JP3840878B2 - Playback device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to automatic replacement of a recording medium, and in particular, performs automatic replacement at an appropriate reproduction position.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional DVD changer holds a plurality of disks, reads video, audio, and the like stored in the PGC in the disk and reproduces them. When the reproduction of all PGCs in the disc is completed, the disc is automatically replaced with the next disc. Therefore, disk replacement is performed easily and quickly without requiring any user operation.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the DVD in which the PGC is reproduced as shown in FIG. 11A, after the reproduction of the main title (PGC2) which is the main video or the like is finished, the display automatically shifts to the menu (PGC3), and the user performs a key operation. Request. Here, the menu is a button selection display that requests the user to select.
[0004]
Therefore, unless the user performs some operation, the disk change by the DVD changer is not automatically performed.
[0005]
In order to solve this problem, it is possible to assume a method of automatically exchanging the disc when the menu is reproduced. However, in the DVD in which the PGC is reproduced as shown in FIG. 11B, the disc is automatically replaced when the menu (PGC2) is reproduced without reproducing the main title (PGC3). That is, the disc is exchanged regardless of whether or not the main title is reproduced, and the user cannot see the main video.
[0006]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a reproducing apparatus that can solve such problems and can automatically perform disk replacement at an appropriate reproducing position.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
The reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 stores and holds a plurality of recording media, exchanges a recording medium to be read by the reading unit, and reads contents recorded on the recording medium held by the exchange holding unit. Receiving means, receiving the output from the reading means , reproducing means for reproducing each content element recorded on the recording medium, receiving the output from the reading means, and reproducing the sum of the element lengths of the reproduced content elements Main content determination means for determining that the main content element has been played back when the content element length is greater than a predetermined ratio of the total content element length of each content element recorded on the recording medium, In response to the output from the reading means, the content element that has started playback contains still information, or the content that has started playback When the element is the same as the content element that has already been played back, the output of the menu determination means, main content determination means, and menu determination means for determining that the content element is a menu content element, At the time of reproduction, it is provided with an exchange control means for instructing the exchange holding means to exchange the recording medium if it has already been judged by the main content judgment means that the main content element has been reproduced. It is said.
[0008]
Therefore, the recording medium can be automatically replaced after the reproduction of the main content element is completed.
[0015]
The exchange holding means is a means capable of storing and holding a plurality of recording media and exchanging the recording medium read by the reading means, and corresponds to the exchange holding unit 23 in the following embodiment.
[0016]
The reading means is means for reading the content recorded on the recording medium held by the exchange holding means, and corresponds to the pickup 24 in the following embodiment.
[0017]
The reproducing means is means for reproducing each content element recorded on the recording medium in response to the output from the reading means. In the following embodiment, the signal processing section 25 and the video / audio demodulation section 26 are applicable. To do.
[0018]
The main content judging means is means for receiving the output from the reading means and judging whether or not the main content element has been reproduced based on the content element length of each content element recorded on the recording medium. In the following embodiment, ST22 in FIG.
[0019]
The menu judging means is means for receiving the output from the reading means and judging whether or not each content element recorded on the recording medium is a menu content element. In the following embodiment, in FIG. ST15 and 16 are applicable.
[0020]
The exchange control means receives the outputs of the main content judging means and the menu judging means, and instructs the exchange holding means to exchange the recording medium when reproducing the menu content element after the reproduction of the main content element is completed. 5 and corresponds to ST23 in FIG.
[0021]
The content element corresponds to each PGC in the following embodiment.
[0022]
The main content element corresponds to the main title (PGC 21 to 23) in the following embodiment.
[0023]
The menu content element corresponds to the in-title menu (PGC3) in the following embodiment. In addition, when the menu in a title is a moving image, PGC31-33 corresponds. This also applies to in-system menus.
[0024]
The recording medium on which the program is recorded is a concept including a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, a memory card, a ROM, a punch card, a tape, and the like. Moreover, not only a recording medium that records a program that can be directly executed by a computer, but also a recording medium that records a program that can be executed once installed on another recording medium (such as a hard disk), or an encrypted program The concept includes a recording medium on which a compressed program is recorded.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 Functional Block Diagram FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram in the embodiment of the present invention. When the reading means 12 reads the contents of the recording medium held in the exchange holding means 11, the reproducing means 13 receives the output from the reading means 12 and reproduces each content element recorded on the recording medium. Also, the main content determination unit 14 receives the output from the reading unit 12 and determines whether or not the main content element has been reproduced based on the content element length of each content element recorded on the recording medium. To do. Further, the menu determining unit 15 receives the output from the reading unit 12 and determines whether each content element recorded on the recording medium is a menu content element.
