JP4218901B2 - Information recording medium, information recording apparatus and method, information reproducing apparatus and method, information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, computer program for recording or reproduction control, and data structure including control signal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information recording medium such as a high-density optical disc capable of recording various information such as main video, audio, sub-video, and reproduction control information at high density, an information recording apparatus for recording information on the information recording medium, and Method, information reproducing apparatus and method for reproducing information from the information recording medium, information recording / reproducing apparatus and method capable of both recording and reproduction, computer program for recording or reproduction control, and reproduction control Belongs to the technical field of the data structure including the control signal.

  A DVD is generalized as an optical disc on which various information such as main video, audio, sub-video, and reproduction control information is recorded. According to the DVD standard, main video information (video data), audio information (audio data), and sub-picture information (sub-picture data) are packetized together with reproduction control information (navigation data), respectively, to provide a high-efficiency encoding technique. Are recorded on the disc in a program stream format conforming to the MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2) standard. Of these, the main video information includes only one stream of data compressed according to the MPEG video format (ISO13818-2) in one program stream. On the other hand, the audio information is recorded by a plurality of methods (that is, linear PCM, AC-3, MPEG audio, etc.) and can exist in one program stream up to a total of 8 streams. The sub-picture information is defined by a bitmap and compressed and recorded by a run length method, and can exist in one program stream up to 32 streams. Thus, in the case of DVD, by adopting the program stream format, for example, for one movie, multiple streams of selectable audio information (for example, in addition to stereo audio or surround audio, for one stream of main video information, A stream of original English audio, Japanese dubbed audio, etc.) and a plurality of selectable sub-picture information streams (for example, streams of Japanese subtitles, English subtitles, etc.) are multiplexed and recorded.

  On the other hand, a transport stream format according to the MPEG2 standard is standardized, which is suitable for data transmission. According to this transport stream format, a plurality of elementary streams are transmitted simultaneously. For example, a plurality of programs or programs, such as a large number of satellite digital broadcast television channels, are multiplexed on a single satellite radio wave and transmitted simultaneously.

  However, the above-described DVD can only multiplex-record one stream of main video together with multiple streams of audio information, sub-video information, etc., and cannot multiplex-record multiple streams of main video. That is, there is a problem that a DVD that performs recording in conformity with the MPEG2 program stream format cannot essentially multiplex record a plurality of programs or programs that are simultaneously transmitted in the above-described MPEG2 transport stream format.

  In addition, even if there is a disk with a high transfer rate and a large recording capacity or high density recording capable of simultaneously recording a plurality of programs or a plurality of programs transmitted in the MPEG2 transport stream format, It is not appropriate from the viewpoint of data efficiency to frequently record and reproduce still image information such as map data with respect to the reproduction time axis. In particular, if only receiving broadcasts in real time and displaying and outputting them via a tuner, the display processing of such still image information can be relatively simple, but the still image information can be used as one of the elementary streams on the disc. After being recorded on the disc, it is subject to special playback such as time search and chapter search by the user or interactive playback due to its nature. For this reason, the burden of reproducing and displaying processing such as still image information composed of bitmap data having a large amount of data sometimes becomes very large. In order to cope with this, it becomes necessary to significantly increase the performance of hardware dedicated to the processing of the still image information, or the image quality of the still image information deteriorates or is special. There is a technical problem that playback and interactive playback are limited.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and still image information having a relatively large amount of data can be multiplexed and recorded together with moving image information, audio information, etc. Information recording medium, information recording apparatus and method, information reproducing apparatus and method, information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, computer program for recording or reproduction control, and data including control signal for reproduction control It is an object to provide a structure.

In order to solve the above problems, an information recording medium of the present invention is an information recording medium in which content information including still image information is recorded in units of packets, and includes a plurality of packets each storing a fragment of the content information. An object data file that stores object data consisting of packets and a reproduction sequence information file that stores reproduction sequence information that defines a reproduction sequence of the object data, and the plurality of packets that constitute the object data include: A packet for storing each piece of the still image information set including at least one of the still image information and the still image control information for controlling the display of the still image information, and at least a part of the still image information , Included in one of the still image information sets Display control for still image information is described by still image control information included in another still image information set in the still image information set, and the still image control information includes cutout range information for the still image information. , location information at the time of the display, viewing including at least one of control information and rotation control information scaling, at least one of the still picture information and the still picture control information included in the still picture information set Is read by reading means included in the information reproduction apparatus, and the still image information is reproduced by reproduction means included in the information reproduction apparatus based on the still image control information read by the reading means, and the at least part of For the still image information of one of the still image information sets read by the reading unit by the reproducing unit, The still picture information included in the information set, the display control based on the still picture control information included in another still picture information set out of the still picture information sets read by the reading means is performed.

According to the information recording medium of the present invention, the object data file is a unit that can be logically accessed by, for example, the information reproducing apparatus, and stores a plurality of packets (for example, described later) each storing pieces of content information including still image information. Object data consisting of TS packets). The playback sequence information file stores playback sequence information (for example, playlist information) that defines the playback sequence of object data. In addition, for example, the object information file included in the information recording medium includes correspondence definition information (for example, an ES map table to be described later and ES_PID included therein) that defines correspondence between a plurality of multiplexed packets and a plurality of content information. (ES packet ID), ES address information, AU table, etc.) are stored.

  Therefore, at the time of reproduction, it becomes possible to selectively reproduce desired one or a plurality of pieces of content information among a plurality of contents based on the correspondence definition information, and at this time, a reproduction sequence scheduled for the reproduction based on the reproduction sequence information. Can be done on the street.

  Various information stored in the object information file and the reproduction sequence information file is not multiplexed in units of packets on the information recording medium, unlike the case of the object data file. Therefore, based on these reproduction control information and reproduction sequence information, object data can be reproduced relatively easily in the information reproducing apparatus.

  Particularly in the present invention, the plurality of packets constituting the object data include a packet for storing a still image information set. Here, the “still image information set” is information having a predetermined structure in which the data amount is variable or fixed, including one or both of still image information and still image control information and structure information indicating the structure thereof. Is a set. Therefore, when the structure information having an identifier or the like is first accessed in the object data file at the time of reproduction, the still image information and the still image control information included in the still image information set including the structure information can be acquired according to the contents. . More specifically, even if one still image information set is divided into a plurality of packets or a large number of packets, for example, by specifying the address of the first packet where the identifier of the structure information is arranged (for example, the packet within the structure) By counting the address of the still image information and still image control information included in the still image information set. As a result, display control of still image information can be performed based on the still image control information.

  Further, particularly in the present invention, for at least a part of still image information, display control for still image information included in one still image information set is described by still image control information included in another still image information set. Yes. Accordingly, other still image information recorded separately from one still image information included in one still image information set (that is, in sequence on the playback time axis or separated as a packet). The display can be controlled by other still image control information included in the set. Furthermore, display control can be performed in a different format for one still image information included in one still image information set by a plurality of other still image control information included in another plurality of still image information sets. In other words, since different displays can be performed by using the same still image information repeatedly, the amount of data required to perform still image display as a whole can be reduced, and the structure of the recorded data can be simplified. Can also be achieved. Alternatively, different display is possible by using the same still image control information for a plurality of still image information.

  As described above, for example, each time still image information composed of bitmap data or JPEG data is displayed, the still image information and its control information are read out, and the information is discarded when the display is completed. Compared with the technique of reading still image information and control information thereof, the data processing load for displaying a still image can be reduced, and the data utilization efficiency can be improved.

In addition, particularly in the information recording medium of the present invention, the still image control information includes at least one of cut-out range information for the still image information, arrangement information for display, enlargement / reduction control information, and rotation control information. Including one.
Therefore, after displaying one piece of still image information, the still image control information included in the corresponding structure information is applied to this still image information, so that the clipping range, arrangement, size, angle, etc. The changed still image can be displayed.
As a result, for example, still image information included as a sub-picture stream in an MPEG2 transport stream can be appropriately reproduced together with other main video information and audio information or independently. At this time, even when special playback such as time search, chapter search, fast forward, rewind, etc. is performed, that is, when playback is started from an arbitrary time, a still image such as a bitmap or JPEG having a relatively large amount of data. Information can be efficiently reproduced in any case together with moving image information, audio information, and the like, and an increase in burden in the reproduction process is effectively suppressed.

In one aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the still image control information includes cutout range information for the still image information.
According to this aspect, it is possible to display a new still image in which the cutout range is changed based on the cutout range information included in the still image control information.
In this aspect, the still image control information may include arrangement information for displaying the still image information.
If comprised in this way, based on cutout range information and arrangement | positioning information contained in still picture control information, it becomes possible to display the new still picture from which the cutout range and arrangement | positioning were changed.
In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the still image information set includes (i) three pieces of structural information indicating the structure of the still image information, the still image control information, and the still image information set . 1 still image information set, (ii) a second still image information set including the still image control information and the structure information and not including the still image information, and (iii) the still image information and the Of the third still image information set that includes two pieces of structure information and does not include the still image control information, at least one of the first and third still image information sets, and the second still image information set, Comprising.

  According to this aspect, there are a maximum of three types of still image information sets. In any case, at the time of reproduction, by specifying the head packet, all the still image information sets are configured. Each packet address can be identified based on structure information. In addition, if three types of still image information sets are used in this way, the same still image information can be displayed and controlled in different formats by a plurality of still image control information, or a plurality of different still image information can be controlled by the same still image control. Display control based on information can be suitably executed.

  Furthermore, in a simple case, still image reproduction can be executed with a combination of still image information and still image control information included in the same still image information set. In this case, address specification is performed by specifying the same first packet. Easy to implement.

  In the aspect related to the three types of still image information sets, the display control for the still image information included in at least one of the first and third still image information sets is a still image included in the second still image information set. It may be described by control information.

  According to this configuration, at the time of reproduction, the still image information included in the first still image information set including the still image information and the third still image information set is used as the second still image information set including no still image information. Display control can be performed based on the still image control information included in the.

  Needless to say, display control for still image information included in the first still image information set may be described by still image control information included in the first still image information set. Further, display control for still image information included in the third still image information set may be described by still image control information included in the first still image information set.

  Alternatively, in the aspect related to the three types of still image information sets, display control for still image information included in at least one of the first and third still image information sets is included in the plurality of second still image information sets. The plurality of still image control information may be described so as to perform different display controls.

  With this configuration, at the time of reproduction, one still image information included in the first still image information set or the third still image information set is converted into a plurality of still image controls included in the plurality of second still image information sets. Based on the information, display control can be performed in different formats on the playback time axis. Alternatively, the same still image information can be selectively controlled in different formats at the same reproduction time according to conditional branching or selection operation.

  In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the packet storing the structure information is arranged at the head of a plurality of packets related to the still image information set.

  According to this aspect, the structure of the still image information set can be specified by searching for and reading the first packet of the still image information set in the object data file during reproduction. As a result, it is possible to easily specify a packet for storing still image information and still image control information constituting the still image information set.

  If the amount of information in the structure information is smaller than that of the packet, the entire structure information and part of the still image information or still image control information may be stored in the same first packet. Only the structure information may be stored in one head packet. Alternatively, if the amount of information in the structure information is larger than that of the packet, the structure information may be stored in a plurality of packets.

  In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the structure information indicates an identifier of the still image information, a data length of the still image control information, a data length of the still image information, and a recording position of the still image information. At least the identifier is included in the position information.

  According to this aspect, in the object data file, each still image information set is relatively compared by searching for an “identifier” of the still image information set by narrowing down to an entry section first specified at the time of reproduction, for example, as described later. Find it quickly and easily. And in particular, for the first still image information set, based on the data length of the still image control information and the data length of the still image information, it is specified where the packets for storing these information are arranged. it can. For the second still image information set, it is possible to specify how many packets storing this information are arranged based on the data length of the still image control information. For the third still image information set, it is possible to specify how many packets storing this information are arranged based on the data length of the still image information. Thus, according to the data length of the still image information and the data length of the still image control information as the structure information, even if one still image information set is divided into a plurality of or many packets, the address specification of the head packet is specified. Thus, it is possible to specify addresses of all packets of the still image information set. In other words, the amount of data in correspondence definition information, particularly packet address information, to be stored in the object information file can be reduced.

  In the case of the second still image information set, “position information indicating the recording position of the still image information” is position information (for example, entry section) indicating the recording position of the still image information to be displayed. It's okay. On the other hand, in the case of the first or third still image information set, since the still image information is included, the position information of the still image information is unnecessary. In this case, for example, information indicating that the position information is invalid is described.

  In addition, by setting the data length of the still image information to “0” or a predetermined value indicating invalidity, it may be indicated that the still image information set is the second still image information set. Alternatively, the data length of the still image control information may be set to “0” or a predetermined value indicating invalidity to indicate that the still image information set is the third still image information set.

  In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the still image control information includes information indicating a display start time of a still image displayed based on the still image information and a display time of the still image.

  According to this aspect, on the basis of the information indicating the display start time and the display time of the still image included in the still image control information, the desired time corresponding to the producer's intention can be reproduced with the corresponding still image information. Can only run.

  In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the object data is obtained by multiplexing an entire stream including a plurality of partial streams each composed of the content information in units of packets, and The information set is included in the object data as one or more partial streams for the still image information set.

  According to this aspect, for example, an entire stream such as at least a part of an MPEG2 transport stream includes a plurality of partial streams such as elementary streams, and each partial stream is composed of content information. Such an entire stream is multiplexed and recorded on the information recording medium in units of packets (for example, TS packets described later). The still image information set is included as one or a plurality of partial streams (for example, a sub-picture stream dedicated to still images) for the still image information set. Accordingly, by reproducing such a partial stream for the still image information set, still image display based on still image information and still image control information can be performed.

  Such an entire stream may include two or more partial streams (that is, video streams) including main video information as content information. Alternatively, the entire stream includes a partial stream including main video information as content information, a partial stream including sub video information corresponding to the content stream (that is, sub-picture stream), and a partial stream including audio information (that is, an audio stream). May be included.

