JP3694366B2 - Disc player - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a video playback apparatus that enables video CDs and DVDs (digital video discs) to be used as publications and the like, and in particular, to have the same functions as publications using conventional print media. The present invention relates to a disc reproducing apparatus which can be used.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the past, publications with information about tickets, events, shopping, and down information introducing the state of the city were printed media that printed articles and photos.
[0003]
On the other hand, a CD (compact disc) developed as a recording medium for audio information such as so-called music is recorded with a video CD and a digital video signal that are capable of recording and reproducing video signals, focusing on its large capacity. DVDs have been developed and are attracting attention as recording media for image information.
[0004]
Since the video CD as described above can record a large amount of image information on a compact optical disk or magneto-optical disk, it can be used as a publication of the introduction information as described above. The same applies to DVDs. In this way, when used as a publication, not only recording various introductions as image information, but also recording information can be used as moving picture information so that the user can grasp the details of the introduction more accurately. Become.
[0005]
Moreover, since a large amount of information is stored on a compact disc in a video CD or DVD, it is not easy to carry, and a great amount of information can be obtained from a single video CD or DVD. There is an advantage that can be obtained.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, unlike publications using print media, video CDs and DVDs cannot be used to know the contents of the recorded information unless they are played back by a playback device. From this point of view, what kind of information is written in printed publications can be understood by the user at a glance from the table of contents. If the information recorded in the file is not reproduced, it is impossible to know what information is recorded, and it takes a very long time to understand it. This means that the more information that is recorded on a video CD or VDV, the more time and effort it takes to understand the contents.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to provide a disc reproducing apparatus which can solve such problems and can quickly know information recorded on a disc-shaped recording medium such as a video CD or a DVD.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, each introductory image information is recorded in a disc-shaped recording medium in the form of a transition tree structure, and a plurality of branch images in the transition tree structure are recorded. Only menu image information having an item for selecting introduction image information can be reproduced and displayed in a predetermined order. Each time a predetermined operation is performed, the displayed menu image is switched, and in the menu image of a selection item of desired introduction image information, this introduction image information can be selected and reproduced and displayed. In this way, the same function as the table of contents in the publication of the print medium is obtained, and it becomes easy to grasp the outline of all the introduction image information recorded on the disc-shaped recording medium.
[0009]
Further, the present invention displays a transition tree image representing the tree structure, and allows a menu image including desired introduction image information to be selected and designated from this image. The designated menu image is enlarged and displayed simultaneously with the transition tree image. For this reason, it becomes easy to grasp the contents recorded on the disk-shaped recording medium as a whole and roughly, and the search for the desired introduction image information becomes very simple.
[0010]
In addition, the present invention displays a transition tree image as described above, and allows arbitrary introduction image information to be selected and displayed directly from the transition tree image, and can be selected while the transition tree image is displayed. The introduced introduction image information is also displayed. As a result, it is possible to immediately confirm whether or not the selected introduction image information is desired. When searching for the desired introduction image information again, the transition tree image displayed at this time is used. And re-search can be performed quickly.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a disk reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes an apparatus body, 1a denotes a drive, 1b denotes a decoding unit, 1c denotes a DA (digital-analog) conversion unit, and 1d. Is a system control unit, 1d1 is a CPU (central processing unit), 1d2 is a memory, 1e is a video CD control unit, 2 is a video CD, 3 is a display device such as a CRT or liquid crystal, and 4 is an input means.
[0013]
In the following, a video CD will be described, but the same applies to DVDs and other disc-shaped media.
[0014]
In the figure, the apparatus main body 1 includes a drive 1a for reproducing the set video CD2, and a decoding unit 1b for decoding the reproduced image signal of the video CD2 that has been subjected to data compression coding according to, for example, the MPEG standard and decompressing the data. And a DA converter 1c that converts the decoded digital image signal into an analog image signal, a CPU 1d1, a memory 1d2, and the like. A system control unit 1d that controls each part in the apparatus main body 1 in response to a command, a video CD control unit 1e that operates in response to a control signal from the system control unit 1d and controls and drives the drive 1a, and the like. Yes.
