possible when a plurality of still images are sequentially displayed.

  Further, since individual still images themselves can be designated at the time of reproduction, management at the time of reproduction becomes very easy, and processing such as displaying a plurality of still images on the screen at a time as shown in FIG. 11 is simplified.

  g] With the cell information (S_CI), different VOB still image information can be specified in a multi-spec.

  For this reason, since continuous audio information in one VOB can be used when another VOB is displayed, there is a wide range of expression methods.

  Furthermore, since continuous audio information in one VOB can be used when another VOB is displayed, data can be shared, and space saving of the amount of data recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001) can be promoted. . As a result, the actual recordable amount per information storage medium (optical disc 1001) is greatly increased.

  Further, the video object 1012 itself is not processed at all with respect to the video information already recorded, and the corresponding video object information (S_AVFIT) is simply created, and the existing video information is set as still image information. Can be used in combination.

  h] Cell information is reproduced and a still image is reproduced using VOB information (VOBI).

  For this reason, since the picture object cell playback information (S_CI) can be set independently from the picture object video object information which is the management information of the contents of the picture object 1013, it is recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001) of the still picture. The playback order can be specified regardless of the playback order. This greatly improves the degree of freedom of expression.

  i] The present invention provides an apparatus capable of reading still image information and audio information from a memory and reproducing them simultaneously.

  When multi-designating different VOB still image information or when only the audio information of a plurality of still images is recorded in a separate area, V_PCK, SP_PCK, and A_PCK are set for each still image. If the images are sequentially reproduced, the access frequency becomes very high, and when a plurality of still images are sequentially displayed (because of the access waiting time of the optical head), continuous display becomes difficult.

  On the other hand, if at least two pieces of information are reproduced at a time for any one of V_PCK, SP_PCK, and A_PCK, temporarily stored in the memory 1563, and displayed simultaneously when the remaining information is reproduced, the access frequency of the optical head Is greatly reduced, and continuous display becomes easy.

  j] The present invention provides an apparatus capable of after-recording recording, in which additional information to already recorded still images is recorded together.

  For example, when still image information captured by a digital camera having no voice input function is recorded on an information storage medium (optical disc 1001) as it is, the recording result does not include the audio pack A_PCK as shown in FIG. 10 (c3). ing.

  The information is played back and displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 11 with commentary and comments for each piece such as “speech input by microphone” “overwriting of handwritten marks” “adding text information by key-in”, etc. Consider the case of adding by the method.

  In this case, if the recording format is changed from the structure not including A_PCK in FIG. 10 (c3) to the structure including A_PCK as shown in FIG. 10 (b3), re-recording processing on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001) is performed. Occurs, and the processing becomes troublesome, and the processing time is significantly increased. On the other hand, without changing the data that does not include the audio pack A_PCK shown in FIG. 10 (c3), only the additional information is recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001) as another VOB 1634 as shown in FIG. 10 (d). If this is done, it is possible to add information to a still image later in a very simple and short time.

  FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining protect information for protecting a program and a storage location thereof.

  As shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, the control information (RTR.IFO) 1011 recorded on the DVD_RTR disc 1001 includes navigation data RTR_VMG.

  As shown in FIG. 1F or FIG. 8, the navigation data RTR_VMG includes PGC information (original PGC information ORG_PGCI and user-defined PGC information table UD_PGCIT).

  As shown in FIG. 6, each PGC information (UD_PGCI # i) includes one or more program information (PGI # 1, PGI # 2,... PGI # m).

  As shown in FIG. 23, the original PGC information or user-defined PGC information (collectively referred to as PGC information PGCI) includes one or more program information (PGI # 1, PGI # 2,... PGI # m). .

  In the hierarchical structure of information as described above, as shown in FIG. 39, each program information (for example, PGI # 1) includes a program type PG_TY, the number of cells C_Ns in the program PG, primary text information PRM_TXTI, an item It includes a text search pointer number IT_TXT_SRPN and thumbnail pointer information THM_PTRI.

  In the program type PG_TY of each program information PGI #, protect information (erase prohibition flag) for preventing the program from being erroneously erased is described.

  When the protect information flag is set to 0b, the corresponding program is not protected and is in an erasable (or overwritable) state.

