JP4152226B2 - Signal reproducing apparatus and signal recording / reproducing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a signal reproducing apparatus and a signal recording / reproducing apparatus such as a VTR and a DVD recorder capable of reproducing an audio / video (AV) signal including an audio signal and / or a video signal.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various signal recording / reproducing apparatuses such as VTRs, DVD recorders, and hard disk players are known. In the signal recording / reproducing apparatus, AV signals recorded on a video tape or a disk are reproduced by performing a reproducing operation. In addition, the AV signal can be erased from the video tape or the disk by performing an erasing operation. Further, by performing a recording operation, it is possible to record an AV signal on a video tape or a disk.
As a DVD player, there is known a player that can limit the reproduction of program data recorded on a DVD. In this type of player, if a viewing restriction level called “Parental level” is set in advance, even if a playback operation is performed by the user thereafter, it is recorded on the DVD. If the viewing restriction level is higher than the viewing restriction level set in the player body, the playback operation is not executed and viewing is impossible. Note that the applicant has applied for a patent on an optical disk reproducing apparatus capable of setting a viewing restriction level for each optical disk (see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-167517 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a conventional VTR or hard disk player, if a playback operation is performed, an AV signal is always played back regardless of who is performing the playback operation. There was a problem that could not be prevented from watching.
In addition, in a DVD player that can limit the playback of program data, a playback restriction level can be set by setting a viewing restriction level. Therefore, every time the user changes, an operation for changing the setting of the viewing restriction level has to be performed, which is troublesome.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a signal reproducing apparatus and a signal recording / reproducing apparatus that can limit the reproduction of an AV signal for each user, and to solve the above problems.
[0007]
[Means for solving the problems]
  The signal reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes an audio / video signal including an audio signal and / or a video signal,Block IDAssociated withRecording information indicating the viewing restriction level and whether or not it is a reproduction-only recording mediumAudio / video signals andViewing restriction levelCan be played.
  And the signal reproducing device
  An input means for inputting user identification information;
  The identification information entered by the userViewing restriction levelIn association withIn memoryRegistration means to register;
  Means for determining whether or not the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium based on the recording information recorded on the recording medium;
  After the registration of the identification information, when the identification information is input and played back by the user, it corresponds to the input identification information.Viewing restriction levelAnd recorded on the recording mediumViewing restriction levelA reproduction permission / rejection judging means for judging whether or not reproduction of an audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium is permitted to the user,
  Playback control means for instructing playback of audio / video signals recorded on a recording medium only when it is determined that playback is permittedAnd has.
  The reproduction permission / inhibition judging means includes:
  When it is determined that the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is equal to or lower than the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. A first determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium exceeds the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information;
  When it is determined that the recording medium is not a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium matches the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. On the other hand, second determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is different from the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information.
And has.
[0008]
  In the signal reproduction device according to the present invention, when the user performs an input operation of the identification information, the input identification information isViewing restriction levelAssociated withIn memorybe registered.
  Thereafter, when the user performs an input operation of the identification information and a reproduction operation, it corresponds to the input identification information.Viewing restriction levelAnd recorded on the recording mediumViewing restriction level, It is determined whether or not the user is permitted to reproduce the AV signal. Only when it is determined that the user is permitted to reproduce the AV signal, the AV signal is reproduced.
  In this way, whether or not the reproduction of the AV signal is determined for each user and the reproduction of the AV signal is performed only when the reproduction is permitted. Can be prevented from watching. Further, an operation such as an operation for changing the setting of the reproduction restriction information as in the conventional DVD player is unnecessary.
[0010]
  orWhen the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium, the conventional viewing restriction function is exhibited. That is, the AV signal recorded on the recording medium is reproduced only when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is equal to or lower than the viewing restriction level corresponding to the identification information input by the user. .
  On the other hand, if the recording medium is not a reproduction-only recording medium, the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium matches the viewing restriction level corresponding to the identification information input by the user, that is, recorded on the recording medium. Only when the AV signal being recorded is the signal recorded by the user, the AV signal is reproduced.