[0015]
Therefore, when the video CD 2 is set in the drive 1a of the apparatus main body 1 and a reproduction command is input from the input means 4, the system control unit 1d sets each unit to the reproduction mode, and the video CD control unit 1e reproduces the video CD 2. Let control take place. As a result, the image signal reproduced from the video CD 2 is decoded by the decoding unit 1 b, converted into an analog image signal by the DA conversion unit 1 c, and supplied to the display device 3. Thereby, the image information reproduced from the video CD 2 is displayed on the display device 3 as a still image or a moving image.
[0016]
The video CD2 records ticket information for movies, concerts, plays, etc., event information for sports, etc., and various introductory image information, such as shopping information. These image information are shown in FIG. As described above, the tree structure is classified into a hierarchical structure (this structure is hereinafter referred to as a transition tree structure), and for example, as indicated by (1) to (5), the branch of the transition tree structure A menu image is provided in the part so that a plurality of pieces of image information can be selected.
[0017]
In the transition tree structure shown in FIG. 1A, from the top menu image (1),
1. Ticket information
2. Town information
3. event information
Can be displayed on the display device 3. Here, when ticket information is selected, a menu image {circle over (2)} that allows selection of ticket types such as movies, music, and plays is selected. Displayed. When the town information is selected on the menu image ▲ 1 ▼, for example, a menu image ▲ 4 ▼ that can select information such as “City of △△”, “City of XX”, “Station Watch” is selected and displayed. When event information is selected, a menu image {circle around (3)} for selecting information on events such as “sports” and “XX venue” is displayed.
[0018]
In addition, a menu image may be provided below the transition tree structure as in the menu image (5). In this example, when the “2. Music” introduction item is selected in the menu image (2), an image introducing “CD information” is first displayed. When the next music introduction is instructed, the menu image (▲) is displayed. 5 ▼ is displayed,
1. Western hit
2. Japanese music hit
You can choose to introduce any of the ticket information. In particular, in introduction information such as music, when there is a lot of relevant information, search for the desired information is performed by first selecting the search to the higher concept and then selecting the search based on the intermediate concept. Can be done in a short time.
[0019]
FIG. 2B is a plan view showing an outline of an operation unit of a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) as a specific example of the input unit 4 in FIG.
In the figure, the operation unit of the remote controller 4 is provided with a “menu on” button 4a in addition to the normal operation buttons such as the “play” button 4b. By operating 4a, the menu display mode is set.
[0020]
Further, each piece of introduction image information as shown in FIG. 1A is recorded in each location of the video CD 2, and each piece of introduction image information is displayed next together with address information indicating a recording position. Address information indicating a recording position of at least one of the menu image information and the introduction image information is included. If address information indicating the recording position of the introduction image information and at least the next menu image information is recorded, for example, in FIG. 1A, the image information of “2. Music CD information” is recorded. Assuming that the address information of the recording position on the video CD2 is the address Ad1, and the address information of the recording position on the video CD2 of the menu image (5) is the address Ad2, the recording position of the image information of “2. Music CD information” is recorded. For example, the address Ad1 is recorded at the head, and the address Ad2 is recorded, for example, address information of the recording position on the video CD2 of the menu image (5) at the head or the end.
[0021]
With this configuration, when the image information “2. Music CD information” is selected and reproduced, these addresses Ad1 and Ad2 are also read and written to the memory 1d2 of the system control unit 1d. Then, during the reproduction of the image information of “2. Music CD information”, for example, when the “Play” button 4b (FIG. 2B) of the remote controller 4 is operated, in the system control unit 1d, the CPU 1d1 reads the address from the memory 1d2. The address Ad2 which is lower than Ad1 is read and the video CD control unit 1e is controlled by this, thereby reproducing and displaying the menu image {circle around (5)} of the video CD2.
[0022]
Note that the address of the selection item (introduction image information or menu image) is recorded at the recording position of the menu image on the video CD2, and when the menu image is selected and displayed, the introduction image information or the selection item information or the selection item is displayed. The address of the menu image is also reproduced from the video CD and written in the memory 1d2, and when one of the selection items is selected and designated by operating the numeric keypad of the remote controller 4, the corresponding address is read from the memory 1d2 and the same as described above. Then, the image information of the selected item is reproduced and displayed.
