JP4343896B2 - Playback terminal apparatus and output method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information server, a reproduction terminal device capable of information communication with the information server, and an output method thereof, and more particularly to a technique for performing a display operation related to a reproduction operation executed on the reproduction terminal device side. .

Various types of audiovisual devices owned by users are prevalent, and it is common to enjoy music software and video software individually.
For example, the user owns an audio system using a disc recording medium such as a CD (compact disc), MD (mini disc), etc., and can purchase and play a desired CD, MD, etc., or can record it. For example, an original disc is created by selecting a favorite song using MD.

  By the way, many of these devices usually perform some kind of display at the same time when reproducing audio data. For example, the following display operation is performed, but each has a problem.

For example, in most audio devices, the display related to the playback interface such as volume level and tone, the display related to the playback operation status such as play, stop, and fast forward, or the CD track number and the number of tracks are displayed as the display related to the user interface. It is done with letters or simple symbols and symbols.
However, such a display (that is, a guide display for the user regarding the playback operation) is not a display that can be visually appealing to the user, such as an image related to music to be played back, and is not interesting. There is. That is, the display is only an auxiliary to the audio reproduction, for example, and it is difficult to say that the display capability is effectively used.
Also, there are things that display characters such as song titles and disc titles during playback by inputting the track name and disc name like MD, but this makes it difficult for the user to input characters, There was a problem that in many cases it was not used.

In addition, when playing back audio data recorded on a CD-ROM or the like using a personal computer or the like, along with the playback of the audio data, video or still image data recorded on the display, game screen, operation Some display screens. In this case, the displayed contents can be very diverse and advanced, and the user's interest can be strongly attracted. For example, an image of the song or a photograph of the artist can be displayed in association with the audio data to be reproduced. It is also possible to display text information such as introductions and messages about the song or artist.
However, the image content displayed in this case is an image recorded when the CD-ROM or the like is published, and the latest information cannot always be displayed. For example, it is not possible to provide users with current information such as recent artist photo images, messages, and event schedules.

  Furthermore, for providing various and up-to-date information to the user, it is conceivable to use information communication such as the Internet. For example, a display operation based on such network information is reproduced. There has not been developed a device that can be executed efficiently according to audio data and the like, and can be executed without burdening the user with an operation burden or a large device preparation burden as a necessary device.

  Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to display various, sophisticated, interesting, and up-to-date information corresponding to a data file to be played (for example, audio data such as a song), and further to realize this. Therefore, a new playback terminal device and an output method thereof are provided for the purpose of avoiding a burden on the user and a large equipment preparation burden.

For this reason, the playback terminal device that can communicate with the information server via the network of the present invention is configured to use the TOC information recorded on the compact disc in the playback terminal device that can communicate with the information server via the network . Identification information for identifying the compact disc, generation means for generating identification information for identifying data recorded on the compact disc, identification information for identifying the generated compact disc, and data recorded on the compact disc Transmitting means for transmitting identification information for identification to the information server, receiving means for receiving a URL corresponding to the identification information transmitted from the information server, and related information specified by the URL is received by the receiving means. Output means for outputting the relevant information and the URL address. The storage means for storing the related information acquired from the information server indicated by the URL and the URL address received by the receiving means have already been accessed based on the identification information generated by the generating means, and the corresponding relation Control means for determining that access to the received URL address is unnecessary when the information is stored in the storage means, and controlling the display to display the stored related information. .
Further, the output method of the playback terminal device according to the present invention generates the identification information for identifying the compact disc and the identification information for identifying the data recorded on the compact disc from the TOC information recorded on the compact disc. Corresponding to the identification information transmitted from the information server, and a transmission step of transmitting identification information identifying the generated compact disc and identification information identifying data recorded on the compact disc to the information server A receiving step for receiving the URL to be received by the receiving means, an output step for receiving the related information specified by the URL by the receiving means, and outputting the related information by the output means, and a recorded on a compact disc From the TOC information, the compact disc Based on the identification information generated in the generation step, the identification step for generating the identification information for identifying the data to be recorded on the compact disc, the generation step for generating the identification information for identifying the data recorded on the compact disc, A step of determining that access to the received URL address is unnecessary and controlling the stored related information to be displayed on the display unit when it has already been accessed and the corresponding related information is stored. And execute.

As can be seen from the above description, the present invention provides the following effects.
According to the present invention, in accordance with a data file to be reproduced on the reproduction terminal device side, data related to the data file is loaded into the reproduction terminal device from an information server, and the load data is displayed and presented to the user. Will be.
Accordingly, the displayed information can be information related to music as a data file to be reproduced, such as data on an Internet homepage such as an artist, that is, various, advanced, and latest information. There is an effect that a high added value and great enjoyment can be given to the user according to the reproduction of the data file.
In addition, the user does not need any operation for access, and since the user can display a variety of information only by instructing the reproduction of the desired data file, there is no operation burden and is extremely It can be a system that is easy to use. Further, since the user who owns the playback terminal device (recording / playback device 10) does not need to prepare other peripheral devices, there is no burden of device preparation.

In the present invention, if the URL is determined and the related information is transmitted by a predetermined information server, the reproduction terminal device (recording / reproducing device 10) transmits the identification information of the data file reproduced by the reproducing means. And a function for receiving load data, and the hardware or software configuration can be simplified. Therefore, it is possible to promote downsizing and cost reduction as a device purchased by the user.
Further, by determining the information server for obtaining the related information on the information server side, for example, it is possible to systematically cope with a change in homepage address and the like, and a good data loading operation can always be realized.

  In addition, pointer identification is performed by a specific information server (information center 1), and data loading is performed by a reproduction terminal device (recording / reproduction device 10), so that an organization for address change on the information server side as described above is performed. Thus, access and data loading can be executed flexibly according to the playback operation and operation convenience on the playback terminal device side.

In addition, since the pointer determination and data loading are performed by the playback terminal device (recording / playback device 10), it is not necessary for the information server to perform pointer determination or data load processing. In other words, a server such as the information center 1 can be dispensed with, and a system can be constructed with existing information servers such as a large number of providers. is there.
Of course, the execution of the data loading process and the like can be executed flexibly according to the convenience of the playback terminal apparatus.

  In addition, since the playback terminal device can store the load data, the load data can be used effectively at a later time. For example, various information displays can be executed without data loading during subsequent playback.

  In addition, since the playback terminal device can arbitrarily edit the stored data file and load data, the user can execute a playback operation according to the preference and a display output according to the playback, and enjoy the use. Can be spread.

  Also, the display content of the load data is switched according to the playback operation status in the playback terminal device, so that the user can see a variety of information without performing any display operation.

  Also, regarding the display operation of the load data, the display contents are switched according to the display duration time, so that in this case as well, the user can see a variety of information without performing any operation related to display.

  In addition, regarding the display operation of the load data, the display contents are switched in accordance with the operation related to the display operation or the reproduction operation, so that the user's preference and information desired to be known at that time are displayed, that is, interactive information. It becomes possible to provide information or display information according to the user's situation grasped as an operation related to the reproduction operation.

  In addition, if the operation related to the display operation or playback operation has not been performed for a predetermined time or longer, the display content can be switched to a specific display, so even if information display is unnecessary, an interesting display can be realized by switching the screen. Alternatively, the specific display is a screen display as a so-called screen saver, so that the display means can be prevented from being burned.

  Further, since related information is displayed when audio data is reproduced, there is an effect that it is possible to realize a high value-added system while maintaining simple operability as an audio device.

Hereinafter, as an embodiment for realizing the reproduction terminal device and the output method of the present invention, an information distribution system, an information center 1 and a recording / reproduction device 10 connected as a network constituting the information distribution system, and a recording / reproduction device 10 will be described. The information server as the reproduction system of the present invention corresponds to the information center 1 and the provider 6 connected to the network, and the reproduction terminal device corresponds to the recording / reproduction device 10.
The description will be given in the following order.

1. 1. Overview of information distribution system 2. Appearance examples of recording / reproducing device and portable device 3. Internal structure of recording / reproducing apparatus 4. Internal configuration of portable device File move processing 6. File storage form of recording / reproducing apparatus Information center database 8. Operation when dubbing to HDD Data load operation I
10. Data load operation II
11. Data load operation III
12 12. Display operation example of recording / reproducing apparatus 14. Other display operation examples of recording / reproducing apparatus Data editing

1. Overview of information distribution system

FIG. 1 shows an outline of the information distribution system of this example.
This information distribution system is basically constructed so that data recording / reproducing apparatus 10 used by general users at home 2 and various information servers can communicate data via communication line 3.
As the information server, for example, the information center 1 has a function as an information service organization related to the use of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 and further functions as a data provider, and a function as an information service organization related to the use of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 However, the provider 6 can provide various data to the parts connected by the communication line 3.

The information center 1, the provider 6, and the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can communicate various information using the communication line 3. The communication line 3 may be a public line network such as an ISDN line, or a dedicated line network for the system may be constructed, and the physical form of the line is not particularly limited.
Further, a satellite communication line using a communication satellite 4 or a parabolic antenna 5 installed in each home 2 may be configured so that information communication between the information center 1 and the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is possible.