[0015]
  A first signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes an audio / video signal including an audio signal and / or a video signal,Block IDAssociated withViewing restriction levelAnd the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium andViewing restriction levelCan be played.
  The signal recording / reproducing apparatus
  An input means for inputting user identification information;
  The identification information entered by the userViewing restriction levelIn association withIn memoryRegistration means to register;
  Audio / video signals andViewing restriction levelRecording means for recording on a recording medium;
  Means for determining whether or not the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium based on the recording information recorded on the recording medium;
  Corresponds to the input identification information together with the audio / video signal when the identification information is input and recorded by the user after the registration of the identification information.Viewing restriction levelRecording control means for instructing the recording means to record on the recording medium;
  After the registration of the identification information, when the identification information is input and played back by the user, it corresponds to the input identification information.Viewing restriction levelAnd recorded on the recording mediumViewing restriction levelA reproduction permission / rejection judging means for judging whether or not reproduction of an audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium is permitted to the user,
  Playback control means for instructing playback of audio / video signals recorded on a recording medium only when it is determined that playback is permittedWith
  The reproduction permission / inhibition judging means includes:
  When it is determined that the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is equal to or lower than the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. A first determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium exceeds the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information;
  When it is determined that the recording medium is not a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium matches the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. On the other hand, second determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is different from the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information.
And has.
[0016]
  In the first signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, when the user performs an input operation of the identification information, the input identification information isViewing restriction levelAssociated withIn memorybe registered.
  Thereafter, when the user performs an input operation and a recording operation of the identification information, it corresponds to the identification information input by the user together with the AV signal.Viewing restriction levelIs recorded on the recording medium.
  Further, when an identification information input operation and a reproduction operation are performed, the input identification information is handled.Viewing restriction levelAnd recorded on the recording mediumViewing restriction level, It is determined whether or not the user is permitted to reproduce the AV signal. Only when it is determined that the user is permitted to reproduce the AV signal, the AV signal is reproduced.
  In this way, whether or not the reproduction of the AV signal is determined for each user and the reproduction of the AV signal is performed only when the reproduction is permitted. Can be prevented from watching. Further, an operation such as an operation for changing the setting of the reproduction restriction information as in the conventional DVD player is unnecessary.
[0017]
  The second signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention records an audio / video signal including an audio signal and / or a video signal on a recording medium,Block IDAssociated withViewing restriction levelAudio and video signals for recording media on whichViewing restriction levelCan be played.
  The signal recording / reproducing apparatus
  An input means for inputting user identification information;
  The identification information entered by the userViewing restriction levelIn association withIn memoryRegistration means to register;
  Means for determining whether or not the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium based on the recording information recorded on the recording medium;
  After the registration of the identification information, when the identification information is input and played back by the user, it corresponds to the input identification information.Viewing restriction levelAnd recorded on the recording mediumViewing restriction levelA reproduction permission / rejection judging means for judging whether or not reproduction of an audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium is permitted to the user,
  Only when it is determined that reproduction is permitted, reproduction control means for instructing reproduction of the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium;
  Erasing means for erasing the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium;
  After the identification information is registered, when the identification information is input or deleted by the user, it corresponds to the input identification information.Viewing restriction levelAnd recorded on the recording mediumViewing restriction levelErasure permission determination means for determining whether or not erasure of the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium is permitted by the user,
  An erasure control means for instructing the erasure means that the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium should be erased only when it is determined that erasure is permitted.And has.
  The reproduction permission / inhibition judging means includes:
  When it is determined that the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is equal to or lower than the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. A first determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium exceeds the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information;
  When it is determined that the recording medium is not a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium matches the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. On the other hand, second determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is different from the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information.
And has.
[0018]
  In the second signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, when the user performs an input operation of the identification information, the input identification information isViewing restriction levelAssociated withIn memorybe registered.