[0023]
As described above, the search for the introduction image information in this embodiment can directly display the menu image information to be introduced next from the introduction image information reproduced by the search based on the menu image information. You can quickly see the contents of.
[0024]
Here, in this embodiment, in the transition tree structure of the introduction information as shown in FIG. 1A, only the menu image is displayed in order as shown in FIG. 1B, for example. The mode can also be set. Hereinafter, this point will be described.
[0025]
Now, assuming that the recording direction of the video CD 2 is the direction from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side, all menu image addresses are recorded on the recording track at the innermost diameter portion, and information for defining the reproduction order of these addresses. (Hereinafter referred to as menu playback order defining information) is recorded. As shown in FIG. 3A, the menu reproduction order defining information is stored in an image management area (area for recording the branch destination and image information address) formed at the inner diameter side tip of the recording track TR. It is recorded.
[0026]
FIG. 3B shows a portion in which the menu reproduction order defining information is recorded in this image management area. The header P1 is the head and the menu image address area P2 is selected in this menu image. A recording area including an address area P3 for each item is provided for each menu image. Here, only the address recording area for one menu image is shown.
[0027]
FIG. 3C is a diagram showing a selection list recorded in the header P1 in FIG.
[0028]
The selection list is provided for each menu image, and is information that defines the playback order of the menu images. For example, in the transition tree structure shown in FIG. 1A, the playback order of menu images in the menu display mode is defined as shown in FIG. 1B, and the selection list 1 is for the menu image {circle around (1)}, If the selection lists 2, 3, and 4 are for the menu images {circle around (2)}, {circle over (3)}, and {circle around (4)}, the selection list 1 indicates the area P3 for the menu image {circle around (1)} in FIG. The selection list 2 includes the address of the area P3 for the menu image (2),..., The last selection list (FIG. 3C shows four selection lists). However, in the case of corresponding to FIG. 1, five selection lists are provided), the area P of the menu image for this selection list It is included in the address.
[0029]
Each selection list also includes information indicating a selection list to which the pointer should move next. For example, since menu image (2) should be reproduced and displayed after menu image (1), selection list 1 includes instruction information for moving the pointer to selection list 2.
[0030]
A pointer is set in the selection list for the menu image selected and displayed. This pointer indicates the menu image to be reproduced and displayed next. Here, since the selection list 2 is designated by the pointer, the menu image (2) in FIG. 1 (a) is reproduced and displayed next.
[0031]
The information shown in FIG. 3B, which includes such a list shown in FIG. 3C and address information for each menu image, is menu playback order defining information. In FIG. 2A, the video CD 2 is stored in the drive 1a. At the same time, the menu reproduction order defining information is reproduced and written in the memory 1d2 of the system control unit 1d.
[0032]
Now, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the pointer is set in the selection list 2 of the menu image (2), the “menu on” button 4a of the remote controller 4 shown in FIG. 2A, in the system control unit 1d, in the system control unit 1d, the CPU 1d1 reads the menu reproduction order defining information from the memory 1d2, and determines the position of the pointer at that time. At this time, the pointer is in the selection list 2 Therefore, based on the information in the selection list 2, the recording address of the menu image {circle around (2)} is detected from the area P2 of the menu image {circle around (2)} in FIG. Then, the menu image information {circle over (2)} is reproduced from the video CD 2 by this address and displayed. At the same time, the menu reproduction order defining information is moved to the next selection list 3 and written in the memory 1d2, and is rewritten with the previous old menu reproduction order defining information.
[0033]
In this way, each time the “menu on” button 4a of the remote controller 4 is operated, in FIG. 3C, the pointer sequentially moves between the selection lists in a predetermined order, thereby causing the menu images (1) to (▲). 5 is reproduced and displayed in a predetermined sequence as shown in FIG.