  In the information recording medium of the present invention, the correspondence definition information may further include table information indicating packet identification numbers uniquely assigned among a plurality of packets multiplexed at the same time for each content information. According to this configuration, by referring to table information (for example, an ES map table or ES address information described later) that indicates a packet identification number for each content information, the desired content information is assigned to which packet at any playback time. It is possible to quickly identify whether it is compatible. As a result, a desired partial stream can be reproduced.

  In the aspect relating to the whole and partial streams, the correspondence definition information includes address information including a serial number and a display start time corresponding to a serial number relating to a packet that constitutes each partial stream and satisfies a predetermined condition. A plurality of partial streams may be provided.

  According to this configuration, at the time of reproduction, it is possible to appropriately reproduce a desired partial stream by specifying the position of the packet in the object data file based on the sequence number of the packet and its display start time.

  Further, in this case, the correspondence definition information includes the entry section specified by two adjacent packets in the sequence of only the packets whose positions are specified by the address information among the plurality of packets constituting the partial stream. A flag indicating whether or not there is a leading packet of a still image information set including still image information, and whether or not there is a leading packet of a still image information set including the still image control information in the entry section. And a flag.

  With this configuration, at the time of playback, the address information of the still image information or the still image control information is not directly specified by referring to the correspondence definition information, but instead the entry in which they exist A section is specified. Then, after the entry section in which still image information or still image control information exists is specified, the packet actually multiplexed in the object file and within the specified entry section is searched. Thus, the still image information or the still image control information can be searched out easily and quickly (for example, by finding its header or identifier).

  Here, “between two packets” is preferably described as not between the two consecutive numbers related to the two packets but between the display start times of the still image information related to the two packets. If described in this way, even if some packets are removed by the editing operation and the sequence numbers of the packets are deviated from the beginning, no deviation occurs between the display times. However, in an environment in which such editing work can be ignored, the term “between two packets” may be described as two consecutive numbers related to the two packets.

  Further, in this case, when the content information includes video information based on the MPEG2 standard, the address information includes a serial number of a packet related to an I picture and a display start time corresponding thereto. May be.

  According to this configuration, at the time of reproduction, the address of the packet can be specified based on the consecutive number of the packet related to the I picture, and the I picture can be reproduced based on the display start time corresponding thereto. Furthermore, based on this I picture, a B picture and a P picture can be reproduced, and when audio information corresponding to such video information exists, the audio information can be reproduced. That is, it is possible to access a packet related to an I picture, and it is also possible to access a packet related to video information and audio information related to the accessed I picture, so that a series of contents can be appropriately reproduced. Become. In this case, in particular, there is no need to describe the address information of the packet related to the B picture and the P picture and the address information of the packet related to the corresponding audio information, so that the amount of information recorded on the information recording medium as a whole can be reduced.

For the information recording apparatus of the present invention to solve the above problems, on the information recording medium, a plurality of content information including still images information, an information recording apparatus that records in packet units, before Symbol Content First recording means for recording an object data file for storing object data consisting of a plurality of packets including packets each storing a fragment of information, and reproduction sequence information for storing reproduction sequence information for defining a reproduction sequence of the object data and a second recording means for recording the files, the plurality of packets constituting the object data, at least one of the still picture control information for controlling the display of the still picture information and the still picture information fragments of the still picture information set including include packets each storing therein, at least a portion of the stationary Ejo Display control for still image information included in one still image information set in the still image information set is described by still image control information included in another still image information set in the still image information set. The still image control information includes at least one of clipping range information for the still image information, arrangement information for display, enlargement / reduction control information, and rotation control information .

  According to the information recording apparatus of the present invention, an object data file storing object data is recorded by a first recording means such as a system controller, an encoder, a TS object generator to be described later, an optical pickup, and the like. The reproduction sequence information file for storing the reproduction sequence information is recorded by a second recording means such as a TS object generator, an optical pickup, which will be described later, and the second recording means such as a system controller, an encoder, a TS object generator, an optical pickup, which will be described later 3. The recording means records an object information file that stores correspondence definition information that defines a correspondence relationship between a plurality of multiplexed packets and a plurality of pieces of content information as reproduction control information. The plurality of packets constituting the object data include packets each storing a fragment of the still image information set, and at least a part of the still image information is displayed for the still image information included in the one still image information set. The control is described by still image control information included in another still image information set. Therefore, various content information including still image information such as bitmap and JPEG, such as at least a part of an MPEG2 transport stream, can be multiplexed and recorded on the above-described information recording medium of the present invention.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the information recording apparatus of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

Information recording method of the present invention is to solve the above problems, on the information recording medium, a plurality of content information including still picture information, an information recording method in an information recording apparatus for recording on a packet basis, the information the first recording means for recording apparatus comprising: a first recording process of the object data file Ru is recorded to store the object data comprising a plurality of packets containing fragments packets respectively store the content information, the information recording apparatus the second recording means comprising, and a second recording process of reproduction sequence information file Ru is recorded for storing reproduction sequence information which defines a reproduction sequence of the object data, a plurality of packets constituting the object data Still image for controlling display of the still image information and the still image information A packet for storing each piece of a still image information set including at least one of the control information, and for at least a part of the still image information, the still image information set included in one of the still image information sets Display control for image information is described by still image control information included in another still image information set in the still image information set, and the still image control information includes cut-out range information for the still image information, display At least one of arrangement information, enlargement / reduction control information, and rotation control information.

  According to the information recording method of the present invention, the object data file storing the object data is recorded in the first recording step, the reproduction sequence information file storing the reproduction sequence information is recorded in the second recording step, and the third Through the recording process, an object information file that stores correspondence definition information that defines correspondence between a plurality of multiplexed packets and a plurality of content information is recorded as reproduction control information. The plurality of packets constituting the object data include packets each storing a fragment of the still image information set, and at least a part of the still image information is displayed for the still image information included in the one still image information set. The control is described by still image control information included in another still image information set. Accordingly, various types of content information including still image information such as bitmap and JPEG data, such as at least a part of an MPEG2 transport stream, can be multiplexed and recorded on the above-described information recording medium of the present invention.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the information recording method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

In order to solve the above problems, an information reproducing apparatus of the present invention is an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing the recorded content information from the above-described information recording medium (including various aspects thereof) of the present invention, said reading means for reading information from the medium, said reproducing means on the basis of the reproduction sequence information included in the information read by said read means, for reproducing the object data included in the information read by said reading means Is provided.

According to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, an optical pickup, by the reading means such as demodulator takes read information from an information recording medium by a unit of packet or the like. Then, it is included in the read information based on the playback sequence information included in the read information by the playback means such as a system controller, a demultiplexer, and a decoder , or based on the playback control information and the playback sequence information, for example. Object data to be played back. Therefore, the content information multiplexed and recorded on the above-described information recording medium of the present invention can be appropriately reproduced as a series of content information. At this time, in particular, still image information such as a bitmap or JPEG having a relatively large amount of data can be efficiently reproduced, and an increase in the burden in reproduction processing is effectively suppressed.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  In one aspect of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the reproducing means temporarily stores at least one of the still image information and the still image control information in a buffer, and includes a still image included in the other still image information set. Based on the control information, display control for the still image information included in the one still image information set is executed.

  According to this aspect, display control of the same still image information in different formats by a plurality of still image control information, and display control of a plurality of different still image information by the same still image control information are also suitably executed. It becomes possible.

In order to solve the above problems, an information reproducing apparatus of the present invention is an information reproducing method in an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing the recorded content information from the above-described information recording medium (including various aspects thereof) of the present invention. , by the reading means by the information reproducing apparatus is provided, and the information read from the recording medium that information is read step, by said reproducing means said information reproducing apparatus comprises, a reproduction included in the information read by said read step based on the sequence information, the object data included in the information read by the reading step and a regeneration step that will be played.

According to the information reproducing method of the present invention, the reading step takes read information from an information recording medium by a unit of packet or the like. Then, in the reproduction step, the object data included in the read information is reproduced based on the reproduction sequence information included in the read information or, for example, based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information. Therefore, the content information multiplexed and recorded on the above-described information recording medium of the present invention can be appropriately reproduced as a series of content information. At this time, in particular, still image information such as a bitmap or JPEG having a relatively large amount of data can be efficiently reproduced, and an increase in the burden in reproduction processing is effectively suppressed.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the information reproducing method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention records the content information on the above-described information recording medium of the present invention (including various aspects thereof) and reproduces the recorded content information. A reproducing apparatus, wherein the object data file is recorded on a first recording means, the reproduction sequence information file is recorded on a second recording means, the object information file is recorded on a third recording means, and the information recording medium Reading means for physically reading information from the reading means, and the object data included in the information read by the reading means based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information included in the information read by the reading means. Playback means for playback.

  According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, similarly to the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the object data file is recorded by the first recording means, and the reproduction sequence information file is recorded by the second recording means, The object information file is recorded by the third recording means. Thereafter, similarly to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, information is physically read from the information recording medium by the reading means, and based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information included in the read information by the reproducing means. Thus, the object data included in the read information is reproduced. Therefore, various content information including still image information such as bitmap and JPEG such as at least a part of an MPEG2 transport stream can be multiplexed and recorded on the above-described information recording medium of the present invention. Content information can be played back properly including still image playback.

  Incidentally, in response to various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information recording / reproducing method of the present invention records the content information on the above-described information recording medium (including various aspects thereof) of the present invention and reproduces the recorded content information. A reproduction method comprising: a first recording step for recording the object data file; a second recording step for recording the reproduction sequence information file; a third recording step for recording the object information file; and the information recording medium. Reading the information from the reading step, and based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information included in the information read in the reading step, the object data included in the information read in the reading step A reproduction step of reproducing.

  According to the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention, similarly to the information recording method of the present invention described above, the object data file is recorded by the first recording step, and the reproduction sequence information file is recorded by the second recording step, In the third recording step, the object information file is recorded. Thereafter, similarly to the information reproducing method of the present invention described above, information is physically read from the information recording medium by the reading process, and based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information included in the read information by the reproducing process. Thus, the object data included in the read information is reproduced. Therefore, various content information including still image information such as bitmap and JPEG such as at least a part of an MPEG2 transport stream can be multiplexed and recorded on the above-described information recording medium of the present invention. Content information can be played back properly including still image playback.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

In order to solve the above problems, a computer program for recording control according to the present invention is a computer program for recording control that controls a computer provided in the above-described information recording apparatus (including various aspects thereof) of the present invention. there are, to make the computer function as at least a portion of said first recording means and said second recording hand stage.

According to the computer program for recording control of the present invention, the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and hard disk storing the computer program, and executed. If the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and then executed, the above-described information recording apparatus according to the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

  In order to solve the above problems, a computer program for reproduction control according to the present invention is a computer program for reproduction control that controls a computer provided in the above-described information reproduction apparatus according to the present invention (including various aspects thereof). The computer is caused to function as at least a part of the reproducing means.

According to the computer program for reproduction control of the present invention, the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, hard disk or the like for storing the computer program and executed. If the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and then executed, the above-described information reproducing apparatus according to the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

  In order to solve the above problems, a computer program for recording / reproducing control according to the present invention is used for recording / reproducing control for controlling a computer provided in the above-described information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention (including various aspects thereof). A computer program that causes the computer to function as at least part of the first recording means, the second recording means, the third recording means, and the reproducing means.

According to the computer program for recording / reproduction control of the present invention, if the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and hard disk for storing the computer program and executed, Alternatively, the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention described above can be realized relatively easily if the computer program is executed after being downloaded to a computer via communication means.

In order to solve the above problems, the data structure including the control signal of the present invention includes a plurality of pieces of content information including still image information recorded in units of packets, each including a packet for storing each piece of the content information. An object data file for storing object data composed of a plurality of packets; and a reproduction sequence information file for storing reproduction sequence information for defining a reproduction sequence of the object data. The plurality of packets constituting the object data are: , Including a packet for storing each piece of the still image information set including at least one of the still image information and the still image control information for controlling the display of the still image information, and at least a part of the still image information Is one of the still image information sets. Display control for included still image information is described by still image control information included in another still image information set in the still image information set, and the still image control information is a cut-out range for the still image information. information, arrangement information to be used for the display, viewing including at least one of control information and rotation control information scaling, at least one of the still picture information and the still picture control information included in the still picture information set One is read by reading means provided in the information reproduction apparatus, and the still image information is reproduced by reproduction means provided in the information reproduction apparatus based on the still image control information read by the reading means, and the at least one As for the still image information of a part, one of the still image information sets read by the reading means by the reproducing means. The still picture information included in the still picture information set, the display control based on the still picture control information included in another still picture information set out of the still picture information sets read by the reading means is performed.

  According to the data structure including the control signal of the present invention, as in the case of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, for example, in accordance with the MPEG2 transport stream, a complicated image including still image information such as bitmap and JPEG is included. Thus, it is possible to multiplex record content information and reproduce it including still image reproduction.

  Incidentally, in response to various aspects of the information recording medium of the present invention described above, the data structure including the control signal of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  Such an operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to multiplex-record still image information having a relatively large amount of data together with moving image information, audio information, etc. Playback is possible. In particular, by adopting a still image information set according to the present invention (for example, a sub-picture structure), by displaying different still image control information on still image information related to one sub-picture, The same still image information can be used for many different expressions. Thereby, it is possible to save a recording capacity for a still image having a large data amount. Furthermore, by adopting a control information identification flag (for example, an SCP identification flag) and a still image information identification flag (for example, an SP data identification flag) according to the present invention, still image information acquisition processing and reproduction control processing are efficiently performed. In addition, the recording capacity can be saved as a whole by reducing the amount of data required for these processes.

(Information recording medium)
An embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the information recording medium of the present invention is applied to an optical disc of a type capable of recording (writing) and reproducing (reading).

