JP2013020685A - Reproducing device, method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly reproduce title data concerning which a reproducing device cannot directly detect that input of a user operation is required on the reproducing device side, regardless of presence/absence of a user operation.SOLUTION: A reproducing device (200) (i) includes content data and control data (20) for requesting an input of user operation. (ii) The reproducing device has reproducing means (353) for reproducing title data (10) concerning which whether an input of user operation is requested during reproduction of the title data cannot be directly detected by the control data itself or by monitoring operation of the reproducing device by the control data, determination means (359) for determining whether a reproduction state of the title data is a specific state in which it is estimated that the input of user operation is requested on the basis of a reproduction state of the content data, and control means (359) for controlling the reproduction means to switch the title data to be reproduced when the reproduction state of the title data is the specific state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a playback apparatus and method such as a BD (Blu-ray Disc) player and a computer program.

  For example, a DVD is known as a recording medium for recording content data including video and audio. In the DVD, a function for displaying a predetermined menu screen is implemented in order to control the reproduction of content data. Such a menu screen includes, for example, a screen for requesting specification of content data to be reproduced, selection of privilege video, selection of audio language, selection of subtitle language, and the like. When the menu screen is displayed, the user generally performs an operation according to the menu screen by using, for example, a remote controller. As a result, the content data is reproduced in a manner corresponding to the user's operation.

  On the other hand, when a menu screen is displayed, the menu screen is often displayed unless a user operation is performed. For this reason, for example, when the user cannot perform an operation on the menu screen because the user cannot release his / her hand, the display of the menu screen is continued even though the user desires to reproduce the content data. .

  For this reason, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the user does not perform an operation for a predetermined time or longer after the menu screen is displayed, the next content data (specifically, a plurality of pieces of music) Have been proposed. According to this technique, the display of the menu screen is continued for a certain time, but after the certain time has elapsed, the reproduction of the content data is started without any user operation. Accordingly, the content data is reproduced without bothering the user.

JP 2002-42449 A

  The technique described in Patent Document 1 described above is a technique proposed for DVD. In a DVD, a title domain (TT_DOM) composed of a series of content data and a title menu domain (VTSM_DOM) that controls a menu in the title domain are recorded in a VTS (Video Title Set) space (VTS_Space). . On the other hand, a VMG (video manager) menu domain (VMGM_DOM) composed of a plurality of VTS spaces or a disc menu relating to the entire disc is recorded in a VMG space (VMG_Space) secured in a different area from the VTS space in the recording area on the DVD. Has been. Since a playback device that plays back a DVD can determine the domain or space in which playback processing is currently being performed, as a result, whether or not a menu (for example, a title menu or a disc menu) is displayed is appropriately determined. Can be determined. That is, a playback apparatus that plays back a DVD can realize the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above by determining the domain or space in which playback processing is currently performed.

  On the other hand, in recent years, BD (Blu-ray Disc) has been spreading as a next-generation optical disc of DVD. In such a BD, an HDMV (High Definition Movie) title having a function of displaying a predetermined menu screen for controlling the reproduction of content data is recorded as in the DVD. In the HDMV title, there are two different mechanisms, the Always-On menu and the Pop-Up menu, as the menu screen display mechanism. With either mechanism, it is easy to determine whether the menu is displayed on the playback device. Yes, a technique similar to the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above can be realized. The Always-On menu is a menu screen that cannot be arbitrarily displayed / erased by a user operation. The Pop-Up menu can be arbitrarily displayed / erased by a user operation at any time during video playback, and video playback can be continued even during display. It is a menu screen.

  On the other hand, in addition to or instead of the HDMV title, a BD-J (Blu-ray Disc Java) title is also recorded on the BD. The BD-J title is not an Always-On menu or a Pop-up menu that makes it easy to determine whether or not a menu is displayed, but an interactive function built under the control of a Java (registered trademark) application. Data can be reproduced in various ways. However, since the BD-J title does not employ an Always-on menu or a Pop-up menu that makes it easy to determine whether or not a menu is displayed, a playback device that plays back a BD-J title uses a menu. It is not possible to properly determine whether or not is displayed. In other words, a playback device that plays back a BD-J title displays a screen (or an image or other various contents) that is required to be input by the user, or is required to input the user's operation. It is not possible to properly determine whether an undisplayed screen is displayed. For this reason, even if the playback device that plays back the BD-J title uses the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, the playback time after displaying the screen that is requested to be input by the user is displayed. As a result, the next content data cannot be reproduced even if the user's operation is not input for a predetermined time or longer.

  Examples of problems to be solved by the present invention include the above. The present invention appropriately reproduces title data that cannot be directly detected by the playback apparatus itself on the playback apparatus side that the user's operation input is required, regardless of whether or not the user's operation is input. It is an object of the present invention to provide a playback apparatus and method that can be used, and a computer program.