[0034]
As described above, the video CD2 is set in the drive 1a, the above-mentioned menu reproduction order defining information is read from the video CD2, and a pointer is set in the selection list for the menu image information to be reproduced and displayed first. It is written in the memory 1d2. Here, a pointer is set in the selection list for the top menu image (1).
[0035]
In addition, while a menu image is being played back and displayed, the menu playback order stipulation in which the pointer stored in the memory 1d2 is set even if one of the selection items displayed there is selected by operating the numeric keypad of the remote controller 4. Information is not affected at all. Accordingly, when the “menu on” button 4a is operated while the introduction image is being reproduced and displayed, the CPU 1d1 reads the menu reproduction order defining information from the memory 1d2, and reproduces and displays the menu image for the selection list designated by the pointer at that time. To do.
[0036]
Further, when a desired item in the menu image displayed by operating the numeric keypad of the remote controller 4 is selected, first, an image representing the title of the selected item is displayed. Thereafter, by operating the “play” button 4b of the remote controller 4, the introduction image of the selected item is reproduced and displayed. Thereby, it can be confirmed whether there is no mistake in the selected item. However, by operating the numeric keypad, it is also possible to immediately reproduce and display the introduction image information of the selected item without requiring the operation of the “play” button 4b.
[0037]
Furthermore, since the address of the image information to be reproduced next is recorded in the recording area of each image information, after the video CD 2 is set in the drive 1a or in the stop state where the reproduction is not performed, the “reproduction” When the "4" button 4b is operated, only the introduction image information is reproduced and displayed from the first introduction image information in a predetermined order. As a result, it is possible to view all the introduction image information in the same manner as the publications on the print medium are sequentially viewed from the first page. Of course, a menu image can also be added to the reproduction order. In this case, when the menu image is displayed, the reproduction of the menu image is continued. When the image information is again reproduced and displayed in order, the “reproduction” button 4b may be operated. Of course, when this menu image is displayed, if you want to see the introduction image information of a specific selection item there, select this item with the numeric keypad as described above, and then click “Play”. The button 4b may be operated.
[0038]
As described above, in this embodiment, only menu images can be reproduced and displayed in order. This corresponds to viewing the table of contents in a printed publication, so you can quickly find out what kind of introduction information is available on the video CD2, and quickly get the necessary introduction image information. It becomes possible to find out.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the control operation of the system control unit 1d in FIG.
[0040]
In this figure, when it is detected that the video CD 2 is set in the drive 1a (step 100), the menu recorded in the image management area (FIG. 3) at the tip of the innermost recording track of the video CD 2 The playback order defining information is read, a pointer is set in the selection list 1 (FIG. 3C) for the top menu image information {circle around (1)} to be played back first, and stored in the memory 1d2 (step 101). 4 until the “menu on” button 4a and the “play” button 4b are operated (steps 102 and 103).
[0041]
Thereafter, when the “play” button 4b is operated (step 102), only the introduction image information in the transition tree structure as shown in FIG. 1A is sequentially played back in a predetermined order and displayed on the display device 3. . This operation is performed until the “menu on” button 4a is operated (step 105). When the last introduction image information is reproduced and displayed without being operated, the process returns to step 102, although not shown. If the “menu on” button 4 a is operated while the introduction image information is sequentially reproduced and displayed as described above, the process proceeds to step 108.
[0042]
When the “menu on” button 4a is operated during the standby (step 103), the CPU 1d1 reads the menu reproduction order defining information from the memory 1d2, and the highest order menu image information set with the pointer (1) Based on the selection list 1 (FIG. 3 (c)), the menu image information (1) is reproduced from the video CD 2 and displayed on the display device 3 (step 106). At the same time, the pointer in the read menu playback order defining information is moved to the next selection list 2 (FIG. 3C) and stored in the memory 1d2. This display state continues until any one of the “menu on” button 4a, the numeric keypad, and the “play” button 4b is operated (steps 107 and 110). In this way, the menu display mode is set.