  First, the basic structure of the optical disc of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of the structure of an optical disc having a plurality of areas on the upper side, and shows a conceptual diagram of the area structure in the radial direction on the lower side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical disc 100 can be recorded by various recording methods such as a magneto-optical method and a phase change method, which can be recorded (written) a plurality of times or only once. A lead-in area 104, a data area 106, and a lead-out area 108 are provided on the recording surface of the disk main body having a diameter of about 12 cm from the inner periphery to the outer periphery with the center hole 102 as the center. In each area, for example, a groove track and a land track are alternately provided spirally or concentrically around the center hole 102, and the groove track may be wobbling, one of these Alternatively, prepits may be formed on both tracks. The present invention is not particularly limited to an optical disc having such three areas.

  Next, the configuration of the transport stream (TS) recorded on the optical disc of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 2 (a) schematically shows the structure of the MPEG2 program stream in the conventional DVD for comparison, and FIG. 2 (b) shows the structure of the MPEG2 transport stream (TS). Is shown schematically.

  In FIG. 2A, one program stream includes only one video stream for video data as main video information along the time axis t, and further includes an audio stream for audio data as audio information at the maximum. It includes 8 sub-picture streams for sub-picture data that is sub-picture information, and a maximum of 32 sub-picture streams. That is, the video data multiplexed at an arbitrary time tx relates to only one video stream. For example, a plurality of video streams corresponding to a plurality of television programs or movies are simultaneously converted into a program stream. Cannot be included. In order to multiplex and transmit or record a television program with video, at least one video stream is required for each television program, etc., so a DVD program in which only one video stream exists In the stream format, a plurality of television programs cannot be multiplexed and transmitted or recorded.

  In FIG. 2 (b), one transport stream (TS) includes a plurality of video streams as elementary streams (ES) for video data as main video information, and further an audio data element as audio information. A plurality of audio streams are included as a elementary stream (ES), and a plurality of sub-picture streams are included as an elementary stream (ES) for sub-picture data serving as sub-picture information. That is, the video data multiplexed at an arbitrary time tx relates to a plurality of video streams. For example, a plurality of video streams corresponding to a plurality of television programs or a plurality of movies are included in the transport stream at the same time. Is possible. Thus, in the transport stream format in which a plurality of video streams exist, a plurality of television programs and the like can be multiplexed and transmitted or recorded. However, in the digital broadcasting employing the current transport stream, the sub-picture stream is not transmitted.

  2A and 2B, the video stream, the audio stream, and the sub-picture stream are arranged in this order from the top for convenience of explanation, but this order is multiplexed in packet units as will be described later. It does not correspond to the order in which they are converted. In the transport stream, conceptually, for example, a group of one video stream, two audio streams, and two sub-picture streams corresponds to one program.

  The optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment described above can multiplex-record a transport stream (TS) including a plurality of elementary streams (ES) as described above within the limitation of the recording rate, that is, a plurality of programs or The program can be recorded simultaneously.

  Next, the structure of data recorded on the optical disc 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 schematically shows the data structure recorded on the optical disc 100, and FIG. 4 schematically shows the details of the data structure in each object shown in FIG. .

  In the following description, a “title” is a playback unit for continuously executing a plurality of “playlists”, and is a unit having a logically large unit such as one movie or one television program. is there. A “playlist” is a file that stores information necessary for playback of an “object”, and is composed of a plurality of “items” each storing information related to the playback range of the object for accessing the object. . More specifically, in each item, “IN point information” indicating the start address of the object and “OUT point information” indicating the end address are described. Each of these “IN point information” and “OUT point information” may directly indicate an address, or may indirectly indicate an address such as time or time on the reproduction time axis. The “object” is entity information of contents constituting the above-described MPEG2 transport stream.

  In FIG. 3, the optical disc 100 has four types of files, a disc information file 110, a play (P) list information file 120, an object information file 130, and an object data file 140, as logical structures. A file system 105 for management is further provided. 3 does not directly show the physical data arrangement on the optical disc 100, but the arrangement order shown in FIG. 3 is recorded so as to correspond to the arrangement order shown in FIG. It is also possible to record the file system 105 and the like in the data recording area 106 subsequent to the lead-in area 104 and further record the object data file 140 and the like in the data recording area 106. Even if the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 shown in FIG. 1 do not exist, the file structure shown in FIG. 3 can be constructed.

  The disc information file 110 is a file that stores comprehensive information about the entire optical disc 100, and stores disc comprehensive information 112, a title information table 114, and other information 118. The disc comprehensive information 112 stores the total number of titles in the optical disc 100, for example. The title information table 114 stores, as logical information, the type of each title (for example, sequential playback type, branch type, etc.) and the play (P) list number constituting each title for each title.

  The play list information file 120 stores a play (P) list information table 121 indicating the logical structure of each play list, which includes a play (P) list general information 122, a play (P) list pointer 124, A plurality of play (P) lists 126 (P lists # 1 to #n) and other information 128 are divided. The playlist information table 121 stores logical information of each playlist 126 in the order of playlist numbers. In other words, the storage order of each playlist 126 is the playlist number. Further, it is possible to refer to the same playlist 126 from a plurality of titles in the title information table 114 described above. That is, even when the title #n and the title #m use the same playlist #p, the playlist #p in the playlist information table 121 may be pointed by the title information table 114. .

The object information file 130 stores a storage position (that is, a logical address to be played back) in the object data file 140 for each item configured in each playlist 126 and various attribute information related to the playback of the item. Particularly in the present embodiment, the object information file 130 includes an AU table 131 including a plurality of AU (associate unit) information 132I (AU # 1 to AU # q), which will be described in detail later, and an ES (elementary stream) map. A table 134 and other information 138 are stored.

  The object data file 140 stores a plurality of TS objects 142 (TS # 1 object to TS # s object) for each transport stream (TS), that is, actual data of content to be actually reproduced.

  Note that the four types of files described with reference to FIG. 3 can be further divided into a plurality of files and stored, and all of these may be managed by the file system 105. For example, the object data file 140 can be divided into a plurality of object data files # 1, object data files # 2,.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the TS object 142 shown in FIG. 3, which is a logically reproducible unit, is divided into a plurality of aligned units 143 each having a data amount of 6 kB, for example. The head of the aligned unit 143 is aligned with the head of the TS object 142 (aligned). Each aligned unit 143 is further subdivided into a plurality of source packets 144 each having a data amount of 192B. The source packet 144 is a physically reproducible unit. In this unit, that is, a packet unit, at least video data, audio data, and sub-picture data among the data on the optical disc 100 are multiplexed. May be multiplexed as well. Each source packet 144 has a data amount of 4B, control information 145 for controlling reproduction of a packet arrival time stamp indicating a reproduction processing start time of a TS (transport stream) packet on the reproduction time axis, and 188B TS packet 146 having a data amount of The TS packet 146 has a packet header 146a at its head, and the video data is packetized into a “video packet”, the audio data is packetized into an “audio packet”, or a sub packet. Picture data is packetized to form a “sub-picture packet”, or other data is packetized.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, video data, audio data, sub-picture data, etc. in the transport stream format as shown in FIG. 2B are transferred to the optical disc 100 by the TS packet 146 shown in FIG. The point of multiple recording will be described. FIG. 5 shows that the elementary stream (ES) for the upper program # 1 (PG1) and the elementary stream (ES) for the middle program # 2 (PG2) are multiplexed. FIG. 6 conceptually shows a state in which a transport stream (TS) for a program (PG1 & 2) is configured, with the horizontal axis as a time axis. FIG. 6 shows a multiplexed stream in one transport stream (TS). 3 conceptually shows an image of a TS packet as a packet arrangement along the time.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the elementary stream for program # 1 (upper stage) includes, for example, TS packets 146 in which video data for program # 1 is packetized discretely with respect to the time axis (horizontal axis). Arranged. The elementary stream (middle stage) for program # 2 is formed by discretely arranging TS packets 146 in which video data for program # 2 is packetized with respect to the time axis (horizontal axis). These TS packets 146 are multiplexed to construct a transport stream (lower stage) for these two programs. Although omitted in FIG. 5 for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), actually, it consists of TS packets in which audio data is packetized as an elementary stream for program # 1. A sub-picture stream consisting of TS packets in which elementary streams and sub-picture data are packetized may be similarly multiplexed. In addition, audio data is packetized as an elementary stream for program # 2. An elementary stream made up of the TS packets and a sub-picture stream made up of TS packets in which sub-picture data is packetized may be multiplexed in the same way.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, one TS stream is constructed from a large number of TS packets 146 multiplexed in this way. A large number of TS packets 146 are multiplexed and recorded on the optical disc 100 by adding information such as packet arrival time stamps 145 in such a multiplexed form. In FIG. 6, j (j = 1, 2,...) Is assigned to the TS packet 146 made up of data constituting program #i (i = 1, 2, 3) according to the stream constituting the program. Is indicated by “Element (i0j)”, and (i0j) is a packet ID which is an identification number of the TS packet 146 for each elementary stream. This packet ID is given a unique value among the plurality of TS packets 146 multiplexed at the same time so that they can be distinguished from each other even if the plurality of TS packets 146 are multiplexed at the same time.

  In FIG. 6, a PAT (program association table) and a PMT (program map table) are also packetized and multiplexed in units of TS packets 146. Among these, the PAT stores a table indicating packet IDs of a plurality of PMTs. In particular, the MPEG2 standard defines that PAT is given (000) as a predetermined packet ID as shown in FIG. That is, the TS packet 146 in which the PAT is packetized is detected as the TS packet 146 whose packet ID is (000) among many packets multiplexed at the same time. The PMT stores a table indicating packet IDs for each elementary stream constituting each program for one or a plurality of programs. Arbitrary packet IDs can be assigned to the PMT, and these packet IDs are indicated by PATs that can be detected with the packet ID (000) as described above. Therefore, among many packets multiplexed at the same time, the TS packet 146 in which the PMT is packetized (that is, the TS packet 146 to which the packet IDs (100), (200), and (300) are assigned in FIG. 6). ) Is detected by PAT.

  When the transport stream as shown in FIG. 6 is digitally transmitted, the tuner refers to the PAT and PMT configured in this manner, thereby converting the multiplexed packet into a desired elementary stream. The corresponding one can be extracted and demodulated.

  In the present embodiment, such a PAT or PMT packet is included as the TS packet 146 stored in the TS object 142 shown in FIG. That is, there is a great advantage that when the transport stream as shown in FIG. 6 is transmitted, it can be recorded on the optical disc 100 as it is.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the PAT and PMT recorded in this way are not referred to when the optical disc 100 is played back, but instead refer to the AU table 131 and the ES map table 134 described in detail later after FIG. As a result, more efficient reproduction is possible, and it is possible to cope with complicated multi-vision reproduction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, the correspondence between the elementary stream and the packet obtained by referring to the PAT and PMT at the time of demodulation or recording is expressed in the form of the AU table 131 and the ES map table 134 and packetized. It is stored in the object information file 130 without being multiplexed.

  Next, a logical configuration of data on the optical disc 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 schematically shows the logical configuration of the data on the optical disc 100, focusing on the development from the logical hierarchy to the object hierarchy or the entity hierarchy.

  In FIG. 7, on the optical disc 100, one or a plurality of titles 200 which are logically large groups such as one movie and one television program are recorded. Each title 200 is logically composed of one or a plurality of playlists 126. Within each title 200, a plurality of playlists may have a sequential structure or a branch structure.

  In the case of a simple logical configuration, one title 200 includes one playlist 126. It is also possible to refer to one play list 126 from a plurality of titles 200.

  Each playlist 126 is logically composed of a plurality of items (play items) 204. Within each playlist 126, the plurality of items 204 may have a sequential structure or a branch structure. It is also possible to refer to one item 204 from a plurality of play lists 126. The playback range of the TS object 142 is logically specified by the above-described IN point information and OUT point information described in the item 204. Then, by referring to the object information 130d for the logically designated reproduction range, finally, the reproduction range of the TS object 142 is physically designated via the file system. Here, the object information 130d includes various information for reproducing the TS object 142 such as attribute information of the TS object 142 and ES address information 134d necessary for data search in the TS object 142 (shown in FIG. 3). The ES map table 134 includes a plurality of such ES address information 134d).

  When the TS object 142 is reproduced by the information recording / reproducing apparatus described later, the physical address to be reproduced in the TS object 142 is acquired from the item 204 and the object information 130d, and the desired elementary stream is reproduced. The

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the IN point information and OUT point information described in the item 204, and the ES address information 134d described in the ES map table 134 (see FIG. 3) of the object information 130d, the logic in the playback sequence. The association from the hierarchy to the object hierarchy is executed, and the elementary stream can be reproduced.

  As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, multiple recording is performed in units of TS packets 146 on the optical disc 100, thereby including a large number of elementary streams as shown in FIG. The transport stream can be multiplexed and recorded on the optical disc 100. According to this embodiment, when a digital broadcast is recorded on the optical disc 100, a plurality of programs or a plurality of programs can be recorded simultaneously within the limit of the recording rate. A method of multiplexing and recording a plurality of programs is adopted. Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of executing such a recording process will be described.

(Information recording / reproducing device)
Next, an embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the information recording / reproducing apparatus, and FIGS. 9 to 13 are flowcharts showing the operation thereof.

  In FIG. 8, an information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 is roughly divided into a reproduction system and a recording system, and is configured to be able to record information on the optical disc 100 described above and to reproduce information recorded on the information. . In this embodiment, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 is used for recording / reproducing as described above. However, the recording apparatus of the present invention can basically be configured from the recording system portion, and on the other hand, basically, The embodiment of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention can be configured from the reproducing system portion.

  The information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 includes an optical pickup 502, a servo unit 503, a spindle motor 504, a demodulator 506, a demultiplexer 508, a video decoder 511, an audio decoder 512, a sub-picture decoder 513, an adder 514, a system controller 520, and a memory 530. , A memory 540, a modulator 606, a formatter 608, a TS object generator 610, a video encoder 611, an audio encoder 612, and a sub-picture encoder 613. The system controller 520 includes a file system / logical structure data generator 521 and a file system / logical structure data reader 522. Further, the system controller 520 is connected to a memory 530 and a user interface 720 for performing user input such as title information.