  On the other hand, when the protection information flag is set to 1b, the corresponding program is protected from erroneous erasure and the like, and becomes in an erasable state (or overwriting impossible). However, it is possible to reproduce a program with the protect information flag set to 1b.

  The protect information in FIG. 39 can be handled as attribute information for each program (PGI #).

  FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining a temporary erasure flag (TE) of a still image and a storage location thereof.

  As described above, the control information (RTR.IFO) 1011 recorded on the DVD_RTR disc 1001 includes the navigation data RTR_VMG.

  As shown in FIG. 1F or FIG. 8, the navigation data RTR_VMG includes AV file information (movie AV file information table M_AVFIT and still image AV file information table S_AVFIT).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the still image AV file information table S_AVFIT includes one or more still image VOB group information (S_VOGI # 1, S_VOGI # 2,...).

  In the hierarchical structure of information as described above, as shown in FIG. 40, each still picture VOB group information (for example, S_VOGI # 1) includes still picture VOB group general information S_VOG_GI and one or more still picture VOB entries (S_VOB_ENT #). 1,... S_VOB_ENT # n).

  Each still picture VOB entry (for example, S_VOB_ENT # 1) belongs to any of the types 1 to 4 in FIGS. 31 to 34, and includes the type S_VOB_ENT_TY of the still picture VOB entry in any case.

  In this S_VOB_ENT_TY, a map type MAP_TY indicating which of the types 1 to 4 in FIGS. 31 to 34 belongs, a temporary erasure flag TE, and the number of sub-picture streams SPST_Ns are described.

  When the temporary erasure flag TE is set to 0b, the corresponding VOB group is in a normal state and is in a reproducible state.

  On the other hand, when the temporary erasure flag TE is set to 1b, the corresponding VOB group is excluded from the reproduction target (or masked) and is not reproduced (it is skipped at the time of reproduction even though it is not actually erased). It is handled as if it had been erased). However, a VOB group in which the temporary erasure flag TE is set to 1b or a program composed of such a VOB group can be reproduced by resetting the flag TE to 0b.

  The temporary erasure flag TE in FIG. 40 can be handled as attribute information of each VOB group or each program composed of such a VOB group.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining a case where a part of protected program PG # 2 is reset to an erasable state and a temporary erasure state.

In the example of FIG. 41, the programs PG # 1 to PG # 3 before the protection (erase prohibition) range is changed are arranged as follows:
(1) Program PG # 1 = VOB group VOG # A composed of still images A1, A2,.
(2) Program PG # 2 = VOB group VOG # B consisting of still images B1 to B162 (protected and erasure prohibited) + VOB group VOG # C consisting of still images C1 to C9 (protected and erasing prohibited);
(3) Program PG # 3 = VOB group VOG # D composed of still images D1,.

  In this case, the reproduction order is PG # 1 → PG # 2 → PG # 3 based on the corresponding PGC information (PGCI).

In the above example, the programs PG # 1 to PG # 5 after the protection (erase prohibition) range is changed are rearranged as follows:
(1) Program PG # 1 = VOB group VOG # A composed of still images A1, A2,.
(2a) Changed program PG # 2 = changed VOB group VOG # B consisting of still images B1 to B80 (protected and erase-disabled state);
(2b) New program PG # 4 = new VOB group VOG # E composed of still images B81 to B99 (in a state where protection is canceled and erasable);
(2c) New program PG # 5 = new VOB group VOG # f composed of still images B100 to B162 (a state in which the temporary erasure flag TE is set to 1b and is not reproduced) + VOB group composed of still images C1 to C9 VOG # C (temporary erase flag TE set to 1b and not played back)
(3) Program PG # 3 = VOB group VOG # D composed of still images D1,.

  The playback order in this case is PG # 1, PG # 2, PG # 4, PG # 3 based on the changed PGC information (PGCI) (playback of PG # 5 with the temporary erase flag TE set to 1b) Will be skipped).

  In the management information recording area (S_VOGI in FIG. 40) in which attribute information related to VOG is described, attribute information (MAP_TY, TE, SPST_Ns) for each still image as a target is recorded in S_VOB_ENT. Has been. Temporary erasure for each still image can be set by a part of this attribute information (temporary erasure flag TE).