  In order to solve the above problems, a playback device is title data including (i) content data and control data for requesting input of a user operation for controlling playback of the content data, and (ii) The playback device directly detects whether the input of the user's operation is requested during playback of the title data by monitoring the control data itself or the operation of the playback device based on the control data. Based on the playback state of the title data that cannot be played, and the playback state of the content data, is the playback state of the title data in a predetermined state that is estimated to require input of the user's operation? Determining means for determining whether or not the title data to be reproduced when it is determined that the reproduction state of the title data is in the predetermined state; Control means for controlling the reproducing means so as to switch the data.

  In order to solve the above problems, a playback method is title data including (i) content data and control data for requesting input of a user operation for controlling playback of the content data, and (ii) The playback device directly detects whether the input of the user's operation is requested during playback of the title data by monitoring the control data itself or the operation of the playback device based on the control data. Whether the title data playback state is in a predetermined state in which it is estimated that an input of the user's operation is required based on a playback process of playing back title data that cannot be played and the playback state of the content data A determination step for determining whether or not the title data to be reproduced is to be reproduced when it is determined that the reproduction state of the title data is in the predetermined state. And a control step for controlling the regeneration step so as to switch the data.

  In order to solve the above problems, the computer program is title data including (i) content data and control data for requesting input of a user operation for controlling reproduction of the content data. (Ii) The playback device monitors whether the control data itself or the operation of the playback device based on the control data determines whether the input of the user's operation is requested during playback of the title data. Based on the reproduction process of reproducing title data that cannot be directly detected and the reproduction state of the content data, it is estimated that the reproduction state of the title data requires the input of the user's operation. A determination step of determining whether or not the title data is in a predetermined state; and determining that the reproduction state of the title data is in the predetermined state. A control step for controlling the reproduction step so as to switch the title data to be reproduced.

1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of a recording / reproducing apparatus in an example. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally the logical structure of a title table. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally the logical structure of a BD-J object. This is a data structure conceptually showing the logical structure of the Movie object. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally the logical structure of a play list. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally the hierarchical relationship of the logical structure of data. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the recording / reproducing apparatus based on a present Example.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a playback apparatus and method, and a computer program will be described in order.

(Embodiment of playback device)
The playback device of the present embodiment is title data including (i) content data and control data for requesting input of a user operation for controlling playback of the content data, and (ii) the playback device A title that cannot directly detect whether or not the input of the user's operation is requested during the reproduction of the title data by monitoring the control data itself or the operation of the reproduction apparatus based on the control data. A determination unit for determining whether or not the reproduction state of the title data is in a predetermined state in which it is estimated that the input of the operation is required, based on reproduction means for reproducing data and the reproduction state of the title data; Means for switching the title data to be reproduced when it is determined that the reproduction state of the title data is in the predetermined state. Control means for controlling the recording / reproducing means.

  According to the playback apparatus of this embodiment, the playback means can play back the title data. The title data includes content data such as video data and audio data, for example. In addition, the title data is control data (for example, a Java application, which will be described later, various menu screens, etc.) that can require the user to input an operation for controlling the reproduction of the content data. Optional control data).

  In addition, the title data of this embodiment is whether or not the input of the user's operation is requested by the control data (in other words, the reproduction state of the title data is in the state where the input of the user's operation is requested). Title data that cannot be directly detected by the playback apparatus. More specifically, the playback device cannot monitor the status of the control data itself or notifies the current control status from the control data (for example, from the control data, the current playback device implemented by the control data). Therefore, it is not possible to directly detect whether or not the input of the user's operation is required by the control data. As such title data, for example, a title domain (so-called domain when content data is played back in a normal manner) and a menu domain (so-called domain when user input is requested) are distinguished. An example is title data that is not used or does not adopt such a technical concept of domain. In addition, the situation where “the playback device cannot be detected directly” refers to, for example, a request for user operation input between the control data which is a main body for requesting an operation input to the user and the playback device. An example is a situation in which the playback device cannot detect a control state (that is, a state in which an input of a user's operation is required) based on control data because the notification to the effect is not performed directly.

  As described above, the playback apparatus according to the present embodiment directly controls the control state based on the control data (that is, the state in which the input of the user's operation is required), the control data itself or the operation of the playback apparatus based on the control data. It cannot be detected by monitoring. Therefore, instead of monitoring the control state based on the control data, the playback device according to the present embodiment requires the control state based on the control data (that is, the input of the user's operation) by monitoring the content data playback state. Is detected indirectly. In other words, the playback device of this embodiment estimates or estimates the control state based on the control data by monitoring the playback state of the content data. More specifically, the determination unit determines whether or not the reproduction state of the title data is in a predetermined state where it is estimated that a user operation input is required based on the reproduction state of the content data. . Therefore, by appropriately setting the predetermined state as will be described later, the playback device of the present embodiment can indirectly detect whether or not the input of the user's operation is requested by the control data.

