JP4023233B2 - Information output device, information output method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information output apparatus capable of outputting some information, for example, based on unit information stored in a storage medium, and a method thereof. The present invention also relates to a program for realizing such an information output apparatus and information output method, and a storage medium in which the program is stored.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, inexpensive large-capacity hard disks (HDDs) have become widespread. In addition, audio data is compressed and recorded by the ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) method or the MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III) method.
Along with this, so-called ripping, in which audio data recorded on a CD (Compact Disc) is compressed and recorded on a hard disk and stored, is widely used. Such ripping is performed by a personal computer, for example. Further, for example, by providing an audio device including a disk drive capable of reproducing a CD and an HDD, ripping can be performed by such an audio device.
[0003]
For example, if audio data such as a large number of music pieces are stored in the hard disk by ripping in this way, the user will be annoyed by exchanging and playing the CD of the album he / she wants to listen to. The music listening environment will be more fulfilling than ever before.
[0004]
In addition, an application that manages and plays audio data files (hereinafter also referred to as audio files) recorded on the HDD by ripping can manage and play audio files according to a plurality of classification items. It is common.
[0005]
FIG. 11 shows a concept of an audio file management example using such a plurality of classification items.
If the HDD in which the audio file is stored is regarded as a root, the audio file stored in the HDD is first branched for each classification item such as album, artist,. For example, under album classification items, grouping is performed for each album as album A, album B,. In addition, the audio file group is managed so as to belong to each album. The concept of an album here corresponds to the recorded contents of a CD as an album.
Further, the audio file group included in each album is managed so as to be in the reproduction order corresponding to the album contents.
[0006]
In the same manner, under the category of artist, after grouping by artist as in artist A, B..., An audio file group should belong to each artist. Managed. Also, within the group for each artist, the playback order is set and managed according to a predetermined rule such as the playback order specified by the user, the ripped order, the alphabetical order of the song titles, the order of Iweo, etc. Yes.
[0007]
When playing back an audio file recorded on the HDD, the user can select and play back a group of audio files according to a favorite category item. For example, if you want to play an audio file group as album A, first select the album as the category item, and then select and play the album A group from the albums under the album category item. To be operated.
Similarly, when it is desired to listen to an audio file for artist B collectively, an artist is selected as a classification item, and a group for artist B is selected from the selected items, and a playback operation is performed.
[0008]
In this way, the user can arbitrarily select and reproduce a group of audio file groups according to the classification item. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the audio file C belongs to the album A in the album classification, and belongs to the artist B in the artist classification. In reproducing the same audio file C, the user can listen as one of the songs belonging to the album A or one of the songs performed by the artist B according to his / her preference. .
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional configuration in which the audio file is reproduced by the operation procedure described above under the management of the audio file described with reference to FIG. 11 causes the following inconvenience.
[0010]
Here, for example, it is assumed that the audio file C is currently being played back after the user has selected a group of album A. Then, from this state, the user wants to play the same audio file C by the group of artists B to which the same audio file C belongs, and continue to listen to the remaining artist B's songs (audio files).
[0011]
In such a case, according to the operation procedure described with reference to FIG. 11, first, the user performs a predetermined operation to return to the hierarchy for selecting an album group (album A, B, etc.), and further classify. The item (album, artist, etc.) is returned to the selectable route. Then, after selecting an artist again as a classification item in the hierarchy of this root, artist B is selected from the group of artists. Then, an operation for reproducing the audio file C from the audio file group presented as belonging to the artist B is performed.
[0012]
Under the management of audio files described with reference to FIG. 11, it goes without saying that the contents of audio file groups forming each group differ between groups with different classification items even if some of the same audio files belong. Come. Accordingly, the playback order of the audio file itself and the audio file to be played next to the audio file are different.
The operation procedure described above is based on this premise. In other words, even when playing back the same audio file, when changing the group (category item), the playback order of the group before the change is cleared, and the playback order according to the newly selected group is changed again. The playback is to be started.
[0013]
However, by selecting the category item and group again as described above, and performing the operation of selecting and playing the audio file C, the audio file C that has been reproduced and output halfway is temporarily terminated. Then, the reproduction is started again from the beginning. In other words, even if the same audio file is to be played, if the classification item is changed, the audio file cannot be played continuously. For this reason, for example, for the user, there is a sense of incongruity and annoyance that the user has to listen again to what has been listened to.
Further, in the operation as described above, for example, the operation returns to the root once from the group to which the audio file C that has been played back belongs, and then the operation of selecting a desired classification item → group → audio file from the root. Are sequentially performed. That is, it can be said that the number of operation procedures is very large and is troublesome for the user.
In this way, it can be said that there is still room for improvement in convenience and usability for audio file playback under the combination of audio file management and operation procedures in the current situation.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Accordingly, in consideration of the above-described problems, the present invention is configured as an information output device as follows.
That is, the playback order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the playback order information, and the playback order information includes at least the first playback order information based on the first classification item, , Reproduction order management means capable of performing reproduction order management based on the second reproduction order information based on the second classification item, classification item setting means for setting the classification item according to the operation, unit information Information output means capable of performing predetermined information output based on the reproduction order information of the classification items set by the classification item setting means, and information based on one unit information by this information output means When the output is performed and the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting unit, the basis of the information output by the information output unit at this time It was decided and a control means for controlling to maintain the unit information Tsu.
[0015]
The information output method is also configured as follows.
That is, the playback order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the playback order information, and the playback order information includes at least the first playback order information based on the first classification item, A reproduction order management step capable of performing reproduction order management based on the second reproduction order information based on the second classification item, a classification item setting step for setting the classification item according to the operation, and unit information Information output step capable of performing predetermined information output based on the reproduction order information of the classification item set by the classification item setting step, and information based on one unit information by this information output step When output is performed and the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item in the classification item setting step, the information output step is performed at this time. Ri was be configured to include a control step of controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information that is being output.