For example, a network is formed by the communication line 3 (or a wireless communication line or the like). Although the network form is not particularly limited, it is assumed in this example that the Internet is used for explanation.
Each provider 6 and information center 1 adopts a form in which data such as a home page created by a contractor can be provided (downloaded) via the Internet. That is, as will be described in detail later, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can load data such as a home page and a link page via the communication line 3.
Of course, the data to be communicated (that is, the data provided on the network) is not limited to the so-called Internet homepage, but in this example, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 loads the homepage (and link page) data. This will be explained as an example.

  As will be described in detail later, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 used by a general user includes a large-capacity data file storage unit (for example, the hard disk drive 15 in FIG. 3) and a drive function of a package medium such as a CD or MD. It has data input function from other devices, data input function via communication line, etc., and audio data and video data reproduced from media purchased by users such as CD, CD-ROM, CD text, MD, etc. Various other data and various data input from other devices and communication lines can be stored as files.

  The stored file (for example, music or the like is stored as one file in units of music) can be arbitrarily reproduced by the user. Therefore, for example, if a user who has a large number of CDs stores (dubbing) all the songs on all CDs as one file in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, it is possible to select a CD or the like without having to bother to select and load it. Can be played back.

For such a recording / reproducing apparatus 10, the information center 1 can permit dubbing for a fee or free of charge, or provide various information for a contracted user, for example.
As will be described in detail later, for example, when the user wants to dubb music recorded on a CD or the like to a hard disk or the like in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, the information center 1 communicates with the information center 1 through communication with the recording / reproducing apparatus 10. For example, permission / non-permission of the dubbing operation is set, and information related to the CD to be dubbed is transmitted to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 and provided to the user.

Information related to music files stored in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 includes text data such as song names, artist names, and lyrics, image data such as song images and artist images, and addresses (URL: Uniform Resource Locator), copyright information, names of related parties (songwriter, composer, producer, etc.), etc. can be provided. For example, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can perform various operations such as storing information provided from these information centers in association with music files and using them for display output.
In some cases, the information center 1 transmits audio data itself, that is, music, etc. to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 and stores it as a file, for example, as a bonus track added when dubbing from a CD or the like, or Apart from the dubbing operation, it is also possible to construct a sales system for music, etc., which is different from a CD as a so-called package medium.

  Further, in this example, in addition to the related information prepared by the information center 1 as described above, publicly available data such as the homepage data is used as related information for the file played back by the recording / playback apparatus 10. The data can be supplied to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 and displayed.

Further, in this example, there is a portable recording / reproducing apparatus 50 (hereinafter referred to as a portable apparatus) that can be connected to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 as an apparatus used by the user.
Although the portable device 50 will be described later in detail, the portable device 50 includes a data file storage unit (for example, a hard disk drive (or flash memory) 54 in FIG. 4) that can store files such as audio data.
When connected to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, a file (music piece or the like) stored in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can be copied or moved to a data file storage unit in the portable device 50. Of course, it is also possible to copy or move the file stored in the data file storage unit in the portable device 50 to the data file storage unit in the recording / reproducing device 10.

The user can use the file on the portable device 50 by moving or copying any file stored in the recording / reproducing device 10 to the portable device 50. For example, when the portable device 50 is used, it is possible to listen to the music on the go, for example, by moving the file of the music that the user wishes to listen to on that day.

2. Appearance example of recording / reproducing device and portable device

An example of the appearance of the recording / reproducing device 10 and the portable device 50 is shown in FIG. It should be noted that what is described here is merely an example, and various other examples include the appearance of each device, the user interface configuration (configuration for operation and display), the connection form of the recording / playback device 10 and the portable device 50, and the like. Can be considered.

As shown in FIG. 2, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is a so-called radio-cassette-type device so as to be suitable for use in a user's home, for example. Of course, it may be a component type.
In the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, operation keys, operation knobs, rotary push type keys called jog dials, and the like are provided on the front panel of the device as various operation elements Ka for the user to perform various operations. .
Further, as an output part for the user, a speaker 35 for outputting reproduced sound and a display unit 24 for displaying and outputting various information are provided. The display unit 24 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel.

In addition, a CD type disc (audio CD, CD-ROM, CD text, etc.) owned by the user is reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 or data dubbing to an internal hard disk to be described later is performed. A CD insertion part 17 for inserting the CD is provided.
Similarly, an MD disc is inserted in order to reproduce / reproduce the MD disc (audio MD, MD data, etc.) owned by the user on the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 or to perform data dubbing on the internal hard disk. An MD insertion portion 18 is provided.

  Various terminals ta for connection with other devices are also prepared. These are parts used for connection of microphones and headphones, and are line connection terminals, optical digital connection terminals, interface connectors, and the like that can be connected to other audiovisual devices, personal computers, and the like.

In addition to the operation element Ka, a keyboard 90 and a remote commander 91 can be used as means for user operation input.
The keyboard 90 is used by being connected via a keyboard connector as a terminal ta, or when an infrared transmitter is mounted on the keyboard 90, operation information from the keyboard 90 is output by an infrared wireless system, and a light receiver 21 can be input to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10.
The remote commander 91 outputs operation information by, for example, an infrared method. The operation information by the infrared signal is input from the light receiving unit 21 to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10.
The operation information output when the keyboard 90 is a wireless system and the operation information output from the remote commander 91 may be radio waves instead of infrared rays.

  Further, the PCMCIA slot 39 is formed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 so that data can be exchanged with a PCMCIA card attached.

The portable device 50 is a small and lightweight device that is suitable for a user to carry and use.
The portable device 50 is provided with operation keys and the like as various operation elements Kb for the user to perform various operations. Although not shown, of course, a jog dial or the like may be provided.
In addition, as an output part for the user, a speaker 68 for outputting reproduced sound and a display unit 57 for displaying and outputting various information are provided. The display unit 57 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel.

Various terminals tb for connecting to other devices are prepared. These are parts used for connection of microphones and headphones, and are line connection terminals, optical digital connection terminals, interface connectors, and the like that can be connected to other audiovisual devices, personal computers, and the like.
For example, when a user carries music and listens to music or the like, the user can listen to music or the like using the headphone 92 by reproducing sound from the speaker 68 and connecting the headphone 92 to the headphone terminal of the terminal tb. it can.

By connecting the recording / reproducing device 10 and the portable device 50, various data communication (actual file data such as audio data, control data for processing at the time of communication, etc.) between the recording / reproducing device 10 and the portable device 50 Communication).
In this example, a mounting unit MT having a connector 27 is provided in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, and both devices are connected by loading the portable device 50 into the mounting unit MT. When the portable device 50 is loaded in the mounting portion MT, the connector 60 provided at the lower portion of the portable device 50 and the connector 27 in the mounting portion MT are connected, and both devices are connected via the connectors 60 and 27. Data communication between the two.
Note that the connection between the recording / reproducing device 10 and the portable device 50 may be a line connection method using a communication cable, or a wireless connection method using infrared rays or the like.

3. Internal structure of recording / playback device

Next, an internal configuration example of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
This recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is provided with a push-type or rotary-type operation element as the panel operation unit 20. The operator referred to here corresponds to the various operators Ka shown in FIG. In other words, these are various operators formed on the device casing. Although not described in FIG. 2, a touch panel operator may be formed by displaying an operation key on the display unit 24 and providing a touch detection mechanism on the display unit 24. In this case, the touch panel The operation element is also included in the panel operation unit 20 shown in FIG.
When this panel operation unit 20 is operated, an operation signal for executing various operations of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is sent out, and the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is operated in accordance with the operation signal.

  Further, for example, the keyboard 90 and the remote commander 91 can be used as described above in order to make it easy to input the song name, artist name, etc. corresponding to the recorded audio information, but the USB (universal serial bus) terminal By connecting the keyboard 90 to ta6, the keyboard 90 can be used for input. That is, an input signal (operation signal) from the keyboard 90 can be taken into the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 by being supplied to the USB driver via the USB terminal ta6. Note that each of the various terminals ta1 to ta8 in FIG. 3 corresponds to one of the terminals ta illustrated in FIG.

  The infrared operation signal from the remote commander 91 (and the operation signal when the keyboard 90 performs infrared output) is photoelectrically converted by the light receiving unit 21 and supplied to the infrared interface driver 22. The data can be taken into the recording / reproducing apparatus 10.

  Note that data transfer output may be performed via the infrared interface driver 22 or the USB driver 23.

The recording / reproducing apparatus 10 includes a RAM 13, a ROM 12, and a flash memory 14, which are ordinary personal computer configurations, and the CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10.
In addition, file data and control data are exchanged between the blocks via the bus B1.

The ROM 12 stores a program for controlling the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 in accordance with an input signal (or an input signal from the keyboard 90 or the remote commander 91) input when the panel operation unit 20 is operated. .
The RAM 13 and the flash memory 14 are temporarily secured with a data area and a task area for executing a program. Alternatively, the ROM 12 stores a program loader, and the program itself can be loaded into the flash memory 14 by the program loader.

A CD-type optical disk (audio CD, CD-ROM, CD text, etc.) is loaded into the CD-ROM drive 17 from the CD insertion portion 17 and is optical at 1 × speed or higher speed, for example, 16 × speed or 32 × speed. Information stored on the optical disc is read out by the pickup.
An MD type optical disk or magneto-optical disk (audio MD, MD data, etc.) is loaded into the MD drive 18 from the MD insertion section 18 and information stored on the disk is read out by an optical pickup. Alternatively, information can be recorded on the loaded disc.
In this example, the CD-ROM drive 17 and the MD drive 18 are provided. However, only one of them is provided, or another medium (for example, called an MO disk) is used as a medium for storing information. A drive corresponding to a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk of another system, a magnetic disk, a memory card, etc.) may be provided.