  As a result, when it is determined that the reproduction state of the title data is in a predetermined state (that is, input of a user operation is required), the control unit switches the title data to be reproduced. For example, the control unit may start reproduction of other title data different from the title data (for example, to be reproduced next). More specifically, it is assumed that an input of a user operation is requested in relation to certain title data currently being reproduced. In this case, if there is no user operation input, the reproduction of certain title data currently being reproduced continues, but the reproduction does not proceed (that is, is delayed). On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, if there is no user operation input, the reproduction of the title data is delayed because the reproduction of other title data is started instead of the currently reproduced title data. Little or no end or stop.

  As described above, the playback device according to the present embodiment can operate even if the playback device itself cannot directly detect on the playback device side that the user's operation input is requested. Regardless of the presence or absence of input, the title data can be suitably reproduced. That is, the playback device according to the present embodiment can input the user's operation even if the playback device itself cannot directly detect that the input of the user's operation is required on the playback device side. However, when there is no input of the user's operation even though it is required, other title data can be suitably reproduced. Therefore, a series of title data (for example, a plurality of title data recorded on a recording medium) can be suitably reproduced without bothering the user. Such a technical effect is particularly noticeable, for example, when the playback device is applied to car audio (that is, when it is difficult for the driver as a user to release his / her hand for operation input).

  In one aspect of the playback apparatus of the present embodiment, the predetermined state includes a state in which the content data that can be played back does not exist in the title data being played back.

  If the input of the user's operation is requested but the input of the user's operation is not performed, the content data to be reproduced is not determined according to the user's operation. It is estimated that there may be a situation in which there is no content data to start playback. Alternatively, if the user's operation is not input even though the user's operation is requested, the content data specified by default is instructed to be reproduced. Since there is no content data, it is presumed that as a result, there may be a situation in which there is no content data to start reproduction. Therefore, according to this aspect, the determination unit can appropriately determine whether or not the input of the user operation is obtained from the control data.

  In another aspect of the playback device of the present embodiment, the predetermined state is that the title data being played back can be started while the content data that can be played back is present. This includes a state in which reproduction of content data does not start within a predetermined time.

  If the input of the user's operation is requested but the input of the user's operation is not performed, the content data to be reproduced is not determined according to the user's operation. It is presumed that the situation where the reproduction of the content data is not started can occur. Alternatively, when the input of the user's operation is requested but the input of the user's operation is not performed, the content data is not started to be triggered by the user's operation. It is presumed that a situation in which data reproduction does not start can occur. Therefore, according to this aspect, the determination unit can appropriately determine whether or not the input of the user operation is obtained from the control data.

  In another aspect of the playback apparatus of the present embodiment, the predetermined state includes a state in which a part of the content data included in the title data is repeatedly played back during the playback of the title data.

  According to this aspect, when a part of the content data is repeatedly played (that is, loop playback), it is estimated that an input of a user operation related to the repeatedly played content data is requested. Is done. Alternatively, when a part of the content data is repeatedly reproduced, the content data that is repeatedly reproduced is a background screen or music in a state that requires a user operation, and is different from the content data that is repeatedly reproduced. It is presumed that a user operation input related to the content data is requested. Therefore, according to this aspect, the determination unit can appropriately determine whether or not the input of the user operation is obtained from the control data.

  In another aspect of the playback apparatus of the present embodiment, the predetermined state includes a state in which playback of the content data included in the title data is automatically stopped or paused during playback of the title data.

  According to this aspect, the reproduction of the content data is automatically stopped (that is, regardless of the user's instruction) because the user's operation input is requested even though the user's operation is requested. It is presumed that this is because no operation has been input. Therefore, according to this aspect, the determination unit can appropriately determine whether or not the input of the user operation is obtained from the control data.

  In another aspect of the playback apparatus of the present embodiment, the title data is a BD-J (Blu-ray Disc Java) title including a Java application for controlling playback of the content data as the control data.

  According to this aspect, the playback device can perform the above-described various effects for BD-J titles that do not employ the Always-On menu or the Pop-up menu, which makes it easy to determine whether the menu is displayed. It can enjoy suitably.

(Embodiment of reproduction method)
The playback method of the present embodiment is title data including (i) content data and control data for requesting input of a user operation for controlling playback of the content data, and (ii) the playback device A title that cannot directly detect whether or not the input of the user's operation is requested during the reproduction of the title data by monitoring the control data itself or the operation of the reproduction apparatus based on the control data. Based on a reproduction step of reproducing data and a reproduction state of the content data, it is determined whether or not the reproduction state of the title data is in a predetermined state in which it is estimated that an input of the user's operation is required Switching the title data to be reproduced when it is determined that the reproduction state of the title data is in the predetermined state And a control step for controlling the regeneration step.