[0016]
The program is configured as follows.
That is, the playback order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the playback order information, and the playback order information includes at least the first playback order information based on the first classification item, A reproduction order management step capable of performing reproduction order management based on the second reproduction order information based on the second classification item, a classification item setting step for setting the classification item according to the operation, and unit information Information output step capable of performing predetermined information output based on the reproduction order information of the classification item set by the classification item setting step, and information based on one unit information by this information output step When output is performed and the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item in the classification item setting step, the information output step is performed at this time. Ri and a control step of controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information outputted, was be configured to execute in the information output device.
[0017]
The storage medium is configured by storing the above-described program.
[0018]
According to each of the above configurations, the reproduction order of the unit information stored in the storage medium is managed so as to be different for each classification item selected according to the user operation. At the same time, some information output (reproduction output, display output, etc.) is performed according to the reproduction order information based on the unit information.
In performing the information output described above, even if the classification item is changed and set, the unit information that is the basis of the information output at this time is maintained without being changed according to the change of the classification item. Is done.
That is, when there is unit information that belongs to a plurality of classification items in common, information output according to the change of the classification item is performed with the common unit information as an axis. It means that Further, since the information output means outputs information corresponding to the reproduction order, even if the reproduction order of the unit information is changed according to the change of the classification item, the common unit information is included in the changed reproduction order. The information output based on is maintained.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The following description will be given in the following order.
1. Configuration of recording / playback device
2. Basic management format of audio files of this embodiment
3. Switching category items
4). Program structure
5). Audio file playback management (first example)
5-1. data structure
5-2. Processing action
6). Audio file playback management (second example)
6-1. data structure
6-2. Processing action
7). Audio file playback management (third example)
[0020]
1. Configuration of recording / playback device
The block diagram of FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 performs overall control and arithmetic processing of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 based on the activated program. For example, a communication operation via a network, an input / output operation for a user, CD playback and ripping, content storage in the HDD 21 and management for the content are performed.
The CPU 11 exchanges control signals and data with each circuit unit via the bus 12.
[0021]
The memory unit 13 comprehensively shows RAM, ROM, flash memory (nonvolatile memory) and the like used by the CPU 11 for processing.
The ROM in the memory unit 13 stores an operation program to be executed by the CPU 11, a program loader, and the like. The flash memory in the memory unit 13 stores various calculation coefficients, parameters used in the program, and the like. The RAM in the memory unit 13 temporarily secures a data area and a task area for executing the program.
[0022]
The operation input unit 15 is a part including operation keys, a jog dial, various operators such as a touch panel, and the like provided on the casing of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1. Note that a keyboard and mouse for GUI (Graphical User Interface) operation may be provided as the operation input unit 15.
Information input by the operation input unit 15 is subjected to predetermined processing in the input processing unit 14 and transmitted to the CPU 11 as an operation command. The CPU 11 performs necessary computations and controls so that an operation as a device in response to the input operation command is obtained.
[0023]
As the display monitor 17, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display is connected to display various information.
When the CPU 11 supplies display information to the display processing unit 16 according to various operation states, input states, and communication states, the display processing unit 16 causes the display monitor 17 to execute a display operation based on the supplied display data.
For example, in the case of the present embodiment, a GUI screen for managing and playing back audio files is displayed according to a program for playing back and managing ripped audio files.
[0024]
The CD drive 19 includes an optical head, a spindle motor, a reproduction signal processing unit, a servo circuit, and the like, and performs a reproduction operation on the CD. The CD drive control unit 18 controls a reproduction operation, an access operation, and the like for the CD in the CD drive 19. For example, when the user performs a CD playback operation from the input unit 15, the CPU 11 instructs the CD drive control unit 18 to play a CD. Then, the CD drive control unit 18 controls the CD drive 19 to execute reproduction / access.
The CD drive 19 decodes the signal read from the CD, and sends the reproduction data to the bus 12 via the CD drive control unit 18.
The reproduction data is subjected to sound field processing such as equalization, volume adjustment, D / A conversion, amplification, and the like in the audio data processing unit 24 and is output from the speaker unit 25.
[0025]
The data reproduced by the CD drive 19 can be subjected to a required file encoding process by the processing of the CPU 11 and can be stored as an audio file in the HDD 21. That is, an audio file obtained by so-called ripping can be stored.
The audio file format may be 16-bit quantized digital audio data with a sampling frequency of 44.1 KHz in the CD format. In order to save the capacity of the HDD 21, compression processing is performed according to a predetermined method. It may be compressed audio data in a given format. Further, the compression method is not limited, but an ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) method, an MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III) method, or the like can be adopted.
[0026]
As is well known, management information called a TOC is recorded on the innermost circumference side of a CD, and tracks (contents) on the disc are accessed based on the TOC during CD playback. Therefore, the CD drive control unit 18 instructs the CD drive 19 to read the TOC when the CD is loaded, and obtains the read TOC data, thereby enabling CD playback control.
[0027]
The tuner unit 27 is an AM / FM radio tuner, for example, and demodulates a broadcast signal received by the antenna 26 based on the control of the CPU 11. Of course, a tuner such as a TV tuner, a satellite broadcast tuner, or a digital broadcast tuner may be used.
The demodulated broadcast audio signal is subjected to a required process in the audio data processing unit 24 and is output from the speaker unit 25 as broadcast audio.
[0028]
The communication processing unit 22 performs transmission data encoding processing and reception data decoding processing based on the control of the CPU 11.
The network interface 23 transmits the transmission data encoded by the communication processing unit 22 to a predetermined external network compatible device via the network. Further, the signal transmitted from the external network compatible device via the network is transferred to the communication processing unit 22.
The communication processing unit 22 transfers the received information to the CPU 11.
[0029]
The configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.