[0026]
Next, the exchange control means 16 receives the outputs of the main content determination means 14 and the menu determination means 15, and after the reproduction of the main content element is completed, Instructs to replace the recording medium. The exchange holding unit 11 exchanges the recording medium.
[0027]
2 Configuration Below, an embodiment of the present invention when a DVD is used as a recording medium will be described.
[0028]
2.1 Configuration of DVD player Fig. 2 shows the configuration of the DVD player. The CPU 21 is connected via a bus line to the memory 22, an exchange holding unit 23 as an exchange holding unit, a pickup 24 as a reading unit, a signal processing unit 25 and a video / audio demodulation unit 26 as a reproducing unit, and an operation / display unit 27. Has been. The memory 22 stores a system control program 28, an automatic exchange control program 29, an operating system 30, a matrix storage unit 31, and a button / flag 32.
[0029]
The exchange holding unit 23 includes actuators such as a spindle, a thread, and a tray motor, and has a function of exchanging the DVD. The operation / display unit 25 includes panel keys, a remote controller, a fluorescent display tube, and the like.
[0030]
When the pickup 24 reads the recorded content of the DVD set in the exchange holding unit 23, the read signal is amplified and enters the signal processing unit 25, where the signal processing unit 25 performs 16-8 conversion and error correction processing. Done. Thereafter, the video and audio streams are sent to the video / audio demodulation unit 26.
[0031]
Further, the feedback, feedback from the signal processing unit 25 to the replacement holding unit 23 and the pickup 24 forms the focus, tracking, and thread servo loops. The system control program 28 performs these controls, receives key operation inputs from the operation / display unit 27, and controls display devices such as fluorescent display tubes.
[0032]
Based on the output from the pickup 24, the automatic exchange control program 29 determines whether or not the menu is a main title. Further, based on those results, the replacement holding unit 23 is instructed to replace the disk.
[0033]
The matrix storage unit 31 accumulates a record for storing a command for specifying a PGC when executing a jump-type navigation command (see below) in the PGCI of the PGC. The record stores a VTS number, a PGC number, a jump command, button presence information, and the like. Here, the button presence information is set when the PGC has a button selection display. The button presence information stored in the record is copied to the button flag 32.
[0034]
2.2 DVD Configuration FIG. 3a shows the DVD configuration as an example of the DVD used in this embodiment. The DVD includes VTS1 to 3 (Video Title Set) and VMG (Video Manager), and each VTS1 to 3 is mainly divided into a title area and a system area. The system area includes a PGC (Program Chain) and is used for subtitle selection, audio selection, and the like. This is called an in-system menu. On the other hand, a menu-like PGC in the title area is referred to as an in-title menu (see below).
[0035]
The title area of VTS1 is provided with PGC1 for advertisement. This PGC1 is reproduced before the main title and used for advertising.
[0036]
The title area of the VTS 2 includes PGCs 21 to 23 as main titles and PGC 3 as a menu within the title. The main title is a main video or the like on this DVD, and has the longest playback time. The in-title menu automatically requests the user to select a chapter during reproduction, and requires some user operation.
[0037]
The title area of the VTS 3 is provided with a PGC 4 for notice. This PGC4 is reproduced after the main title and used for the next notice.
[0038]
The VMG is DVD management information and stores information such as the number of VTSs. In addition, the VMG has an in-VMG menu used for title selection.
[0039]
Here, the main titles PGC21 to 23 are main content elements. PGC3 which is a menu in a title is a menu content element. In-system menus are also menu content elements.
[0040]
The configuration of the PGC is shown in FIG. The PGC includes a PGCI and a VOBS. The VOBS stores data such as video and audio, and the PGCI stores navigation commands. According to the PGCI programs 1 to N, each cell 42 designates the address of the VOBS, and the video, audio and the like are read out.
[0041]
The configuration of PGCI is shown in FIG. The PGC general information 44 describes the number of programs, PGC playback time, and the like. A pre-command 41 and a post-command 43 are described in the program chain command table 45, and these commands are executed before and after the PGC. The post command 43 includes a jump-type navigation command, and jumps to the PGC designated by the command. In some cases, the post command 43 does not include a jump-type navigation command, or even if it includes the post-command navigation command, the condition is not satisfied and the post command 43 does not exist. In such a case, the jump is made with reference to the PGC general information 44.