  As a large-capacity storage means inside the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 15 for recording / reproducing information on / from a hard disk is provided. For example, audio information read from the CD-ROM drive 17 or the MD drive 18 can be stored in the HDD 15 in file units (for example, one song is one file).

In addition, an encoder 28 that performs ATRAC2 (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding 2) compression encoding on audio data and a decoder 29 that performs decoding on the ATRAC2 compression on audio data are provided.
The encoder 28 and the decoder 29 perform encoding and decoding related to the supplied audio data under the control of the CPU 11.
A buffer memory 16 is provided for temporarily storing audio data to be processed. The buffer memory 16 performs data writing / reading under the control of the CPU 11.

  For example, when audio data read from a disk by the CD-ROM drive 17 is stored in the HDD 15, the audio data read from the disk is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 16 as preprocessing for storing the audio data in the HDD 15. At the same time, the audio data is supplied to the encoder 28 to perform ATRAC2 encoding. Further, the data encoded by the encoder 28 is temporarily stored again in the buffer memory 16, and finally the audio information encoded in the HDD 15 is accumulated.

In this example, the audio data encoded by the ATRAC2 method by the encoder 28 is stored in the HDD 15. However, for example, data read from the CD-ROM drive 17 may be stored in the HDD 15 as it is. Absent.

The encoder 28 not only encodes data read from the medium loaded in the CD-ROM drive 17 but also an audio signal input via the amplifier 32 from the microphone terminal ta3 to which the microphone is connected, or others. An audio signal input from a line input terminal ta2 to which a device such as a CD player is connected is input via an A / D converter 31, and the input audio data is also encoded by an encoder. 28 can be encoded.
Further, data input from an external device (for example, a CD player) connected to the optical digital terminal ta4 is input to the encoder 28 via the IEC958 (International Electrotechnical Commission 958) encoder 30, and thus Data input by the optical digital method can also be encoded by the encoder 28.

  In addition, after the data input from the external device is encoded by the encoder 28 as described above, the encoded data can be stored in the HDD 15 in units of files.

  As the encoding algorithm of the encoder 28, ATRAC2 (trademark) is used. However, any encoding algorithm that compresses information may be used. ATRAC (trademark), MPEG (moving picture coding experts group), PASC (precision adaptive sub-band coding) ), TwinVQ (trademark), RealAudio (trademark), LiquidAudio (trademark), or the like.

The recording / reproducing apparatus 10 includes a modem 19 as an interface connectable to the Internet, a TEL network, a cable TV, a wireless network, or the like, which is an external network connected to the communication terminal ta5, as the communication line 3.
Then, a request signal or media information mounted on the CD-ROM drive 17, user ID, user information, user billing information, and the like are transmitted to a remote server via the modem 19.

  On the external network server (server that can communicate with the communication line 3) side, verification processing by user ID, billing processing, additional music information from the disc information, such as song title, artist name, composer, songwriter, lyrics, jacket A search for an image or the like is performed, and control is performed so that predetermined information requested by the user is returned to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 side. Here, an example in which additional related information for music is returned has been shown, but music information requested by the user may be directly downloaded from an external network. Alternatively, the music information may be returned in response to the media information so that a bonus track of a predetermined medium is acquired by distribution.

The audio information stored in the HDD 15 can be decoded by the decoder 29 and reproduced and output by the speaker 35 via the D / A converter 33 and the amplifier 34. Alternatively, by connecting a headphone to the headphone terminal ta1, it is possible to reproduce and output from the headphone.
Here, the decoder 29 is assumed to perform ATRAC2 decoding, but any decoding algorithm corresponding to the encoding algorithm of the encoder 28 may be used.
Here, encoding and decoding may be software processing by the CPU 11 without hardware.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a display unit 24 is provided as an interface for the user to manage and control files such as audio data stored in the HDD 15. Display driven.
The display unit 24 displays necessary characters, symbols, icons, and the like based on the control of the CPU 11.

Further, information such as images and characters as information related to recorded / reproduced audio data and the like is displayed on the display unit 24.
Specifically, related information provided from the information center 1 or information downloaded from the provider 6 can be stored in the HDD 15 as related information. The CPU 11 causes the display unit 24 to display the related information.
As will be described in detail later, when a data file is reproduced from the HDD 15 or a CD is reproduced by the CD-ROM drive 17, a related URL address is determined according to the reproduced disk or file, Data is loaded by accessing the home page, and the downloaded image or text data is displayed on the display unit 24 as related information such as music to be reproduced.

  Further, the display unit 24 displays a folder or a jacket image corresponding to an audio file (a file in which audio data such as music is recorded is referred to as an audio file for explanation), and is touched with a mouse, a pen, or a user's finger. The operation by the pointing device that corresponds to the panel operation unit 20 can be performed. For example, an operation in which an audio file instructed by the user on the display is reproduced is possible.

Further, by using the display on the display unit 24, it is possible to control deletion of the selected audio file, copying to an external device (for example, the portable device 50), movement, and the like.
Alternatively, the display unit 24 can display html (hyper text) as related information retrieved from a WWW (world wide web) site on the Internet based on TOC (table of contents) information of the media loaded in the CD-ROM drive 17. markup language) The document is configured to be displayed graphically, and can also be used as a normal Internet browser.

When an external monitor device is connected to the video terminal ta8, display data can be supplied to the monitor device via the monitor interface 40.
Therefore, as described above, various information is displayed on the display unit 24 in this example, but the same display can be performed on the external monitor device.

The recording / reproducing apparatus 10 takes in audio information from various devices and systems connected to the terminal ta7, for example, IRD for satellite broadcasting, MD player, DVD player, DV player, etc. via the IEEE 1394 interface 37 and the IEEE 1394 driver 36. It is configured to be.
As a further additional function, a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) slot 39 is provided via a PCMCIA driver 38, and a PCMCIA card can be attached. External storage devices, other media drives, modems, terminal adapters, It is easy to expand various peripheral devices such as capture boards.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is provided with a connector 27 for connection to the portable device 50. By connecting the connector 27 and the connector 60 on the portable device 50 side, the CPU 11 can perform various data communications with the portable device 50 side via the interface driver 26. For example, an audio file stored in the HDD 15 can be transferred.

In addition, as a method in which media such as CD and MD are loaded in the CD-ROM drive 17 and the MD drive 18 and the recorded music is dubbed to the HDD 15, high-speed dubbing and normal dubbing are possible.
The high-speed dubbing, which will store the CD or the like while we are reading the data at a high speed rate is rotated at high speed, the HDD15 performs predetermined processing (processing by the encoder 28, etc.), very short Dubbing can be completed in time. Therefore, this is a convenient method when dubbing a large number of CDs.
On the other hand, the normal dubbing is a method in which data reading from a CD or the like is performed at a rate at the time of normal music playback, and is stored in the HDD 15 by performing predetermined processing.
In this case, the dubbing operation takes a time corresponding to the performance time of music or the like, but it is possible for the user to simultaneously perform dubbing while enjoying the reproduction of music, for example.

4). Internal structure of portable device

Next, an example of the internal configuration of the portable device 50 is shown in FIG.
The recording / reproducing device 10 and the portable device 50 are electrically connected when the connector 27 and the connector 60 are connected. In this state, the interface driver 26 of the recording / reproducing device 10 and the portable device 50 are connected. An interface driver 59 is connected to enable data communication between the two devices.

  The portable device 50 is provided with push-type and rotary keys as the panel operation unit 56. That is, the various operation elements Kb shown in FIG. 2 correspond to the panel operation unit 56. When the operation element Kb as the panel operation unit 56 is operated, an operation signal for instructing the operation of the portable device 50 is sent to the control bus B2, and the portable device 50 performs an operation according to the operation signal.

  Similarly to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, the portable device 50 is provided with a RAM 53 and a ROM 52, which are ordinary personal computer configurations, and the entire operation of the portable device 50 is controlled by the CPU 51. Also, file data and control data are transferred between the blocks via the bus B2.

  The ROM 52 stores a program to be executed by the portable device 50 in response to an operation signal input by operating the panel operation unit 56, and the RAM 53 stores a data area for executing the program, A task area is temporarily reserved. Note that a flash memory may be mounted in the same manner as the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, and the bus configuration is not limited.

  As a storage means inside the portable device 50, a hard disk drive (HDD) 54 for recording and reproducing information with respect to the hard disk is provided. For example, the audio information transferred from the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can be stored in the HDD 54 in file units (for example, one song is one file). For example, a flash memory may be used as the storage means instead of the HDD.

Similarly to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, an encoder 61 that performs ATRAC2 encoding on audio data and a decode 62 that performs ATRAC2 decoding on audio data are provided.
The encoder 61 and the decoder 62 perform encoding and decoding related to the supplied audio data under the control of the CPU 51.
A buffer memory 55 is provided for temporarily storing audio data to be processed. The buffer memory 55 performs data writing / reading under the control of the CPU 51.