[0043]
When the “menu on” button 4a is operated during the reproduction display of the menu image information (1) (step 107), the menu reproduction order defining information is read from the memory 1d2, and the selection list 2 to which the pointer is set is read. Menu image information {circle around (2)} is reproduced from the video CD 2 and displayed (step 108). Even when the “menu on” button 4a is operated during the reproduction of the introduction image information (step 105), the menu reproduction order defining information is read out from the memory 1d2 in the same manner, and the selection list for which the pointer is set is read. Menu image information is reproduced from the video CD 2 and displayed (step 108).
[0044]
Here, a display example of the menu image on the display device 3 in this case is shown in FIG.
When the first top menu image information {circle over (1)} is reproduced and displayed, only this image information is reproduced, so only this image information is displayed. Further, in the display of the menu image reproduced thereafter, only the reproduced menu image information may be displayed. However, as shown in FIG. 5A, the current reproduction is performed as described above. On the display screen 5b of the menu image information {circle around (2)} being displayed, the screen 5a of the menu image information {circle around (1)} reproduced and displayed at the same time is simultaneously displayed in the form of PoutP (picture out picture). You may do it. According to this, in some cases, a guideline for understanding the meaning of the menu image information {circle around (2)} reproduced and displayed this time may be obtained.
[0045]
Further, particularly when the “menu on” button 4a is operated while the introduction image information is reproduced and displayed, the introduction image information is reproduced at this time as shown in FIG. 5B. While continuing to display the screen 5c, the screen 5b of the menu image information {circle around (2)} reproduced on the display screen 5c may be superimposed and simultaneously displayed. However, in this case, a dedicated pickup for reproducing the menu image information is provided, or although there is some influence on the reproduction of the introduction image information, the menu image information is reproduced instantaneously and provided in the drive 1a, for example. The information is stored in the image memory, read out, and immediately introduced to the introductory image information whose reproduction is resumed.
[0046]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), only the screen 5b of the menu image {circle around (2)} reproduced and displayed this time is displayed, and a menu display mode “MenuOn” is displayed at a predetermined location on the screen 5b. Alternatively, an image 5d indicating this may be displayed. As a result, the user can easily know that the same menu image information (2) is still displayed unless the "menu on" button 4a is operated in the mode in which only the menu image information is displayed. Can do.
[0047]
Returning to FIG. 4, a flag for skipping can be set for the menu image information once reproduced and displayed as required by the user (step 109). If it is determined that the menu image information {circle over (2)} is a menu that is no longer necessary when the user performs a predetermined operation on the remote controller 4, the CPU 1 d 1 reads the menu reproduction order defining information from the memory 1 d 2, Therefore, a flag is set in the selection list 2 shown in FIG. 3C for the menu image information (2) currently reproduced and displayed.
[0048]
Thereafter, the menu image continues to be reproduced and displayed until the “menu on” button 4a or the numeric keypad of the remote controller 4 is operated. When the menu on ”button 4a is operated next (step 107), the menu is stored from the memory 1d2. The reproduction order defining information is read out, and a menu image corresponding to the selection list designated by the pointer there is reproduced and displayed, and the above operation is performed. In this case, when the pointer moves to the next time, the selection list in which the flag for skipping is set is skipped, and the pointer is set in the next selection list in which the flag is not set. Thereby, the menu image for the selection list in which the flag is set is not reproduced. Such a flag can be canceled by a predetermined operation on the remote controller 4.
[0049]
As described above, each time the “menu on” button 4a is operated, the operations of steps 107 to 109 are performed. For the transition tree structure shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the menu images are reproduced and displayed in the order of (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5). When a desired menu image is reproduced and displayed and a desired item is selected (step 110), the address for this selected item is extracted from the area P3 shown in FIG. The introduction image information is reproduced and displayed (step 111).
[0050]
When the “menu on” button 4a is operated while the introduction image information is displayed in this way, the process jumps to step 108, and the CPU 1d1 reads the menu reproduction order defining information described in FIG. 3 from the memory 1d2. The menu image for the selection list pointed to by the pointer at that time is displayed, and the menu image to be displayed is switched each time the “menu on” button 4a is operated as described above. .
[0051]
As described above, in this embodiment, only the menu images can be displayed in order, and the display of the introduction information can be instructed from the displayed menu images, so that the table of contents on the print medium can be viewed. The user can know in a short time what kind of content the introduction information stored on the video CD is, even if it is a huge amount. Thus, desired introduction information can be easily and quickly found and displayed.
