JP3840828B2 - Video stream data reproducing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a DVD player, and more particularly to a selection history of the operator.
[0002]
[Related technologies and issues]
Today, multi-story video discs that make use of the large capacity of DVD-type video discs (hereinafter referred to as DVD video discs) are known. A multi-story is a DVD video disc in which a plurality of predetermined branch positions and branch destination stories are stored. Upon playback, a selection screen appears when the branch point is reached, and the branch destination story is selected by the operator. Is played. For example, in a certain scene, it is possible that the story ahead differs depending on whether the main character opens the door or goes back.
[0003]
However, when playing back the multi-story disc, if you want to play back another branch destination that has already passed through the branch point, operate the return switch until the desired screen appears, and the branch screen will be displayed. Then, it is necessary to start reproduction and specify the branch destination again, which requires very complicated processing.
[0004]
The same problem applies to a recording medium other than a DVD video disk, which is a randomly accessible recording medium that stores video stream data in which branch points where a plurality of branch streams can be selected are set. It becomes a problem.
[0005]
The present invention solves the above-described problem and provides a DVD player capable of jump playback to a desired branch point with a simple operation in a playback device that plays back a DVD video disc whose branch destination can be selected by an operator during playback. An object is to provide a reproduction method.
[0006]
In addition, in a playback device that plays back a recording medium that is randomly accessible and stores video stream data in which a branch point where a plurality of branch streams can be selected is set, a desired branch point can be obtained with a simple operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a video stream data playback apparatus or a playback method thereof that can be played back.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
In the video stream data reproducing apparatus, the video stream data reproducing method, and the recording medium storing the program according to the present invention, a branching location that is stored in a randomly accessible recording medium and from which a plurality of branched streams can be selected is set. When a branch stream selected by the operator is input at any branch location of the video stream data, the location information of the branch location and the input branch stream specifying information are stored as history information, and the operator plays back the information. When a jump command specifying a desired branch point is given, video stream data is reproduced from the specified branch point based on the history information. Thereby, the jump reproduction to a desired branch point can be performed only by the operator giving the jump command.
[0008]
In the video stream data reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, when a return command is given as the jump command, the playback position designating unit reproduces the branch location specified by the return command based on the history information. Specify as. Therefore, it is possible to play back to a desired branch point simply by giving the return command by the operator.
[0009]
In the video stream data playback apparatus according to the present invention, the playback position specifying means, when a jump command is given once as the jump command, when the jump command is given, based on the history information, the jump command Designate the branch point specified in step 1 as the playback position. Therefore, after returning to a desired branch point, reproduction from another branch point becomes possible.
[0010]
In the video stream data reproducing device according to the present invention, after the return instruction is given, a judging means for judging whether or not a different branch stream is selected at the branch location, and when a different branch stream is selected. , Rewriting means for rewriting the history information into history information composed of a newly selected branch location and branch stream. Therefore, it is possible to jump based on the history selected last by the operator.
[0011]
In the DVD player for reproducing the multi-story DVD video disc according to the present invention, when the branch destination selected by the operator at the multi-story branch point is input, the position information and branch destination of the branch point are stored as history information. If the operator gives a jump command, the DVD video disc is played from the branch point specified by the jump command based on the history information. Therefore, jump reproduction to a desired branch point can be performed only by the operator giving the jump command.
[0012]
The correspondence between the terms used in the claims and the embodiments will be described below.
[0013]
In the embodiment, “branch stream” corresponds to stream data specified by each PGC.
[0014]
The “branch stream specifying information” is information for specifying a branch stream, and corresponds to a branch destination PGC in the embodiment.
[0015]
“Multi-story” means that one title has one or more branch points selectable by the viewer, and different stories are reproduced by selection at the branch point. In the embodiment, FIG. The link structure is defined as follows.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. Functional block diagram
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of a video stream data reproducing apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The video stream data playback device 1 includes playback command input means 3, playback means 5, branch stream specifying information input means 7, history information storage means 9, playback position designation means 11, judgment means 13, and rewrite means 15. .
[0017]
A reproduction command including a reproduction start position is input to the reproduction command input means 3 by the operator. When the playback instruction is given, the playback means 5 reads the video stream data from a randomly accessible recording medium that stores video stream data in which branch points where a plurality of branch streams can be selected are set, and starts playback. Play from the position.