  During reproduction, the temporarily deleted still image is not displayed on the reproduction monitor screen (FIG. 11). For example, suppose that the sports car, personal computer, and running businessman in FIG. 11 are the still images C8, C9, and D1 in FIG. 41, respectively. The temporary erasure flag TE of still images before the still image C8 and after the still image D1 is 0b, and the temporary erasure flag TE is set (TE = 1b) only in the still image C9 (in FIG. 11, a personal computer). To do.

  In this case, when still image playback is performed sequentially from the still image A1 of PG # 1 in FIG. 41 (the screen scrolls leftward in FIG. 11), the still image D1 is next to the playback of the still image C8 (sports car). The still image C9 (an image of a personal computer that has not been erased but is temporarily erased) does not appear on the playback screen. In this case, it seems to the user who is looking at the monitor of FIG. 11 that the businessman who runs (without a space) immediately after the sports car is arranged.

  One or more still images recorded on the recording medium (optical disk) 1001 in FIG. 1 are grouped into a group called a VOB group (VOG), and the still images are managed in units of groups.

  All AV information recorded on the medium 1001 can be reproduced sequentially based on the original PGC information. This original PGC is composed of one or more programs.

  The erase prohibition flag (protect information in FIG. 39) can be set in units of programs.

  All still images included in the program for which the erase prohibition flag is set (protect information = 1b) are in an erase prohibition state.

  In order to return a part of the still image that is in the erasure prohibition state to the erasable state, “resetting VOB group (VOG)” and “resetting program” are required. Specific examples of “resetting VOB group (VOG)” and “resetting program” will be described below.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a procedure for resetting a part of the protected program PG # 2 to the erasable state and the temporary erasure state. This process can be executed by the internal MPU of the system control unit 1530 in FIG. The procedure of FIG. 42 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, a program PG # 2 is composed of VOG # B composed of still images B1 to B162 and VOG # C composed of still images C1 to C9, and this program PG # 2 is protected (erasure prohibited). To do.

  Such a protected state and temporary erased state of the program PG # 2 can be changed by the procedure illustrated below.

  That is, in FIG. 42, first, the range of the still image included in VOG # B is redefined as B1 to B80 (step ST100).

  Next, it resets that the VOB group contained in PG # 2 is only VOG # B (step ST102).

  Next, the range of the still images B81 to B99 is newly grouped into VOG # E (step ST104).

  Next, a new program PG # 4 composed only of VOG # E is defined (step ST106). At this time, the temporary erasure flag TE is not set for the new PG # 4, and the VOG # E is erasable (and of course can be reproduced).

  Next, the range of the still images B100 to B162 is newly grouped into VOG # F (step ST108).

  Next, VOG # F and VOG # C are combined and a new program PG # 5 is defined (step ST110).

  Finally, the temporary erasure flag TE is set for PG # 5 (step ST112), and the process of FIG. 42 ends.

  Before the process of FIG. 42, the program PG # 2 of FIG. 41 is in a state where all of the still images B1 to B162 are not erased (can be reproduced).

  On the other hand, in the program PG # 2 of FIG. 41 after the processing of FIG. 42 is performed, the still images that are not erased (can be reproduced) are only B1 to B80, and the remaining still images B81 to B162 are necessary. It is changed to a state where it can be erased (and can be played back) according to.

  Furthermore, in the program PG # 2 of FIG. 41 after the processing of FIG. 42 is performed, the still images B100 to B162 and C1 to C9 are temporarily erased (the state is not reproduced and is not protected, and thus can be erased. State).

Here, the points in the embodiment described above are summarized:
<01> 1VOB = plural still image information or 1PTT = plural still image information;
<02> 1VOB = at the time of recording a plurality of still images, at least two pieces of still image information are continuously recorded in an empty area of the recording medium;
<03> Cell information (S_CI in FIG. 23 or FIG. 24) can specify a plurality of continuous still image information>
<04> Presence of a VOBU map or VOB map;
<05> The object specified by the cell information (S_CI) is an individual still image in the VOB;
・ Individual still images can be specified during playback (using a VOBU map or VOB map), allowing high-speed access and seamless display when displaying multiple still images sequentially (smooth slideshows, etc.) ) Is possible.