For example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive, an MD (Mini Disc) drive, a tape drive, etc. are provided so as to correspond to various recording media. For example, peripherals based on communication methods such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 1394, Buluetooth, etc. An interface with the device may be provided.
Further, a terminal used for connection of a microphone or external headphones, a video output terminal, a line connection terminal, an optical digital connection terminal, and the like corresponding to DVD playback may be provided.
In addition, a PCMCIA slot, a memory card slot, and the like may be formed to exchange data with an external information processing apparatus or audio device.
[0030]
2. Basic management format of audio files of this embodiment
Next, a basic management mode for audio files stored in the HDD 21 will be described.
The audio file management in this embodiment may be the same as that shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, by adopting such a management form and adopting the structure of reproduction management described later, operability and comfort superior to those in the past can be obtained for audio file reproduction. .
[0031]
The management form shown in FIG. 11 means that, as shown in the figure, for example, an HDD in which an audio file is stored is regarded as a root, and the classification items are classified under the root. Branch off.
In FIG. 11, at least two of “album” and “artist” are shown as classification items, but in this embodiment, “genre” as well as “album” and “artist” are described as described later. , “Label”, “Keyword” classification items are set. That is, in this embodiment, a total of five classification items are set. Of course, more classification items may be set.
[0032]
For example, under album classification items, grouping is performed for each album as album A, album B,. In addition, the audio file group corresponding to each album belongs and is managed. Here again, the concept as an album corresponds to the recorded contents of a CD as an album. In addition, the audio file group included in each album is managed so as to be in a reproduction order corresponding to the album contents in principle. The user may be able to change the setting according to his / her preference later.
[0033]
Similarly, under the category of artist, management is performed so that the audio file group corresponding to each artist belongs after being grouped by artist like artist A, B... Is done. Also in this case, within the group for each artist, the playback order is set according to a predetermined rule such as, for example, the playback order specified by the user, the ripped order, or the alphabetical order of song titles, the order of Iweo Is managed.
Although not shown in this figure, even under the remaining “genre”, “label”, and “keyword” classification items, grouping is performed for each genre, label, and keyword. The audio file group corresponding to the group is managed so as to belong.
[0034]
3. Switching category items
In the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the audio file stored in the HDD 21 can be reproduced and output as sound, for example. Further, the basic management shown in FIG. 11 means that when a certain audio file is reproduced, the audio file is stored in one group under the currently selected category item. Will be treated as belonging to the list. That is, when a user plays an audio file, first, it is necessary to specify a classification item to which a group to be played belongs.
[0035]
Then, subsequently, an example of switching operation of classification items when audio file playback is performed in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In particular, the present embodiment has a feature in the user interface when, for example, a certain audio file is being reproduced and output. This point will be described here.
[0036]
FIG. 2 shows a display mode example of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for group selection displayed on the display screen of the display monitor 17.
Here, for example, it is assumed that a specific group in the album classification item is currently selected, and an audio file managed as being in the sixth order in the playback order is being played.
In response to this, an album list image A1 is displayed on the display screen of the display monitor 17 as shown in FIG. In this album list image A1, audio files belonging to the album group currently selected as a reproduction target are displayed as a reproduction list.
[0037]
In the album list image A1, as shown in the figure, first, a title area A11 is arranged in the uppermost area in the image frame. Here, the title name of the group is indicated by a character display so that the user can recognize the group. In this case, since it is a group of albums, the album title name is indicated.
Below this, a track list area A12 is arranged. In this track list area A12, numbers as track numbers corresponding to the playback order are shown in ascending order from the first song. The file name (music title name) of the audio file is indicated for each track number.
In this case, as described above, the sixth song is being reproduced and output in the group shown as the album list. In response to this, in the track list area A12, the row of the track number 6 is highlighted as the reproduction file instruction display A13 as shown in the figure. As a result, the user visually recognizes that the group 6 of the album displayed in FIG. 2A is currently being played, and that the 6th song in this group is currently being played. can do.
[0038]
In this state, it is assumed that the user wants to change the classification item of the group to which the currently played audio file belongs to something other than the current album.
In this case, the classification item changing operation is a toggle operation using one specific operator (or a classification item changing button displayed on the screen). That is, each time the operator is operated once, the classification item is changed one by one. In the case of the present embodiment, as described above, since there are five classification items of “album”, “artist”, “genre”, “label”, and “keyword”, the operator is operated once. Each of these classification items is switched every time. Then, such switching of classification items is performed in a circulating manner.
Of course, the classification item changing operation is not limited to the toggle operation described above. For example, a target classification item may be directly designated by operating an operator assigned to each classification item in advance or a button on a GUI screen.
[0039]
Then, if the user performs an operation for changing the classification item once from the state shown in FIG. 2A, for example, the list image of the classification item displayed as shown in FIG. 2B is switched. . In this case, the album is switched to the artist classification item, and correspondingly, the artist list image A2 is displayed in FIG. 2B.
For example, a group of a plurality of artists is created under the category of artist, and in this case, the group of artists including the currently playing audio file is selected from the plurality of groups of artists. The corresponding artist list image A2 is automatically selected and displayed.
As the display contents of the artist list image A2, the artist name is shown in the title area A11, and in the track list area A12, the file name of the audio file belonging to the group corresponding to the track number (playback order) (Title name) is displayed. Also in this case, in the track list area A12, highlighting as the reproduction file instruction display A13 is performed on the line where the audio file that is currently being reproduced is displayed. In this case, it can be seen that the audio file of the track number 13 (the 13th song) in this group is being reproduced.
[0040]
Here, in the present embodiment, even if the switching operation of the classification item is performed, for example, unless there is a stop or a playback file change operation by the user, the audio file being played continues to be played back. The Accordingly, as shown in the drawing, the track number 6 shown as being played back in FIG. 2A and the track shown as being played back in FIG. The audio file of the number 13 is the same audio file.