  Thereafter, when the user performs an input operation of the identification information and a reproduction operation, it corresponds to the input identification information.Viewing restriction levelAnd recorded on the recording mediumViewing restriction level, It is determined whether or not the user is permitted to reproduce the AV signal. Only when it is determined that the user is permitted to reproduce the AV signal, the AV signal is reproduced.
  Further, when the user performs an input operation of identification information and an erase operation, it corresponds to the input identification information.Viewing restriction levelAnd recorded on the recording mediumViewing restriction levelTo determine whether or not the user is permitted to delete the AV signal. Only when it is determined that the user is allowed to delete the AV signal, the AV signal is deleted.
  As described above, whether or not the AV signal is permitted to be reproduced is determined for each user, and the AV signal is reproduced only when the reproduction is permitted. It is possible to prevent viewing. Further, an operation such as an operation for changing the setting of the reproduction restriction information as in the conventional DVD player is unnecessary.
  Further, whether or not erasure of the AV signal is determined for each user, and the AV signal is erased only when the erasure is permitted. Therefore, the AV signal recorded by the user is erased by another person without knowing it. Can be prevented.
[0019]
【The invention's effect】
According to the signal reproducing device and the signal recording / reproducing device of the present invention, it is possible to limit the reproduction of the AV signal for each user.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described based on two embodiments with respect to embodiments in which the present invention is applied to a VTR and a DVD recorder.
First embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1, the VTR of this embodiment includes a terrestrial broadcast wave receiving antenna (3) for receiving terrestrial broadcast waves such as VHF broadcast waves and UHF broadcast waves, and satellite broadcast waves from satellites such as BS and CS. The terrestrial broadcast wave received by the terrestrial broadcast wave receiving antenna (3) is tuned by the terrestrial broadcast tuner (4) and obtained thereby. The broadcast signal is supplied to a recording signal processing circuit (7). On the other hand, the satellite broadcast wave received by the satellite broadcast wave receiving antenna (5) is tuned by the satellite broadcast tuner (6), and the broadcast signal obtained thereby is supplied to the recording signal processing circuit (7). .
The VTR includes one external video input terminal (1) and one external audio input terminal (2). These input terminals (1) and (2) are connected to AV output devices such as DVD players. (Not shown) is connected. Video and audio signals input from the AV output device to the external video input terminal (1) and the external audio input terminal (2) are supplied to the recording signal processing circuit (7).
[0021]
In the recording signal processing circuit (7), the input signal is subjected to predetermined signal processing, and the signal obtained thereby is supplied to the recording amplifier (8) and amplified, and then the rotary transformer (9). Then, it is supplied to the magnetic heads (10) and (10) and recorded on the magnetic tape (11).
On the other hand, the signal read from the magnetic tape (11) by the magnetic heads (10) and (10) is supplied to the reproduction amplifier (12) through the rotary transformer (9) and amplified by the amplifier (12). The signal is supplied to the reproduction signal processing circuit (13) and subjected to predetermined signal processing. The video signal obtained by the reproduction signal processing circuit (13) is output from the external video output terminal (14) to a monitor (not shown) connected to the output terminal (14), while the reproduction signal processing The audio signal obtained by the circuit (13) is output from the external audio output terminal (15) to a speaker (not shown) connected to the output terminal (15).
[0022]
A first motor control circuit (19) is connected to the two reel motors (16) and (16) for rotationally driving the reel base, and the two reel motors (16) and (16) are connected by the control circuit (19). The rotation is controlled. On the other hand, a second motor control circuit (20) is connected to the capstan motor (17) for rotationally driving the capstan and the cylinder motor (18) for rotationally driving the cylinder, and is controlled by the control circuit (20). The rotation of the capstan motor (17) and the cylinder motor (18) is controlled.