  For example, when audio data not encoded in the ATRAC2 system is supplied from the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 via the interface driver 59 and stored in the HDD 54, the audio data is stored in the buffer memory 55 as preprocessing for storing the audio data in the HDD 54. Is temporarily stored and the audio data is supplied to the encoder 61 for ATRAC2 encoding. Further, the encoded data is temporarily stored again in the buffer memory 55, and finally the encoded audio information is stored in the HDD.

  In this example, the HDD 15 in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 stores an audio file or the like encoded by the ATRAC2 method. Therefore, the audio file stored in the HDD 15 is supplied via the interface driver 59 and is stored in the HDD 15. When the data is stored in the HDD 54 (that is, when a data file such as a song is copied or moved), the processing in the encoder 61 is not necessary. However, audio data (uncompressed data) read from a medium loaded in the CD-ROM drive 17 or the like of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 may be directly input via the interface driver 59. In such a case, as a process for recording audio data in the HDD 54, the encoding by the encoder 61 is performed as described above.

  In this example, the audio data encoded by the encoder 61 in the ATRAC2 system is stored in the HDD 54. However, for example, uncompressed data may be stored in the HDD 54 as it is.

  In addition to the interface driver 59, a microphone terminal tb3, a line input terminal tb2, an optical digital terminal tb4, and the like are provided as parts for supplying audio data to the encoder 61 for compression processing. Note that each of the various terminals tb1 to tb4 in FIG. 4 corresponds to one of the terminals tb illustrated in FIG.

In the encoder 61, an audio signal input from the microphone terminal tb3 to which the microphone is connected via the amplifier 65 or an audio signal input from the line input terminal tb2 to which another device such as a CD player is connected is The audio data is input via the D converter 64, and the input audio data can also be encoded by the encoder 28.
Furthermore, data input from an external device (for example, a CD player) connected to the optical digital terminal tb4 is input to the encoder 61 via the IEC958 encoder 63, and thus input in an optical digital system. The encoded data can also be encoded by the encoder 61.

  Then, after the data input from the external device is encoded by the encoder 61 as described above, the encoded data can be stored in the HDD 54 in units of files.

  The encoding algorithm of the encoder 61 is not limited to ATRAC2, and other information compression algorithms such as ATRAC, MPEG, PASC, TwinVQ, RealAudio, LiquidAudio, etc. may be used.

The audio information stored in the HDD 54 can be decoded by the decoder 62 and reproduced and output by the speaker 68 via the D / A converter 66 and the amplifier 67. Alternatively, by connecting a headphone to the headphone terminal tb1, it is possible to reproduce and output from the headphone.
Here, the decoder 62 is assumed to perform ATRAC2 decoding, but any decoding algorithm corresponding to the encoding algorithm of the encoder 61 may be used.
Further, the encoding and decoding processing may be software processing by the CPU 51 without hardware.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a display unit 57 is provided as an interface for the user to manage and control files such as audio data stored in the HDD 54. Display driven.
The display unit 57 displays required characters, symbols, icons, and the like based on the control of the CPU 51.
In addition, a folder or jacket image corresponding to an audio file or the like is displayed on the display unit 57 and can be operated by a pointing device that corresponds to the panel operation unit 20 such as touching with a mouse, a pen, or a user's finger. You may be made to do. For example, an operation in which an audio file instructed by the user on the display is read from the HDD 54 and reproduced from the speaker 35 or the like is possible.
Further, by using the display on the display unit 57, it is possible to control the deletion of the selected audio file on the HDD 54, copying, movement to an external device (for example, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10), and the like.

As described with reference to FIG. 2, the portable device 50 can be exchanged with the recording / reproducing device 10 by being attached to the attachment unit MT of the recording / reproducing device 10, but may be a non-contact type interface. For example, IrDA or the like may be used.
Although not shown, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 includes a charging current supply unit, and supplies a charging current to the portable device 50 to be attached, and serves as an operating power source for the portable device 50. May be configured to be charged.

5. File move processing

The recording / playback apparatus 10 and the portable apparatus 50 configured as described above can mutually copy (copy) or move (move) stored files (audio data such as music).
That is, a file stored in the HDD 15 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is copied or moved to the HDD 54 of the portable apparatus 50, and conversely, a file stored in the HDD 54 of the portable apparatus 50 is copied or moved to the HDD 15 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10. Can be moved.

Here, copying refers to a process of making a file co-existing in the copy source HDD and the copy destination HDD when the copy is made, that is, a state in which the file can be played back by both the recording / playback device 10 and the portable device 50. On the other hand, “move” refers to processing for making reproduction impossible from the copy source HDD.
In this example, it is assumed that the audio file can be moved between the HDD 15 and the HDD 54.

  Processing for moving a designated file among the files in the HDD 15 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 to the HDD 54 of the portable apparatus 50 will be described with reference to FIG. This is a process executed by the CPU 11.

  As step F101, the CPU 11 detects whether or not the portable device 50 is attached to the attachment portion MT of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10. As a detecting means at this time, the connection state may be detected by detecting the loading state with a mechanical switch mechanism or transmitting / receiving signals via the connectors 27 and 60.

When it is determined that the portable device 50 is connected to the recording / reproducing device 10, a request to move the music, that is, the audio file to the portable device 50 is instructed by the user (or as an execution request by the operation program) in step F102. It is determined whether or not.
For example, specifically, an audio file selected by a user with a predetermined pointing device among folders indicating audio files displayed on the display unit 24 is further instructed by the user to move to the portable device 50. Thereby, the movement process to the portable apparatus 50 will be performed.

If it is determined that there is a music movement request by such an operation, the capacity of the audio file designated in step F103 is subsequently detected.
Next, in step F104, the free space in the HDD 54 on the portable device 50 side is detected and compared with the capacity of the audio file requested to be moved to the portable device 50.
The free capacity of the HDD 54 is determined by communication with the CPU 51. For example, the CPU 11 can directly access the HDD 54. In this case, the CPU 11 can execute operation control and file management on the CPU 11 side. By doing so, it becomes possible to directly determine the free capacity of the HDD 54 on the CPU 11 side.

If it is determined that there is not enough free space in the HDD 54 for the audio file to be moved, the audio file stored in the HDD 54 is deleted. This process may also be executed by the CPU 11 via the CPU 51, or may be executed directly by the CPU 11.
As a method for deleting an audio file from the HDD 54 (selection of files to be deleted), for example, a method in which a user with a small number of times of reproduction is deleted in order, or a method in which the recorded date is deleted in order from the oldest date is used. Can be considered. In addition, since files that are important to the user may be erased by such automatic erasure without the user's permission, a warning is displayed on the display unit 24 and the display unit 57. The user confirmation may be obtained.

  If it is determined in step F104 that the file can be moved, or if it is determined that the file cannot be moved and the process in step F105 is performed, the process proceeds to step F106 and the file transfer process is performed. That is, a predetermined audio file is transferred from the HDD 15 to the HDD 54 via the interface drivers 26 and 59 and recorded.

  Further, since it is a movement process, a reproduction prohibition flag is set for the audio file to be moved in the HDD 15 in step F107, and the HDD 15 treats it as a file that is recorded but cannot be reproduced. Note that the audio file to be moved in step F107 may actually be deleted from the HDD 15.

Since the reproduction prohibition flag is set in step F107, a predetermined audio file is virtually moved from the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 to the portable apparatus 50, so that only one audio file is always managed and illegal. It also has an effect of preventing copying.
In addition, since the data transfer between the HDD 15 and the HDD 54 is performed between high-speed access media and the encoding / decoding process such as ATRAC2 is not required, the transfer process can be completed instantaneously. The process of moving audio files can be completed in a very short time.

5 is performed, the file movement from the HDD 15 to the HDD 54 is realized.
By such a process, for example, the user selects a song he / she wants to listen to from the songs he / she owns (that is, a file stored in the HDD 15), moves it to the portable device 50 side, and enjoys playing on the go. Can be used.

When copying is performed, the process of step F107 may not be executed.
Also, when a file is moved (or copied) from the HDD 54 to the HDD 15, the CPU 51 only needs to execute roughly the same process, but in this case as well, the CPU 11 side can mainly execute the process.

6). File storage format of recording / playback device

FIG. 6 shows an example of a file storage form in the HDD 15 in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10.
For example, the user loads his own CD into the CD-ROM drive 17 and records (i.e., dubs) each recorded music as a file on the HDD 15.
For example, if storage is performed in units of media such as CDs, a management file is formed in units of media such as dubbed CDs, and each piece of music is stored as one audio file.

FIG. 6 shows a state where n CDs are dubbed to the HDD 15, and management files AL (AL1 to AL (n)) are formed corresponding to the respective CDs. The music recorded on each CD is stored as an audio file in a state corresponding to the management file AL.
In FIG. 6, each file shown in one line is shown as a file dubbed from one CD. For example, dubbing data (each music piece) from a certain CD corresponds to the management file AL1 and corresponds to the audio file AL1. -Stored as M1, AL1-M2, AL1-M3. Further, dubbing data (each music piece) from another CD is stored as audio files AL2-M1, AL2-M2, AL2-M3... Corresponding to the management file AL2. That is, these are actual music data.
Thus, when dubbing from one CD is performed, audio files for the number of songs dubbed are formed together with one management file.