  According to the playback method of the present embodiment, it is possible to suitably enjoy the same effects as the various effects that can be enjoyed by the playback device of the present embodiment described above.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the reproduction apparatus of the present embodiment described above, the reproduction method of the present embodiment can also adopt various aspects.

(Embodiment of computer program)
The computer program of the present embodiment is title data including (i) content data and control data for requesting input of a user operation for controlling reproduction of the content data to a computer, ) The playback device directly detects whether the input of the user's operation is requested during playback of the title data by monitoring the control data itself or the operation of the playback device based on the control data. Based on the reproduction process of reproducing title data that cannot be performed and the reproduction state of the content data, the reproduction state of the title data is in a predetermined state in which it is estimated that an input of the user's operation is required. A determination step for determining whether or not a reproduction state of the title data is determined to be in the predetermined state. And a control step of controlling the reproduction step so as to switch the title data to be performed.

  According to the computer program of the present embodiment, it is possible to suitably enjoy the same effects as the various effects that can be enjoyed by the playback apparatus of the present embodiment described above.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the playback apparatus of the present embodiment described above, the computer program of the present embodiment can also adopt various aspects.

  Such an operation and other advantages of the present embodiment will be further clarified from examples described below.

  As described above, the playback apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a playback unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The regeneration method according to the present embodiment includes a regeneration step, a determination step, and a control step. The computer program of the present embodiment causes a computer to execute a reproduction process, a determination process, and a control process. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately reproduce title data that cannot be directly detected by the reproducing apparatus itself that the user's operation input is required, regardless of whether or not the user's operation is input. Can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a playback apparatus and method, and a computer program will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Basic Configuration of Recording / Reproducing Device First, the basic configuration of the recording / reproducing device 200 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 of this embodiment. The recording / reproducing apparatus 200 has a function of recording data on the optical disc 100 and a function of reproducing data recorded on the optical disc 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a recording / reproducing apparatus 200 includes a disk drive 301 on which an optical disk 100 is actually loaded and data is recorded or reproduced, and a personal computer that controls data recording and reproduction on the disk drive 301. And a host computer 302 such as a computer.

  The disk drive 301 includes an optical disk 100, a spindle motor 351, an optical pickup 352, a signal recording / reproducing means 353, a CPU (drive control means) 354, a memory 355, a data input / output control means 306, and a bus 357. . The host computer 302 includes a CPU 359, a memory 360, operation / display control means 307, operation buttons 310, a display panel 311, and data input / output control means 308.

  The spindle motor 351 rotates and stops the optical disc 100 and operates when accessing the optical disc 100. More specifically, the spindle motor 351 is configured to rotate and stop the optical disc 100 at a predetermined speed while receiving spindle servo from a not-shown servo unit or the like.

  The optical pickup 352 includes, for example, a semiconductor laser diode, a collimator lens, and an objective lens in order to perform recording / reproduction on the optical disc 100. More specifically, the optical pickup 352 irradiates the optical disc 100 with the laser beam LB as the reading light at the first power during reproduction, and irradiates the recording light as the writing light with the second power while being modulated.

  The signal recording / reproducing means 353 constitutes one specific example of the “reproducing means” in the present invention, and performs recording / reproducing with respect to the optical disc 100 by controlling the spindle motor 351 and the optical pickup 352. More specifically, the signal recording / reproducing means 353 is constituted by, for example, a laser diode driver (LD driver) and a head amplifier. The laser diode driver generates a driving pulse, for example, and drives a semiconductor laser element provided in the optical pickup 352. The head amplifier amplifies the output signal of the optical pickup 352, that is, the reflected light of the laser beam LB, and outputs the amplified signal.

  The memory 355 is used in general data processing in the disk drive 301, such as a buffer area for recording / reproducing data and an area used as an intermediate buffer when converted into data that can be used by the signal recording / reproducing means 353. The memory 355 stores a program for performing operations as these recorder devices, that is, a ROM area in which firmware is stored, a buffer for temporarily storing recording / playback data, and variables necessary for the operation such as a firmware program. It consists of a RAM area and the like.

  A CPU (drive control means) 354 is connected to the signal recording / reproducing means 353 and the memory 355 via the bus 357, and controls the entire disk drive 301 by giving instructions to various control means. Normally, software or firmware for operating the CPU 354 is stored in the memory 355.