A main control circuit (21) is connected to the recording signal processing circuit (7), the reproduction signal processing circuit (13), the first motor control circuit (19), and the second motor control circuit (20). ing. Connected to the main control circuit (21) is a key input terminal (22) to which a key input device (not shown) is connected, and a switch input terminal (23) to which a mechanical switch (not shown) is connected. Based on the signals inputted through these two input terminals (22) and (23), the above-mentioned recording signal processing circuit (7), reproduction signal processing circuit (13), and first motor control circuit are provided. The operation of (19) and the second motor control circuit (20) is controlled.
[0023]
FIG. 2 shows user authentication table information stored in the internal memory of the main control circuit (21). The table information includes ID number information, user name information, And password information.
[0024]
FIG. 3 shows the format of the bit stream recorded on the magnetic tape by the VTR of the present embodiment. The bit stream includes one or a plurality of AV blocks composed of a series of AV signals and the ID number of each AV block. Information and access control table information for one or a plurality of AV blocks.
The access control table information includes, for each AV block, the ID number information of the AV block, the recorder information including the ID number information of the user who recorded the AV block, and the ID number information of the user permitted to play the AV block. And erasable information consisting of ID number information of users who are permitted to erase AV blocks.
[0025]
FIG. 4 shows a control procedure executed by the main control circuit (21) of this embodiment.
When the user inputs a user name and password, first, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the user is a new user based on the user authentication table information shown in FIG. Here, if the input user name and password are not included in the user authentication table information, it is determined as YES and the process proceeds to step S2, and the user name and password input by the user are used as the user authentication table information. Add to. On the other hand, if the input user name and password are included in the user authentication table information, it is determined NO in step S1, and the process proceeds to step S3 to authenticate the user name and password.
[0026]
Subsequently, in step S4, it is determined which of the recording operation, the reproduction operation and the erasing operation has been performed.
When the recording operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S5, where the AV block and its ID number information are recorded on the magnetic tape, and the ID number information is added to the access control table information shown in FIG. After adding the ID number information of the current user to the table information as the writer information, in step S6, based on the user authentication table information shown in FIG. 2, whether there is another user other than the current user. Judging. Here, if the user authentication table information does not include a user name and password other than the current user, it is determined as no and the procedure ends, while a user name and password other than the current user are included. If yes, the process proceeds to step S7, and the ID number information of the user who is permitted to reproduce the recorded AV block is displayed as reproducible information in FIG. In addition to the access control table information shown, the ID number information of the user permitted to delete the AV block is added to the table information as erasable information, and the procedure is terminated.
[0027]
When the erasing operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S8, and after the AV block selected by the user is recognized, in step S9, the selected AV is based on the access control table information shown in FIG. It is determined whether the block is a block that is permitted to be erased by the current user. Here, when the ID number information of the current user is not included in the erasable information for the selected AV block among one or a plurality of erasable information included in the access control table information, If it is determined NO and the procedure is terminated, if the current user's ID number information is included, it is determined YES and the process proceeds to step S10 to erase the selected AV block and its ID number information. At the same time, the ID number information, recorder information, reproducible information and erasable information for the AV block are erased from the access control table information, and the procedure is terminated.
[0028]
When the reproduction operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S11, and after the AV block selected by the user is recognized, in step S12, the selected AV is based on the access control table information shown in FIG. It is determined whether the block is a block recorded by the current user. Here, if one or more recorder information included in the access control table information matches the current user ID number information with respect to the selected AV block, the answer is yes. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S15, the selected AV block is reproduced, and the procedure is terminated.
On the other hand, if the writer information does not match the ID number information of the current user, it is determined NO in step S12, and the process proceeds to step S13. Based on the access control table information, the selected AV block is determined. Is a block that is permitted to be played back by the current user. Here, when the ID number information of the current user is not included in the reproducible information for the selected AV block among one or a plurality of reproducible information included in the access control table information, If it is determined NO, the process proceeds to step S14 to display that reproduction is impossible, and the procedure is terminated. If the reproducible information for the selected AV block includes the current user ID number information, it is determined as YES in step S13, and the process proceeds to step S15. Play and finish the procedure.