[0042]
The program chain program map 46 describes the top number of the program. The cell playback information table 47 describes a cell still time (hereinafter referred to as “still” information), which is a time during which the menu in the title is stationary. The cell position information table 48 describes VOB-ID numbers and the like.
[0043]
In addition, in the VOBS of PGC whose menu in the title is a moving image display, in addition to video and audio, etc., a command to be displayed when a button to be displayed on the screen is selected and to be executed when the button selection is confirmed is recorded.
[0044]
3. Operation The above-mentioned menu in the title is displayed as a still image or a moving image. In the following, the case of a still image and the case of a moving image will be described separately.
[0045]
(1) When the In-Title Menu is a Still Image The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows the operation of the automatic exchange control program 29 when a DVD on which PGC is played is set as shown in FIG. Note that PGC3 is a menu in the title of a still image, and “still” information is described in the cell reproduction information table 47 of PGCI. Also, the playback time of each PGC, which is the content element length, is shown in FIG.
[0046]
First, the total reproduction time S of each PGC in the title area is obtained according to the flowchart of FIG. 6 (ST11). The number of VTSs n = 3 in the disk is acquired, and S is cleared (ST31, 32). The counter i = 1 is set, the navigation data of VTS1 is read, and the number m = 1 of PGCs in the title area is acquired (ST33 to ST35). The counter j = 1 is set, the reproduction time of PGC1 is acquired from the PGC general information 44 in the PGCI of PGC1, and added to S (ST36, 37). Since 1 is added to the counter j and j = 2> m = 1 (ST38, 39), 1 is added to the counter i (ST40). Since i = 2 <n = 3 (ST41), the PGC playback time in the title area of VTS2 and VTS3 is added to S in the same manner. Thereafter, when 1 is added to the counter i, i = 4> n = 3 (ST40, 41), and S is determined. That is, S = t1 + t21 + t22 + t23 + t3 + t4.
[0047]
Next, the title reproduction time T is cleared (ST12). The title playback time T is obtained by adding the playback time of the PGC that has started playback to the total playback time of the PGCs that have been played back.
[0048]
Next, when playback of PGC1 is started, since PGC1 is a PGC in the title area, the playback time t1 of PGC1 is acquired from PGC general information 44 (see FIG. 3c) in PGCI, and the title playback time T = t1 ( ST13, 14). It is determined that there is no “still” information to be executed in the PGCI of PGC 1 (ST 15), and it is determined that no loop is configured (ST 16, 17) (see below for determination of loop configuration).
[0049]
When playback of the PGC 21 is started, since the PGC 21 is a PGC in the title area, the playback time t21 of the PGC 21 is acquired from the PGC general information 44 in the PGCI and added to the title playback time T (T = t1 + t21) (ST18, 20, 21) ). It is determined that there is no “still” information to be executed in the PGCI of the PGC 21 (ST15), and it is determined that no loop is configured (ST16, 17). Similarly for PGC22 and 23, T = t1 + t21 + t22 + t23.
[0050]
When playback of PGC3 is started, since PGC3 is a PGC in the title area, the playback time t3 of PGC3 is acquired from PGC general information 44 in PGCI and added to the title playback time T (T = t1 + t21 + t22 + t23 + t3) (ST18, 20, 21) ). Since “still” information to be executed exists in the PGCI of PGC3 (ST15), the title reproduction time T is compared with S / 2 (ST22). If it is determined that the title reproduction time T exceeds S / 2, when the PGC 3 is reproduced, the exchange holding unit 23 is instructed to exchange the disk (ST23). Upon receiving the instruction, the exchange holding unit 23 exchanges the disk when reproducing the PGC 3.
[0051]
If the title playback time T does not exceed S / 2 in ST22, the disc is not automatically replaced and the in-title menu is played back (ST24). Therefore, the disc is not automatically exchanged without the main title being reproduced.
[0052]
In addition, when all the playbacks are finished without the in-title menu, the exchange holding unit 23 is instructed to exchange the disc (ST19, 23).
[0053]
Even if the title playback time T does not include the playback time of the in-title menu PGC3 and the playback time of only the PGC that has finished playback is the title playback time T, it is compared with S / 2. Good.