[0018]
The branch stream specifying information input means 7 receives branch stream specifying information for specifying the branch stream selected by the operator at the branch point during the reproduction. The history information storage means 9 stores the branch location and the input branch stream specifying information as history information. When the operator gives a jump command during the playback, the playback position designating unit 11 gives the branch point specified by the jump command to the playback unit 5 as the playback start position of the video stream based on the history information. .
[0019]
The determination means 13 determines whether or not a different branch stream is selected at the branch location after the return instruction is given. When a different branch stream is selected, the rewriting means 15 rewrites the history information to history information composed of the newly selected branch location and branch stream.
[0020]
2. Hardware configuration
FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a DVD player 21 that implements the video stream data playback device 1 using a CPU.
[0021]
The DVD player 1 includes a CPU 23, a ROM 25, a RAM 27, an operation unit 30, a fluorescent display unit 28 that is a display unit, a DVD playback unit 31, and a bus line 29.
[0022]
The CPU 23 controls each unit via the bus line 29 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 25.
[0023]
The RAM 27 stores various calculation results and the like together with history information to be described later.
[0024]
A DVD playback unit 31 is connected to the bus line 29. The configuration of the DVD playback unit 31 is the same as that of a conventional DVD player device. Briefly, the DVD video disk 40 is inserted into the drive unit / servo processing section 32 and driven. The signal processing unit 34 reads out necessary data in accordance with a command from the operation unit 30, and provides it to the video / audio decoding processing unit 36. The video / audio decoding processing unit 36 decompresses the supplied data, and supplies the video data to the video encoding unit 38 and the audio data to the D / A conversion processing unit 39. The video encoder 38 converts the supplied digital video data into an NTSC composite signal and outputs it as a video signal. The D / A conversion processing unit 39 converts the given digital audio data into an analog audio signal and outputs it. The video / audio decoding processing unit 36 can also output the digital audio data as it is.
[0025]
The drive unit / servo processing unit 32, the signal processing unit 34, and the video / audio decoding processing unit 36 are controlled by instructions from the CPU 23.
[0026]
A data structure of multi-story moving image data stored in the DVD video disk 40 will be described with reference to FIG. The DVD video disk 40 stores program chain information (hereinafter referred to as PGCI) as management information and a video object set (hereinafter referred to as VOBS) in which video or audio data is stored.
[0027]
The VOBS is composed of a plurality of video objects (hereinafter referred to as VOB), and the VOB is composed of a plurality of object cells. Each object cell is composed of one or more video object units (VOBU). The VOBU stores video data, audio data, and the like.
[0028]
PGCI is control information indicating the playback order of each object cell. In this example, a plurality of program chains (hereinafter referred to as PGC) such as PGC1, PGC2,. Each PGC is connection information in which a plurality of programs are arranged in the order of execution. For example, PGC1 is composed of programs PG11, PG12,. Each program is composed of one or more cells (hereinafter referred to as program cells). Each program cell defines the order of object cells to be played. For example, the program PG11 includes program cells C1 to Ci. Each program cell specifies an object cell to be reproduced by VOB_ID and object cell ID. The program PG12 is composed of cells C1 to Cj. The same applies to PGC2.
[0029]
Note that one title is composed of an aggregate of a plurality of PGCs.
[0030]
In the present embodiment, a multi-story DVD video disk having a connection structure as shown in FIG. 4 is used. In this example, PGC1 can branch to PGC2 and PGC21, and PGC2 does not have a branch and proceeds to PGC3. PGC3 can branch to PGC4 and PGC11. PGC4 does not have a branch and proceeds to PGC5. In PGC5, it is possible to branch to PGC6 and PGC7. Further, when the PGC 3 branches to the PGC 11, the PGC 11 can branch to the PGC 12 and the PGC 13.
[0031]
The fluorescence display unit 28 and the operation unit 30 in FIG. 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, a fluorescent display unit 28 and an operation unit 30 are arranged on the front surface of the DVD player 21. Various types of display information, such as playback time, is displayed on the fluorescent display unit 28. The operation unit 30 includes a power button 51, a title selection button 45, a play button 46, and a stop button 47, a branch selection key 41, a NEXT key 42 that is a jump command input key that gives a jump command, and a return key that gives a return command. Various buttons such as a certain PREV key 43 are arranged.