[0052]
Since the displayed menu image is switched every time the “menu on” button 4a is operated, the reading speed of the menu image can be set to a user's favorite speed, and desired introduction information can be obtained. You will be able to find it easily without overlooking it.
[0053]
When the video CD2 is ejected from the drive 1a, the CPU 1d1 clears the menu playback order defining information of this video CD stored in the memory 1d2.
[0054]
In this embodiment, the menu image to be displayed is switched every time the “menu on” button 4a is operated. However, when the menu image is displayed for a certain period of time, the display is automatically switched to the next menu image. You may do it. In this case, contrary to the above case, if the “menu on” button 4a is operated while the menu image is displayed, switching to the next menu image is prohibited, and if the “menu on” button 4a is operated again. It is also possible to cancel the prohibition and return to the mode in which the menu image is automatically switched.
[0055]
Next, a second embodiment of the disk reproducing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the apparatus is the same as that shown in FIG. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the remote controller 4 is generally configured by adding a “cursor” button 4c to the remote controller 4 shown in FIG.
[0056]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and with reference to FIGS. 2A and 7 to 10. Will be explained. However, in FIG. 6, the same process steps as those in FIG.
[0057]
When the video CD 2 is set in the drive 1a (step 100), the system control unit 1d reads the information recorded in the image management area (FIG. 3) at the leading end of the innermost recording track of the video CD 2. This read information indicates the address relation of each image information recorded on the video CD2. Then, the system control unit 1d reads out the image of the head frame of the corresponding image information for each of these addresses, and the image representing the transition tree structure as shown in FIG. (Hereinafter referred to as a transition tree image) is formed and stored in a memory (not shown) (step 200). Then, it waits until the “menu on” button 4a or the “play” button 4b is operated (steps 102 and 103).
[0058]
When the “menu on” button 4a is operated in this state, the formed transition tree image is displayed on the screen. Even if the “menu on” button 4a is operated when the introduction image information is displayed in steps 102 and 104, the transition tree image is displayed in the same manner (step 201).
[0059]
A display example at this time is shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that any one of the menu image information in the transition tree structure is designated, and here, the ticket information is designated. Of course, when the process is performed from step 100 to step 200, 102, 103 where the video CD2 is set and the menu image is first displayed, the top menu image information (1) in FIG. It is specified.
[0060]
FIG. 8 shows a case where the menu image {circle around (2)} of the ticket information is designated, and this designated menu image 6b is displayed as the main image, while the transition tree image 6a is displayed as the sub image in the PoutP format. Is done. Conversely, the transition tree image 6a may be displayed as a main image, and the designated menu image 6b may be displayed as a sub image. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, it may be displayed in a PinP format. It goes without saying that the selection item can be clearly seen when the designated menu image 6b is the main image. However, in both cases of FIGS. 8 and 9, in the transition tree image 6a, the position of the designated menu image 6b in the transition tree image 6a is clearly defined by surrounding the designated menu image 6b with a frame-like cursor 7. can do.
[0061]
FIG. 10 displays the transition tree image 6a on the entire screen, and enlarges and displays the designated menu image 6b. Of course, in this case, in step 200, the address read from the video CD2 and the first frame image of each introduction image information are stored separately, and the transition is made based on the relationship between the addresses to display the transition tree image. When a tree image is formed, the designated menu image is enlarged and fitted into the transition tree image, and stored in the memory. Also, transition tree image information on which different menu images are enlarged is displayed in advance. It may be created and stored in a scale, and when a certain menu image is designated, transition tree image information obtained by enlarging the menu image may be read from the memory and displayed. This also applies to the display examples of FIGS. 8 and 9 in which the cursor 7 is added for display.
[0062]
When neither the “cursor” button 4c nor the numeric keypad is operated, the processing of steps 202 and 110 in FIG. 6 is repeated, and the same transition tree image and menu image are continuously displayed on the display screen.