  The data input / output control unit 306 controls external data input / output to / from the disk drive 301 and stores and retrieves data in / from the data buffer on the memory 355. A drive control command issued from an external host computer 302 connected to the disk drive 301 via an interface such as SCSI or ATAPI is transmitted to the CPU 354 via the data input / output control means 306. Similarly, recording / reproduction data is exchanged with the host computer 302 via the data input / output control means 306.

  The operation / display control unit 307 receives and displays an operation instruction with respect to the host computer 302, and transmits an instruction from the operation button 310 such as recording or reproduction to the CPU 359. The CPU 359 is a specific example of “determination means” and “control means”, and is based on instruction information from the data input / output control means 308 and the operation / display control means 307 via the data input / output control means 308. Then, a control command (command) is transmitted to the disk drive 301 to control the entire recording / reproducing apparatus 200. Similarly, the CPU 359 can transmit a command requesting the disk drive 301 to transmit the operation state to the host. Thus, since the operation state of the disk drive 301 such as recording or reproduction can be grasped, the CPU 359 outputs the operation state of the disk drive 301 to the display panel 311 such as a fluorescent tube or LCD via the operation / display control means 307. be able to.

  The memory 360 is an internal storage device used by the host computer 302. For example, a ROM area in which a firmware program such as a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) is stored, an operating system, variables necessary for the operation of an application program, etc. Is constituted by a RAM area or the like in which the Further, it may be connected to an external storage device such as a hard disk (not shown) via the data input / output control means 308.

(2) Logical Structure of Data Recorded on Optical Disc Next, the logical structure of data on the optical disc 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing the logical structure of the title table, FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing the logical structure of the BD-J object, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing the logical structure of the Movie object, FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing the logical structure of the playlist, and FIG. 6 is a hierarchical relationship of the logical structure of the data It is a data structure figure which shows this conceptually.

  In the following description, an example in which the optical disc 100 is a Blu-ray Disc will be described. Of course, a disc of any standard other than Blu-ray Disc may be employed as the optical disc 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an index table 10 indicating objects constituting each title is recorded on the optical disc 100. Here, the title is a unit of logically large content such as one movie or one television program, for example, and is a unit of AV content reproduction for reproducing a “playlist” as will be described later. is there.

  The index table 10 includes title numbers # 1 to #n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) for identifying titles, first playback (first playback) and top menu (top menu) that perform special operations. The object type 14 and the file name 11 of the BD-J object that constitutes each title or the ID 12 of the Movie object that constitutes each title are recorded. A title specified by a title number whose object type 14 is a BD-J object is referred to as a BD-J title. On the other hand, a title specified by a title number whose object type 14 is a Movie object is referred to as an HDMV title. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the title specified by First Playback, title number # 1 and title number #n is a BD-J title, and the title specified by Top Menu and title number # 2 is an HDMV title.

  In addition to the object type 14, the file name of the BD-J object, and the ID 12 of the Movie object, other information 13 is recorded in the index table 10.

  The example shown in FIG. 2 shows the index table 10 when a plurality of titles are recorded on the optical disc 100. However, when one title is recorded on the optical disc 100, the one title is recorded. The configuration in which the file name 11 of the BD-J object that constitutes the file ID or the ID 12 of the Movie object that constitutes the one title is recorded is adopted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, whether or not the BD-J object 20 whose position is indicated by the file name 11 of the BD-J object recorded in the index table 10 automatically starts the first playlist in the table. An auto-start flag 21 indicating the above, an accessible playlist table 22 storing the names of all accessible playlists, and an ID of a Java application executed for controlling playback of AV content constituting the title. The stored application management table 23 and other information 24 are included. The “play list” is a file storing information necessary for reproduction of AV content.

  The auto-start flag 21 indicates that the Java application whose first playlist in the accessible playlist table 22 included in the BD-J object 20 is indicated to be auto-started in the application management table 23 has been read and started. In the meantime, whether or not playback is started is shown. For example, when the auto-start flag 21 indicates “1”, playback of the first playlist in the accessible playlist table 23 is started before the auto-start Java application is completely read and started. On the other hand, for example, if there is no AV content to be played back in advance, the auto play flag 21 indicates “0”, and the auto start Java application indicated by the application management table 23 is completely read and started. In the meantime, the playlist is not played back.

  The Java application can reproduce desired AV content in such a manner that interactive operation is possible, for example. For example, the Java application may display an arbitrary screen (for example, a menu screen) for requesting an input of a user operation in order to realize an interactive operation. Further, the Java application may play back desired AV content by designating the playlist 30. Therefore, the Java application can reproduce desired AV content in such a manner that interactive operation is possible by reproducing an arbitrary screen for requesting input of a user operation together with desired AV content. it can. Note that the Java application may request the user's operation input without displaying an arbitrary screen for requesting the user's operation input.