[0032]
A disk tray 49 and a tray loading / unloading button 50 are provided below the fluorescent display unit.
[0033]
3. flowchart
Next, the programs stored in the ROM 25 will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. In the following, the title 2 of the DVD video disc 40 is a multi-story title having a link structure as shown in FIG. 4. The operator selects PGC1, PGC2, PGC4, PGC6, and returns to PGC3. A case where PGC11 is selected in PGC3 will be described.
[0034]
After the power is turned on, the operator inserts the DVD video disk 40 into the DVD playback unit 31. When the video disc is inserted into the DVD playback unit 31, the CPU 23 initializes the storage pointer and the read pointer (step ST1 in FIG. 6).
[0035]
As will be described later, the storage pointer is a pointer indicating a data area to be written next, and is incremented after writing. When rewriting a past history, a data area to be rewritten once is shown.
[0036]
On the other hand, the read pointer is a pointer indicating a data area to be referred to when the NEXT key is pressed. When the NEXT key is pressed, it is incremented after reading, and in the case of the PREV key, it is read after being decremented first.
[0037]
The operator operates the title selection button 45 shown in FIG. 5 to select title 2, and then presses the playback button 46. The CPU 23 determines whether or not the playback switch is pressed (step ST3 in FIG. 6). Therefore, when the playback switch is pressed, a playback command is output (step ST5). The DVD playback unit 31 receives a playback command from the CPU 23, reads out necessary video data and audio data based on the PGCI of the selected title 2, performs predetermined signal processing, and outputs the video signal and audio signal. Output. When the DVD playback unit 31 becomes an object cell for displaying a branch screen during playback of the object cell specified by PGC1, the DVD playback unit 31 outputs a video signal for displaying the branch selection screen. Thereby, the branch screen is displayed on the CRT connected to the DVD player.
[0038]
Looking at such a branch screen, the operator operates the branch selection button 41 to select PGC2. The CPU 23 determines whether or not there is a branch selection (step ST7 in FIG. 6). If there is a branch selection, the reproduction position is changed to the selected PGC (step ST8). That is, the CPU 23 gives a playback start position change command to the DVD playback unit 31. The DVD playback unit 31 plays back the data of the first object cell specified by the first program PG21 of PGC2. Thereby, the data corresponding to PGC2 is reproduced.
[0039]
After changing the playback position, the CPU 23 creates history data (step ST9). The history data creation process will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 23 determines whether or not the values of the read pointer and the storage pointer are the same (step ST21). In this case, since the read pointer and the storage pointer are initialized in step ST1 in FIG. 6, the values are the same. Therefore, the PGC at the time of selection, its program cell id, and the PGC of the selection destination are stored in the area indicated by the storage pointer (step ST29). As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the PGC “PGC1” at the time of selection, the program cell id “cell C51” at the time of selection, and the PGC “PGC2” of the selection destination are stored in the area 0 of the RAM 27. Thereby, the branch location in the video stream data and the input branch stream specifying information are stored as history information.
[0040]
The CPU 23 increments the storage pointer (step ST31 in FIG. 7) and increments the read pointer (step ST33). As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the storage pointer = 1 and the read pointer = 1, and the history data generation process ends.
[0041]
The CPU 23 determines whether or not a jump command is given after the history data generation process is completed (step ST11 in FIG. 6). In this case, since a jump command is not given, it is determined in step ST17 whether or not the stop switch is pressed. In this case, since the stop switch is not pressed, it is determined in step ST7 whether or not there is a branch selection. When neither branch selection nor jump instruction is given, the CPU 23 repeats the processing of step ST7 and step ST11 until the stop switch is pressed.
[0042]
If the regeneration switch is not pressed in step ST3 in FIG. 6, the process ends with the stop state.
[0043]
The DVD playback unit 31 performs playback processing based on PGCI until a playback stop command is given from the CPU 23. That is, when the reproduction of the PGC2 after the branching is completed, the PGC3 is reproduced based on the PGCI of the title 2. If the DVD playback unit 31 becomes an object cell for displaying a branch screen during playback of the object cell specified by the PGC 3, the DVD playback unit 31 outputs a video signal for displaying the branch selection screen. As a result, the branch screen is displayed on a monitor (not shown) connected to the DVD player.