[0029]
According to the above procedure, when a recording operation is performed by a user and there are other users in addition to the user, the AV block is recorded according to the input operation of the user who recorded the AV block. Reproducible information and / or erasable information is added to the access restriction table information shown in FIG.
Further, when the user performs an erasing operation, the AV block is erased from the magnetic tape only when the selected AV block is permitted to be erased by the user.
Further, when the user performs a reproduction operation, the AV block is only displayed when the selected AV block is recorded by the user and when the user is permitted to reproduce the AV block. Played.
[0030]
In the VTR of the present embodiment, as described above, when a user performs a playback operation, when an AV block is recorded by the user, and when playback is permitted by the user. For example, since the AV block is reproduced, it is possible to prevent the child from viewing the program having a content that adversely affects the child.
In addition, when an erasure operation is performed by the user, the AV block is erased from the magnetic tape only if the AV block is permitted to be erased by the user. Can be prevented from being erased by others without knowing it.
Further, an operation such as an operation for changing the setting of the reproduction restriction information as in the conventional DVD player is unnecessary.
[0031]
Second embodiment
As shown in FIG. 5, the DVD recorder of the present embodiment has a video input terminal (47) and an audio input terminal (48). These video input terminal (47) and audio input terminal (48) include: An AV output device (not shown) such as a TV receiver is connected. The analog video signal input from the AV output device to the video input terminal (47) is supplied to the video A / D conversion circuit (45) and converted into digital video data. The video data is converted into an MPEG encoding circuit (44). ). On the other hand, the analog audio signal input from the AV output device to the audio input terminal (48) is supplied to the audio A / D conversion circuit (46) and converted into digital audio data. Supplied to the circuit (44).
[0032]
In the MPEG encoding circuit (44), the input digital video data and digital audio data are subjected to MPEG compression processing, and the compressed video data and compressed audio data obtained thereby are supplied to the signal processing circuit (43). After being subjected to predetermined digital signal processing such as scramble processing and error correction processing, and further supplied to the preamplifier circuit (42) and subjected to predetermined signal conversion processing, it is supplied to the pickup (32) and is then supplied to the DVD by the pickup (32). Recorded in (31).
[0033]
On the other hand, the compressed video data and compressed audio data read from the DVD (31) by the pickup (32) are supplied to the RF amplifier (36) and amplified, and then supplied to the MPEG decoding circuit (37) for error. Predetermined digital signal processing such as correction processing and MPEG decompression processing is performed. The video data obtained by the MPEG decoding circuit (37) is supplied to the video D / A conversion circuit (38) and converted into an analog video signal, which is output from the video output terminal (40). The data is output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the terminal (40). On the other hand, the audio data obtained by the MPEG decoding circuit (37) is supplied to the audio D / A conversion circuit (39) and converted into an analog audio signal, and the audio signal is sent from the audio output terminal (41). The sound is output to a speaker (not shown) connected to the output terminal (41).
[0034]
A motor control circuit (35) is connected to the spindle motor (34) that rotates the DVD and the thread motor (33) that drives the pickup (32), and the spindle motor (34) is connected to the control circuit (35). ) And the rotation of the thread motor (33) are controlled.
A main control circuit (49) is connected to the above-described MPEG encoding circuit (44) and motor control circuit (35). The main control circuit (49) is connected to a key input terminal (50) to which a key input device (not shown) is connected, and to a switch input terminal (51) to which a mechanical switch (not shown) is connected. The operations of the MPEG encoding circuit (44) and the motor control circuit (35) are controlled based on the signals input through these two input terminals (50) and (51). The main control circuit (49) is supplied with the output signal of the RF amplifier (36), and servo is executed based on the signal.
Further, a display device (52) for displaying various information is connected to the main control circuit (49).
[0035]
FIG. 6 shows user authentication table information stored in the built-in memory of the main control circuit (49).