  Here, due to the specifications of the BD-J title, it is difficult for the host computer 302 to directly detect whether or not a user operation input is requested by the Java application. This is because the BD-J title relies on the Java application to display an arbitrary screen for requesting the user's operation, but the Java application displays an arbitrary screen for requesting the user's operation. This is because any process other than the above can be executed, and there is no standard method for notifying the host computer 302 of the operation state or control state of the Java application. Therefore, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 7, the host computer 302 according to the present embodiment monitors the playback state of the AV content included in the title, so that a user operation input is requested by the Java application. It detects indirectly whether or not.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the Movie object 40 whose position is indicated by the ID 12 of the Movie object recorded in the index table 10 includes a plurality of navigation commands 41 and other information 42.

  There are various kinds of navigation commands 41. By including a command for reproducing the playlist 30 including the desired AV content as one of the navigation commands of the Movie object 40, the desired AV content is reproduced.

  Here, in the HDMV title, an arbitrary screen for requesting the user's operation can be realized by displaying the Always-On menu or the Pop-up menu, but the Always-On menu or the Pop-up menu is being displayed. It is easier to detect whether or not it is in an operation state or a control state in which a user's operation input is requested with a BD-J title.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the playlist 30 includes a plurality of play items 31 and other information 32. Each of the plurality of play items 31 includes an AV content playback start time (in other words, IN time) and an AV content playback end time (in other words, OUT time).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the data structures described in FIGS. 2 to 5 have a hierarchical relationship. That is, one title is composed of one BD-J object 20 or one Movie object 40, and is registered in the Java application or Movie object 40 registered in the application management table 23 included in the BD-J object 20. The included navigation command 41 designates a play list to be reproduced by a command (may not be designated), and one play list 30 is composed of one or a plurality of play items 31.

  And the play item 31 has shown the access point in a clip with the above-mentioned reproduction | regeneration start position and reproduction | regeneration end position. Note that “clip” in the present embodiment indicates a pair of one AV content stream file (that is, an actual data file of AV content, for example, an MPEG2 transport stream) and clip information which is accompanying information. . A data file of clip information is referred to as a clip information file.

  For example, in FIG. 5, the title # 1 illustrated first from the left indicates the BD-J object 20, and therefore the title # 1 is a BD-J title. The Java application indicated by the application management table 23 in the BD-J object 20 includes a command for reproducing two playlists 30. Of the two playlists, the first playlist 30 shown on the left side in FIG. 6 is composed of two play items 31. These two play items 31 refer to the first half and the second half of the AV content stream included in the first clip shown on the left side in FIG. Therefore, when a command for playing back the first playlist 30 is executed, the first half and the second half of the AV content stream included in the first clip are played.

  Moreover, the 2nd playlist 30 shown by the right side in FIG. 6 among the two playlists 30 is comprised from one play item. With this one play item 31, the entire AV content stream included in the second clip shown on the right side in FIG. 5 is referred to. For this reason, when a command for reproducing the second playlist 30 is executed, the entire AV content stream included in the second clip is reproduced.

  In FIG. 6, the title # 2 shown second from the left designates the Movie object 40. Therefore, the title # 2 is an HDMV title not including the Java application. The Movie object 40 includes a navigation command 41 for reproducing one playlist 30. This play list 30 is composed of two play items 31. In the two play items 31, a part of the AV content stream included in the first clip and a part of the AV content stream included in the second clip are referred to. For this reason, when the navigation command 41 for reproducing the playlist 30 is executed, a part of the AV content stream included in the first clip and a part of the AV content stream included in the second clip are reproduced. The

  As described above, from the aspect of the logical structure of the data recorded on the optical disc 100, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment can follow the hierarchical data structure shown in FIG. The AV content recorded on the optical disc 100 is reproduced.

(3) Operation Principle of Recording / Reproducing Device Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a description will be given of the aspect of the reproducing operation of the recording / reproducing device 200 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart conceptually showing a flow of the reproducing operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 starts reproduction of a desired title selected in accordance with a user instruction under the control of the CPU 359 (step S101). At this time, the title from which playback is started may be a BD-J title or an HDMV title.

  Thereafter, the CPU 359 monitors the reproduction state of the title that has been reproduced in step S101 (more specifically, the reproduction state of the AV content specified by the title), so that the reproduction state of the title is determined by the user operation. It is determined whether or not the input is requested. Specifically, the CPU 359 determines whether or not AV content (in other words, the play list 30) to be played back (in other words, playback can be started) exists in the title that has started playback. Determination is made (step S102). The determination in step S102 is, for example, whether or not the playlist 30 (particularly the accessible playlist 30 and more specifically the pointer 12 or 22 to the playlist 30) is registered in the title. May be performed. If the playlist 30 is not registered in the title, it may be determined that there is no AV content to be played back. On the other hand, if the playlist 30 is registered in the title, it may be determined that there is AV content to be played back.