[0044]
The operator operates the branch selection button 41 to select PGC4. Since the branch selection process has already been described, a description thereof will be omitted. As a result, the DVD playback unit 31 plays back the data of the first object cell specified by the first program cell of the PGC 4. If such processing is continued until the selection of PGC 6, history information as shown in FIG. 11 is created. In this case, the values of the read pointer and the storage pointer are both “2”.
[0045]
In this state, when the operator wants to return to the branch point of PGC 3 and display the video when branched to PGC 11, the operator presses the PREV key 43 shown in FIG. 5. When the PREV key 43 is pressed, it is determined in step ST11 that a jump command has been issued, and jump processing is performed (step ST13 in FIG. 6). The jump process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0046]
The CPU 23 determines the type of key designated by the jump instruction (step ST41 in FIG. 8). In this case, since the PREV key 43 has been pressed, the CPU 23 determines whether or not the read pointer = 0 (step ST43). This is for determining whether a return destination exists. In this case, since there is a return destination (read pointer ≠ 0), the read pointer is decremented (step ST45). As a result, the read pointer = 2 as shown in FIG.
[0047]
The CPU 23 extracts the PGC at the time of selection and the program cell id from the area indicated by the read pointer, and outputs a playback position change command so that the object cell specified by the program cell is set as the playback start position (step ST47). In this case, since the read pointer = 2, the PGC5 and the program cell C11 are extracted from the area 2 shown in FIG. 12, and a playback position change command is output with the object cell specified by the program cell C11 of the PGC5 as the playback start position. To do.
[0048]
The operator may press the PREV key 43 until the position to return is displayed. In this case, since the program cell returns to the program cell at the branch position in PGC3, the PREV key 43 may be pressed again. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 13, the read pointer = 1.
[0049]
If there is no return destination (read pointer = 0), the CPU 23 generates an error message “no jump destination” and outputs it as a video signal (step ST49).
[0050]
When the jump process ends, the CPU 23 repeats the determinations in steps ST7 and ST11 until the stop switch is pressed. On the other hand, when the stop switch is pressed, a reproduction end command is output (step ST19). As a result, the DVD playback unit 31 stops playback.
[0051]
When PGC11 is selected as a new branch destination from PGC3 in the state where the determinations of step ST7 and step ST11 are repeated, the CPU 23 proceeds from step ST7 to step ST8, and outputs a command to change the playback position. Data generation processing (step ST9) is performed.
[0052]
In this case, since it has returned once, as shown in FIG. 13, the read pointer = 1 and the storage pointer = 3, and both values are different. Accordingly, the process proceeds from step ST21 to step ST23 in FIG. 7, and it is determined whether or not the newly selected PGC matches the selected PGC stored in the area indicated by the read pointer (step ST23). In this case, the newly selected PGC is PGC11, and the selected PGC stored in the area indicated by the read pointer = 1 is PGC4. Therefore, the CPU 23 determines that they do not match, and replaces the value of the stored pointer with the value of the read pointer (step ST25 in FIG. 7). Further, the history information stored in the area after the area indicated by the storage pointer (in this case, area 2 and below) is deleted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the storage pointer = 1 and the read pointer = 1.
[0053]
The CPU 23 stores the PGC at the time of selection, its program cell id, and the selection destination PGC in the area indicated by the storage pointer (step ST29). As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the PGC “PGC3” at the time of selection, the program cell id “cell C38” at the time of selection, and the PGC “PGC11” of the selection destination are stored in the area 1 of the RAM 27. In this way, new branch stream specifying information is stored.
[0054]
The CPU 23 increments the storage pointer (step ST31 in FIG. 7) and increments the read pointer (step ST33). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 16, the storage pointer = 2 and the read pointer = 2, and the history data generation process ends.
[0055]
The same branch destination may be selected after the process of returning once. In this case, in step ST23, the newly selected PGC matches the selection destination PGC stored in the area indicated by the storage pointer. Therefore, the CPU 23 proceeds from step ST23 to step ST33 and increments the read pointer.