In the DVD recorder of this embodiment, a value of “1” to “8” can be set as the parental level, and the user authentication table information is any value from “1” to “8”. It consists of parental level information, user name information and password information.
[0036]
FIG. 7 shows the format of a bit stream recorded on a DVD by the DVD recorder of this embodiment. The bit stream includes one or a plurality of AV blocks composed of a series of AV data, and ID number information of each AV block. , And access control table information for one or a plurality of AV blocks. The access control table information includes AV block ID number information and parental level information for each AV block.
[0037]
FIG. 8 shows a control procedure executed by the main control circuit (49) of this embodiment.
When the user inputs a user name and password, first, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the user is a new user based on the user authentication table information shown in FIG. Here, if the input user name and password are not included in the user authentication table information, it is determined yes and the process proceeds to step S22. Based on the user authentication table information, the administrator of the recorder It is determined whether or not there is a user (hereinafter referred to as an administrator user). Here, if the parental level information having a value of “8” is not included in the user authentication table information, it is determined as NO and the process proceeds to step S23, where the parental level “8” is input. After adding the user name and password to the user authentication table information, the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, when the parental level information having a value of “8” is included in the user authentication table information, it is determined as YES in step S22, and the process proceeds to step S24, where the parental levels “1” to “1”. 7 ”, the parental level designated by the user, the input user name and password are added to the user authentication table information, and the process proceeds to step S26.
If the input user name and password are included in the user authentication table information, it is determined NO in step S21, and the process proceeds to step S25. After the user name and password are authenticated, step S26 is performed. Migrate to
[0038]
In step S26, it is determined whether or not the DVD loaded in the recorder body is a commercially available reproduction-only disc. Here, the format information referred to as PFI (Physical Format Information) for the DVD is a value of “0000” when the DVD is a read-only disc, and other than “0000” when the DVD is a recordable disc. The value of is recorded. Therefore, if the format information recorded on the DVD has a value of “0000”, it is determined as YES and the process proceeds to step S27, where the information is recorded on the DVD based on the user authentication table information shown in FIG. It is determined whether the parental level that is present is below the parental level of the current user. Here, if it is determined as YES, the process proceeds to step S28, and the AV block recorded on the DVD is reproduced. On the other hand, if it is determined NO, the display device indicates that reproduction is impossible. By displaying on the screen, the user is notified of this, and the procedure is terminated.
[0039]
If the format information recorded on the DVD is a value other than “0000”, it is determined NO in step S26 and the process proceeds to step S30. Based on the user authentication table information shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the user is an administrator user.
If the parental level of the current user is a value of “8”, it is determined as YES in step S30, and the process proceeds to step S31. In accordance with the reproduction operation, erasure operation, or recording operation by the user, the AV block Playback, erasure or recording. Here, regardless of which AV block the AV block selected by the user is, the selected AV block is reproduced or deleted. When the AV block is erased, the ID number information and parental level information for the AV block are erased from the access control table information shown in FIG. Further, at the time of recording an AV block, ID number information and parental level information about the AV block are added to the access control table information.
[0040]
If the parental level of the current user is a value other than “8”, it is determined NO in step S30 and the process proceeds to step S32, and any of the recording operation, the reproducing operation, and the erasing operation is performed. It is determined.
When the recording operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S33, and the parental level information of the current user is stored in the built-in memory among one or a plurality of parental level information included in the user authentication table information shown in FIG. In step S34, the AV block and its ID number information are recorded on the DVD, and the ID number information and the read parental level information are added to the access control table information shown in FIG. End the procedure.
[0041]
When the reproduction operation or the erasure operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S35, and the AV block selected by the user based on the access control table information shown in FIG. 7 is a block recorded by the current user. Determine whether or not. Here, when the parental level information for the selected AV block among the one or plural parental level information included in the access control table information matches the parental level information of the current user. If YES, the process proceeds to step S36, where the selected AV block is reproduced or erased, and the procedure is terminated. When the AV block is erased, the ID number information and parental level information for the AV block are erased from the access control table information shown in FIG.