[0054]
Further, the reference for comparison with the playback time of each PGC in ST22 is not limited to ½ of the total playback time S of each PGC in the title area, and may be 45%, 55%, or the like.
[0055]
Further, the reference for comparison with the playback time of each PGC in ST22 is not limited to the sum of the playback times of each PGC in the title area, and the PGC in the system area may be added to the sum.
[0056]
Also, when the in-system menu is reproduced, it is determined by searching for “still” information in ST15.
[0057]
In this embodiment, the playback time is used as the content element length. However, the data amount of the content element may be used.
[0058]
(2) When the in-title menu is a moving picture In the above description, the case where the PGC 3 is a still picture display has been described. However, the automatic exchange control program for the case where the PGC 3 is a moving picture display (PGC 31 to 33) as shown in FIG. The operation of 29 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The VOBS of the PGC 32 records a selection display of a button to be displayed on the screen and a command executed when the button selection is confirmed. Here, the button selection display is a display requesting the user to select. Further, it is assumed that the next PGC is entered by the command shown in FIG.
[0059]
In the same manner as described above, in parallel with the reproduction of the PGC, it is determined whether or not the in-title menu is reproduced (ST15, 16). Then, even when the playback is completed up to PGC1 to PGC32, the “still” information and the loop configuration cannot be detected, and the records specifying PGC1 to PGC32 are accumulated in the matrix storage unit 31 (1 to 6 in FIG. 9A). The second record). The record stores information for identifying the PGC, and the matrix storage unit 31 stores the information (see above).
[0060]
Next, when the PGC 32 is shifted to the PGC 33 by the command B of the PGC 32, the PGC 33 record is added to the matrix storage unit 31 as follows, and the loop configuration is determined.
[0061]
Since there is no button in the PGC 33, the button presence information in the PGC 33 record is not set (ST51, 52).
[0062]
When executing the command B in the PGCI of the PGC 32, the record of the PGC 33 is added to the matrix storage unit 31 (the seventh record in FIG. 9A) (ST53, 54).
[0063]
The button presence information in the seventh record stored in the matrix storage unit 31 is copied to the button flag 32, and the button presence information is cleared (ST55, 56). In this case, since the button presence information is not set in the seventh record, the button flag 32 is not set.
[0064]
The number r = 7 of records stored in the matrix storage unit 31 is acquired, and the counter P = r−1 = 6 is set (ST57, 58). Since P> 0, the sixth record and the seventh record are acquired and compared (ST59 to ST61).
[0065]
Since the sixth record and the seventh record do not match, it is determined whether or not the button presence information of the sixth record is set (ST62). Since the PGC 32 has a button and the button presence information of the record (sixth record) is set, the button flag 32 is set and 1 is subtracted from the count P (ST63, 64).
[0066]
Similarly, the 1st to 5th records are compared with the 7th record (ST59 to 64). When the count P = 0, there is no record to be compared, so it is determined that no loop is formed (ST67).
[0067]
Next, when the PGC 31 is shifted to the PGC 31 by the command C of the PGC 33, the record of the PGC 31 is added to the matrix storage unit 31 as the eighth record in the same manner as described above (see FIG. 9B), and the loop configuration is determined.
[0068]
It is determined that the seventh record and the eighth record do not match, and it is determined that the sixth record and the eighth record also do not match. However, since the button presence information of the sixth record is set, the button flag 32 is set in ST43.
[0069]
In ST61, the fifth record and the eighth record are compared with each other, and since they match, it is determined whether or not the button flag 32 is set (ST65). Since the button flag 32 is set in ST43, it is determined that a loop is formed (ST66).
[0070]
If it is determined that a loop is formed, the title reproduction time T is compared with S / 2 in ST22 in the same manner as described above. Thereafter, the disk is replaced in the same manner.
[0071]
4. Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the automatic exchange control program 29 adds the playback time of the PGC that started playback to the title playback time T in ST21 of FIG. In this case, when all of the cells constituting the PGC are not reproduced, the accurate title reproduction time T cannot be calculated.
[0072]
Therefore, the title playback time T may be calculated by a process as shown in FIG. In ST76, it is determined whether or not the cell playback has ended. In ST78, the playback time of the cell for which playback has ended is added to the title playback time T. Therefore, the playback time of cells that are not actually played back is not added as the title playback time T. The cell playback time is recorded in the cell playback information table 47 described above.
[0073]
In this embodiment, the DVD is used as the recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a CD-ROM or the like may be used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a DVD player used in the embodiment.