Further, when dubbing a certain CD or the like, the user can input data or receive related information about the CD from the information center 1 for a fee or free of charge, but the information is stored as a related information file. For example, the related information file AL1ad is formed corresponding to the management file AL1.
Of course, for example, a plurality of related information files may be formed corresponding to a certain CD.

As described above, data supplied from the information center 1 as data stored as the related information file AL (*) ad includes text data such as song title, artist name, and lyrics, and image data such as song image and artist image. , The address (URL) of the Internet homepage of the artist, information on copyright, names of related parties (songwriter, composer, producer, etc.), etc.
Of course, various information such as image information and text information downloaded from another information server (provider 6) such as an Internet homepage can be stored as the related information file AL (*) ad.
Information input by the user himself / herself into the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can also be stored in a state corresponding to a CD, music, or the like as the related information file AL (*) ad.

The management file has various types of management information regarding the corresponding one or plural audio files and related information files, and is used when each audio file or related information file is reproduced, moved, copied, edited, etc. Become.
For example, the management file AL1 relates to a file group that is dubbed and stored from a medium such as a CD, the entire management information, management information about each audio file AL1-M1, AL1-M2, AL1-M3. Management information relating to the related information file AL1ad is recorded.

FIG. 7 shows an example of management information data recorded in the management file.
For example, as album information serving as management information for the entire group of files dubbed and stored from a medium such as a CD, the file type, the number of files, the album title, the data size, the date and time information when the dubbing was performed, the names of parties (album creators) , Song composer, performer, etc.), copyright information, album ID, and other various management information. The album ID is an identification code uniquely assigned to each album as a medium such as a CD.

In the management file, file information (# 1) to file information (#m) are recorded as management information individually corresponding to each corresponding audio file. The file information includes the file type of the corresponding file, the correspondence Address pointer indicating the recording position of the file to be recorded on the HDD 15, file data size, title (song name, etc.), date and time information when dubbing was performed, names of parties (songwriters, performers, etc.), copyright information, A song ID, a reproduction prohibition flag, and other various management information are recorded.
The song ID is an identification code uniquely assigned to the song in the case of a song file. The reproduction prohibition flag is the reproduction prohibition flag described in the movement process of FIG.

  Further, the management file records related file information as management information for managing the corresponding related information file. The related file information includes the file type and the number of files of the corresponding related information file, the HDD 15 of the corresponding related information file. The address pointer indicating the recording position above, the data size of the related information file, the date and time information when the recording was performed, the name of the person concerned, the copyright information, the related information file ID, and other various management information are recorded.

  By recording such management information in the management file, for example, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can perform various processes such as reproduction, movement, copying, editing and the like of a specific music piece, and can also perform operations such as music reproduction. In addition, it is possible to output images and text as related information.

The contents of the management information shown in FIG. 7 are merely examples, and the file storage form in FIG. 6 is also an example. Actually, it is only necessary to adopt a file storage form and a management form suitable for various processing of audio files as actual data to be stored.
Also, in this example, an audio file such as a music piece will be described as an example of the file of the embodiment, but moving image data, still image data, text data, a program as game software, etc. as actual files (that is, It is of course possible to store it as a separate file (not as a related information file).

7). Information center database

As can be seen from the above description, the user can use the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 as a personal music server by dubbing, for example, music or the like from a medium such as a CD owned by the user to the HDD 15 in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10. That is, it is possible to select an arbitrary file as a file stored in the HDD 15 and reproduce it, or move the portable device 50 to reproduce it.
However, in this case, if unlimited copying of music such as CDs sold as so-called package media to the HDD 15 is possible, for example, a device convenient for creating a pirated version will be provided. Is not preferable.

  Therefore, in this example, regarding the dubbing operation from the CD or the like to the HDD 15, especially when the user performs high-speed dubbing, permission from the information center 1 is necessary, and (a contract with the right holder or the right holder) Depending on the dubbing), a system is built in which the user pays the required dubbing fee according to the dubbing. Information related to the dubbed CD or the like can be provided from the information center 1 to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 as described above. However, the related information can be provided for a fee (although it may be free of course) In that case, the user is charged for the related information provision fee together with the dubbing fee.

  In addition, when the user performs normal dubbing, it may be subject to permission setting and billing processing by the information center 1 as in the case of high-speed dubbing, but in this example, the user can freely perform normal dubbing. And That is, normal dubbing that takes a long time for the dubbing operation is understood as an operation that the user performs for personal enjoyment, and does not infringe copyright. It is assumed that there is no need to communicate with the information center 1.

Furthermore, when the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 reproduces an audio file stored in the HDD 15 or reproduces a CD loaded in the CD-ROM drive, the information center 1 reproduces the audio data (album or An operation of discriminating the URL can also be performed as a pointer indicating information related to each piece of music.
This determination operation is executed in response to the transmission of the identification information of the audio data reproduced from the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 .
Then, the information center 1 accesses the home page based on the determined URL, downloads the data of the home page and the link page to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, or transmits the determined URL to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, thereby recording / reproducing. The device 10 can access the home page and download the data of the home page and the link page.

In order to perform the above-described processing for high-speed dubbing, such as billing processing, permission setting, and determination operation of pointer information such as URL, a disk registration database as shown in FIG. Alternatively, a user registration database shown in FIG. 9 is provided.
First, the disc registration database shown in FIG. 8 is information necessary for billing etc. and information related to those CDs, etc., related to vast discs generally sold / provided on package media such as CDs and MDs. To store. Of course, necessary information may be stored in units of music or the like recorded on the disc.
Here, for simplicity of explanation, “disc” is targeted, but as a means for selling music etc., media other than disc, such as digital audio tape, may be used, and these are actually included. . In addition, it may include a case where the user does not own the media itself, such as when selling / providing music or the like (not as package media) via a communication network or the like.
In other words, the disc registration database is intended for a music album that can be dubbed by the user in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, and for each piece of music recorded in the album.

The disk registration database stores necessary information as shown in FIG. 8 for each of a huge number of music albums distributed around the world in the form of CDs, for example.
For example, disc title TI (x), disc identification information ID (x), related party information PS (x), copyright information CP (x), billing information FE (x), related information AD (x), and other various information VR (X).

  The disc title TI (x) and the disc identification information ID (x) are information for identifying a music album. For example, a specific code is individually set for the music album as the disc identification information ID (x). It is. This code may be, for example, a code number that is set for each album by some method, or may be a code number that is unique to the CD created from TOC information such as a CD. For example, as the TOC information of the CD, the total performance time, the number of recorded tracks, the performance time of each song, the absolute time of the start position of each song, etc. are recorded. If these values are synthesized by a predetermined method, An album-specific code number can be obtained. Therefore, it may be the disc identification information ID (x). Moreover, if it is CD-ROM, CD text, etc. and ID information is recorded, you may utilize it.

The related person information PS (x) is information such as a performer, a composer, a lyricist, an arranger, and a producer.
The copyright information CP (x) is information on rights holders such as copyright holders and publishers, and information on contracts with rights holders.
The billing information FE (x) is information for payment to the right holder and the like, such as a billing amount set for dubbing and the like, whether paying / free or due date information when free.
The related information AD (x) is information provided to the user in relation to the disc, and corresponds to the above-described text data, image data, and other various data such as the title, song title, and artist name. In particular, pointer information such as the URL of the artist's home page is also recorded as the related information AD (x).

The user registration database shown in FIG. 9 stores information registered in advance by a user who wants to perform pay high-speed dubbing in the recording / playback apparatus 10. For example, a user who has purchased the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 applies for registration to the information center 1 by mailing an application form, telephone, or online communication. In the registration, for example, the user conveys necessary information for charging such as a bank account for debiting, a credit card number, and a personal identification number for use.
In response to the application, the required data is stored in the user registration database corresponding to each user. The contents are updated as necessary.

  For example, user information NA (x), user identification information UID (x), device identification information SID (x), billing method information FH (x), history information CR (x), and other various types of information UVR (x) Stored corresponding to the user (registrant).

The user information NA (x) corresponds to, for example, the user's name, address, country, telephone number, and the like.
The user identification information UID (x) is an ID number given to a registered user, a personal identification number set by the user, or the like.
The device identification information SID (x) is an ID number uniquely given to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 purchased by the user. For example, the serial number of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is used.
The charging method information FH (x) is information such as a bank account number and a credit card number as a user's charging processing method.
The history information CR (x) is a record in which, for example, when a user performs a high-speed dubbing operation, a dubbing operation target (such as a disc identification code of a CD) and date / time are additionally recorded.

8). Operation when dubbing to HDD

In the system of this example, an operation example will be described as an operation when the user tries to execute high-speed dubbing from a CD or the like using the recording / reproducing apparatus 10.
When the user performs high-speed dubbing, first permission from the information center 1 is required. Only when permission is granted, the high-speed dubbing operation in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is executed.
Basically, when permission is granted, it is possible to receive related information from the information center 1 (however, the provision of related information from the information center 1 does not necessarily depend on permission / non-permission of high-speed dubbing). ).

A communication operation between the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 and the information center 1 when the high-speed dubbing operation is executed will be described with reference to FIG.
When a user loads a certain CD, for example, on the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 and performs an operation for executing high-speed dubbing to the HDD 15, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 first communicates with the information center 1 as a communication S1. A connection request and a request for permission of high-speed dubbing are issued.
Upon receiving this communication S1, the information center 1 establishes connection of the communication line correspondingly, and requests user authentication data from the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 as communication S2.