On the other hand, if the parental level information for the selected AV block does not match the parental level information of the current user, it is determined NO in step S35, and the process proceeds to step S37. By displaying on the display device that it is impossible or impossible to erase, this is notified to the user and the procedure is terminated.
[0042]
According to the above procedure, when the DVD is a commercially available playback-only disc, the conventional viewing restriction function is exhibited. That is, the AV block is reproduced only when the parental level recorded on the DVD is equal to or lower than the user's parental level.
If the DVD is a recordable disc and the user is an administrator user, the selected AV block is always selected regardless of which block is recorded on the DVD. The AV block is reproduced or erased. On the other hand, when the DVD is a recordable disc and the user is not an administrator user, the AV block is reproduced only when the selected AV block is recorded by the user, Or it is erased.
Further, when recording the AV block, the parental level information of the user who performed the recording is added to the access control table information shown in FIG.
[0043]
For example, after registering the parent and child user names and passwords with the parental parental level set to “8” and the parental parental level set to “3”, a read-only disk with the parental level set to “5” is stored in the recorder body. When the parent performs a reproduction operation, the program data recorded on the disc is reproduced. However, when the child performs a reproduction operation, the program data is not reproduced.
On the other hand, when a recordable disc having a parental level of “5” is loaded into the recorder body, the recording is performed on the disc regardless of whether the parent or child user performs a playback operation. The program data being played is not reproduced. The program data is reproduced only when the user who has registered the user name and password with the parental level “5” performs a reproduction operation.
[0044]
In the DVD recorder of this embodiment, as described above, when a playback operation is performed by a user other than the administrator user, the AV block is played back only when the AV block is recorded by the user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the child from watching the program having a content that adversely affects the child.
Also, when an erasure operation is performed by a user other than the administrator user, the AV block is erased from the DVD only when the AV block is recorded by the user. Can be prevented from being deleted by someone other than the administrator user without knowing.
Further, it is not necessary to change the parental level setting every time the user changes as in a conventional DVD player.
Furthermore, when the DVD is a commercially available reproduction-only disc, a conventional viewing restriction function can be realized.
Furthermore, since the parental level is used as the user identification number as described above, there is no need for table information for associating the user identification number with the user name and password, and the use capacity of the internal memory of the main control circuit (49). Can be saved.
[0045]
In addition, each part structure of this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the technical scope as described in a claim.
For example, in the first embodiment, the present invention is implemented in a VTR, and in the second embodiment is implemented in a DVD recorder. However, other well-known signal reproducing apparatuses and signal recording / reproducing apparatuses such as a hard disk player are used. It is possible to implement.
Further, the recording medium is not limited to an external recording medium such as a magnetic tape or a DVD, and a memory such as an EPROM can also be employed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a VTR according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of user authentication table information stored in a built-in memory of the VTR.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a format of a bit stream recorded on a magnetic tape by the VTR.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed in the VTR.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a DVD recorder according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of user authentication table information stored in a built-in memory of the DVD recorder.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a format of a bit stream recorded on a DVD by the DVD recorder.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed in the DVD recorder.