  Since individual still images themselves can be designated at the time of reproduction, management at the time of reproduction is very easy, and processing such as displaying a plurality of still images on the screen at a time as shown in FIG. 11 is simplified.

<06> Multi-designation of still image information in different VOBs by cell information (S_CI);
-Since continuous audio information in one VOB can be used when another VOB is displayed, there is a wide range of expression methods.

  Since continuous audio information in one VOB can be used when another VOB is displayed, data can be shared and the amount of data to be recorded on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001) can be reduced. As a result, the amount of data that can be recorded on one information storage medium is substantially increased in a substantial sense.

  -The video object 1012 itself is not processed with respect to the already recorded video information, and the corresponding video object information for the picture object is newly created, and the existing video information is used in combination as still image information. Can do.

<07> Cell information (S_CI) is reproduced, and a still image is reproduced using VOBI;
The picture object cell playback information can be set independently of the picture object video object information which is the management information of the contents of the picture object 1013. For this reason, the playback order can be specified regardless of the recording order of still images on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001), and the degree of freedom of expression is dramatically improved.

<08> Device that reads still image information and audio information in memory and reproduces both simultaneously>
・ When multiple different still image information in VOB is specified, or when only audio information of a plurality of still images is recorded in a separate area, V_PCK, SP_PCK, A_PCK for each still image Is sequentially reproduced, the access frequency becomes very high, and when a plurality of still images are sequentially displayed (because of an access waiting time of an optical head (not shown)), continuous display becomes difficult.

  On the other hand, if at least two pieces of information are reproduced at a time for any one of V_PCK, SP_PCK, and A_PCK, temporarily stored in the memory 1563 of FIG. The head access frequency is greatly reduced, and continuous display becomes easy.

<09> An after-recording recording apparatus that records additional information on recorded still images together;
For example, when still image information captured by a digital camera having no voice input function is recorded as it is on an information storage medium (optical disc 1001), the recording result does not include an audio pack (A_PCK).

  The information is played back and displayed on the screen as shown in Fig. 11. Comments and comments are added to each still image by "speech input by microphone", "overwriting of handwritten marks", "adding text information by key-in" Consider the case of adding by a method such as “”. In this case, if the recording format is changed from a structure that does not include A_PCK to a structure that includes A_PCK, processing for re-recording on the information storage medium occurs, which is troublesome and takes a lot of processing time. End up.

  On the other hand, if only the additional information is recorded on the information storage medium as a separate VOB without modifying the data that does not contain A_PCK, the subsequent information addition processing for the still image is very simple and in a short time. Yes.

As described above, according to the management system according to the embodiment of the present invention,
(1) Since a data structure similar to DVD video can be adopted, a certain degree of compatibility and continuity with DVD video can be ensured;
(2) Since a similar data structure can be adopted between the moving image and the still image, the consistency or continuity of the recording format and management information can be ensured;
(3) Digital information handling a plurality of still image information can be protected and provisional erasure can be managed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention or a future implementation stage based on the technology available at that time. It is. In addition, the embodiments may be appropriately combined as much as possible, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some configuration requirements are deleted from all the configuration requirements shown in the embodiment, a configuration from which these configuration requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