When receiving the communication S2, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 transmits the user authentication data requested as the communication S3 to the information center 1. The user authentication data is, for example, information on a user registration number, a personal identification number, and a device ID (such as a serial number) of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10.
When the information center 1 receives such user authentication data, it performs authentication determination. That is, the received user authentication data is collated with the data on the user registration database shown in FIG. 9 to determine whether or not the user is an appropriate registered user and is due to unauthorized use. Will do.
If the authentication determination result is NG, the communication is disconnected and the process is terminated. That is, in this case, high-speed dubbing is not permitted, and high-speed dubbing cannot be executed on the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 side. On the other hand, if the authentication determination result is OK, the information center 1 transmits an authentication OK message to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 as communication S4.

When receiving the result of the authentication OK, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 subsequently transmits the disc identification information as communication S5. The disc identification information is information necessary for disc identification, such as disc ID or TOC data of a CD or the like that is to be dubbed at that time (loaded in the CD-ROM drive 17 or the MD drive 18). This corresponds to the disc identification information ID (x) in the disc registration database of FIG.
When the information center 1 receives the disk identification information, the information center 1 searches the disk registration database based on the disk identification information to determine whether the disk is a registered disk.

If it is a registered disk, the information center 1 informs the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 that it is a registered disk as communication S6, and transmits key data to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 as communication S7.
The key data is substantial high-speed dubbing permission data from the information center 1 side. Corresponding to this key data, lock data is prepared in the operation program of the CPU 11 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10. When the key data is received by the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, the key data and the lock data are collated. .
If the collation between the key data and the lock data is OK, high-speed dubbing is permitted.
On the other hand, when the key data transmitted and the lock data possessed are collated NG, or when the key data is not transmitted from the information center 1, or when the communication is disconnected, etc. High-speed dubbing is not permitted.
If the key data has been transmitted but the collation result with the lock data is NG, the communication is disconnected and the process is terminated.

When the collation of the key data and the lock data is OK and the high-speed dubbing is permitted, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 transmits a confirmation OK to the information center 1 as communication S8.
Then, the information center 1 transmits related information corresponding to the disc to be dubbed to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 as communication S9.
In the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, the received related information is displayed on the display unit 24 and presented to the user, or stored in the HDD 15 as a related information file AL (x) ad as shown in FIG. At the same time, an actual high-speed dubbing operation is executed.

When the high-speed dubbing is completed, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 issues an operation completion report as communication S10.
When the information center 1 receives the operation completion report, it performs a billing process corresponding to the high-speed dubbing operation. In other words, depending on the dubbed disc, the necessary processing such as performing data processing so that a predetermined fee is paid to the predetermined right holder from the user or adding history information to the user registration database. Do.

By the way, as described above, when the information center 1 receives the disk identification information as the communication S5, the information center 1 searches the disk registration database based on the disk identification information to determine whether the disk is a registered disk. However, there may be cases where there is no registration as a search result. That is, it is impossible to always register all CDs and the like that are generally sold / provided.
In this case, whether or not high-speed dubbing is permitted depends on the operational circumstances of the system, and a predetermined unregistered corresponding process is performed accordingly.
As an example, although high-speed dubbing is permitted, information related to the unregistered disk is uploaded from the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 and saved, which can be used for later accounting processing or updating of the disk registration database. It is done.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the related information prepared by the information center 1 is sent when high-speed dubbing is permitted (communication S9). That is, it is the time after the key data and the lock data are verified. However, the provision of related information and the permission / denial of high-speed dubbing do not necessarily have to have a relationship. For example, when user authentication is OK (including when dubbing is not permitted thereafter), The related information may be provided to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10.

Unlike the case of high-speed dubbing, when the user performs normal dubbing, the information center 1 does not need to ask for permission. In other words, it is not necessary for the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 to communicate with the information center 1 for permission or billing processing.
Therefore, for example, even when high-speed dubbing is attempted and high-speed dubbing is not permitted, the user can perform dubbing from the CD or the like to the HDD 15 by performing normal dubbing.

9. Data load operation I

The related information provided from the information center 1 to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 at the time of the above high-speed dubbing is information prepared by the information center 1 to the last.
In addition to this, in the case of the present example, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 performs audio data relating to the reproduction operation as information such as a home page provided on the Internet when performing the reproduction operation of the HDD 15 or the loaded CD. Information related to (album or individual music) can be loaded, and the load data can be displayed on the display unit 24 during playback.
Hereinafter, the homepage address (URL) where the related information is recorded is determined in correspondence with the audio file (including the reproduction track such as a CD) reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 as described above, and accessed via the network. To load the data as the related information, and further describe the processing related to the display operation of the load data.
Three examples of data loading operations are given. First, the operation as the data loading operation I will be described with reference to FIG.

In this data load operation I, when the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 performs a reproducing operation, the information center 1 determines the URL of the related home page, and further executes download processing of the home page data to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10. is there.
When downloading, not only the data of the identified URL as the home page (depending on the amount of data, the required communication time, etc.), but also the page linked on the home page (click operation on the home page) (Link page that can be transferred by the above) may be performed at the same time. The same applies to each operation example described later.

  In this case, when the user performs an operation for instructing a reproducing operation in the HDD 15 or the CD-ROM drive 17 in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, a predetermined audio file is reproduced in accordance with the instruction. As shown in the figure, the CPU 11 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 starts the reproducing operation and transmits the identification information of the audio data (disc / album or song unit) to be reproduced to the information center 1.

Then, the information center 1 searches the disk registration database according to the received identification information, and determines the URL registered corresponding to the identification information.
Subsequently, a home page stored in a predetermined provider 6 is accessed based on the URL, and the home page data is loaded. At this time, the link page may be accessed and loaded as described above.
When the information center 1 loads the homepage data, it transmits it to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10.
The homepage data related to the album or song being played back is taken into the recording / playback apparatus 10 by such a procedure.
Then, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 performs processing for storing the fetched load data in the HDD 15 as a related information file or displaying it on the display unit 24.

In other words, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can obtain homepage data via the information center 1 without any particular operation by the user other than the reproduction operation, and the user can enjoy various and visually enjoyable images, texts, etc. The latest information related to the currently reproduced music or the like can be viewed.
In the case of this operation example, the URL determination process and the homepage access process need not be executed on the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 side. Therefore, if only this operation example is possible, the hardware as the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is used. Alternatively, the software configuration can be simplified.
Further, the fact that the URL determination is performed in the information center 1 can always realize a good data loading operation if the information center 1 is always responding to changes in the URL, for example.

10. Data load operation II

Next, the data load operation II will be described with reference to FIG.
In this data load operation II, when the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 performs a reproducing operation, the information center 1 determines the URL of the related home page, but access to the home page is executed from the recording / reproducing apparatus 10. .

  In this case, when the user performs an operation for instructing the reproducing operation in the HDD 15 or the CD-ROM drive 17 in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, a predetermined audio file is reproduced in accordance with the instruction. As shown in the figure, the CPU 11 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 starts the reproducing operation and transmits the identification information of the audio data (disc / album or song unit) to be reproduced to the information center 1.

Then, the information center 1 searches the disk registration database according to the received identification information, and determines the URL registered corresponding to the identification information.
Subsequently, the information center 1 transmits the determined URL to the recording / reproducing apparatus 10. In response to the URL being transmitted, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 accesses the home page stored by the predetermined provider 6 based on the URL and loads the home page data (and link page data).

The homepage data related to the album or song being played back is taken into the recording / playback apparatus 10 by such a procedure.
Then, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 performs processing for storing the fetched load data in the HDD 15 as a related information file or displaying it on the display unit 24.

Also in this case, on the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 side, homepage data can be obtained via the information center 1 even if the user does not perform any operation other than the reproduction operation, and various and visually enjoyable images, texts, etc. The latest information related to the currently reproduced music or the like can be viewed.
Also in this operation example, since the URL discrimination is performed by the information center 1, for example, if the information center 1 copes with URL changes as needed, a good data loading operation can always be realized.

Further, in the case of this operation example, homepage access may be unnecessary in some cases.
That is, if the determined URL is a URL in which data has been loaded in the past and the load data is stored in the HDD 15, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 determines that access is unnecessary, and the stored load data Can be used for display processing. Further, for example, even when the user performs an operation that makes the display output of the load data unnecessary, it is possible to make the access unnecessary.
Even if the load data has been obtained in the past, if the load execution time is old, the access can be performed again.
For example, as described above, the access and data loading operations are flexible depending on the convenience of the reproducing operation on the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 side (for example, the storage status of the load data as related information of the audio data to be reproduced) and the operational convenience. Can be executed.

11. Data load operation III

Next, the data load operation III will be described with reference to FIG.
The data load operation III is an example in which the information center 1 is not particularly involved as a process when the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 performs the reproducing operation.

In this case, when the user performs an operation for instructing the reproducing operation in the HDD 15 or the CD-ROM drive 17 in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, a predetermined audio file is reproduced in accordance with the instruction. As shown, the CPU 11 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 starts a reproducing operation and determines a URL corresponding as related information to the reproduced audio data.
For example, the related information file corresponding to the audio file reproduced from the HDD 15 is confirmed, and the URL recorded therein is obtained.
Alternatively, when reproducing a CD, if the CD has been dubbed to the HDD 15 in the past, the URL can be determined by checking the related information file in the same manner.
If the corresponding URL is not found from the related information file in the HDD 15, basically, access and download cannot be executed automatically, but it is possible, for example, when the user inputs the URL.