[Explanation of symbols]
(3) Terrestrial broadcast wave receiving antenna
(5) Satellite broadcast wave receiving antenna
(10) Magnetic head
(11) Magnetic tape
(21) Main control circuit

Claims (4)

A recording medium on which an audio / video signal including an audio signal and / or a video signal, a viewing restriction level associated with the block ID , and recording information indicating whether or not the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium are recorded As a target, a signal reproduction device capable of reproducing an audio / video signal and a viewing restriction level ,
An input means for inputting user identification information;
Registration means for registering the identification information input by the user in the memory in association with the viewing restriction level ;
Means for determining whether or not the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium based on the recording information recorded on the recording medium;
After the registration of the identification information, when the input operation and regenerating operation of the identification information by the user is performed by comparing the parental level recorded on the parental level and the recording medium corresponding to the input identification information A reproduction permission / rejection determination means for determining whether or not the user is permitted to reproduce the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium;
Only if it is determined that the playback is permitted, comprising a reproduction control means for instructing the reproduction of the audio and video signals recorded on a recording medium,
The reproduction permission / inhibition judging means includes:
When it is determined that the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is equal to or lower than the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. A first determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium exceeds the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information;
When it is determined that the recording medium is not a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium matches the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. while determining, a second determination means <br/> for determining a viewing restriction level corresponding to the parental level and the input identification information recorded on the recording medium is not allowed to play when different A signal reproducing apparatus comprising: The audio / video signal including the audio signal and / or the video signal and the viewing restriction level associated with the block ID are recorded on the recording medium, and the audio / video signal and the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium are recorded. A signal recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing
An input means for inputting user identification information;
Registration means for registering the identification information input by the user in the memory in association with the viewing restriction level ;
Recording means for recording an audio / video signal and a viewing restriction level on a recording medium;
Means for determining whether or not the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium based on the recording information recorded on the recording medium;
After the registration of the identification information, when the identification information input operation and recording operation are performed by the user, the recording that the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information should be recorded on the recording medium together with the audio / video signal Recording control means for instructing means;
After the registration of the identification information, when the input operation and regenerating operation of the identification information by the user is performed by comparing the parental level recorded on the parental level and the recording medium corresponding to the input identification information A reproduction permission / rejection determination means for determining whether or not the user is permitted to reproduce the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium;
Only if it is determined that the playback is permitted, comprising a reproduction control means for instructing the reproduction of the audio and video signals recorded on a recording medium,
The reproduction permission / inhibition judging means includes:
When the recording medium is determined to be a read-only recording medium, the reproduction is permitted if viewed hearing limit level recorded on the recording medium is less than the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information A first determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium exceeds the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information;
When it is determined that the recording medium is not a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium matches the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. And a second determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is different from the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. A signal recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: Audio / video signals including audio signals and / or video signals are recorded on the recording medium, and the audio / video signals are recorded on the recording medium on which the audio / video signal and the viewing restriction level associated with the block ID are recorded. A signal recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing a signal and a viewing restriction level ,
An input means for inputting user identification information;
Registration means for registering the identification information input by the user in the memory in association with the viewing restriction level ;
Means for determining whether or not the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium based on the recording information recorded on the recording medium;
After the registration of the identification information, when the input operation and regenerating operation of the identification information by the user is performed by comparing the parental level recorded on the parental level and the recording medium corresponding to the input identification information A reproduction permission / rejection determination means for determining whether or not the user is permitted to reproduce the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium;
Only when it is determined that reproduction is permitted, reproduction control means for instructing reproduction of the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium;
Erasing means for erasing the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium;
After the registration of the identification information, when the input operation and erasing operation of the identification information by the user is performed by comparing the parental level recorded on the parental level and the recording medium corresponding to the input identification information Erasure permission determination means for determining whether or not the user is permitted to delete the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium;
Only when it is determined that erasure is permitted, the erasure control means for instructing the erasure means to erase the audio / video signal recorded on the recording medium ,
The reproduction permission / inhibition judging means includes:
When it is determined that the recording medium is a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is equal to or lower than the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. A first determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium exceeds the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information;
When it is determined that the recording medium is not a reproduction-only recording medium, reproduction is permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium matches the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. And a second determination means for determining that reproduction is not permitted when the viewing restriction level recorded on the recording medium is different from the viewing restriction level corresponding to the input identification information. A signal recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: Recording means for recording an audio / video signal and a viewing restriction level on a recording medium;
After the registration of the identification information, when the input operation and the recording operation of the identification information by the user has been performed, along with audio and video signals, the records that should be recorded parental level corresponding to the input identification information on a recording medium 4. A signal recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising recording control means for instructing the means.

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