  Among these components, a demodulator 506, a demultiplexer 508, a video decoder 511, an audio decoder 512, a sub-picture decoder 513, an adder 514, and a memory 540 generally constitute a playback system. On the other hand, among these components, a modulator 606, a formatter 608, a TS object generator 610, a video encoder 611, an audio encoder 612, and a sub-picture encoder 613 generally constitute a recording system. The optical pickup 502, the servo unit 503, the spindle motor 504, the system controller 520 and the memory 530, and the user interface 720 for inputting user information such as title information are generally shared by both the reproduction system and the recording system. Further, for the recording system, a TS object data source 700, a video data source 711, an audio data source 712, and a sub-picture data source 713 are prepared. Further, the file system / logical structure data generator 521 provided in the system controller 520 is mainly used in the recording system, and the file system / logical structure reader 522 is mainly used in the reproduction system.

  The optical pickup 502 irradiates the optical disc 100 with a light beam LB such as a laser beam at a first power as reading light during reproduction, and irradiates the recording light as a writing light with a second power while being modulated. The servo unit 503 receives control by the control signal Sc1 output from the system controller 520 during reproduction and recording, and performs focus servo, tracking servo, etc. in the optical pickup 502 and spindle servo in the spindle motor 504. The spindle motor 504 is configured to rotate the optical disc 100 at a predetermined speed while receiving spindle servo from the servo unit 503.

(I) Configuration and operation of recording system:
Next, with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 12, the specific configuration and operation of each component constituting the recording system of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 will be described for each case.

(I-1) When using a created TS object:
This case will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 8, a TS object data source 700 includes a recording storage such as a video tape or a memory, and stores TS object data D1.

  In FIG. 9, first, information of each title logically configured on the optical disc 100 using the TS object data D1 (for example, the configuration content of the playlist) is input from the user interface 720 as user information I2 such as title information. Is input to the system controller 520. Then, the system controller 520 takes in the user input I2 such as title information from the user interface 720 (step S21: Yes and step S22). At this time, in the user interface 720, under the control of the control signal Sc4 from the system controller 520, for example, selection through the title menu screen, input processing corresponding to the content to be recorded is possible. If the user input has already been executed (step S21: No), these processes are omitted.

  Next, the TS object data source 700 outputs TS object data D1 under the control of the control signal Sc8 instructing data reading from the system controller 520. Then, the system controller 520 takes in the TS object data D1 from the TS object source 700 (step S23), and packetizes it with the video data, for example, as described above by the TS analysis function in the file system / logical structure data generator 521. Based on the PAT, PMT, etc., the data array (for example, recording data length) in the TS object data D1, analysis of the configuration of each elementary stream (for example, ES_PID (elementary stream packet identification number) described later) Understand) (step S24).

  Subsequently, the system controller 520 uses the file system / logical structure data generator 521 to analyze the logical information from the user input I2 such as the captured title information, the data array of the TS object data D1, and the analysis result of each elementary stream. As the file data D4, a disc information file 110, a playlist information file 120, an object information file 130, and a file system 105 (see FIG. 3) are created (step S25). The memory 530 is used when creating such logical information file data D4.

  Various variations such as preparing data on the data array of the TS object data D1 and the configuration information of each elementary stream in advance are naturally conceivable, but these are also within the scope of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, a formatter 608 is a device that performs a data array format for storing both TS object data D1 and logical information file data D4 on the optical disc 100. More specifically, the formatter 608 includes a switch Sw1 and a switch Sw2, and is controlled by the switch control signal Sc5 from the system controller 520. When the TS object data D1 is formatted, the switch Sw1 is set to the (1) side. And the switch Sw2 is connected to the (1) side, and the TS object data D1 from the TS object data source 700 is output. Note that transmission control of the TS object data D1 is performed by a control signal Sc8 from the system controller 520. On the other hand, when formatting the logical information file data D4, the formatter 608 is controlled by a switch control signal Sc5 from the system controller 520, connects the switch Sw2 to the (2) side, and outputs the logical information file data D4. It is configured as follows.

In step S26 of FIG. 9, (i) the logical information file data D4 from the file system / logical structure data generator 521 in step S25 or (ii) the TS object data source by the switching control by the formatter 608 configured as described above. TS object data D1 from 700 is output via the formatter 608 (step S26).

  The selected output from the formatter 608 is sent to the modulator 606 as disc image data D5, modulated by the modulator 606, and recorded on the optical disc 100 via the optical pickup 502 (step S27). The disk recording control at this time is also executed by the system controller 520.

  If both the logical information file data D4 generated in step S25 and the TS object data D1 corresponding to the logical information file data D4 have not been recorded, the process returns to step S26 to continue the recording (No in step S28). . Note that the recording order of the logical information file data D4 and the TS object data D1 corresponding thereto may be either first or second.

  On the other hand, if both of these have been recorded, it is determined whether or not recording on the optical disc 100 should be terminated based on the presence or absence of an end command or the like (step S29). Returning to S21, the recording process is continued. On the other hand, if it should be terminated (step S29: Yes), the series of recording processes is terminated.

  As described above, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 performs the recording process when the created TS object is used.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, after logical information file data D4 is created in step S25, data output of logical information file data D4 and corresponding TS object data D1 is executed in step S26. Before step S25, output of TS object data D1 and recording onto the optical disc 100 are executed, and logical information file data D4 can be generated and recorded after this recording or in parallel with this recording. is there.

(I-2) When receiving and recording a transport stream being broadcast:
This case will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 10, steps similar to those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In this case as well, substantially the same processing as in the above-described “in the case of using a created TS object” is performed. Therefore, the following description will be focused on the differences.

  When receiving and recording a transport stream being broadcast, the TS object data source 700 includes, for example, a receiver (set top box) that receives a digital broadcast being broadcast, and receives TS object data D1. Then, it is sent to the formatter 608 in real time (step S41). At the same time, reception information D3 including program configuration information decoded at the time of reception and ES_PID information described later (that is, information corresponding to data sent via the interface between the receiver and the system controller 520) is sent to the system controller 520. The data is captured and stored in the memory 530 (step S44).

  On the other hand, the TS object data D1 output to the formatter 608 is output to the modulator 606 by the switching control of the formatter 608 (step S42) and recorded in the optical disc 100 (step S43).

  In parallel with these, the file system / logical structure generator 521 creates the logical information file data D4 using the program configuration information and ES_PID information included in the reception information D3 captured at the time of reception and stored in the memory 530. (Step S24 and Step S25). After the series of TS object data D1 is recorded, the logical information file data D4 is additionally recorded on the optical disc 100 (steps S46 and S47). In addition, you may perform these processes of step S24 and S25 after completion | finish of step S43.

  Further, as necessary (for example, when editing a part of a title), user input I2 such as title information from the user interface 720 is added to the program configuration information and ES_PID information stored in the memory 530. The logical information file data D4 may be created by the system controller 520 and additionally recorded on the optical disc 100.

  As described above, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 performs the recording process when the transport stream being broadcast is received and recorded in real time.

  If all received data at the time of broadcasting is temporarily stored in the archive device and then used as the TS object source 700, the same processing as in the above-described case of using a created TS object is sufficient.

(I-3) When recording video, audio and sub-picture data:
This case will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 11, steps similar to those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  When recording video data, audio data, and sub-picture data prepared separately in advance, the video data source 711, the audio data source 712, and the sub-picture data source 713 are each composed of a recording storage such as a video tape or a memory. , Video data DV, audio data DA, and sub-picture data DS are stored.

  These data sources are controlled by a control signal Sc8 instructing data reading from the system controller 520, and receive video data DV, audio data DA, and sub-picture data DS, respectively, a video encoder 611, an audio encoder 612, and a sub-picture data DS. The image is sent to the picture encoder 613 (step S61). The video encoder 611, the audio encoder 612, and the sub-picture encoder 613 execute a predetermined type of encoding process (step S62).

  Under the control of the control signal Sc6 from the system controller 520, the TS object generator 610 converts the encoded data into TS object data forming a transport stream (step S63). At this time, data arrangement information (for example, recording data length) of each TS object data and configuration information (for example, ES_PID described later) of each elementary stream are sent from the TS object generator 610 to the system controller 520 as information I6. And stored in the memory 530 (step S66).

  On the other hand, the TS object data generated by the TS object generator 610 is sent to the (2) side of the switch Sw1 of the formatter 608. That is, when formatting the TS object data from the TS object generator 610, the formatter 608 is controlled by the switch control signal Sc5 from the system controller 520 to set the switch Sw1 to the (2) side and set the switch Sw2 to (1). By connecting to the side, the TS object data is output (step S64). Subsequently, this TS object data is recorded in the optical disc 100 via the modulator 606 (step S65).

  In parallel with these, the file system / logical structure generator 521 converts the logical information file data D4 by using the data arrangement information of each TS object data fetched into the memory 530 as information I6 and the configuration information of each elementary stream. Create (step S24 and step S25). After the series of TS object data D2 is recorded, it is additionally recorded on the optical disc 100 (steps S67 and S68). Note that the processing in steps S24 and S25 may also be performed after the end of step S65.

  Further, as necessary (for example, when editing a part of the title), the user input I2 such as title information from the user interface 720 is added to the information stored in the memory 530, thereby the file system. The logical information file data D4 may be created by the logical structure generator 521 and additionally recorded on the optical disc 100.

  As described above, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 performs the recording process when recording video data, audio data, and sub-picture data separately prepared in advance.

  This recording process can also be applied when recording arbitrary content owned by the user.

(I-4) When recording data by authoring:
This case will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 12, steps similar to those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In this case, by combining the recording processes in the three cases described above, the authoring system previously generates the TS object, the logical information file data, and the like (step S81), and then performs the switching control performed by the formatter 608. The process up to the process is terminated (step S82). After that, the information obtained by this work is sent as disk image data D5 to the modulator 606 installed before and after the disk master cutting machine (step S83), and the master is created by this cutting machine (step S84).

  In the present embodiment, in particular, in the configuration and operation of the recording system described above (i), in any case (i-1) to (i-4), still picture information is included in the sub-picture data. And data related to the control information (for example, SP data, SP control information, their structure information, or a header, which will be described later) are multiplexed and recorded on the optical disc 100. Further, data related to still image control information (SP data identification flag, SCP identification flag, etc.) is generated in the generation of logical information file data in step S25 and the object information file 130 (see FIG. 3) via the formatter 608. ), Etc., in a form associated with the still image information (for example, in a table form associated with an “entry section” described later).

(Ii) Configuration and operation of playback system:
Next, with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 13, a specific configuration and operation of each component constituting the playback system of the information recording / playback apparatus 500 will be described.

  In FIG. 8, the title to be reproduced from the optical disc 100 and the reproduction conditions thereof are input to the system controller by the user interface 720 as user input I2 such as title information. At this time, in the user interface 720, under the control of the control signal Sc4 from the system controller 520, input processing corresponding to the content to be reproduced, such as selection via a title menu screen, is possible.

  In response to this, the system controller 520 performs disc reproduction control on the optical disc 100, and the optical pickup 502 sends a read signal S 7 to the demodulator 506.

  The demodulator 506 demodulates the recording signal recorded on the optical disc 100 from the read signal S7 and outputs it as demodulated data D8. Logical information file data (that is, the file system 105, the disk information file 110, the P list information file 120, and the object information file 130 shown in FIG. 3) included in the demodulated data D8 as an unmultiplexed information portion is stored. To the system controller 520. Based on the logical information file data, the system controller 520 executes various reproduction controls such as a reproduction address determination process and control of the optical pickup 502.

  On the other hand, the demultiplexer 508 demultiplexes the TS object data as the multiplexed information portion included in the demodulated data D8 under the control of the control signal Sc2 from the system controller 520. Here, when the access to the reproduction position address is completed by the reproduction control of the system controller 520, the control signal Sc2 is transmitted so as to start demultiplexing.

  From the demultiplexer 508, a video packet, an audio packet, and a sub-picture packet are sent out and supplied to the video decoder 511, the audio decoder 512, and the sub-picture decoder 513, respectively. Then, the video data DV, the audio data DA, and the sub picture data DS are decoded.

  Note that the PAT or PMT packets included in the transport stream shown in FIG. 6 are included as part of the demodulated data D8, but are discarded by the demultiplexer 508.

  The adder 514 receives the control by the control signal Sc3 instructing mixing from the system controller 520, and the video data DV and the sub picture data DS decoded by the video decoder 511 and the sub picture decoder 513, respectively, at a predetermined timing. Mix or superimpose. The result is output as a video output from the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 to, for example, a television monitor.

  On the other hand, the audio data DA decoded by the audio decoder 512 is output as an audio output from the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 to, for example, an external speaker.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 13, a specific example of the reproduction processing routine by the system controller 520 will be described.

  In FIG. 13, as an initial state, the recognition of the optical disc 100 by the reproduction system and the volume structure and file structure by the file system 105 (see FIG. 3) have already been performed by the system controller 520 and the file system / logical structure reader 522 therein. And it is finished. Here, a processing flow after acquiring the total number of titles from the disc general information 112 in the disc information file 110 and selecting one of the titles will be described.

  First, the user interface 720 selects a title (step S11), and the system controller 520 acquires information related to the playback sequence from the reading result of the file system / logical structure reader 522. Specifically, processing of the logical hierarchy (that is, acquisition of information indicating the playlist structure and information of each item constituting the playlist (see FIG. 7), etc.) is performed (step S12). Thereby, the reproduction target is determined (step S13).

  Subsequently, acquisition of the object information file 130 related to the TS object to be reproduced is executed. Particularly in the present embodiment, AU (Associate Unit) information 132I and PU (Presentation Unit) information 302I (see FIG. 34 described later in detail), which will be described later, are also acquired as information stored in the object information file 130 (Step S14). ). With the acquired information, the above-described association from the logical hierarchy to the object hierarchy (see FIG. 7) is performed.

  Subsequently, after determining an object to be reproduced and a reproduction address based on the information acquired in step S14 (step S15), processing of the object hierarchy is started, that is, reproduction is actually started (step S16). .