  As a result of the determination in step S102, when it is determined that there is no AV content to be played back in the title that has started playing (step S102: No), for example, a game is realized by a Java application or the like. Thus, it can be considered as an example that the title does not originally include AV content reproduction. That is, since the operation of the title is realized only by the Java application without reproducing the AV content, it is assumed that there is no AV content to be reproduced in the title. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 359 is premised on the interactive operation of the title that has started to be played back, and the user's operation input is currently requested (or the user's operation input is currently requested). It is determined that the user's operation has not been input yet. For this reason, the CPU 359 controls the operation of the disc drive 301 so as to end the reproduction of the title started in step S101 and start the reproduction of another title (step S106). That is, the CPU 359 starts playing other titles without waiting for the user's operation on the title that has started playing in step S101. As a result, continuous reproduction of titles independent of the presence or absence of user operations is realized.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S102, if it is determined that there is AV content to be reproduced in the title that has been reproduced (step S102: No), the CPU 359 determines that the AV content is within a predetermined time. It is determined whether or not the reproduction is started (step S103).

  As a result of the determination in step S103, if it is determined that the reproduction of the AV content is not started within a predetermined time (step S103: No), the user is requested to input the user's operation by the Java application. Since the input of the operation is not performed, the AV content to be reproduced (or the playlist 30 or the play item 31) is not determined according to the user's operation, and as a result, the reproduction of the AV content is predetermined. It is also assumed that the situation does not start within the time. Alternatively, the user's operation is not input despite the user application being requested by the Java application, so that the AV content is not started to be triggered by the user's operation. It is also presumed that AV content playback is not started. That is, it is presumed that the AV content in the title is not reproduced because the user operation is not input although the Java application requires the user's operation input. . Therefore, in this case, the CPU 359 is currently required to input the user's operation (or the input of the user's operation is still requested even though the input of the user's operation is currently required). Is determined). For this reason, the CPU 359 controls the operation of the disc drive 301 so as to end the reproduction of the title started in step S101 and start the reproduction of another title (step S106). That is, the CPU 359 starts playing other titles without waiting for the user's operation on the title that has started playing in step S101. As a result, continuous reproduction of titles independent of the presence or absence of user operations is realized.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S103, if it is determined that the reproduction of the AV content is started within a predetermined time (step S103: Yes), the CPU 359 repeatedly reproduces the AV content of the same reproduction unit (that is, It is determined whether or not loop playback has been performed (step S104).

  As a result of the determination in step S104, when it is determined that the AV content of the same playback unit is repeatedly played (step S104: Yes), the user operation related to the AV content of the playback unit being played back repeatedly It is presumed that the input of As such a situation, for example, if a game is realized by a Java application, a situation in which the title screen of the game is continuously displayed can be considered as an example. Alternatively, it may be considered that the background moving image and the background music on the screen for requesting the user's operation are repeatedly reproduced. That is, although the input of the user's operation is requested by the Java application, the input of the user's operation is not performed, so that the reproduction of the title (or AV content in the title) does not proceed. It is guessed. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 359 is currently required to input the user's operation (or the input of the user's operation is still requested even though the input of the user's operation is currently required). Is determined). For this reason, the CPU 359 controls the operation of the disc drive 301 so as to end the reproduction of the title started in step S101 and start the reproduction of another title (step S106). That is, the CPU 359 starts playing other titles without waiting for the user's operation on the title that has started playing in step S101. As a result, continuous reproduction of titles independent of the presence or absence of user operations is realized.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S104, when it is determined that the AV content of the same reproduction unit has not been repeatedly reproduced (step S104: No), the CPU 359 reproduces the title started to be reproduced in step S101. Is forcibly suspended (step S105).

  As a result of the determination in step S105, when it is determined that the reproduction of the title is automatically paused (step S105: Yes), the user is requested to input the user's operation by the Java application. It is presumed that the playback of the title has been paused because the operation is not input. That is, although the input of the user's operation is requested by the Java application, the input of the user's operation is not performed, so that the reproduction of the title (or AV content in the title) does not proceed. It is guessed. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 359 is currently required to input the user's operation (or the input of the user's operation is still requested even though the input of the user's operation is currently required). Is determined). For this reason, the CPU 359 controls the operation of the disc drive 301 so as to end the reproduction of the title started in step S101 and start the reproduction of another title (step S106). That is, the CPU 359 starts playing other titles without waiting for the user's operation on the title that has started playing in step S101. As a result, continuous reproduction of titles independent of the presence or absence of user operations is realized.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S105, when it is determined that the reproduction of the title is not automatically paused (step S105: No), the reproduction of the title started in step S101 is continued.