[0056]
A case where the key type is the NEXT key in the jump process will be described. For example, when the history information is in the state shown in FIG. 13 and the NEXT key is given as a jump instruction, the CPU 23 proceeds from step ST41 to step ST53 in FIG. 8 and determines whether or not the values of the read pointer and the storage pointer are the same.
[0057]
In this case, since the values of the read pointer and the storage pointer are not the same, the PGC at the time of selection, the program cell id, and the PGC of the selection destination are extracted from the area indicated by the read pointer (step ST55). The CPU 23 increments the read pointer (step ST57), and outputs a reproduction position change command so that the object cell specified by the extracted program cell is set as the reproduction start position (step ST58). This makes it possible to jump to the same branch destination one after another by simply pressing the NEXT key after returning with the PREV key.
If the NEXT key is given as a jump instruction in the state where the history information is shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 23 determines that the values of the read pointer and the storage pointer are the same, and an error message “There is no jump destination” is displayed. Generate and output as a video signal (step ST59).
[0058]
As described above, in this embodiment, even if the PREV key 43 is pressed, the history information is not cleared immediately, only the value of the read pointer is changed, and the history information is specified only when a different branch destination is specified. Has been rewritten. Thus, even if the operator once returns to the branch source, when the operator selects the same branch destination again, it is possible to jump to the same branch destination as before by simply pressing the NEXT key.
[0059]
4). Other
In this embodiment, even if the PREV key 43 is pressed, the history information is not cleared immediately, only the value of the read pointer is changed, and unnecessary history information is deleted only when a different branch destination is specified. I tried to do it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the PREV key 43 is pressed, it may be determined that a return command has been issued, and the history information stored in sequence may be deleted. In this case, since it is not possible to jump to the same branch destination as before, the NEXT key is unnecessary.
[0060]
In this embodiment, when the DVD video disk is inserted into the tray, the storage pointer and the read pointer are initialized. However, the history information may be stored together with the id of the DVD video disk. In this case, the data stored in the area after the storage pointer may be ignored and stored. Then, when a DVD video disc is inserted, the corresponding history information may be read based on the id, and automatically selected and reproduced based on the read history information. This makes it possible to perform a jump-back process or a jump process based on the history information even after it has been taken out.
[0061]
In the present embodiment, the operation unit is provided in the DVD player, but the operation unit may be provided in the remote control.
[0062]
In the present embodiment, the program cell at the time of selection is stored as history information, and the reproduction start position is set to the head of the object cell specified by this program cell. This is to provide a margin for branch selection. However, the beginning of the VOBU may be stored instead of the beginning of such an object cell. Furthermore, a VOBU returned for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) from the VOBU at the time of history storage may be set as the reproduction start position. Further, instead of storing the program cell or VOBU as a branch destination, only the PGC may be stored and the process may return to the top of the PGC.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the operator positively specifies any branch destination at the branch point. However, if the operator does not make a positive selection for one, it may be determined that the other has been passively selected and the other is determined as the branch destination.
[0064]
Further, in the present embodiment, the case where there are two selection branches at the branch point has been described.
[0065]
In the present embodiment, the program is stored in the ROM 25. However, the ROM 25 may be configured by a rewritable flash memory or the like, and the program may be stored in the ROM 25 via a PC card or the like. . In addition to the PC card, a computer-readable recording medium in which a program such as smart media is substantively integrated may be used. Further, the program may be downloaded using a communication line and stored in the ROM.
[0066]
As a program that can be executed by a computer, a program that can be directly executed simply by storing it as it is, a program that needs to be converted into another form or the like (for example, a program that has been compressed) In addition, those that can be executed in combination with other module parts are also included.
[0067]
The above control may be realized by a program stored in the ROM alone or by sharing it with an operating system (OS).
[0068]
In this embodiment, in order to realize the function shown in FIG. 1, a CPU is used and this is realized by software. However, some or all of them may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit. For example, although the DVD playback unit 31 is realized by hardware, the signal processing unit, the video / audio decoding processing unit, and the like may be realized by software.