  During playback, it is monitored whether or not a “scene switching” command input corresponding to the switching of the PU 302 in the AU 132 based on the AU information 132I and the PU information 302I is performed (step S17). Here, if there is a command input for “scene switching” (step S17: Yes), the process returns to step S15, and the processes in steps S15 to S17 are repeated. On the other hand, if there is no “scene switch” command input (step S17: No), it is determined whether there is a command input for ending the reproduction process (step S18). If there is no command input for ending (step S18: No), the process returns to step S11, and the processes in steps S11 to S18 are repeated. On the other hand, if there is a command input for termination (step S18: Yes), a series of reproduction processing is terminated.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, the sub-picture data decoded by the sub-picture decoder 513 in step S16 of FIGS. 8 and 13 is temporarily stored in the memory 540 functioning as a buffer. Thereafter, as described below, at least one of SP data (still image data) and SP control information (still image control data) included in the temporarily stored sub-picture data is controlled by the system controller 520. Read under the control of the signal Sc5. Then, by applying SP control information to the SP data, a still image is displayed as part or all of the video output.

  The SP control information may be configured to be temporarily stored in a dedicated area of the memory 530 (that is, only SP data is temporarily stored in the memory 540). Alternatively, such a memory 540 can be constructed using a part of the memory 530.

(Acquisition method of SP data and SP control information)
Next, a method for acquiring SP data and SP control information in the present embodiment will be described. This acquisition method is executed by the aforementioned information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 (see FIG. 8) mainly based on the ES address information in the object information and the SP data and SP control information in the sub-picture structure. .

(A) First Acquisition Method of SP Data and SP Control Information A first acquisition method of SP data and SP control information and the accompanying still image reproduction control will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20. Here, FIG. 14 is a table showing an example of the data structure in the ES address information related to the video stream constructed in the ES map table in the object information, and FIG. 15 shows the ES address information of the video stream on the TS object. An example of the position of a registered TS packet is schematically shown with respect to a time axis (horizontal direction in the figure). FIG. 16 is a table showing the contents of SP data, SP control information, and structure information according to the first acquisition method, and FIG. 17 is a diagram showing three types of sub-picture structures composed of these three data or information. It is shown as an example. FIG. 18 schematically shows the arrangement conditions of the leading packets of the I picture, SP data, and SP control information employed in the first acquisition method on the time axis of the TS object, and FIG. The acquisition procedure is schematically shown, and FIG. 20 is a table showing the data structure of the ES address information related to the sub-picture stream in the TS object shown in FIG. 19 constructed in the ES map table.

  The ES (elementary stream) address information of the video stream shown in FIG. 14 is described as part of the ES address information 134d (see FIG. 7) in the ES map table 134 shown in FIG. Note that the video stream here is an elementary stream of index # 14 shown in the ES map table of FIG. 34 described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the ES address information includes only the packet number q, r, s, t, u,... (For example, the packet in the TS object) for the packet that satisfies the predetermined condition on the video stream. And a display start time T14_0, T14_1, T14_2, T14_3,... Corresponding to the serial number (hereinafter referred to as “packet number” as appropriate).

  As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, a packet satisfying a predetermined condition is determined as the first packet of an I picture based on the MPEG2 standard, and the packet number and the display start time corresponding to these are shown in FIG. It is described as ES address information. This is because MPEG decoding can be started if the recording position of the I picture can be specified by the address information.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, each section on the TS object specified by two adjacent packets in the arrangement of only the packets whose recording position is specified by the ES address information is designated as “entry section”. ". For example, the section specified by the packet q and the packet r where the ES address information is adjacent is the entry section # 0, and the section specified by the packet r and the packet s is the entry section # 1. Also, the SP data and SP control information corresponding to the video stream (that is, displayed at the same time or in parallel) and the SP data and SP control information on the sub-picture stream related to the still picture are defined as the entry section defined as described above. Describes their presence depending on whether they exist within. Note that the sub-picture stream here is an elementary stream of index # 16 shown in the ES map table of FIG. 34 described in detail later. Therefore, in the index # 16 of the ES map table, elementary stream index number information 134e (“index number = 14” according to the present embodiment) used as an entry section is described.

As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, data or information related to a still image recorded on a sub-picture stream is (i) an SP that constitutes an example of still image information.
Data 713, (ii) SP control information 712 constituting an example of still image control information for controlling display of SP data 713, and (iii) one or both of these forms a sub-picture structure, and the sub-picture structure The structure information (header) 711 is included including three pieces of data or information.

  As a combination of these three data or information, a sub picture structure 701 including all the components of the structure information 711, the SP control information 712, and the SP data 713 shown in FIG. 17A is shown in FIG. 17B. There is a sub picture structure 702 having the structure information 711 and SP control information 712 as constituent elements, and a sub picture structure 703 having the structure information 711 and SP data 713 shown in FIG. 17C as constituent elements. Incidentally, in the case of DVD, only the type shown in FIG. 17A is defined.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, various examples of the “still image information set” according to the present invention are each configured from the sub-picture structures shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C, in the present embodiment, the SP control information 712 and the SP data 713 are normally divided into a plurality of TS packets 146. The structure information 711 is stored in the head packet in the sub-picture structures 701 to 703, and the head portion of the SP control information 712 (FIGS. 17A and 17B) or the head portion of the SP data 713 is also succeeded. And stored in the head packet in which the structure information 711 is stored.

  In the present embodiment, the TS packet 146 in which the head part of the SP control information 712 in the sub-picture structure 702 is stored is referred to as “SCP”. The TS packet 146 in which the head portion of the SP data 713 in the sub-picture structure 703 is stored is referred to as “SPD”. Furthermore, the top packet of the sub-picture structure 701 including both is called “SCP + SPD” in a form corresponding to these. In the present application, “the sub-picture structure is arranged or belongs in the entry section” as shown in FIG. 15 means that the sub-picture structures 701 and 702 in FIGS. 17A and 17B respectively. , Means that the header including the SCP (that is, the packet storing the structure information) is recorded in the entry section, and the sub-picture structure 703 in FIG. Means that it is recorded in the entry section.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the structure information 711 has an “SP data identifier”. The SP data identifier identifies SP data 713 included in the sub picture structure in the sub picture structures 701 and 703. On the other hand, the SP data identifier identifies SP data 713 included in another sub-picture structure on which the SP control information 712 included in the sub-picture structure operates.

  The structure information 711 further includes information indicating “data length of SP control information” and “data length of SP data”. Based on these, at the time of reproduction, it is specified to which packet the sub-picture structure 701 continues from the head of the structure information 711. Further, based on the data length of the SP control information, it is specified to which packet the sub-picture structure 702 continues from the head of the structure information 711 during reproduction. Further, based on the data length of the SP data, it is specified to which packet the sub-picture structure 703 continues from the top of the structure information 711 during reproduction.

  In the sub picture structure 702 that does not have the SP data 713, “SP data length” in the structure information 711 may be set to “0” to indicate that the SP data 713 does not exist. . Similarly, in the sub-picture structure 703 that does not have the SP control information 712, setting the “data length of the SP control information” in the structure information 711 to “0” indicates that the SP control information 712 is not included. May be shown.

  The structure information 711 further includes “position information of SP data”. At the time of reproduction, the SP data 713 on which the SP control information 712 acts is specified based on this. As such SP data position information, a rough position is described using the entry section shown in FIG. As a result, the SP data 713 can be specified by searching for the SPD within the entry section. Therefore, even if the SP data 713 is not included as in the sub-picture structure 702, the SP control information 712 included therein is scheduled. It is possible to operate on SP data. However, the SPD packet number may be directly described as the SP data position information.

  Therefore, in the case of the sub-picture structure 701 or 703 including the SP data 713, “SP data position information” included in the structure information 711 may be set to an invalid value. However, in these cases, since the sub-picture structure of the own has SP data, it is not necessary to specify the recording position of SP data (specification of the entry section). All the constituent packets are specified based on the data length of the SP data as described above).

  The SP control information 712 includes information indicating the display start time of the acting SP data and the display time of the SP data. At the time of reproduction, the SP data on which the SP control information 712 acts is reproduced for a predetermined time on the reproduction time axis, and a still image is displayed.

  The SP data 713 includes, for example, run-length encoded bitmap data format or JPEG format image data. Each pixel (pixel) has, for example, 8-bit color information data and 8-bit transparency information data. The SP data indicating one still image is packetized and multiplexed into a plurality of TS packets 146 (see FIG. 4).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the entry section is represented using the display start time of the packet number of the first packet constituting the entry section. For example, the entry section # 0 of the elementary stream with the index (Index) # 14 is represented by “T14_0”. As described above, when the display start time is used, even if there is a shift in the packet serial number due to packet loss due to editing after recording, the display start time does not shift, as shown in FIG. It is not necessary to update the ES address information.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, the following conditions (hereinafter referred to as “first arrangement condition”) are applied to the packet arrangement for the entry section defined as described above so that the SCP and SPD can be acquired easily and quickly. Call).

That is, in the sub picture structures 701 to 703 including the SP control information 712 (which holds the display start time “TT”) as compared with the “display start time” and “packet number” of the entry point #i. The header is physically arranged as follows. The entry point refers to a packet whose position is specified by address information.

"Entry point #i display start time"
<= TT <"Display start time of entry point # i + 1"
When “packet number of entry point #i”
<"Sub-packet structure packet number including SP control information"<"Entry point # i + 1 packet number"
Due to the first arrangement condition, the sub-picture structure 702 including the SP control information 712 necessary for the SP data 713 to be displayed can be found by searching in the entry section during reproduction of the entry section. Become.

For example, in FIGS. 14 and 15, when the display start time is T14_1 or more and less than T14_2, the packet number of the header of the sub-picture structure 702 including the SP control information 712 is recorded in the entry section # 1. On the other hand, the SP data is found from the “SP data recording position” (see FIG. 16) included in the structure information 711 forming the header as described above.

  In addition to such a first arrangement condition, as shown in FIG. 18, in the first acquisition method, the following conditions (hereinafter referred to as “second arrangement” are also applied to the SCP (the first packet of the SP control information 712 as described above). Add a condition.

"SCP packet number acting on i-th SP data"
<"SCP packet number acting on the (i + 1) th SP data"
That is, as shown in FIG. 18, a packet arrangement that controls the SP data beyond the SCP of other SP control information is not allowed.

  In FIG. 18, a dotted arrow from the SCP indicates a relationship in which the SP control information having the SCP at the head acts on the SP data to be controlled.

  In the first acquisition method according to the present embodiment, the acquisition of SP data and SP control information as illustrated in FIG. 19 under such first and second allocation conditions is performed as shown in FIG. Run with information.

  In FIG. 19, at the time of reproduction, first, the display start PTS is given as the (0) process, then the SCP is searched and read as the (1) process, and then the SP data is read as the (2) process. Next, the SP data is read as the (3) process, the SP data is further read as the (4) process, and finally the reproduction is started as the (5) process. It is shown graphically at the corresponding points on the axis extending from left to right.

  In order to perform such acquisition of a series of SP data and SP control information and accompanying still image reproduction control, in the first acquisition method, in particular, a format corresponding to the entry section defined by the video stream shown in FIG. Thus, ES address information for the sub-picture stream as shown in FIG. 20 is described in the ES map table.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the ES address information about the sub-picture stream is a 1-bit SP indicating whether or not an SPD exists for each entry section of the elementary stream indicated by the index number information 134e (FIG. 34). It includes 2-bit information including a data identification flag and a 1-bit SCP identification flag indicating whether the SCP is recorded. In FIG. 20, “1” is set when it exists, and “0” when it does not exist. Then, in the first acquisition method, as described below, when the SCP does not exist at the display start time by the SCP identification flag, it is checked whether or not it exists forward (left side in FIG. 19) on the playback time axis. The

  In FIG. 19, at the time of reproduction, first, when the display start PTS in the entry section # 3 is obtained (the (0th) process), the SCP identification flag (see FIG. 20) of the ES address information included in the object information file is referred to. It is checked whether or not an SCP exists in this entry section # 3. In this example, since it is found that there is no such information, the SCP identification flag is further referred to, and the search is made for the existence of the SCP in another entry section positioned forward on the reproduction time axis. Thus, in this example, it is found that the SCP to be read first exists in the entry section # 1.

  Therefore, in FIG. 19, this time, the SCP data is searched for in the entry section # 1 in the object data file ((1) process in FIG. 19). More specifically, first, the ES address information in FIG. 14 is referred to obtain the first packet (in this example, “r”) of the entry section # 1, and then, for this first packet in the object data file. Access is performed. Thereafter, the headers (structure information 711) of the packets on the same sub-picture stream following the head packet are sequentially checked, and the sub-picture structure 702 including the SCP is found in the entry section # 1. .

  Thereafter, the “SP data position” (see FIG. 16) recorded in the SP control information in the sub-picture structure including the acquired SCP is referred to, and the position (entry section) of the SP data to be controlled by this SP control information ) Is identified. Then, access to the SP data whose position is specified is executed ((2) process in FIG. 19). For example, if the display start time T14_0 is described as the SP data position (entry section), first, the ES address information shown in FIG. 14 is referred to in the object information file, and the packet number “q”. Is acquired. That is, in this example, it is found that the SPD to be read exists in the entry section # 0. Thereafter, access to the head packet (packet number “q”) is executed in the object data file. Subsequently, the header (structure information 711) of the packet on the same sub-picture stream following the head packet is sequentially checked, and the sub-picture structure 701 or 703 including SPD (in FIG. 19) in the entry section # 0. , The sub-picture structure 701) indicated by “SCP + SPD # 1” is searched for.

  Thereafter, SP data in the sub-picture structure including the acquired SPD (SCP + SPD) is read ((3) process in FIG. 19).

  After that, the SP data identification flag shown in FIG. 20 is referred again, and the entry section including the display start time (here, entry section # 0) including the SPD acquired in the third process (here, entry section # 0) Then, until the entry section # 3), the SP data identification flag is “1”, and the existence of the section including the SPD is checked. If such an SPD exists, SP data that may be displayed after the display start time exists. In this example, since such an SPD exists in the entry section # 2, an access is made to the sub-picture structure including the SPD, and this is acquired (process (4) in FIG. 19).