If, for example, the user performs a selection operation for selecting a category item under the display state shown in FIG. 2B, the category item to be reproduced is added to the artist list group shown in FIG. Set as switched.
However, in this case, the reproduction is not started again from the track number 1 of the artist list after the switching, and the reproduction of the audio file being reproduced so far is continued without being finished. . However, after switching, the audio file does not belong to the album list group shown in FIG. 2A, but belongs to the artist list group shown in FIG. 2B newly set as a reproduction target. Treated as a thing. Therefore, when the reproduction of the audio file is finished, the next audio file to be reproduced is an audio file having the track number 14 (14th music) in the artist list shown in FIG.
[0041]
For example, assume that when the artist list image A2 shown in FIG. 2B is displayed, an operation for switching the classification item is performed without performing the determination operation. In this case, for example, as shown in the transition of FIG. 2 (c) → (d) → (e), the display is sequentially switched from label list image A3 → genre list image A4 → keyword list image A5. .
The display contents of the label list image A3, the genre list image A4, and the keyword list image A5 are also in accordance with the list images shown in FIGS. That is, in the title area A11, the label name, genre, and keyword are displayed, so that the group can be visually recognized. In the track list area A12, the file name (music title name) of the audio file is displayed in correspondence with the track number (reproduction order). Further, similarly, an audio file that is currently being reproduced is indicated by a reproduction file instruction display A13.
[0042]
In this way, in the present embodiment, as a GUI for selecting a classification item, an audio file that is currently being played back is necessarily included in the list image of the group that is switched according to the change of the classification item. To be done.
That is, the information output based on the audio file (unit information) stored in the HDD 21 is a list image display in which tracks belonging to the list (group under the classification item) are displayed in the order of reproduction. is there. In addition, even if the list image is switched, the highlighted display by the reproduction file instruction display A13 for the audio file being reproduced and output is continued.
[0043]
Also, when the selection of the classification item is made, the playback of the audio file that was played before the switching is continued.
That is, according to the present embodiment, even if a classification item is changed while one audio file is being reproduced, the audio file is continuously reproduced and output. As a result, for example, the user can listen to the song continuously without having to listen again. In other words, the user feel is more suitable for the reproduction of the audio file, and the usability is enhanced.
Also, the operation procedure for this is very simple in the present embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, in response to an operation for switching the classification item, a group including the audio file being reproduced is selected under the classification item, and a list image of the group is immediately displayed. That is, here, the group selection operation for the classification item is omitted. Then, when a determination operation is performed after selecting a desired category item, a group including the audio file being played back is set as a playback target in the category item, and is being played back as described above. The audio file is continuously played back and output. This also means that, for example, after the user has purposely selected and decided the group, the operation of further selecting the same audio file that was played before the classification item change is omitted.
[0044]
4). Program structure
In the following, a technical configuration for realizing the audio file reproduction management according to the classification item selection as the present embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2 will be described.
First, a program configuration corresponding to file reproduction management as the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This program is stored as a file playback management program in, for example, the ROM in the memory unit 13 or the HDD 21, and the CPU 11 executes processing according to this program, whereby the playback management of the audio file described in FIG. Operation will be obtained.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 3, the program structure is roughly divided into a module structure including a user interface module, a playback control module, and a track management module.
The user interface module is a program for controlling a user interface according to file reproduction management as the present embodiment, and has functions as an input operation handling processing block and a display control processing block as shown in the figure, for example.
The input operation corresponding processing block executes a required process corresponding to operation information input from an operation device as the operation input unit 15 and an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard, for example. In addition, the display control processing block displays so that a required GUI image is displayed on the display monitor 17 in correspondence with the reproduction management of the audio file, for example, display of the list image of the group shown in FIG. Execute control processing.
[0046]
The reproduction control module executes reproduction control for reading out an audio file from the HDD 21 and reproducing and outputting it. For this purpose, the reproduction control module manages current reproduction file information and current list information as shown in the figure.
The current playback file information is information for identifying and recognizing an audio file that is currently being played back. For example, at least information such as a file ID and a file name given to the audio file that is currently being played back is included. Stored and formed. The information content necessary as the current reproduction file information can be obtained based on the additional information of the audio file.
The current list information is information for identifying and recognizing what a list (which is synonymous with a group individually) currently set as a reproduction target is. Then, as will be described below, at least a list ID and a list name (album name, artist name, etc.) assigned to each list managed by the track management module are stored.
[0047]
The track management module is a module that creates and manages list information corresponding to each group created under each classification item.
That is, as the information managed by the track management module, as shown in the frame as the track management module in FIG. 3, first, one or more album lists storing management information for each group of created albums are included. It is shown.
In one album list, a list ID and an album title name corresponding to the album list are first stored as information on one album. In addition, in cooperation with information of a predetermined content stored as additional information in the audio file, there is information for identifying the audio file belonging to the album and the playback order (track number) of these audio files. is doing.
[0048]
Similarly to the album list, one or more artist lists that store management information for each group of artists created are shown. Further, each list information of one or more genre lists, label lists, and keyword lists corresponding to each created genre, label, and keyword group is shown.
Each of these list information can be created using additional information of the audio file. Each created list information is stored in the HDD 21 so as to be stored in a required directory, for example.
Note that the program configuration shown in FIG. 3 is common in the audio file reproduction management of the first and second examples described below. However, in the audio file reproduction management of the first example and the second example, the data structure of each list information and the content of the additional information stored in the audio file are different, and accordingly, the processing sequence for reproduction management Are different.
[0049]
5). Audio file playback management (first example)
5-1. data structure
Next, a first example will be described as an example of audio file playback management based on the program structure shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 shows an example of the data structure of the list information and the audio file for the audio file reproduction management as the first example.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 4A, first, the audio file is made up of additional information and audio data. In this case, the structure of the additional information stores a file ID and a file name (music title name) as shown in FIG.