When the URL can be determined, the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 subsequently accesses the home page stored by the predetermined provider 6 based on the URL and loads the home page data (and link page data).
When the homepage data related to the album or song being played back is captured in the recording / playback apparatus 10 in such a procedure, the recording / playback apparatus 10 stores the captured load data in the HDD 15 as a related information file. The processing to be displayed on the display unit 24 can be performed.

Also in this case, if the URL is stored as a related information file on the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 side, the user can obtain homepage data via the information center 1 without performing any operation other than the reproducing operation. It is possible to view various information such as images and texts that can be enjoyed in various ways and the latest information related to the currently reproduced music.
Similarly to the case of the data load operation II, the access and data load operations can be flexibly executed according to the convenience of the reproduction operation and the operation on the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 side.

12 Display operation example of recording and playback device

The recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can obtain home page data related to the audio data to be reproduced and display it in the communication form such as the various data loading operations described above. The process will be described with reference to FIG.

When the user performs an operation for instructing the reproduction operation for the audio file stored in the HDD 15 or the disk loaded in the CD-ROM drive 17 in the recording / reproducing apparatus 10, the CPU 11 first performs the instruction as step F201. In response to this, reproduction of a predetermined audio file is started.
Subsequently, in step F202, operations as the various data loading operations are executed, and load data is fetched from the home page (in some cases, load data already stored is read from the HDD 15).

As the processing of step F202, for example, various processing examples as shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 16 and 17 can be considered.
The processing example shown in FIG. 15A performs operation control as the data load operation I. That is, as processing of the CPU 11, processing for transmitting identification information to the information center 1 and processing for taking in load data transmitted via the information center 1 are performed.
The processing example shown in FIG. 15B performs operation control as the data load operation II. That is, the processing of the CPU 11 includes a process of transmitting identification information to the information center 1, a process of capturing the identified URL transmitted from the information center 1, a homepage access process based on the captured URL, and a process from the homepage. Data download processing is executed.
The processing example shown in FIG. 15C performs operation control as the data load operation III. In this case, as processing of the CPU 11, processing for determining the URL corresponding to the audio data to be reproduced, homepage access processing based on the determined URL, and data download processing from the homepage are executed.

The process example of FIG. 16 is a process for selectively executing the data load operations I to III. That is, as the processing of the CPU 11, first, in step F202a, a URL discrimination process corresponding to the reproduced audio data is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not the URL is recorded in the related information file corresponding to the audio data (audio file) to be reproduced.
If the URL can be discriminated, it is not necessary to request the information center 1 to discriminate URL, and the process proceeds to step F202b to perform operation control as the data load operation III. That is, a homepage access process based on the determined URL and a data download process from the homepage are executed.
On the other hand, if the URL cannot be determined, the process proceeds to step F202c to perform operation control as the data load operation I or II. When the data load operation I is executed, a process for transmitting identification information to the information center 1 and a process for taking in load data transmitted via the information center 1 are performed. When executing the data load operation II, the process of transmitting the identification information to the information center 1, the process of acquiring the identified URL transmitted from the information center 1, the homepage access process based on the acquired URL, Execute data download processing from the homepage.

The processing example of FIG. 17 is also processing for selectively executing the data loading operations I to III. That is, as processing of the CPU 11, first, in step F202d, it is confirmed whether or not there is load data that has been loaded from the home page and stored in the HDD 15 as a related information file in the past, corresponding to the audio data to be reproduced.
If it exists, in step F202e, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to reload in consideration of the possibility that the load data has been updated. For example, if the date and time when the previous load was performed are different from the current date and time, it is determined that the load data is not the latest information and needs to be reloaded.
If it is determined that there is no need to reload, the process proceeds to step F202f to read the load data stored in the HDD 15. In other words, homepage access is not performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step F202d that there is no data loaded in the past from the home page, or if it is determined in step F202e that reloading is necessary, the process proceeds to step F202g to perform URL determination processing.
That is, it is determined whether or not the URL is recorded in the related information file corresponding to the audio data (audio file) to be reproduced.

If the URL can be discriminated, it is not necessary to request the information center 1 to discriminate the URL, and the process proceeds to step F202h to perform operation control as the data load operation III. That is, a homepage access process based on the determined URL and a data download process from the homepage are executed.
On the other hand, if the URL cannot be determined, the process proceeds to step F202i to perform operation control as the data load operation I or II. When the data load operation I is executed, a process for transmitting identification information to the information center 1 and a process for taking in load data transmitted via the information center 1 are performed. When executing the data load operation II, the process of transmitting the identification information to the information center 1, the process of acquiring the identified URL transmitted from the information center 1, the homepage access process based on the acquired URL, Execute data download processing from the homepage.

As the processing of step F202 in FIG. 14, the load data from the home page is taken in (or read out from the HDD 15) by executing any one of FIGS. 15 (a), (b), (c), FIG. 16, and FIG. ) State.
Then, the processing of the CPU 11 proceeds to step F203 and sets the first page as the load data as display data. For example, it is set in a display data area set in the RAM 13 (although a display memory may be provided separately from the RAM 13).

In step F204, the data set for display is sent to the display driver 25 and displayed on the display unit 24.
As a result, for example, home page data of an artist who plays the music is displayed to the user when the audio data is reproduced.

While the load data from the home page is being displayed, the CPU 11 performs the monitoring processes of steps F205, F206, F207, and F208.
In step F205, it is monitored whether the user has performed an operation for shifting to a link page (clicking on the screen, etc.) for homepage display.
In step F206, the display continuation time of an image of a certain page is monitored, and it is monitored whether or not the display continuation time exceeds a predetermined time.
In step F207, it is monitored whether the audio file (CD track) reproduced from the HDD 15 or the CD has changed, that is, whether the reproduced music has moved to the next music.
In step F208, it is monitored whether or not the reproduction operation in the HDD 15 or the CD-ROM drive 17 is completed in response to the user's stop operation or the completion of the reproduction of all the songs of the album instructed to be reproduced.

When a transition operation to a link page is detected in step F205, the CPU 11 first determines in step F209 whether download is necessary for displaying the link page to be transferred, that is, data of the link page. It is determined whether or not is already captured.
For example, if the link page is downloaded to some extent at the same time as downloading the homepage data in step F202, it is often unnecessary to download the link page again. In this case, the process proceeds to step F211. The data of the designated link page is set for display, and the process proceeds to step F204. Accordingly, the link screen desired by the user is displayed on the display screen.
On the other hand, if the link page data is not captured, access and data loading are performed in step F210, the data of the link page is obtained, and the link page is displayed in the processing of steps F211 and F204. The process of step F210 may be performed by, for example, the data load operation III. However, if the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 does not have the Internet browser function, the data load operation is performed via the information center 1 as in the data load operation I. Can be done.

  Through the processes in steps F205 to F211, the user can view desired page data as related information while listening to music to be reproduced.

  In step F206, it is determined whether or not a certain page image is continuously displayed for a long time. That is, the state where the link page operation or the like in step F205 is not performed is continued, and if the same image is displayed for a long time, the display device is adversely affected (for example, connected to the liquid crystal panel of the display unit 24 or the terminal ta8). In this example, in this case, the process proceeds to step F212 to activate the screen saver and switch to the screen display as the screen saver. ing.

While the screen saver image is displayed, in steps F213, F214, and F215, the presence or absence of any operation by the user, the change of the audio file (CD track) being played (transition to the next song), and the playback end Is monitoring.
If any operation is detected in step F213, the CPU 11 executes a process corresponding to the operation, but the display process proceeds to step F204 to return to the display state before the screen saver is activated.
By switching to such a screen saver screen, it is possible to improve the protection of the display device and the fun of the display image being reproduced.
In this example, a screen saver is used. However, it is also possible to prepare a landscape image that is not related to the song being played, and switch to such an image if the same screen continues for a long time. Good.

If it is detected in step F207 or step F214 that the music to be reproduced has moved to the next music, the process proceeds to step F216 to determine the corresponding status of the home page as related information.
For example, if the album being played is a so-called omnibus disc, or if an audio file that has been instructed to be played continuously spans multiple albums, it may be an edited album that will be described later. In some cases, songs from different artists may be played continuously.

For this reason, for example, when the load data is a certain artist's home page, the home page displayed at that time may not be related information of the music to be played when the music shifts.
Therefore, for example, in the case of a file change, if it is determined in step F216 that it is better to determine the correspondence as related information between the music to be played and the display data at that time, and display different homepage data In step F202, the data loading operation is performed as described above.
Therefore, for example, when the song changes and the artist changes, the display image is switched to the artist's home page of the song.
That is, by this processing, homepage display as related information is appropriately performed according to the music to be reproduced.