  In the present application, even for SP data that does not need to be displayed at the arbitrary display start time with respect to the arbitrary display start time, still images after the arbitrary display time are displayed on the reproduction time axis. The SP data recorded in front of the arbitrary display start time, which needs to be read in advance in order to perform display accurately and seamlessly, is referred to as “pre-read SP data”. That is, if the pre-read SP data is not read prior to the start of reproduction, the still image display may be interrupted after the start of display. However, after the prefetching SP data is prefetched, it may not actually be used for still image display. That is, here, if there is a possibility of being used for subsequent display according to the reproduction condition, it is treated as prefetched SP data, and a process of prefetching this is performed.

  Thereafter, display control based on the obtained SP control information is performed by the above processing, and still image reproduction corresponding to the SP data is started (step (5) in FIG. 19). Here, for example, based on the display start time and the display time (see FIG. 16) indicated by the SP control information, the still image display by the sub-picture corresponding to the SP data is performed over a certain period.

  As a result of the series of processes shown in FIG. 19, the display is originally displayed at the display start time even when display is started from an arbitrary display start time in special playback such as time search, chapter search, fast forward, and rewind. The still image to be displayed is faithfully displayed, and further, a situation in which the still image to be originally displayed cannot be displayed or the still image is interrupted does not occur.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20, according to the first acquisition method of SP data and SP control information, an ES address having a very small data amount of 2 bits (see FIG. 20) in total with two flags. Using the information, the recording position of the SP data and SP control information can be identified efficiently. For example, if the ES address information related to the video stream as shown in FIG. 14 is 32 bits for each entry section, the ES address information related to the sub-picture stream as shown in FIG. The amount is enough.

(B) Second acquisition method of SP data and SP control information Referring to FIGS. 21 to 24 and FIGS. 14 and 15, the second acquisition method of SP data and SP control information and the accompanying still image reproduction control will be described. explain. Here, FIG. 21 shows the contents of the structure information, SP control information, and SP data according to the second acquisition method in a table, FIG. 22 schematically shows the acquisition procedure in the second acquisition method, and FIG. FIG. 23 is a table showing the data structure of ES address information related to the sub-picture stream shown in FIG. 22 constructed in the ES map table. Further, FIG. 24 shows a specific example of structure information and SP control information according to the second acquisition method.

  In the first acquisition method described above, the first and second arrangement conditions described above are attached. However, in the second acquisition method described below, the second arrangement condition described with reference to FIG. It is executed without attaching. In particular, the SP data identification flag (see FIG. 20) in the first acquisition method described above is not constructed in the ES address information, and only the SCP identification flag is described as the ES address information for the sub-picture stream. . Then, instead of describing the SP data identification flag in the ES address information in the object information file, information for specifying the pre-read SP data is described in the SP control information in the object data file.

  As shown in FIG. 21, in the embodiment according to the second acquisition method, the data or information related to the still image recorded on the sub-picture stream includes structure information 711, SP control information 712 ′, and SP data 713. It consists of Among these, the contents of the structure information 711 and the SP data 713 are the same as those related to the first acquisition method shown in FIG. Also, three types of sub-picture structures 701 to 703 shown in FIG. 17 are similarly constructed by a combination of these three data or information.

  The SP control information 712 'according to the second acquisition method includes information indicating the display start time of the SP data to be applied and the display time of the SP data. At the time of reproduction, the SP data on which the SP control information 712 'acts is reproduced for a predetermined time on the reproduction time axis, and a still image is displayed.

  Furthermore, the SP control information 712 'includes the total number of prefetched SP data, an identifier of the prefetched SP data, and position information (entry section) of the prefetched SP data. The “read-ahead SP data” here is specified based on the SCP recording position of the SP control information in which the total number is described as a reference, and is recorded later on the playback time axis than the SCP of the SP control information. This is SP data on which SP control information having an existing SCP acts, and the SP data is recorded in front of the SCP of the SP control information. Accordingly, in the following description of the second acquisition method, SP data that satisfies such a condition is simply referred to as “prefetched SP data”.

  In the second acquisition method according to the present embodiment, acquisition of SP data and SP control information as illustrated in FIG. 22 is executed using address information as illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 22, at the time of reproduction, first, the display start PTS is given as the (0) process, then the SCP of the front entry section is searched and read as the (1) process, and then the SP data is read as the (2) process. Go to reading, then read the SCP of the backward entry section as the (3) process, then read the SP data as the (4) process, then read the pre-read SP data as the (5) process, and finally (6) Each process of starting reproduction as a process is schematically shown at corresponding points on a time axis (axis extending from left to right in the figure).

  In order to perform such acquisition of SP data and SP control information and accompanying still image reproduction control, in the second acquisition method, in particular, for example, in a format corresponding to the entry section defined by the video stream shown in FIG. 23, ES address information about the sub-picture stream is described in the ES map table.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the ES address information for the sub-picture stream includes a 1-bit SCP identification flag indicating whether an SCP is recorded for each entry section. In FIG. 23, “1” is set when it exists, and “0” when it does not exist. In the second acquisition method, as described below, when the SCP does not exist at the display start time according to the SCP identification flag, first, it is checked whether or not the SCP exists ahead on the playback time axis. In addition, it is checked whether or not there is an SCP behind the playback time axis.

  24, unlike the sub picture structure of FIG. 21 including SP data, the sub picture structure not including SP data includes structure information 711 and SP control information 712 ″. As a specific example corresponding to FIGS. 22 and 23, specific contents of the SP control information 712 ″ having SCP # 2a arranged in the entry section # 4 as the first packet are illustrated.

  In FIG. 22, when a display start PTS in the entry section # 3 is obtained at the time of reproduction (process (0)), the SCP identification flag (see FIG. 23) of the ES address information included in the object information file is referred to. It is checked whether or not an SCP exists in this entry section # 3. In this example, since it is determined that there is no such event, the SCP identification flag is further referred to, and first, an entry having an SCP in another entry section positioned forward on the reproduction time axis is searched. Thus, in this example, it is found that the SCP to be read first exists in the entry section # 1.

  Therefore, in FIG. 22, the SCP data is searched for in the entry section # 1 in the object data file (the first (1) process in FIG. 22). More specifically, first, the ES address information in FIG. 14 is referred to obtain the first packet (in this example, “r”) of the entry section # 1, and then, for this first packet in the object data file. Access is performed. Thereafter, the headers (structure information 711) of the packets on the same sub-picture stream following the head packet are sequentially checked, and the sub-picture structure 702 including the SCP is found in the entry section # 1. .

  Thereafter, the “SP data position” recorded in the SP control information in the sub-picture structure including the acquired SCP is referred to, and the position (entry section) of the SP data to be controlled by this SP control information is specified. . Then, access to the SP data whose position is specified is executed (second (2) process in FIG. 22). For example, if the display start time T14_0 is described as the SP data position (entry section), first, the ES address information shown in FIG. 14 is referred to in the object information file, and the packet number “q”. Is acquired. That is, in this example, it is found that the SPD to be read exists in the entry section # 0. Thereafter, access to the head packet (packet number “q”) is executed in the object data file. Subsequently, the header (structure information 711) of the packet on the same sub-picture stream following this head packet is sequentially checked, and the sub-picture structure 701 or 703 including SPD (in FIG. 22) in the entry section # 0. , The sub-picture structure 703) indicated by “SCP # 1a + SPD # 1” will be found.

  Thereafter, SP data in the sub-picture structure including the acquired SPD is read (second (2) process in FIG. 22).

  Next, a search is made for the presence of SCP in another entry section located rearward on the playback time axis. Thus, in this example, it is found that the SCP to be read first exists in the entry section # 4.

  Accordingly, in FIG. 22, the SCP data is searched for in this entry section # 4 this time in the object data file (the third (3) process in FIG. 22). More specifically, first, the ES address information in FIG. 14 is referred to obtain the top packet (in this example, “u”) of entry section # 4, and then the top packet in the object data file is obtained. Access is performed. Thereafter, the header (structure information 711) of the packet on the same sub-picture stream following this head packet is sequentially checked, and the sub-picture structure 702 including the SCP # 2a and the SCP # 1c are included in the entry section # 4. The sub-picture structure 702 including the structure is searched for and SP control information 712 ″ having the structure shown in FIG. 24 is obtained. FIG. 24 shows specific contents of the SP control information 712 for the SCP # 1c. .

  After that, the “SP data position” (see FIG. 24) recorded in the SP control information in the sub-picture structure including the acquired SCP # 2a is referred to, and the position of the SP data to be controlled by this SP control information (see FIG. 24). Entry section) is identified. Then, access to the SP data for which the position is specified is executed (process (4) in FIG. 22). For example, if the display start time T14_2 is described as the SP data position (entry section), first, the ES address information shown in FIG. 14 is referred to in the object information file, and the packet number “s”. Is acquired. That is, in this example, it is found that the SPD to be read exists in the entry section # 2. After that, access to the first packet (packet number “s”) is executed in the object data file. Subsequently, the header (structure information 711) of the packet on the same sub-picture stream following this head packet is sequentially checked, and the sub-picture structure 701 or 703 including SPD (in FIG. 22) in the entry section # 2. , The sub-picture structure 703) indicated by “SPD # 2” is searched for.

  Thereafter, SP data in the sub-picture structure including the acquired SPD is read ((4) process in FIG. 22).

  Thereafter, based on the total number of prefetched SP data, the identifier, and the position information (entry section) described in the SP control information in the sub-picture structure including the SCP # 1c acquired in the (3) process of FIG. As shown in FIG. 24, the pre-read SP data is read. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the total number of prefetched SP data is “1”, its identifier is “# 1”, and the position information of the prefetched SP data “# 1” identified thereby is If it is T14_0, first, the ES address information in FIG. 14 is referred to, and the packet number q is acquired. Then, after accessing the packet with the packet number q, a sub-picture or structure including SP data is searched from a plurality of packets following this packet in the entry section # 0 and read as pre-read SP data (FIG. 22nd (5) process).

  In this specific example, the pre-read SP data # 1 has already been acquired in the second process (2), and therefore, the acquisition operation need not be performed again.

  Thereafter, display control based on the obtained SP control information is performed by the above processing, and still image reproduction corresponding to the SP data is started ((6) processing). Here, for example, based on the display start time and the display time (see FIG. 21) indicated by the SP control information, the still image display by the sub-picture corresponding to the SP data is performed over a certain period.

  Even if the display is started from an arbitrary display start time in special playback such as time search, chapter search, fast forward, and rewind by the series of processes shown in FIG. 22, it should be originally displayed at the display start time. A still image is displayed, and a situation in which a still image that should be originally displayed cannot be displayed or a still image is interrupted does not occur.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24 and FIGS. 14 and 15, according to the second acquisition method of SP data and SP control information, a total of 1 bit (see FIG. 23) with one flag is extremely high. Using the ES address information with a small amount of data, the recording position of the SP control information can be specified efficiently. For example, if the ES address information related to the video stream as shown in FIG. 14 is 32 bits for each entry section, the ES address information related to the sub-picture stream as shown in FIG. The amount is enough.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the three types of sub-picture structures 701 to 703 are obtained by any of the first acquisition method and the second acquisition method in the present embodiment described with reference to FIGS. By adopting it, it is not necessary to read the sub-picture structure including the SP data 713 that is the control target each time display is controlled by the SP control information 712 at the time of reproduction. On the contrary, display control can be performed on one SP data 713 by using SP control information recorded separately, and in particular, a plurality of SP control information can be applied to the same SP data. Alternatively, it is possible to display-control a plurality of SP data 713 using the same SP control information recorded separately.

  The sub picture structure 701 or 703 including the SP data 713 and the sub picture structure 702 including the SP control information 712 acting on the sub picture structure 701 may be recorded on the same sub picture stream. It may be recorded separately on the sub-picture stream.

(Specific example of still image playback control by SP control information)
Next, specific examples of still image reproduction control by applying SP control information to SP data acquired as described above in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 29 and FIGS. 14 to 14 described above. Explanation will be made with reference to FIG. This acquisition method is executed mainly by the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 (see FIG. 8) based on SP data and SP control information in the sub-picture structure.

  Here, SP data included in one sub-picture data structure 701 or 703 shown in FIG. 17 (a) or (c) on the same sub-picture stream is different from FIG. 17 (a) or Reproduction control in which SP control information included in another sub-picture structure 701 or 702 shown in (b) is applied will be described. Here, FIG. 25 schematically shows a method of forming a new still image (sub-picture) by applying SP control information to SP data, and FIG. 26 schematically shows a method of cutting out a sub-frame from the sub-picture. FIG. 27 schematically shows a method of cutting out a subframe from a subpicture and displaying it using the subframe. Further, FIGS. 28 and 29 schematically show a method of cutting out and displaying a subframe from a subpicture.

  In the reproduction control in this specific example, the SP data acquired from the sub-picture stream in the same manner as the first or second acquisition method described above is different from the first or second from the same sub-picture stream. 2 SP control information acquired by the acquisition method is operated to display a new still image.

  As shown in FIG. 25, in the reproduction control of this specific example, for example, one sub-picture structure 701 or 703 used for displaying a sub-picture 901 that is one still picture (see FIG. 17A or FIG. 17C). SP control information in a different sub-picture structure 701 or 702 (see FIG. 17A or 17B) is applied to the SP data in) to display a new sub-picture 902 as a still image. . More specifically, the sub-picture 901 is cut out in the respective ranges of the sub-frames 903a, 903b, and 903c, and the cut-out sub-frame 903a is rotated and arranged on the lower right of the sub-picture 902 on the display screen. Then, a new sub picture 902 is displayed so that the sub frame 903b is rotated and arranged at the upper left, and the sub frame 903c is arranged at the lower left.