The figure explaining the data structure of the information recording medium which concerns on one embodiment of this invention; The figure explaining the directory structure of the data file stored in the data area of the medium of FIG. 1; The figure explaining the data structure in the AV file of FIG. 2; The figure explaining an example of the arrangement | sequence (recording place) at the time of recording the video object VOB of AV file data on the medium of FIG. Diagram explaining the data structure in the allocation map table; The figure explaining the data structure in program chain control information (for example, user-defined PGC information table UD_PGCIT); The figure explaining the example of reproduction | regeneration of the video information (cell information) based on the program chain PGC; The figure explaining the data structure of management information (Management information RTR_VMGI for video title set information VTSI or video real-time recording); The figure explaining the arrangement | sequence order of the video object VOB according to video object information (M_VOBI for moving images or S_VOGI for still images); The figure explaining the recording format of the picture object / audio object for still images; The figure which shows the example of a screen display of the picture object data (still image) reproduced | regenerated from the medium of FIG. The figure explaining the data structure of the information regarding a video object in AV file for still images (S_AVFIT) of FIG. A diagram for explaining a data structure of a video object unit VOBU in a picture object (a data structure related to S_VOGI in FIG. 9); The figure explaining the relationship between the data structure in VOB when the still image is arranged continuously, and the designated content of the cell corresponding to it; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of cell playback information (still image cell information S_CI) of a picture object, and the correspondence between the contents of the cell playback information and the elements shown in FIG. 14; The figure which illustrates other data structures of cell reproduction information (cell information CI) of a picture object; The figure explaining the data structure of the part of title (chapter) information regarding a still image in AV file information (S_AVFI) for still images; The figure explaining the data structure of the VOB map of the picture object shown by FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital video recording / playback apparatus (RTR video recorder) using the medium of FIG. 1 (DVD_RTR disc capable of real-time video recording / playback); FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for recording one or more still images on the medium of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for reproducing one or more still images from the medium of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for after-recording audio information on the medium of FIG. 1; The figure explaining the data structure of the control information / navigation data (RTR_VMG) of FIG. 1 or FIG. The figure explaining the content of the still picture cell information (S_CI) of FIG. 23; The figure explaining the content of the still picture cell general information (S_C_GI) of FIG. 24; The figure explaining the content of each still picture cell entry point information (S_C_EPI) of FIG. 24; The figure explaining the content of the additional audio file information (S_AAFI) for still images of FIG. 12; The figure explaining the content of the general information (S_AAG_GI) of S_AAG of FIG. 27; The figure explaining the content of the additional audio entry (AA_ENT) of FIG. 27; The figure explaining the content of the VOB group general information (S_VOG_GI) of FIG. 12; The figure explaining the 1st example (type 1) of the content of the VOB entry (S_VOB_ENT) for still images of FIG. The figure explaining the 2nd example (type 2) of the content of the VOB entry (S_VOB_ENT) for still images of FIG. The figure explaining the 3rd example (type 3) of the content of the VOB entry (S_VOB_ENT) for still images of FIG. The figure explaining the 4th example (type 4) of the content of the VOB entry (S_VOB_ENT) for still images of FIG. The figure explaining the relationship between original PGC information (ORG_PGCI of FIG. 8 or FIG. 23) and a still picture video file (RTR_STO.VRO of FIG. 2) when only the still picture VOB is recorded; The figure explaining the relationship between original PGC information (ORG_PGCI) and the additional audio part (RTR_STA.VRO of FIG. 2) of a still picture; The figure explaining the relationship between still picture VOB and movie VOB, and original PGC information; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where user-defined PGC information (FIG. 6) refers to a still image VOB group; A diagram explaining the protect information that protects the program and its storage location; The figure explaining the temporary erasure flag (TE) of a still picture and its storage location; The figure explaining the case where a part of protected program PG # 2 is reset to the erasable state and the temporary erasure state; The flowchart figure explaining an example of the procedure which resets a part of protected program PG # 2 to an erasable state and a temporary erasure state.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1001 ... Rewritable optical disk (DVD_RTR disk); 1009 ... Audio & video data area (AV data area); 1011 ... Control information (RTR.IFO); 1012 ... Video object (VOB or RTR_MOV.VRO); 1013 ... Picture object (RTR_STO.VRO); 1014 ... Audio object (RTR_STA.VRO); 1101 ... AV data control information (RTR_VMG); 1021 ... Playback control information (RTR_VMG); 1105 ... Allocation map table; 1106 ... Video title set information (VTSI or RTR_VMGI); 1107 ... video object information (M_AVFIT or S_AVFIT); 1103 ... PGC control information (ORG_PGCI or UD) PGCIT); 1108 ... cell playback information (M_CI or S_CI); 1500 ... disc changer (disc drive); 1530 ... system controller; 1550 ... encoder; 1560 ... decoder unit 101 ... information recording and reproducing unit.