[0063]
In any of the display examples of FIGS. 8 to 10, the “cursor” button 4 c is operated to specify a menu image in the displayed transition tree. In FIG. 6, when the “cursor” button 4c is operated to align the cursor 7 with another menu image (step 202), the menu image is displayed as an image 6b (step 203).
[0064]
When one of the selection items in the displayed menu image is selected, the number for the selection item is designated with the numeric keypad, and the “play” button 4b is selected as in the first embodiment. What is necessary is just to operate (step 110). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the menu image 6b is displayed, image information relating to a movie ticket is displayed by operating the numeric keypad “1” and the “play” button 4b. When such introduction image information is displayed, naturally, the transition tree image and the menu image are not displayed (step 204). If the user wants to select desired introduction image information from the menu image again, the “menu on” button 4a may be operated (step 112), thereby starting the processing from step 201.
[0065]
As described above, in the second embodiment, since the transition tree image is displayed, it is possible to see at a glance what the introduction information stored in the video CD 2 is and how it is classified. The menu image for selecting the introduction information to be read can be directly designated.
[0066]
Note that not only the menu image information but also the introduction image information can be designated by the “cursor” button 4c, and this can be reproduced and displayed by operating the “reproduction” button 4b. In this case, the menu image information has a heading function of each introduction image information branched from the menu image information. Therefore, if the desired introduction image information is directly known from the transition tree image, the introduction image is directly set to “cursor”. ”Button 4c, for example, when it is difficult to find the desired introduction image information from the screen, a menu image is displayed, and based on this, the desired introduction image information is searched, and then the transition tree image is displayed. The desired introduction image may be designated by the “cursor” button 4c.
[0067]
In the second embodiment, the transition tree image information is formed on the basis of the address-related information stored in the image management area (FIG. 3) of the video CD2. The information may be read out and stored in the memory 1d2 together with the set of the video Cd2 in the drive 1a.
[0068]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the disk reproducing apparatus according to the present invention. Also in the third embodiment, the configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and the remote controller 4 to be used may be the same as that shown in FIG.
[0069]
In this embodiment as well, the transition tree image is displayed in step 201 in the same manner as in the second embodiment, but any introductory image information in the displayed transition tree image is also directly displayed as “cursor”. ”Button 4c, and the specified introduction image information is displayed at the same time as the transition tree image.
[0070]
FIG. 12 shows an example of the screen display, and shows a case where the introduction image “◯ △ Ekiden” is designated by the “cursor” button 4c in the transition tree image. In this case, a transition tree image in which the introduction image “◯ △ Ekiden” is surrounded by a frame-like cursor and a moving image showing the contents of “◯ △ Ekiden” are displayed at the same time.
[0071]
When the desired introduction image information is designated in the transition tree image displayed on the screen in this manner (steps 202 and 203 in FIG. 11), the designated introduction image is also displayed while the transition tree image is displayed. . When the “play” button 4b is operated in such a state (step 110 in FIG. 11), the transition tree image disappears and only the introduction image is displayed (step 300 in FIG. 11).
[0072]
Other points are the same as in the second embodiment.
[0073]
As described above, in the third embodiment, desired introduction image information can be directly found from the transition tree image and reproduced and displayed, and the designated introduction image information is displayed simultaneously with the transition tree image. Therefore, it is possible to immediately confirm whether or not the specified introduction image information is the desired one, and even if it is different, the desired introduction image can be immediately displayed without requiring an operation for displaying the transition tree image. Work to find information can be started, saving time and improving usability.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when searching for desired introduction image information from a disc-shaped recording medium in which each introduction image information is separated and organized in relation to the transition tree structure, branching of the transition tree structure is performed. Only the menu image information can be displayed in a predetermined order, so that it can have the same function as viewing a table of contents in a publication on a print medium, It is possible to quickly grasp whether introduction image information is recorded, and it becomes easy to search for desired introduction image information.
[0075]
Also, according to the present invention, since the transition tree image is displayed, it is possible to see at a glance what the introduction image information stored in the disc-shaped recording medium is, how it is classified, and the like. The menu image for selecting the introduction information to be read can also be directly specified by the displayed transition tree image, and the desired introduction image information can be reproduced and displayed quickly. Become.