If the correspondence as the related information is not particularly disturbed even if there is a file change, the process proceeds from step F216 to F217 to determine whether or not display switching is set. The display switching setting is prepared as a mode that is set when, for example, the user wants to perform display switching in accordance with the timing at which the music to be played changes.
If the mode setting operation as the display switching setting has been performed by the user in advance, the process proceeds to step F218, and a certain page (such as an arbitrary link page) as load data or a related information file corresponding to the reproduced music is stored in the HDD 15. Certain recorded image data and the like are set as display data, and the process proceeds to step F204. Therefore, as the music changes, the image display as the related information is also switched, and the mood given to the user by the display can be changed as the reproduction progresses.
In this case, the image content to be switched may be limited to an image as information related to a song, but may be switched to an image unrelated to the song (for example, a landscape image).
If display switching is not set, the process directly returns to step F204. That is, the display image is not switched using a file change as a trigger.

If it is determined in step F208 or step F215 that the reproduction has been completed, the process proceeds to step F219, where the display operation is terminated with the completion of the reproduction of the music or the like, and the series of display processes is completed.
However, here, various displays as the related information of the reproduced music are ended, and after the end of the reproduction, an arbitrary image that is not particularly related information may be displayed on the display unit 24. For example, one or a plurality of image data to be displayed in a stopped state is prepared in advance and stored in the HDD 15 or the flash memory 14 and displayed.

14 is performed, the user can view homepage data and link page data as related information during reproduction of an audio file or the like, and information desired by the user can be displayed by a link page shift operation. You can also see. In addition, by switching to a screen saver image (or an irrelevant image) when the display is not changed for a long time, or display switching according to a file change, various displays that do not bore the user can be realized.

13. Other display operation examples of the recording / reproducing apparatus

Next, another display processing example will be described with reference to FIG. The same steps as those in FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
In this display operation example, the display of a home page or the like as load data is switched at regular intervals instead of a user operation. Since it is assumed that the display is switched at regular intervals, the screen saver process in steps F206 to F215 in the process of FIG. 14 is not familiar, and this process is not performed in FIG.
The data loading and display processing from step F201 to F204, the processing at the time of file change at steps F207 and F216 to F218, the processing at the end of reproduction at steps F208 and F219, and possible variations regarding these processing are shown in the above figure. This is the same as the case of 14.

In the process of FIG. 18, when the display in step F204 is being performed, in step F230, it is monitored whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the display was started.
Then, when the display of certain display data (load data) has elapsed for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step F231, and it is determined whether or not there is a next page (link page or the like) for display switching.
For example, when switching to a certain link page, it is determined whether or not the data of the link page has already been captured. If the display to be switched is not limited to the load data, it is confirmed whether or not appropriate image data or text data exists as the display contents as the related information file.

Then, for example, there is no link page data, and the necessary data is obtained by performing data loading in step F232 as necessary. In step F233, the data to be displayed next is set for display, and the process proceeds to step F204. .
That is, by such processing, the display is switched at regular intervals regardless of the operation of the user during reproduction of the music or the like. For example, homepage data and link page data related to the music being played back are presented one after another, and a very interesting display can be realized.

At the time of switching the display, not only the display contents are always selected from the load data as the related information and the data stored in the related information file, but also an irrelevant image such as a landscape image is inserted. Such a switching method is also conceivable.
In other words, the selection of the image content to be switched and displayed is not limited to the related information, and various display operations can be realized.

14 Data editing

As described above, in this example, various related information is displayed corresponding to the audio file to be reproduced, but the user can edit the audio file reproduced from the HDD 15 in advance. Also, playback according to the editing can be executed.
As an example of the editing operation, for example, a user may select a plurality of audio files to configure a file group as one album.
For example, as described in FIG. 6, a large number of audio files dubbed from a CD or the like are stored in the HDD 15. For example, the user collects favorite songs among the audio files and constructs them as one album. Is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 19, a new file group formed as an editing result is shown as the editing albums E1 and E2. For example, in the editing album E1, the audio file EAL1-M1 having the audio file AL2-M2 as the first song, The audio file AL1-M1 is edited as an audio file EAL1-M2 as the second music, the audio file AL2-M3 is edited as an audio file EAL1-M3... As the third music.
In addition, the related information file AL3ad is selected as the related information file EAL1ad corresponding to the edited album E1.
Further, the management file EAL1 of the editing album E1 is created and stored by the CPU 11 in accordance with this editing.

  In this case, when the edited album E1 is played back, it is loaded based on the image data and text data recorded in the related information file EAL1ad (original related information file AL3ad) and the URL recorded there. The data is loaded based on the URL determined by the information center 1 (or CPU 11) based on the identification code of each audio file EAL1-M1, EAL1-M2, EAL1-M3,. The data such as the home page that has been displayed is displayed while being switched at a predetermined operation or timing.

In other words, even if the user edits arbitrarily, various related information corresponding to the music to be played, etc. will be displayed, providing the user with effective information and fun as a display screen It will be.
It is also possible to set the user to display an image that is not related to the music or the like to be played.

As described above, the system configuration and the operation example as the embodiment have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and it is needless to say that various configurations and processing procedures of the device can be considered. .
For example, the operation as the playback terminal device of the present invention can be realized in a personal computer, a television device, and the like as well as a device mainly playing music, such as the recording / playback device 10.

  In the embodiment, the load process and the display process at the time of reproduction related to audio data have been described. However, for example, when main reproduction information is image data or text data, related information can be loaded and displayed in the same manner. It is.

In the display processing example, the load data display from the home page has been described in particular. However, similar display processing can be performed for other load data and related information provided by the information center 1.
Furthermore, during playback of audio data or the like, the operation state, file number (track number), etc. are usually displayed, but it is also conceivable that these displays are combined with the load data and displayed.

It is explanatory drawing of the information delivery system of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the recording / reproducing apparatus and portable apparatus as a terminal device of embodiment. It is a block diagram of the recording / reproducing apparatus of an embodiment. It is a block diagram of the portable device of an embodiment. It is a flowchart of the file movement process from the recording / reproducing apparatus of embodiment to a portable apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of the file storage form in the hard disk of the recording / reproducing apparatus of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the content of the management file in the hard disk of the recording / reproducing apparatus of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the disk registration database of the information center of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the user registration database of the information center of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement at the time of the high-speed dubbing of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the data load operation | movement I of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the data load operation | movement II of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the data load operation | movement III of embodiment. It is a flowchart of the display process of embodiment. It is a flowchart of the data load process in the display process of embodiment. It is a flowchart of the data load process in the display process of embodiment. It is a flowchart of the data load process in the display process of embodiment. It is a flowchart of other display processing of an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the edit operation | movement of the data file of embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Information Center, 3 Communication Line, 6 Provider, 10 Recording / Reproducing Device, 11 CPU, 12 ROM, 13 RAM, 14 Flash Memory, 15 HDD, 16 Buffer Memory, 17 CD-ROM Drive, 18 MD Drive, 19 Modem, 20 Panel operation section, 22 Infrared interface driver, 23 USB driver, 24 display section, 25 display driver, 26 interface driver, 27 connector, 28 encoder, 29 decoder, 30 IEC958 encoder, 31 A / D converter, 32 microphone amplifier, 33 D / A converter, 34 amplifier, 35 speaker, 36 IEEE1394 driver, 37 IEEE1394 interface, 38 PCMCIA driver, 39 PCMCIA slot, 40 monitor interface, 51 C PU, 52 ROM, 53 RAM, 54 HDD, 55 Buffer memory, 56 Panel operation unit, 57 Display unit, 58 Display driver, 59 Interface driver, 60 Connector, 61 Encoder, 62 Decoder, 63 IEC958 encoder, 64 A / D conversion Device, 65 microphone amplifier, 66 D / A converter, 67 amplifier, 68 speaker

Claims (4)

In a playback terminal device capable of communicating with an information server via a network,
Generating means for generating identification information for identifying the compact disk and identification information for identifying data recorded on the compact disk from TOC information recorded on the compact disk;
Transmitting means for transmitting identification information for identifying the generated compact disc and identification information for identifying data recorded on the compact disc to the information server;
Receiving means for receiving a URL corresponding to the identification information transmitted from the information server;
Receiving the relevant information specified by the URL by the receiving means, and outputting the relevant information;
Storage means for storing related information acquired from the information server indicated by the URL address;
When the URL address received by the receiving means has already been accessed based on the identification information generated by the generating means, and the corresponding related information is stored in the storage means, the received URL Control means for determining that access to the address is unnecessary, and controlling the stored related information to be displayed on the display unit;
A playback terminal device comprising:   The playback terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the related information includes image data. In an output method of a playback terminal device capable of communicating with an information server via a network comprising a transmission means, a reception means, and an output means.
A generating step for generating identification information for identifying the compact disk and identification information for identifying data recorded on the compact disk from TOC information recorded on the compact disk;
Transmitting the identification information for identifying the generated compact disc and the identification information for identifying the data recorded on the compact disc to the information server;
A receiving step of receiving, by the receiving means, a URL corresponding to the identification information transmitted from the information server;
An output step of receiving the relevant information specified by the URL by the receiving means and outputting the relevant information by the output means;
A generating step for generating identification information for identifying the compact disk and identification information for identifying data recorded on the compact disk from TOC information recorded on the compact disk;
When the URL address received by the receiving means has already been accessed based on the identification information generated in the generating step, and the corresponding related information is stored, access to the received URL address Determining that is unnecessary, and controlling the stored related information to be displayed on the display unit;
Run the output method.   The output method according to claim 3, wherein the related information includes image data.

Images