Also, the album name of the album list (album group) to which the audio file belongs is stored. Correspondingly, the track number in the album list is stored as information indicating the track number (reproduction order) in the album list.
[0051]
Further, in the additional information, information on the artist name for the audio file and a track number in the artist list indicating the track number in the artist list to which the audio file belongs are stored.
Also, information on the label name to which this audio file corresponds and the track number in the label list indicating the track number in the label list to which this audio file belongs are stored.
In addition, information on the genre name to which the audio file corresponds and the track number in the genre list indicating the track number in the genre list to which the audio file belongs are stored.
Further, information on the keyword name corresponding to the audio file and a track number in the keyword list indicating the track number in the keyword list to which the audio file belongs are stored.
[0052]
Here, it is assumed that information [A] is stored as the album name information. The artist name information is [B], the label name is [C], the genre name is [D], and the keyword is [E]. These name information may be text data, for example. Note that the name information exemplified here is merely for convenience of explanation, and actually, the actual name information using a plurality of characters is stored.
The value of the track number in the album list for this audio file is indicated by (p). Similarly,
Track number in artist list = q
Track number in genre list = r
Track number in the label list = s
Track number in keyword list = t
It shows like this.
[0053]
As an album list structure, an album list to which the audio file shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B belongs will be described as an example.
In this album list, as shown in FIG. 4C, the same information as the album name in the additional information of the audio file shown in FIG. 4B is stored as album [A]. . Further, a list ID is stored. This list ID is unique for every list information.
As track information forming the album list, track numbers corresponding to the number of audio files currently registered in the album list are stored. It can be seen that the audio file shown in FIG. 4A is managed as a track with track number = p (that is, p-th song) depending on the album list.
[0054]
Similarly, the artist list of the artist group to which the audio file shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) belongs is as shown in FIG. 4 (d). This artist list also stores artist name [B], the same information as the artist name in the additional information of the audio file shown in FIG. 4B, and further stores a list ID.
In addition, track numbers corresponding to the number of audio files currently registered in the artist list are stored as track information forming the list. In this case, the audio file shown in FIG. 4A is managed as track number = q depending on the artist list.
[0055]
Similarly, the genre list to which the audio file shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) belongs is as shown in FIG. 4 (d). In this genre list, the same genre name [C] information as the genre name information shown in FIG. 4B is stored, and further, a list ID is stored.
The track information forming the list is formed by storing track numbers for the number of audio files currently registered in the artist list. The audio file shown in FIG. 4 (a) is managed as track number = r depending on the artist list.
[0056]
Also, the label list and the keyword list shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G are the list information of the label and keyword groups to which the audio files shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B belong, and are stored. The information also conforms to each list information described above.
Regarding the track number management, the audio file shown in FIG. 4A is managed as track number = s depending on the label list in FIG. 4F. Also, depending on the keyword list in FIG. 4G, the track number is managed as being track number = t.
[0057]
5-2. Processing action
Next, an example of processing operation for audio file reproduction management as the present embodiment based on the audio file and each list information shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. . Each process shown in these drawings involves inter-module communication by a required module in the program structure shown in FIG.
[0058]
First, the current list information managed by the reproduction control module is necessary to be changed according to the classification item changing operation performed by the user. The process for this is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, first, in the user interface module, an operation for determining switching of a list image (that is, corresponding to a group under a classification item) as described with reference to FIG. Waiting to be done. If it is determined that the switching determination operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S12.
Here, the user interface module has a list ID of each list information because the list information used to display each list image needs to be read from the HDD 21 when switching the display output of the list image. . In step S12, the reproduction control module is notified of the list ID of the list information that is the basis of the list image designated by the selection decision.
In the user interface module, the list screen display is switched as shown in FIG. 2 every time the list screen is changed by, for example, a toggle operation. The display control process for this purpose will be described later.
[0059]
When the reproduction control module receives the list ID notified from the user interface module by the process of step S21, the content of the current list information managed by itself in the next step S22 corresponds to the received list ID. Update as follows.
[0060]
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the processing operation for audio file reproduction will be described. This process is realized by inter-module communication between the playback control module and the track management module.
Here, it is assumed that the reproduction control module is currently executing a control process for reproducing and outputting a certain audio file. In step S31, the process waits for the next track reproduction request to be obtained. Here, for example, when the timing at which playback of the audio file being played back ends is reached, or when a cueing operation to the next track is performed, a next track playback request is obtained, and the step It progresses to the process after S32.
In step S32, the current list information and the current reproduction file information are transmitted to the track management module. Here, for confirmation, the audio file indicated by the current playback file information is not an audio file to be played in response to the next track playback request, but information indicating an audio file that has been played back so far. is there.
[0061]
In the track management module, when the current list information and the current reproduction file information are transmitted in step S41, the process proceeds to step S42.
In step S42, by referring to the contents of the received current reproduction file information, the audio file currently being reproduced can be searched from the HDD 21. In the next step S43, the value of the track number in the list corresponding to the received current list information is read from the additional information of the audio file searched in step S42.
For example, if the audio file currently being played is the one shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and if the received current list information indicates an album list, the additional information Will read the track number in the album list. In the case of FIG. 4B, the value [n] of the read track number in the current list is n = 6.
[0062]
If it is assumed that the track number in the album list is read and acquired by the process of step S43, the playback control module creates a search condition in the next step S44. Here, a search condition of “in-list track number n + 1 corresponding to current list information” is created.
In the next step S45, an audio file storing “additional track number n + 1 corresponding to the current list information” in the additional information is searched from the audio files stored in the HDD 21.
For example, assuming that the audio file shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is being played back, and the received current list information specifies the album list of the album [A] shown in FIG. Then, in this step S45, “audio file having album name information of album name [A] and having track number in the album list = p + 1” is searched.
[0063]
When the track management module searches for an audio file that matches the search condition by the process of step S45, in step S46, the track management module notifies the reproduction control module of the file ID of the searched audio file.