FIG. 3a is a diagram showing a configuration of a DVD used in the embodiment.
FIG. 3b is a diagram showing a configuration of a PGC in a DVD used in the embodiment.
FIG. 3c is a diagram showing a PGCI configuration of a PGC in the DVD used in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a PGC transition of a DVD used in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart executed by an automatic exchange control program 29 in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for obtaining a total S of reproduction times of PGCs in a title area in a DVD used in the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a transition of PGC of a DVD used in the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing of an automatic exchange control program 29 in the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing records stored in the queue storage unit 31 in the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing of an automatic exchange control program 29 in another embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a transition of PGC of a DVD.
[Explanation of symbols]
23 ... Exchange holding unit 24 ... Pickup 25 ... Signal processing unit 26 ... Video / audio demodulation unit 29 ... Automatic exchange control program

Claims (7)

Exchange holding means for storing and holding a plurality of recording media and capable of exchanging the recording medium read by the reading means;
Reading means for reading the content recorded on the recording medium held by the exchange holding means;
Reproducing means for receiving each output from the reading means and reproducing each content element recorded on the recording medium;
In response to the output from the reading means, the sum of the element lengths of the reproduced content elements is defined as the playback content element length, and the playback content element length is the sum of the content element lengths of the respective content elements recorded on the recording medium. Main content determination means for determining that the main content element has been played when the predetermined ratio is exceeded,
When the content element that has started reproduction by receiving output from the reading means includes still information, or when the content element that has started reproduction is the same as the content element that has already finished reproduction, the content element is selected as menu content. Menu judgment means for judging that the element is an element,
In response to the outputs of the main content determining means and the menu determining means, when the menu content element is reproduced, if it is already determined by the main content determining means that the main content element has been reproduced, the exchange holding means A reproducing apparatus comprising an exchange control means for instructing exchange of a recording medium. The playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The main content determination means uses the sum of the element lengths of the content elements that have been reproduced and the total element length of the content elements that have been reproduced as the reproduction content element length. The playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The main content determination means uses the sum of the element lengths of the content elements that have been played back as the playback content element length. In the reproducing | regenerating apparatus in any one of Claims 1-3,
The main content determination means calculates the playback content element length by adding the element lengths described in each content element. In the reproducing | regenerating apparatus in any one of Claims 1-3,
The main content determination means calculates the reproduction content element length by adding the element lengths of the actually reproduced small elements among the small elements constituting each content element.   A recording medium that records a program for controlling, by a computer, exchange holding means capable of storing and holding a plurality of recording media and exchanging the recording medium read by the reading means,
  A reproducing means for receiving the output from the reading means for reading the content recorded on the recording medium held by the exchange holding means and reproducing each content element recorded on the recording medium;
  In response to the output from the reading means, the sum of the element lengths of the reproduced content elements is defined as the playback content element length, and the playback content element length is the sum of the content element lengths of the respective content elements recorded on the recording medium. Main content determination means for determining that the main content element has been played when the predetermined ratio is exceeded,
  When the content element that has started reproduction by receiving output from the reading means includes still information, or when the content element that has started reproduction is the same as the content element that has already finished reproduction, the content element is selected as menu content. Menu judgment means for judging that it is an element,
  In response to the outputs of the main content determining means and the menu determining means, when the menu content element is reproduced, if it is already determined by the main content determining means that the main content element has been reproduced, the exchange holding means A recording medium on which is recorded a program for realizing an exchange control means for instructing the exchange of the recording medium by a computer.   Reproduction by a reproducing apparatus that stores and holds a plurality of recording media, and has exchange holding means capable of exchanging the recording medium read by the reading means, and reading means for reading the contents recorded on the recording medium held by the exchange holding means. A control method,
  Receiving the output from the reading means, playing back each content element recorded on the recording medium,
  When the sum of the element lengths of the content elements that have been played is set as the playback content element length, and the playback content element length exceeds a predetermined ratio of the total content element length of each content element recorded on the recording medium, the main content element Is determined to have been played,
  When the content element that has started playback includes still information, or when the content element that has started playback is the same as the content element that has already finished playback, the content element is determined to be a menu content element,
  In response to the outputs of the main content determining means and the menu determining means, when the menu content element is reproduced, if it is already determined by the main content determining means that the main content element has been reproduced, the exchange holding means A reproduction control method comprising: controlling the recording medium to be exchanged.

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