Claims (5)

In an information storage medium capable of recording predetermined control information and a still picture video object, the information storage medium records a group of still picture video objects composed of one or more still pictures and predetermined additional audio information. The sub-picture stream including sub-picture information is recordable in the still picture video object, and the still picture video object includes a video part and an audio part, and the audio part includes the associated video part. The control information includes still image AV file information for managing the still image video object, and the still image AV file information includes group information of the still image video object. The group information of the video object is the still picture video. Including the entry information of the object, the entry information of the still picture video object is configured to include the access information to the video part and the audio part, and the entry information of the still picture video object further includes the additional audio information. And the additional audio entry number information indicating the entry number of the additional audio information, and the entry information includes the entry type information of the still picture video object. And the entry type information further includes sub-picture stream information describing the number of sub-picture streams,
An information storage medium in which one still image video object is composed of one video object unit when a basic unit of video information including the video part is a video object unit. An information storage medium capable of recording predetermined control information and a still picture video object, and the information storage medium is configured to record a group of still picture video objects composed of one or more still pictures and predetermined additional audio information. In the still picture video object, a sub picture stream including sub picture information can be recorded, and the still picture video object includes a video part and an audio part, and the audio part is immediately after the related video part. And the control information includes still image AV file information for managing the still image video object, and the still image AV file information includes group information of the still image video object. The group information of the video object is the still picture video object. The entry information of the still picture video object includes access information for the associated video part and the audio part, and the entry information of the still picture video object includes the additional audio information. The additional audio group number information indicating the group number of the additional audio information and the additional audio entry number information indicating the entry number of the additional audio information are included, and the entry information includes the entry type information of the still picture video object. The entry type information further includes sub-picture stream information describing the number of sub-picture streams, and one still picture video when the basic unit of the picture information including the video part is a video object unit. Object is a recording method for recording information relative configured information storage medium in one of the video object unit,
A recording method for recording the still picture video object on the information storage medium and recording the entry information including the sub-picture stream information in the control information. An information storage medium on which predetermined control information and a still picture video object are recorded. The information storage medium records a group of still picture video objects composed of one or more still pictures and predetermined additional audio information. The sub-picture stream including sub-picture information is recordable in the still picture video object, and the still picture video object includes a video part and an audio part, and the audio part includes the associated video part. The control information includes still image AV file information for managing the still image video object, and the still image AV file information includes group information of the still image video object. The group information of the picture video object is the still picture video object. The entry information of the still picture video object includes access information for the associated video part and the audio part, and the entry information of the still picture video object includes the additional audio information. The additional audio group number information indicating the group number of the additional audio information and the additional audio entry number information indicating the entry number of the additional audio information are included, and the entry information includes the entry type information of the still picture video object. The entry type information further includes sub-picture stream information describing the number of sub-picture streams, and one still picture video when the basic unit of the picture information including the video part is a video object unit. Object is a reproducing method for reproducing information from the configured information storage medium in one of the video object unit,
A reproduction method of reproducing the control information in which the entry information including the sub-picture stream information is recorded, and reproducing the still picture video object. An information storage medium on which predetermined control information and a still picture video object are recorded. The information storage medium records a group of still picture video objects composed of one or more still pictures and predetermined additional audio information. The sub-picture stream including sub-picture information is recordable in the still picture video object, and the still picture video object includes a video part and an audio part, and the audio part includes the associated video part. The control information includes still image AV file information for managing the still image video object, and the still image AV file information includes group information of the still image video object. The group information of the picture video object is the still picture video object. The entry information of the still picture video object includes access information for the associated video part and the audio part, and the entry information of the still picture video object includes the additional audio information. The additional audio group number information indicating the group number of the additional audio information and the additional audio entry number information indicating the entry number of the additional audio information are included, and the entry information includes the entry type information of the still picture video object. The entry type information further includes sub-picture stream information describing the number of sub-picture streams, and one still picture video when the basic unit of the picture information including the video part is a video object unit. Object is a reproducing apparatus for reproducing information from the configured information storage medium in one of the video object unit,
Means for reproducing the control information from the information recording medium;
A reproducing apparatus comprising means for reproducing the content data from the information recording medium.   The information storage medium according to claim 5, wherein the control information and the content data recorded on the information storage medium are configured to be read and reproduced by hardware.

Images