[0064]
When the reproduction control module receives the file ID in step S33, the process proceeds to step S34.
In step S34, the current playback file information is updated such that the audio file having the received file ID is managed as the current playback file. Subsequently, in this case, in step S35, the process waits for the timing to start playback of the next track requested to be played in step S31.
If it is determined in step S35 that the timing for starting reproduction of the next track has been reached, the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the contents of the current reproduction file information managed by itself at the current time point are recognized, and a control process for reproducing and outputting the audio data of the audio file indicated by the current reproduction file information is executed.
[0065]
In this way, in the file playback management according to the present embodiment, the currently set group (list) is always based on the current list information and the current playback file information at the timing immediately before the next track is to be played back. ), The audio file to be reproduced next is searched, and the searched audio file is newly registered in the current reproduction file information. At the start of playback of the next track, the audio file indicated by the newly registered playback file information is played back.
For example, as described with reference to FIG. 2, when a list is changed while a certain audio file is being reproduced, the current list information is changed by the process shown in FIG. In addition, even if an operation for determining switching of the list (group under the classification item) is performed when a certain audio file is being played back by executing the above-described processing, Playback for the audio file is continued. Then, the audio file to be reproduced next is selected in the changed list (group under the classification item) in the next reproduction order of the audio file reproduced so far.
For example, in the case of corresponding to the case of FIG. 2, after switching from the album list image A1 shown in FIG. 2 (a) to the artist list image A2 shown in FIG. 2 (b), currently being reproduced. The audio file that is said to be in the track is the track 13 on the artist list image A2. Therefore, the next reproduction is an audio file as the track 14 in the artist list.
[0066]
When the user performs a list image switching operation, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the file being reproduced is always highlighted by the reproduction file instruction display A13, and the list image is displayed. Switching display is performed. The processing operation for this will be described with reference to FIG.
As the processing shown in FIG. 7, first, the user interface module determines whether or not an operation for switching the list image (classification item) as described in FIG. Yes. In this case, for example, it is determined that the change operation by the toggle operation described above is performed instead of determining the presence or absence of the operation for determining the switching of the list image.
[0067]
Then, when it is determined that the above change operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the list information corresponding to the list image designated to be changed is read from the HDD 21. In this case, the list information may be retrieved from the HDD 21 with reference to the list ID of the list information corresponding to the designated list image. Then, the read list information is held in, for example, the RAM in the memory unit 13.
[0068]
Depending on the subsequent step S53, the contents of the list information held in the RAM are referred to, and an audio file corresponding to each track information described in the list information is searched from the HDD 21. In other words, the list information has title information such as album name, artist name, genre name, etc., and the list has track numbers in the list corresponding to the category items (album, artist, genre, etc.) Search all the audio files that are running. Then, the file name (music title name) is acquired from the searched audio file and stored in the RAM.
In the next step S54, the current playback file information is requested to the playback control module.
[0069]
When the reproduction control module receives a request for the current reproduction file information by the process of step S61, the reproduction control module transmits the current reproduction file information to the user interface module by the subsequent process of step S62.
[0070]
The user interface module receives the current reproduction file information by the process of step S55. In step S56, the track number being reproduced in the list selected and designated by the user operation is recognized based on the received current reproduction file information.
For this purpose, first, the file name of the audio file currently being reproduced is recognized from the received current reproduction file information. Then, a match with the file name acquired and held in the previous step S53 is seen. In the list information currently held in the RAM, the track number corresponding to the matched file name is recognized as the track number currently being reproduced.
[0071]
Through the processing so far, the list information designated to be changed, the file name (music title) of each track, and the information of the track number currently being reproduced are obtained. In the next step S57, such information is used to generate a list image as shown in FIG. Then, in a subsequent step S58, processing for causing the display monitor 17 to display and output the generated list image is executed.
[0072]
6). Audio file playback management (second example)
6-1. data structure
Subsequently, a second example as an audio file reproduction management example based on the program structure shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
FIG. 8 shows an example of the data structure of the list information and audio file for audio file reproduction management as the second example.
In this case, the entire structure of the audio file shown in FIG. 8A is composed of additional information and audio data in the same manner as in FIG. As additional information in this case, as shown in FIG. 8B, at least a file ID and a file name may be stored. That is, as shown in FIG. Various title name information such as album name and artist name, and track number information in the list corresponding to each classification item, such as track number in the album list, need not be stored.
[0073]
Again, as an example of the structure of the album list, an album list to which the audio files shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B belong is shown in FIG. In this case, album title and list ID information is also stored in the album list. Here, when the audio file shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B belongs to album A, album [A] is described as the album title.
[0074]
As shown in the figure, the track information in this case has a structure in which the file ID of the audio file is associated with each track number.
Here, it is assumed that the file ID of the audio file shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B = [xyz]. In the track information of the album list shown in FIG. 8A, file ID = [xyz] is stored corresponding to the track number 6 (Tr # 6). Therefore, the audio files shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are managed as tracks of the track number 6 (sixth song) in this album list.
[0075]
Similarly, an artist list, a genre list, a label list, and a keyword list to which the audio files shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B belong to FIGS. 8D, 8E, 8F, and 8G, respectively. The structure of each list information is shown. As can be seen from these figures, title information indicating the name of each list is described in each list information like artist [B], genre [C], label [D], and keyword [E]. A list ID is also stored.
The internal track information has a structure in which the file ID of the audio file is associated with the track number.
In this case, the audio files shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are managed as tracks of the track number 13 in the artist list shown in FIG.
In the genre list shown in FIG. 8E, the track is managed as a track of track number 9.
In the label list shown in FIG. 8F, the track is managed as being a track of track number 5.
In the keyword list shown in FIG. 8G, the track is managed as a track of the track number 7.