  Note that the determination from step S102 to step S105 described above may be selectively performed when the title that has been played back in step S101 is a BD-J title. In other words, the determinations from step S102 to step S105 described above may not be performed when the title that has been played back in step S101 is an HDMV title. If the title started to be played back in step S101 is an HDMV title, the recording / playback apparatus 200 determines whether the Always-On menu or the Pop-up menu is being displayed, thereby performing steps S102 to S105. Even if this determination is not performed, it is possible to detect whether or not an input of a user operation is required.

  Further, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 does not have to perform all the determinations from step S102 to step S105 described above. For example, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 may perform at least one of the determinations from step S102 to step S105 described above, while not performing other determinations. However, from the viewpoint of determining whether or not an input of a user's operation is requested with higher accuracy, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 preferably performs the determinations of steps S102 and S103 described above.

  As described above, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment does not allow the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 itself to directly detect on the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 side that the user's operation input is required. Even when the J title is played back, the user's operation input is required by monitoring the playback state of the BD-J title (in other words, the playback state of the AV content specified by the BD-J title). It is possible to indirectly detect whether or not That is, even when the BD-J title is played back, the recording / playback apparatus 200 of this embodiment directly monitors the operating state or control state of the Java application that controls the playback of the BD-J title. Instead, it is possible to indirectly detect whether or not a user operation input is requested by monitoring the playback state of the BD-J title.

  As a result, in the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, even when a BD-J title is recorded on the optical disc 100, it is recorded on the optical disc 100 regardless of whether or not a user operation is input. Each title can be suitably played back. That is, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment can input the user's operation even when the BD-J title is recorded on the optical disc 100 even though the user's operation is requested. If there is not, other titles recorded on the optical disc 100 can be suitably reproduced. Therefore, a series of titles recorded on the optical disc 100 can be suitably reproduced without bothering the user. Such a technical effect is particularly noticeable, for example, when the playback device is applied to car audio (that is, when it is difficult for the driver as a user to release his / her hand for operation input).

  In addition, the present invention can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and a playback apparatus and method, and a computer program accompanying such a change are also included in the present invention. It is included in the technical idea of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Index table 20 BD-J object 30 Playlist 40 Movie object 100 Optical disk 200 Recording / reproducing apparatus 353 Signal recording / reproducing means 359 CPU

Claims (8)

(i) title data including content data and control data for requesting input of a user operation for controlling the reproduction of the content data, and (ii) the reproduction device is playing back the title data Reproduction means for reproducing title data that cannot be directly detected by monitoring the control data itself or the operation of the reproduction apparatus based on the control data, whether or not the input of the user's operation is requested,
Determining means for determining whether or not the reproduction state of the title data is in a predetermined state in which it is estimated that an input of the user's operation is requested based on the reproduction state of the content data;
And a control unit that controls the reproduction unit to switch the title data to be reproduced when it is determined that the reproduction state of the title data is in the predetermined state.   The playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined state includes a state in which the content data that can be played back does not exist in the title data being played back.   The predetermined state is a state in which the content data that can start playback exists in the title data that is being played back, but the playback of the content data that can start playback is not started within a predetermined time The playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the playback apparatus includes:   The predetermined state includes a state in which a part of the content data included in the title data is repeatedly reproduced during reproduction of the title data. The reproducing apparatus as described.   5. The predetermined state includes a state in which reproduction of the content data included in the title data is automatically stopped or paused during reproduction of the title data. The playback device according to one item.   6. The title data according to claim 1, wherein the title data is a BD-J (Blu-ray Disc Java) title including a Java application for controlling reproduction of the content data as the control data. The playback device according to one item. (i) title data including content data and control data for requesting input of a user operation for controlling the reproduction of the content data, and (ii) the reproduction device is playing back the title data A reproduction step of reproducing title data that cannot be directly detected by monitoring the control data itself or the operation of the reproduction apparatus based on the control data, whether or not an input of the user's operation is requested,
A determination step of determining whether or not the reproduction state of the title data is in a predetermined state in which it is estimated that an input of the user's operation is requested based on the reproduction state of the content data;
And a control step of controlling the reproduction step so as to switch the title data to be reproduced when it is determined that the reproduction state of the title data is in the predetermined state. Against the computer,
(i) title data including content data and control data for requesting input of a user operation for controlling the reproduction of the content data, and (ii) the reproduction device is playing back the title data A reproduction step of reproducing title data that cannot be directly detected by monitoring the control data itself or the operation of the reproduction apparatus based on the control data, whether or not an input of the user's operation is requested,
A determination step of determining whether or not the reproduction state of the title data is in a predetermined state in which it is estimated that an input of the user's operation is requested based on the reproduction state of the content data;
And a control step of controlling the reproduction step so as to switch the title data to be reproduced when it is determined that the reproduction state of the title data is in the predetermined state.

Images