[0069]
In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a conventional DVD player has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a personal computer having a DVD drive.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a DVD player 1 according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the DVD player in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of PCGI.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a PGCI link structure of title 2;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state of the front panel of the DVD player 1;
6 is a flowchart of a program stored in a ROM 25. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of step ST9 of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of step ST13 of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of history information.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of history information.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of history information.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of history information.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of history information.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of history information.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of history information.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of history information.
[Explanation of symbols]
23 ... CPU
25 ... ROM
27 ... RAM
31 ... DVD playback unit

Claims (6)

A playback command input means for an operator to input a playback command including a playback start position;
When the playback command is given, playback is performed by reading the video stream data from a randomly accessible recording medium that stores video stream data in which branch points where a plurality of branch streams can be selected are set and playing from the playback start position means,
A video stream data reproducing device comprising:
Branch stream specifying information input means for inputting branch stream specifying information for specifying the branch stream selected by the operator at the branch point during the reproduction,
History information storage means for storing the branch location and the input branch stream identification information as history information;
During the playback, when the operator gives a jump command, based on the history information, provided with a playback position designating unit that gives the playback unit the branch point specified by the jump command as the playback start position of the video stream,
The reproduction position designation means designates the branch location specified by the jump instruction as the reproduction position based on the history information when a jump instruction is given after a return instruction is once given as the jump instruction. A video stream data reproducing apparatus characterized by the above.   The video stream data reproducing device according to claim 1,
  The history information storage means includes a read pointer that moves a position of history information to be read in response to the jump command when a jump command is given, and a storage pointer that indicates a position where the history information is to be recorded next. It is characterized by being. The video stream data reproducing device according to claim 1 or 2,
Judgment means for judging whether or not a different branch stream is selected at the branch location after the return instruction is given, and when a different branch stream is selected, the history information is changed to the newly selected branch. Rewriting means for rewriting history information composed of locations and branch streams.   A DVD player for playing a multi-story DVD video disc,
  A playback command input means for an operator to input a playback command including a playback start position;
  Reproduction means for reading out the video stream data from a DVD video disc storing video stream data in which branch points where a plurality of stories can be selected are set when the reproduction instruction is given and reproducing from the reproduction start position;
  With
  Branch story specifying information input means for inputting branch story specifying information for specifying the branch story selected by the operator at the branch location during the reproduction,
  History information storage means for storing the branch location and the input branch story identification information as history information,
  During the playback, when an operator gives a jump command, based on the history information, provided with a playback position designation means for giving the branch point specified by the jump command to the playback means as the playback start position of the video stream,
  The reproduction position designation means designates the branch location specified by the jump instruction as the reproduction position based on the history information when a jump instruction is given after a return instruction is once given as the jump instruction. A DVD player characterized by the above.   A video stream data reproduction method for reproducing video stream data stored in a randomly accessible recording medium and set with branch points where a plurality of branch streams can be selected.
  When a playback command is given by the operator, a branch point where multiple branch streams can be selected is set. The video stream data is read from a randomly accessible recording medium that stores the defined video stream data and is reproduced from the reproduction start position,
  When the branch stream specifying information for specifying the branch stream selected by the operator at the branch location is input during the reproduction, the branch location and the input branch stream specifying information are stored as history information,
  When the operator gives a jump command during the playback, based on the history information, the branch point specified by the jump command is played back as the playback start position of the video stream,
  A video stream characterized in that when a jump command is given after a return command is given as the jump command, a branch point specified by the jump command is designated as a playback position based on the history information. Data playback method. A recording medium that stores a program that causes a computer to function as a video stream data reproducing device that reproduces video stream data that is stored in a randomly accessible recording medium and that has branch points where a plurality of branched streams can be selected. ,
The program is
When a playback command is given by the operator, the video stream data is read from a randomly accessible recording medium that stores video stream data in which a branch location where a plurality of branch streams can be selected is set, and is played back from the playback start position And
When the branch stream specifying information for specifying the branch stream selected by the operator at the branch location is input during the reproduction, the branch location and the input branch stream specifying information are stored as history information,
When the operator gives a jump command during the playback, based on the history information, the branch point specified by the jump command is played back as the playback start position of the video stream,
When a jump instruction is given after a return instruction is once given as the jump instruction, the computer is caused to execute a process of designating a branch location specified by the jump instruction as a reproduction position based on the history information. It is characterized by .

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