[0076]
For example, in the structure corresponding to the first example shown in FIG. 4, the track number in the list in the group (list) for each classification item to which the audio file belongs is described in the audio file. That is, on the audio file side, there is information on the playback order in the group (list) for each classification item. On the other hand, in the second example, the track number and the file ID of the audio file are associated with each other in the track information in the list information. That is, on the list information side, it can be said that there is information on the reproduction order in the group under the classification item to which the list corresponds.
[0077]
6-2. Processing action
FIG. 9 shows a processing operation for audio file reproduction management executed corresponding to the data structure of the audio file and each list information shown in FIG. The process shown in this figure also involves module communication between the playback control module and the track management module.
[0078]
First, the playback control module is waiting for a playback request for the next track to be obtained by the processing in step S101. If the next track playback request is obtained, the process proceeds to step S102, and the current list information and the current playback file information are transmitted to the track management module. Also in this case, the current playback file information transmitted here includes information indicating an audio file that is regarded as being currently played before the next track for which playback is requested.
[0079]
In the track management module, when the current list information and the current reproduction file information are received by the process of step S201, the process proceeds to the processes after step S202.
In step S202, the list information indicated by the received current list information is read from the HDD 21. That is, list information corresponding to the group under the classification item currently being reproduced is acquired. In the subsequent process of step S203, the track number associated with the audio file indicated by the received current reproduction file information is recognized from the contents of the read list information. That is, the track number of the file currently being reproduced in the list information currently being reproduced is recognized.
In the subsequent step S204, the file ID associated with the next track number with respect to the track number recognized in step S203 is recognized from the contents of the read list information.
In the next step S205, the reproduction control module is notified of the file ID associated with the next track number recognized in step S204.
[0080]
In the reproduction control module, when the file ID is received by the process of step S103, the process proceeds to the process of step S104.
In step S104, the current reproduction file information is updated such that the audio file having the received file ID is registered.
[0081]
In the subsequent step S105, the process waits for the timing to start playback of the next track requested to be played in the previous step S101, and determines that the timing to start playback of the next track has been reached. Then, the process proceeds to step S106.
In step S106, the contents of the current reproduction file information managed by itself at the current time point are recognized, and a control process for reproducing and outputting the audio data of the audio file indicated by the current reproduction file information is executed. Thus, the next audio file is reproduced according to the reproduction order specified in the list information corresponding to the current list information.
[0082]
Also in this second example, even if a list change operation is performed while a certain audio file is being reproduced by executing the above-described processing, the reproduction of the audio file being reproduced is performed. Will continue. Also, in the changed list (group under the classification item), the audio file in the next reproduction order of the audio file that has been reproduced so far is started to be reproduced next.
[0083]
Note that the list image display switching control according to the user's list image changing operation in the second example conforms to the processing shown in FIG. 7, so here, referring to FIG. The difference from the previous process will be mainly described.
Also in this case, the processing shown in steps S51 → S52 is executed according to the list image changing operation.
The process in step S53 in this case is different from that in the first example. That is, in step S53, the audio file is searched from the HDD 21 based on each file ID described in the track information in the acquired list information, and the file name of each audio file is acquired and held.
Thereafter, in the same manner as in the case of the first example, the current reproduction file information is requested from the reproduction control module and received by the processing of steps S54 → S55.
[0084]
The process of the next step S56 is also different from the first example. In the process of step S56, the track number currently being played back is checked by comparing the file ID indicated by the received current playback file information with the file ID stored in the track information of the acquired list information. Can be recognized.
The subsequent processing from step S57 to step S58 is executed in the same manner as in the first example.
[0085]
7). Audio file playback management (third example)
By the way, the processing for audio file reproduction management in the first example and the second example is based on the premise that the program has the module assembly structure shown in FIG. 3, and involves communication between these modules. It was what it was.
However, the present embodiment can be realized not only by a program having such a module aggregate structure but also by a program having another structure.
Therefore, as a third example, a case will be described in which audio file reproduction management according to the present embodiment is realized by a single process in a program, not by a module aggregate structure program.
[0086]
The flowchart of FIG. 10 shows a processing operation for performing audio file reproduction management corresponding to the third example. The processing shown in this figure is executed by the CPU 11 according to the program configured as the third example.
In this case, the management of the current reproduction file information and the current list information, each list information and the audio file shown in FIG. 3 is collectively managed by the program as the third example. Further, the program as the third example also executes a program function as a processing block corresponding to an input operation as a user interface module and a display control processing block. That is, in the third example, the program functions as the user interface module, the playback control module, and the track management module shown in FIG. 3 are integrated.
In this case, as the data structure of the audio file and each list information, either the first example structure shown in FIG. 4 or the second example structure shown in FIG. 8 may be adopted. However, here, the case of adopting the structure as the first example shown in FIG. 4 will be described as an example.
[0087]
In FIG. 10, the process waits for the next track reproduction request to be obtained in step S301. When the next track reproduction request is obtained, the process proceeds to step S302.
[0088]
In step S302, the list information indicated by the current list information currently held is read from the HDD 21.
The subsequent processing from step S303 to step S305 is the same as the processing from step S43 to step S45 executed by the track management module shown in FIG.
If an audio file is searched for by the process of step S305, the file ID of the searched audio file is held in the RAM by the process of step S306.
[0089]
Then, in the next step S307, it waits until the next track reproduction start timing is reached, and if the next track reproduction start timing is reached, it is held in the previous step S306 by the processing in the subsequent step S308. The audio file having the file ID is read from the HDD 21, and the main reproduction of the audio data is started.
[0090]
By the way, as described above, the program for realizing each processing described above is stored and stored in advance in the ROM of the memory unit 13 in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1. Alternatively, in this case, it may be stored in the HDD 21.
Alternatively, the program is temporarily or permanently stored on a removable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), MO (Magnet Optical) disk, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), magnetic disk, and semiconductor memory. Can be stored (recorded). Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software.