[0076]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, desired introductory image information can be found directly from the transition tree image and reproduced and displayed, and the designated introductory image information is displayed at the same time as the transition tree image. It is possible to immediately confirm whether or not it is a thing, and even if it is different, it is possible to immediately specify the desired introduction image information.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transition tree structure of information recorded on a disk-shaped recording medium and a display example in a menu display mode according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of a disc reproducing apparatus according to the present invention and a specific example of its input means.
3 is a diagram showing a recording format of a video CD and a selection list for a menu display mode in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment of the disk reproducing apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a menu image in the first embodiment of the disc playback apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the disk reproducing apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of input means in the second embodiment of the disk reproducing apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a menu image in the second embodiment of the disc playback apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a view showing another display example of the menu image in the second embodiment of the disc reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view showing still another display example of the menu image in the second embodiment of the disk reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the disk reproducing apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of a menu image in the third embodiment of the disc playback apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Main unit
1a drive
1b Decryption unit
1c DA converter
1d System control unit
1d1 CPU
1d2 memory
1e Video CD controller
2 Video CD
3 Display device
4 Input means (remote control)
4a “Menu On” button
4b “Play” button
4c “Cursor” button

Claims (7)

In a playback device for a disc-shaped recording medium in which normal image information of various contents is recorded,
In the disc-shaped recording medium, the normal image information is related to each other in a predetermined transition tree structure, and a plurality of predetermined normal image information can be selected for each branch point of the transition tree structure. Menu image information with selection items set is provided,
A menu display mode for reproducing and displaying only the menu image information in a predetermined order can be set .
In the menu display mode, the displayed menu image information is switched every time a predetermined operation means is operated.
When the menu display mode is set during reproduction display of the normal image information, the displayed normal image information and the menu image information based on the setting of the menu display mode are displayed simultaneously. . In a playback device for a disc-shaped recording medium in which normal image information of various contents is recorded,
In the disc-shaped recording medium, the normal image information is related to each other in a predetermined transition tree structure, and a plurality of predetermined normal image information can be selected for each branch point of the transition tree structure. Menu image information with selection items set is provided,
A menu display mode for reproducing and displaying only the menu image information in a predetermined order can be set.
In the menu display mode, every operation of the predetermined operation unit, switches between the menu image information to be displayed,
In the menu display mode, a disc playback apparatus characterized by simultaneously displaying the menu image and an image indicating that the menu display mode is set . In a playback device for a disc-shaped recording medium in which normal image information of various contents is recorded,
In the disc-shaped recording medium, the normal image information is related to each other in a predetermined transition tree structure, and a plurality of predetermined normal image information can be selected for each branch point of the transition tree structure. Menu image information with selection items set is provided,
An image of the transition tree structure is displayed, and a menu display mode that enables reproduction display by selecting desired normal image information from a desired menu image in the displayed transition tree structure is settable. A disc player characterized by the above. The disc player according to claim 3 , wherein
When the desired menu image in the displayed transition tree structure is specified, the specified menu image is enlarged and displayed together with the image of the transition tree structure . The disc player according to claim 4 , wherein
A disc reproducing apparatus , wherein a cursor having a desired shape is added to the designated menu image in the transition tree structure . The disc player according to claim 3, wherein
A disc reproducing apparatus , wherein when a desired menu image in the displayed transition tree structure is designated, the designated menu image is enlarged and displayed in the transition tree structure . In a playback device for a disc-shaped recording medium in which normal image information of various contents is recorded,
In the disc-shaped recording medium, the normal image information is related to each other in a predetermined transition tree structure, and a plurality of predetermined normal image information can be selected for each branch point of the transition tree structure. Menu image information with selection items set is provided,
An image of the transition tree structure is displayed, and a menu display mode that enables reproduction display by selecting desired normal image information from the displayed menu image of the transition tree structure can be set .
When the desired normal image information in the displayed transition tree structure is specified, the specified normal image information is displayed while the image of the transition tree structure is displayed .

Images