  The SP control information 712 describes conditions such as the cutout range of these subframes, the arrangement for display, enlargement / reduction, and rotation. Therefore, after displaying one sub-picture 901 by using one sub-picture structure 701 and causing the SP control information 712 included therein to act on the SP data 713 also included therein. By applying SP control information 712 included in another sub-picture structure 702 to this SP data 713, a new sub-picture 902 can be displayed. Alternatively, after displaying one sub-picture 901 by causing the SP control information 712 included in one sub-picture structure 702 to act on the SP data 713 included in another sub-picture structure 703. Further, by applying the SP control information 712 included in the other sub picture structure 702 to the SP data 713, a new sub picture 902 can be displayed. Alternatively, after displaying one sub-picture 901 by causing the SP control information 712 included in one sub-picture structure 701 to act on the SP data 713 included in another sub-picture structure 703. Further, the SP control information 712 included in another sub-picture structure 701 is applied to the SP data 713, so that a new sub-picture 902 can be displayed. In addition, various combinations of SP data and SP control information acting on the SP data are conceivable.

  In either case, it is possible to save limited recording capacity on the disk by using SP data consisting of bitmap data and JPEG data with a large amount of data, and more efficient playback and display processing. Is also possible.

  In addition, in any case, it is possible to superimpose such a sub-picture 901 or 902 on a moving image or main video based on video data recorded in another video stream.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the sub-frame 1903 is cut out from the sub-picture 1901 when the sub-picture 1901 and the sub-frame 1903 are matched (FIG. 26A). When subframe 1903 is specified [FIG. 26B], in the case of one or more subframes 1903a, 1903b... In an arbitrary range narrower than subpicture 1901 [FIG. In the case of subframes 1903a, 1903b... Overlapping in one or more narrower arbitrary ranges [FIG. 26 (d)], a subframe including one in one or more arbitrary ranges narrower than subpicture 1901 In the case of 1903a, 1903b, etc. [Fig. It is a function, cut-out is performed.

  Next, an example of display using the above-described sub-picture structure will be described with reference to the block diagrams of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 27, the stream structure of the present invention includes one SPD (that is, the first packet of SP data) and a plurality of SCPs (that is, the first packet of SP control information) that follow the SPD in time series. This is a case where it is provided on the elementary stream.

SP data defining sub-picture 2901 is described with SPD # 1 as the first packet, and reading starts at time t1 and is stored in memory 540. The time t11 when all the SP data is stored in the memory 540 is the start time of the valid period of the SP data, and this image is valid and is held in the memory 540 until reading of new SP data is started. . Next, SP control information having SCP # 1a as the first packet is read at time t2, the description content is read by the file system / logical structure data reader 522, and the SP data stored in the memory 540 is read by the control signal Sc5. Works. As a result, the SP data in the memory 540 is cut out in the range of the subframe 2903a, and is output as video via the adder 514 from time t21. The adder 514 may superimpose the video signal from the video decoder 511 under the control of the system controller 520.

Next, SP control information having SCP # 1b as the first packet is read at time t3, and similarly acts on SP data in the memory 540. As a result, the SP data in the memory 540 is cut out in the range of the subframe 2903b, and video is output instead of the subframe 2903a from time t31 to time t32. Furthermore, SP control information with SCP # 1c as the first packet is read at time t4,
Similarly, it affects the SP data in the memory 540. As a result, the SP data in the memory 540 is cut out in the range of the subframe 2903c and is output as video from time t41 to time t42. Similar to the case of the subframe 1903a, the video signal may be superimposed. In addition, the display mode is not limited to the above, and it is natural that the SP control information can be described so that the subframes 2903a to 2903c are displayed in an overlapping manner.

  Next, a specific example will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 28A, SP data having SPD as the first packet at time t1, SP control information having SCP # 1a as the first packet at time t2, and SP having SCP # 1b as the first packet at time t3. It is assumed that SP control information having SCP # 1c as the first packet is reproduced at time t4. FIGS. 28B, 28C and 28D are images displayed as a result of the display control corresponding to SCP # 1a, SCP # 1b and SCP # 1c, respectively. In addition, the person images and roads in FIGS. 28B, 28C, and 28D are video images of different streams.

First, sub-picture 3901 is reproduced at time t 1 and stored in memory 540. Next, SP control information having SCP # 1a as the first packet is reproduced at time t2, and subframes 3903a, 3903b and 3903c in subpicture 3901 are cut out, and the positions described by this SP control information on the video image. , Displayed according to size, angle, etc. Next, SP control information with SCP # 1b as the first packet is reproduced at time t3, and subframes 3903d and 3903e are cut out and displayed in the same manner. Further, SP control information having SCP # 1c as the first packet is reproduced at time t4, and subframes 3903f, 3903g and 3903h are cut out and displayed in the same manner.

  Next, another specific example will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, the display image can be scrolled.

  As shown in FIG. 29, SP data to be scrolled is arranged according to a predetermined rule as a sub-picture 4901 [FIG. 29 (a)]. Here, as described above, the SP control information is applied at predetermined time intervals. The subframe 4903 designated at that time is described in the SP control information so as to sequentially move from the subframe 4903a to the subframe 4903n, for example.

  FIG. 29B is a sub picture 4902 controlled by the first SP control information, and sub frames 4903a, 4913a and 4923 are displayed at designated positions. FIG. 29C shows a sub-picture 4902 controlled by the n-th SP control information, and sub-frames 4903n, 4913n and 4923 are displayed at designated positions. “Provided” is described in each SP control information so that it is always displayed at this position and does not change. As a result, the “provide” field does not move on the sub-picture 4902, the “Example Name” field scrolls from bottom to top, and the “Sponsor” field scrolls from top to bottom. become. Of course, it is possible to scroll left and right or in any direction depending on the description of the SP control information.

(Access flow during playback)
Next, referring to FIG. 30, a flow of access at the time of reproduction in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 500 using the AU (associate unit) information 132 and the PU (presentation unit) information 302, which is one of the features of the present embodiment. A description will be given together with the logical structure of the optical disc 100. FIG. 30 conceptually shows the entire access flow at the time of reproduction in relation to the logical structure of the optical disc 100.

  In FIG. 30, the logical structure of the optical disc 100 is roughly divided into three hierarchies: a logical hierarchy 401, an object hierarchy 403, and a logic-object association hierarchy 402 that associates these two hierarchies with each other.

  Among these, the logical hierarchy 401 is a hierarchy that logically specifies various logical information for reproducing a desired title at the time of reproduction, a playlist (P list) to be reproduced, and the contents of the playlist. In the logical hierarchy 401, disc information 110d indicating all titles 200 and the like on the optical disc 100 is described in the disc information file 110 (see FIG. 3), and reproduction sequence information 120d of all contents on the optical disc 100 is further recorded. Is described in the playlist information file 120 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the configuration of one or more playlists 126 is described in each title 200 as the reproduction sequence information 120d, and each playlist 126 includes one or more items 204 (see FIG. 7). The configuration is described. At the time of access at the time of reproduction, the title 200 to be reproduced is specified by such a logical hierarchy 401, the playlist 126 corresponding to this is specified, and the item 204 corresponding to this is specified.

  Subsequently, the logic-object association hierarchy 402 specifies the combination and configuration of the TS object data 140d, which is entity data, based on the information specified in the logical hierarchy 401 in this way, and from the logical hierarchy 401 to the object hierarchy 403. This is a hierarchy that specifies the attribute of the TS object data 140d to be reproduced and its physical storage address so as to perform address conversion to. More specifically, in the logic-object association hierarchy 402, object information data 130d that classifies a group of contents constituting each item 204 into units of AU 132 and subdivides each AU 132 into units of PU 302 includes object information data 130d. It is described in the file 130 (see FIG. 3).

  Here, “PU (presentation unit) 302” is a unit obtained by associating a plurality of elementary streams in association with each reproduction switching unit. If there are three audio streams in the PU 302, the user can freely switch between the three audios (for example, audio for each language) during playback of this vision.

  On the other hand, “AU (associate unit) 132” is a unit in which a plurality of elementary streams such as video streams in a TS object used in one title are gathered, and is composed of a set of one or a plurality of PUs 302. More specifically, the unit is a unit in which elementary stream packet IDs (ES_PID) are collected for each TS object indirectly through the PU 302. This AU 132 corresponds to a set of a plurality of programs or a plurality of programs having a specific relationship with each other in view of content, such as a plurality of programs or a plurality of programs that can be switched to each other in multi-source broadcasting. The PUs 302 belonging to the same AU 132 correspond to a plurality of programs or a set of one or more elementary streams that respectively constitute a plurality of programs that can be switched to each other by a user operation during reproduction.

  Therefore, if the AU 132 to be played back is specified and the PU 302 belonging to the AU 132 is specified, the elementary stream to be played back is specified. That is, a desired elementary stream can be reproduced from the multiplex recording from the optical disc 100 without using the PAT or PMT shown in FIG.

  A more specific data structure of the AU information 132I and the PU information 302I that define the AU 132 and the PU 302 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, the elementary stream that is actually reproduced is specified or specified from the PU information 302 by ES_PID that is the packet ID of the elementary stream (see FIG. 6). At the same time, information indicating the reproduction start time and end time is converted into address information of the elementary stream, so that the content in the specific area (or specific time range) of the specific elementary stream is reproduced.

  In this manner, in the logical-object association hierarchy 402, the address conversion from the logical address related to each item 204 to the physical address related to each PU 302 is executed.

  Subsequently, the object hierarchy 403 is a physical hierarchy for reproducing the actual TS object data 140d. In the object hierarchy 403, TS object data 140d is described in the object data file 140 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, TS packets 146 constituting a plurality of elementary streams (ES) are multiplexed at each time, and these are arranged along the time axis to form a plurality of elementary streams. (See FIG. 5). The plurality of TS packets multiplexed at each time are associated with the PU 302 specified in the logic-object association layer 402 for each elementary stream. It should be noted that a plurality of PUs 302 are associated with a single elementary stream (for example, an elementary stream related to the same audio data is used in common among a plurality of switchable programs or a plurality of programs, or the same It is also possible to use an elementary stream related to the sub-picture data in common).

  Thus, in the object hierarchy 403, actual object data is reproduced using the physical address obtained by the conversion in the logic-object association hierarchy 402.

  As described above, the access to the optical disc 100 at the time of reproduction is executed by the three layers shown in FIG.

(Structure of each information file)
Next, referring to FIG. 31 to FIG. 34, various information files constructed on the optical disc 100 of this embodiment, that is, (1) disc information file 110 and (2) playlist information described with reference to FIG. The data structures of the file 120 and (3) the object information file 130 will be described with specific examples.

(1) Disc information file:
First, with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, the disk information file 110 will be described in detail with a specific example. FIG. 31 schematically shows a specific example of the data structure of the disc information file 110, and FIG. 32 shows a specific example of the data structure of the title information table (table) 114 included therein. It is shown as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 31, in this specific example, the disc information file 110 stores disc comprehensive information 112, a title information table 114, and other information 118.

  Of these, the disc comprehensive information 112 is, for example, comprehensive disc information such as disc volume information indicating the serial number of a series composed of a plurality of optical discs 100 and total title number information.

  The title information table 114 stores all playlists constituting each title and chapter information in the title as other information for each title, for example, title pointer information, title # 1 information, title # 2 information, Comprising ... Here, the “title pointer information” is the storage address information of the title #n information, that is, the storage indicating the storage position of the title #n information in the title information table 114 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. Address information, which is described by a relative logical address. The number of titles in the optical disc 100 is arranged in the order of titles as relative logical addresses. Note that the data amount of each such storage address information may be a fixed byte or a variable byte.

  Further, the other information 118 is information on each title such as a type of a title such as a sequential type and a branch type, and the total number of playlists.

  For example, if the title is simply composed of one playlist, the title information table 114 (see FIG. 3) stored in the disc information file 110 shown in FIG. 31 is as shown in FIG. Are described as having relatively simple content.

(2) Playlist information file:
Next, with reference to FIG. 33, the playlist information file 120 will be described in detail with a specific example. FIG. 33 schematically shows one specific example of the data structure in the playlist information table (table) 121 constructed in the playlist information file 120.

  As shown in FIG. 33, in this specific example, in the playlist information file 120, the playlist general information 122, the playlist pointer table 124, the playlist # 1 information table, and the playlist # 2 information for each field. A table 126 is stored as a playlist information table 121 (see FIG. 3).

  Each field may have a structure in which a required number of tables can be added. For example, if there are four playlists, the corresponding fold may be increased to four, and this is the same for the item information table 129.

  Among these, the playlist general information (P list general information) 122 describes the size of the playlist table, the total number of playlists, and the like.

  In the playlist pointer table (P list pointer table) 124, the address of each playlist description position is stored as a relative logical address in the playlist information table 121 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. The

  The playlist # 1 information table (P list # 1 information table) 126 stores general information regarding the playlist # 1, an item information table (P list Item information table) 129 of the playlist # 1, and other information. Yes. The playlist # 2 information table 126 also describes the same type of information related to the playlist # 2.

  The “item information table (Item information table) 129” stores item information corresponding to the total number of items constituting one program list. Here, the AU number in the AU (Associate Unit) table described in “Item # 1 (Item # 1 information)” or “Item # 2 (Item # 2 information)” is the TS used for the item reproduction. This is an AU number that stores information for specifying an object address and each elementary stream (that is, a video stream, an audio stream, or a sub-picture stream) in the TS object used for the item reproduction.

(3) Object information file:
Next, the object information file 130 will be described in detail with a specific example with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 shows the data structure of the AU (associate unit) table 131 (see FIG. 3) constructed in the object information file 130 and the ES (elementary stream) map table 134 (see FIG. 3) associated therewith. A specific example is shown schematically.

  As shown in FIG. 34, in this specific example, an object information table (object information table) is stored in the object information file 130. The object information table includes an AU table 131 shown in the upper part of the figure and an ES map table 134 shown in the lower part.

  In the upper part of FIG. 34, the AU table 131 may have a structure capable of adding as many tables as necessary for each field (Field). For example, if there are four AUs, the fold may be increased to four.

  The AU table 131 stores “AU table general information” in which the number of AUs, a pointer to each AU, and the like are described in another field (Field), and “other information”.