For example, in the present embodiment, a program can be recorded on a CD-ROM and provided as package software. Thereby, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 can be installed by reading the program by the CD drive 19 and storing it in the ROM in the memory unit 13.
The program can be downloaded from a removable recording medium as described above, or downloaded from a server storing the program via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.
[0091]
Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described so far, and various modifications can be made. For example, the module configuration of the program shown in FIG. 3, the data structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the processing operations shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, and the basic management structure of the audio file shown in FIG. It is an example, and may actually be changed as appropriate.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the reproduction order of a plurality of unit information (audio files) stored in a storage medium (HDD) is managed based on the reproduction order information (list information). This reproduction order information corresponds to each of a plurality of classification items.
When information output corresponding to the reproduction order indicated by the reproduction order information is performed based on the unit information, for example, even if the classification item is changed (switched) according to the user operation, The unit information that is the basis of the information that is sometimes output by the information output means is maintained.
That is, even when the classification item is changed, for example, when the reproduction output of the unit information or the display output of the list information (list screen) in a display mode including one specific unit information is performed, The reproduced output of the unit information is continued. Further, even when the list information to be displayed is changed in accordance with the change of the classification item, the specific one unit information described above is always displayed as meaningful information.
[0093]
Thus, according to the present invention, even if the user performs an operation for changing the classification item, the information output at that time is not changed or the output is not ended, and is continued. Can be output. That is, according to the present invention, information can be output in a manner more suitable for the user's sense, and the feeling of using the device as the information output device is improved accordingly.
Further, conventionally, when the same information output as before the change is made after the change operation of the classification item, it is necessary to take a considerable operation procedure, which is troublesome. On the other hand, in the present invention, even if the classification operation is changed, the information output before the change is maintained, so there is no need to operate according to the conventional procedure, and the operability is improved. Even in this respect, the above-described improvement in the feeling of use is promoted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a change example of a display mode of a list image according to a classification item switching operation in the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a program structure as the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure corresponding to audio file reproduction management as a first example;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation for updating current list information in response to a classification item changing operation in audio file reproduction management of the first example.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing operation for audio file reproduction in the audio file reproduction management of the first example.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a list image display control process in response to a classification item change operation;
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure corresponding to audio file reproduction management as a second example;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing operation for audio file reproduction in the audio file reproduction management of the second example.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing operation for audio file reproduction in audio file reproduction management as a third example;
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a basic management form of an audio file in the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording / reproducing apparatus, 11 CPU, 13 Memory part, 14 Operation input part, 15 Input processing part, 16 Display processing part, 17 Display monitor, 18 CD drive control part, 19 CD drive, 21 HDD, 22 Communication processing part, 23 Network interface, 24 audio data processing unit, 25 speaker, 26 antenna, 27 tuner

Claims (6)

The playback order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the playback order information, and the playback order information includes at least first playback order information based on the first classification item, Reproduction order management means capable of performing reproduction order management based on the second reproduction order information based on the second classification item;
Classification item setting means for setting the classification item according to operation,
Information output means capable of performing predetermined information output based on the unit information in correspondence with the reproduction order information of the classification items set by the classification item setting means;
When information output based on one unit information is performed by the information output means, and the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting means In this case, the control means for controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information output by the information output means at this time;
An information output device comprising: The information output means includes
As an information output mode, units stored in the storage medium based on reproduction order information corresponding to the classification items set by the classification item setting means among the reproduction order information managed by the reproduction order management means It is possible to reproduce and output by sequentially switching information,
The control means includes
When switching the unit information reproduced and output by the information output means, the unit before switching is referred to based on referring to the reproduction order information corresponding to the classification item set by the classification item setting means at this time. Unit information to be reproduced next to information is determined as unit information to be reproduced after switching.
The information output apparatus according to claim 1. The information output means includes
Based on the reproduction order information based on the classification item, unit information stored in the storage medium including the one unit information can be displayed and output according to a reproduction order in a predetermined display mode that can be visually recognized.
The control means includes
When the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting means, the display of the one unit information is maintained and only the display of the other unit information is performed. , Change based on the playback order based on the second classification item,
The information output device according to claim 1, wherein the information output device is configured as described above. The playback order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the playback order information, and the playback order information includes at least first playback order information based on the first classification item, A reproduction order management step capable of performing reproduction order management based on the second reproduction order information based on the second classification item;
In accordance with the operation, a classification item setting step for setting the classification item,
An information output step capable of performing predetermined information output based on the unit information in correspondence with the reproduction order information of the classification items set by the classification item setting step;
When information output based on one unit information is performed by the information output step and the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting step A control step for controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information output by the information output step at this time;
An information output method comprising: The playback order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the playback order information, and the playback order information includes at least first playback order information based on the first classification item, A reproduction order management step capable of performing reproduction order management based on the second reproduction order information based on the second classification item;
In accordance with the operation, a classification item setting step for setting the classification item,
An information output step capable of performing predetermined information output based on the unit information in correspondence with the reproduction order information of the classification items set by the classification item setting step;
When information output based on one unit information is performed by the information output step and the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting step A control step for controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information output by the information output step at this time;
Is executed by an information output device. The playback order of the plurality of unit information stored in the storage medium is managed based on the playback order information, and the playback order information includes at least first playback order information based on the first classification item, A reproduction order management step capable of performing reproduction order management based on the second reproduction order information based on the second classification item;
In accordance with the operation, a classification item setting step for setting the classification item,
An information output step capable of performing predetermined information output based on the unit information in correspondence with the reproduction order information of the classification items set by the classification item setting step;
When information output based on one unit information is performed by the information output step and the classification item is changed from the first classification item to the second classification item by the classification item setting step A control step for controlling to maintain the unit information that is the basis of the information output by the information output step at this time;
A storage medium storing a program for causing the information output apparatus to execute the program.

Images