  In the AU table 131, the AU information 132I indicating the ES table index #m (ES_table Index #m) in each PU #m corresponding to each AU #n is used as the index number (Index) of the corresponding ES map table 134. Number = ...) is described. Here, “AU” is a unit corresponding to a “program” in television broadcasting as described above (in particular, in the case of “multi-vision type” broadcasting, a plurality of “visions” that can be switched are combined. This unit includes one or more PUs which are playback units. Further, “PU” is a set of mutually switchable elementary streams included in each AU as described above, and the ES table index # corresponding to each PU is specified by the PU information 302I. For example, when multi-view content is configured by AU, a plurality of PUs are stored in AU, and each PU has a plurality of elementary stream packet IDs indicating packets configuring the content of each view. A pointer to is stored. This indicates an index number in the ES map table 134 described later.

  In the present embodiment, the AU table 131 includes discontinuity information indicating the discontinuity state of the packet number when a packet loss due to the editing process occurs in the continuous number (serial number) of the packet in the TS object 142 described above. It may be added. If such discontinuous information is used, when a packet loss occurs, the discontinuous state indicated by the discontinuous information is taken into consideration (designation of elementary streams) without assigning a new packet number. By counting the number of packets (starting from the packet), the address of the packet to be accessed can be specified. Such discontinuity information includes, for example, information indicating a discontinuous start point and the number of missing packets. As described above, only one piece of discontinuous information is described collectively for a plurality of AUs, which is very excellent from the viewpoint of saving recording capacity. It is possible to describe such discontinuous information inside and outside the object information file other than the AU table 131.

  34, the ES map table 134 includes ES map table general information (ES_map table general information), a plurality of indexes #m (m = 1, 2,...), “Others” for each field (Field). Is stored.

  The “ES map table general information” describes the size of the ES map table, the total number of indexes, and the like.

  “Index #m” is configured to include elementary stream packet IDs (ES_PID) of all elementary streams used for reproduction, index numbers corresponding to the elementary stream packet IDs, and address information of the elementary streams.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, when the elementary stream is an MPEG2 video stream as described above as this address information, ie, ES address information 134d, the TS packet number at the head of the I picture and the display time corresponding thereto. Only ES is described in the ES map table 134 and the data amount is reduced (see FIG. 14). On the other hand, with respect to the ES address information 134d of the sub-picture stream, the index number information 134e of the elementary stream used as the entry section is described, so that the SCP identification flag and the SP data identification flag are described for each entry section. The amount is further reduced (see FIGS. 20 and 24).

  With this configuration, the elementary stream packet ID (ES_PID) of the actual elementary stream can be acquired from the index number of the ES map 134 specified from the AU table 131. Further, since the address information of the elementary stream corresponding to the elementary stream packet ID can be acquired at the same time, the object data can be reproduced based on the information.

  According to the data structure of the optical disc 100 described above, even when a new title is added to the optical disc 100, it is useful because necessary information can be easily added. On the other hand, for example, even if some information becomes unnecessary as a result of editing or the like, it is not necessary to simply refer to the information, and it is not necessary to actually delete the information from the table. Because it is beneficial.

  In FIG. 34, ES_PIDs that are not referenced from the upper AU table 131 are also described for each index in the lower ES map table 134. However, the ES_PIDs that are not referenced do not have to be described in this way. However, if the ES map table 134 having higher versatility is created by describing the ES_PID that is not referred to in this way, the ES map table is used when the content is reedited, for example, when authoring is performed again. The advantage is that there is no need to rebuild.

  As described above in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 34, according to the present embodiment, video data and audio data are converted into sub-picture data from still image data composed of bitmap data having a relatively large data amount. Simultaneously, multiple recording can be performed efficiently.

  In addition, it is possible to output a single subpicture in various forms by controlling the output of a plurality of subpicture data. By holding the subpicture, the same data can be expressed differently over and over again. It can be used and provides an extremely simple and versatile means for soft formation.

  Furthermore, by using 1-bit flag information such as an SCP identification flag and an SP data identification flag, SP control information and SP data acquisition processing and still image reproduction control processing can be performed efficiently. In particular, since the amount of data necessary for this is small, the recording capacity on the optical disc 100 can be saved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the optical disc 100 as an example of the information recording medium and the recorder or player related to the optical disc 100 as an example of the information reproducing / recording apparatus have been described. However, the present invention is limited to the optical disc and the recorder or player. Instead, the present invention can also be applied to various information recording media corresponding to other high-density recording or high transfer rate, and its recorder or player.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and information recording accompanying such a change is possible. A medium, an information recording apparatus and method, an information reproducing apparatus and method, an information recording / reproducing apparatus and method, a computer program for recording or reproduction control, and a data structure including a control signal are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. is there.

1 shows the basic structure of an optical disc that is an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention, the upper part being a schematic plan view of an optical disc having a plurality of areas, and the lower part associated therewith is the area in the radial direction It is a schematic conceptual diagram of a structure. FIG. 2 is a schematic conceptual diagram (FIG. 2A) of a conventional MPEG2 program stream and a schematic conceptual diagram (FIG. 2B) of an MPEG2 transport stream used in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the data structure recorded on the optical disk of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the detail of the data structure in each object shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the state in which the elementary stream for program # 1 in the upper stage and the elementary stream for program # 2 in the middle stage are multiplexed to form a transport stream for these two programs is shown. It is a figure which shows notionally an axis | shaft as a time axis. In this embodiment, an image of TS packets multiplexed in one transport stream is conceptually shown as a packet arrangement along time. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a logical configuration of data on an optical disc in the embodiment, focusing on development from a logical hierarchy to an object hierarchy or an entity hierarchy. 1 is a block diagram of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the recording operation (the 1) of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the recording operation (the 2) of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the recording operation (the 3) of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the recording operation (the 4) of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the reproduction | regeneration operation | movement of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the data structure in the ES address information which concerns on the video stream constructed | assembled in the ES map table in object information in embodiment. It is the conceptual diagram which showed typically an example of the position of the TS packet registered into ES address information of the video stream on a TS object with respect to the time axis. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the content of SP data, SP control information, and structure information based on the 1st acquisition method of SP data and SP control information in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the sub picture structure concerning embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the packet arrangement | sequence conditions employ | adopted with a 1st acquisition method on the time axis of TS object. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the acquisition procedure in a 1st acquisition method. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the data structure of the ES address information which concerns on the sub picture stream in the TS object shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the content of the structure information, SP control information, and SP data based on the 2nd acquisition method of SP data and SP control information in embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the acquisition procedure in a 2nd acquisition method. FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing a data structure of ES address information related to a sub-picture stream in the TS object shown in FIG. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the specific example of the structure information and SP control information based on a 2nd acquisition method. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a form in which SP control information is applied to SP data to form a new sub-picture in a specific example of still image playback control according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a form of cutting out a subframe from SP data in a specific example of still image reproduction control. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a control mode in which a subframe is cut out from SP data and displayed in a specific example of still image reproduction control. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a specific example in which a subframe is cut out from SP data and displayed in a specific example of still image reproduction control. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another specific example in which a subframe is cut out from SP data and displayed in a specific example of still image reproduction control. It is a figure which shows notionally the whole access flow at the time of reproduction | regeneration in relation to the logical structure of the optical disk in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically one specific example of the data structure of the disc information file in one specific example by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically one specific example of the data structure of the title information table contained in the disc information file in one specific example by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically one specific example of the data structure in the playlist information table constructed | assembled in the playlist information file in one specific example by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically one specific example of the data structure in the AU table constructed | assembled in the object information file in one specific example by this embodiment, and the ES map table linked | related with this.

Explanation of symbols

100 Optical disc 105 File system 110 Disc information file 120 Playlist information file 126 Playlist 130 Object information file 131 AU (associate unit) table 132 AU
132I AU information 134 ES map table 134d ES address information 140 Object data file 142 TS (transport stream) object 146 TS packet 200 Title 204 Item 302 PU (presentation unit)
302I PU information 500 Information recording / reproducing apparatus 502 Optical pickup 506 Demodulator 508 Demultiplexer 511 Video decoder 512 Audio decoder 513 Sub picture decoder 520 System controller 540 Memory 606 Modulator 608 Formatter 610 TS object generator 611 Video encoder 612 Audio encoder 613 Sub Picture encoder 701, 702, 703 Sub picture structure 711 Structure information 712 Still picture control information 713 Still picture information 901 Sub picture 902 Display picture 903 Sub frame

Claims (16)

Content information including still image information is an information recording medium on which packets are recorded,
An object data file for storing object data consisting of a plurality of packets, each including a packet for storing a fragment of the content information;
A playback sequence information file that stores playback sequence information that defines the playback sequence of the object data, and
The plurality of packets constituting the object data are packets for storing fragments of still image information sets each including at least one of the still image information and still image control information for controlling display of the still image information. Including
For at least some of the still image information, display control for still image information included in one still image information set of the still image information sets is included in another still image information set of the still image information sets. It is described by still image control information,
The still picture control information, cut-out area information for the still picture information, arrangement information to be used for the display, viewing including at least one of control information and rotation control information scaling,
At least one of the still image information and the still image control information included in the still image information set is read by a reading unit included in the information reproducing apparatus,
The still image information is reproduced by reproduction means included in the information reproduction apparatus based on the still image control information read by the reading means,
The at least part of the still image information is read by the reading unit with respect to the still image information included in one still image information set of the still image information sets read by the reading unit by the reproducing unit. An information recording medium on which display control is performed based on still image control information included in another still image information set among the still image information sets .   The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the still image control information includes cutout range information for the still image information.   The information recording medium according to claim 2, wherein the still image control information includes arrangement information when the still image information is displayed.   The still image information set includes: (i) a first still image information set including three pieces of structure information indicating the structure of the still image information, the still image control information, and the still image information set; and (ii) the still image information set. A second still image information set including two of the image control information and the structure information and not including the still image information; and (iii) including the two of the still image information and the structure information and the still image control. 2. The third still image information set that does not include information, and includes at least one of the first and third still image information sets and the second still image information set. 4. The information recording medium according to any one of items 1 to 3.   Display control for still image information included in at least one of the first and third still image information sets is described by still image control information included in the second still image information set. The information recording medium according to claim 4.   Display control for still image information included in at least one of the first and third still image information sets is performed by a plurality of different still image control information included in the plurality of second still image information sets. 5. The information recording medium according to claim 4, wherein the information recording medium is described so as to perform display control. An information recording apparatus for recording content information including still image information on an information recording medium in units of packets,
A first recording means for recording an object data file for storing object data comprising a plurality of packets including a packet for storing each piece of content information;
And a second recording means for recording a reproduction sequence information file for storing reproduction sequence information defining a reproduction sequence of the object data,
The plurality of packets constituting the object data are packets for storing fragments of still image information sets each including at least one of the still image information and still image control information for controlling display of the still image information. Including
For at least some of the still image information, display control for still image information included in one still image information set of the still image information sets is included in another still image information set of the still image information sets. It is described by still image control information,
The information recording apparatus, wherein the still image control information includes at least one of cutout range information for the still image information, arrangement information for display, enlargement / reduction control information, and rotation control information.   The information recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the still image control information includes cutout range information for the still image information. An information recording method in an information recording apparatus for recording content information including still image information on an information recording medium in units of packets,
The first recording means provided in the information recording device, a first recording process of the object data file Ru is recorded to store the object data comprising a plurality of packets containing fragments packets respectively store the content information,
Wherein the second recording means for recording apparatus has, and a second recording process of reproduction sequence information file Ru is recorded for storing reproduction sequence information which defines a reproduction sequence of the object data,
The plurality of packets constituting the object data are packets for storing fragments of still image information sets each including at least one of the still image information and still image control information for controlling display of the still image information. Including
For at least some of the still image information, display control for still image information included in one still image information set of the still image information sets is included in another still image information set of the still image information sets. It is described by still image control information,
The information recording method, wherein the still image control information includes at least one of clipping range information for the still image information, arrangement information for display, enlargement / reduction control information, and rotation control information.   The information recording method according to claim 9, wherein the still image control information includes cutout range information for the still image information. An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing the recorded content information from the information recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
It said reading means reads information from the information recording medium,
An information reproduction system comprising: the reproduction means for reproducing the object data included in the information read by the reading means based on the reproduction sequence information included in the information read by the reading means. apparatus. An information reproduction method in an information reproduction apparatus for reproducing the recorded content information from the information recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
By the reading means by the information reproducing apparatus comprises: a reading step the information that the information is read from the recording medium,
By the reproducing means said information reproducing apparatus comprises, said read based on the playback sequence information included in the read information in the step, the reading and reproducing means for said object data is Ru is reproduced included in the read information in the step An information reproducing method comprising: and.   A computer program for recording control for controlling a computer provided in the information recording apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the computer functions as at least part of the first recording means and the second recording means. A computer program for recording control.   12. A computer program for reproduction control for controlling a computer provided in the information reproduction apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the computer is caused to function as at least part of the reproduction means. Computer program. Content information including still image information is recorded in units of packets,
An object data file for storing object data consisting of a plurality of packets, each including a packet for storing a fragment of the content information;
A playback sequence information file that stores playback sequence information that defines the playback sequence of the object data, and
The plurality of packets constituting the object data are packets for storing fragments of still image information sets each including at least one of the still image information and still image control information for controlling display of the still image information. Including
For at least some of the still image information, display control for still image information included in one still image information set of the still image information sets is included in another still image information set of the still image information sets. It is described by still image control information,
The still picture control information, cut-out area information for the still picture information, arrangement information to be used for the display, viewing including at least one of control information and rotation control information scaling,
At least one of the still image information and the still image control information included in the still image information set is read by a reading unit included in the information reproducing apparatus,
The still image information is reproduced by reproduction means included in the information reproduction apparatus based on the still image control information read by the reading means,
The at least part of the still image information is read by the reading unit with respect to the still image information included in one still image information set of the still image information sets read by the reading unit by the reproducing unit. A data structure including a control signal, wherein display control is performed based on still image control information included in another still image information set of the still image information sets .   16. The data structure including a control signal according to claim 15, wherein the still image control information includes cutout range information for the still image information.

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