JP5132871B2 - CONTENT REPRODUCTION DEVICE, CONTENT REPRODUCTION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, CONTENT RECORDING MEDIUM, CONTROL PROGRAM, COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING CONTROL PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a content playback device for controlling the video reproduction by the computer software, the present invention relates to a control method, a content recording medium, the control program, a computer readable recording medium recording the control program of the content reproduction apparatus.

  In recent years, a general-purpose program language execution environment is being introduced to AV (audio visual) devices in order to achieve higher interactivity. A typical example is MHP (Multimedia Home Platform), which employs Java (registered trademark) language (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 describes a television display device for providing a simple interface to a user while providing various control functions. Specifically, the television display device stores a plurality of control images, continuously stores a main file, an event selector that associates an event with a selected one of the plurality of control images, An action selector that associates an action with the selected control image, and an event is detected, and the control image selected over a predetermined period of time according to the event is displayed as a part of the television display unit, for the television service being viewed. The display unit includes a display unit that superimposes and a command unit that starts an action depending on whether or not a control command is supplied by the input device within a predetermined period. The command unit is supplied by the input device within a predetermined period. The contents of the main file of each main image displayed in response to the main command displayed are superimposed on the currently viewed television service.

JP 2001-103383 A (publication date: April 13, 2001)

  FIG. 35 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a conventional AV device having a general-purpose program language execution environment. As shown in FIG. 35, when a general-purpose program language execution environment is introduced into an AV device, it is composed of a program execution unit 101 that executes a program, a video playback unit 102 that decodes video data, and a synthesis unit 103. Then, the synthesis unit 103 superimposes the outputs of the program execution unit 101 and the video playback unit 102. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of cost and real-time properties, the video playback unit 102 is generally implemented by hardware.

  However, in the conventional AV device, it is difficult to start and end display of graphics and animation generated by a program from a specific video frame on the time axis of video playback. This is because high-level language programs generally run slowly. In particular, the Java (registered trademark) language is executed on a virtual machine, and it is difficult to guarantee real-time processing in combination with garbage collection processing for releasing used memory. In addition, when attempting to synchronize with video in units of frames, it is necessary to perform polling in a time shorter than the frame rate, which increases program overhead. In addition, when attempting to start and end the graphics display at a specific timing of video playback, it is necessary to go to the video playback clock value by software. Therefore, the processing overhead is large, it is difficult to match the timing in units of frames, and the processing efficiency is poor.

  In the conventional AV device, when playback is started from an arbitrary time in the video, it is difficult to correctly superimpose and display the graphics to be displayed at that time. This is because the video playback clock is polled and the graphics display / erase timing is controlled by that value, so it is necessary to reproduce the change in the video playback clock up to the playback start time. This is because it takes time from the beginning of the video to the playback start time to display the video.

  In addition, the video playback unit 102 in the conventional AV device is controlled by the program execution unit 101 in accordance with a designated program. However, the video playback unit 102 controls the video playback until the start of video playback as compared with a conventional DVD Video that does not use the Java (registered trademark) language. There is a problem that the response time to the user operation (for example, “jump to next chapter”) is delayed. In the former, since the video data playback start control is described in the program, the video data playback start control is the video playback only after the program starts and the program execution reaches the location where the playback start control is described. This occurs because the program execution unit 101 has an overhead. The latter occurs because there is an overhead that the program execution unit 101 once receives a user operation and converts and reproduces it into a playback control command for the video playback unit 102 by the program. Further, when the garbage collection process described above occurs during the reproduction start process or the user operation interpretation process, the delay may be further deteriorated.

  Further, in the conventional AV device, a method for realizing the “resume” processing currently realized with the DVD has not been considered. “Resume” is a function of resuming playback of a content that has been paused when the user has read out the menu at the time of content playback from the paused location when the user returns from the menu.

  Further, in the conventional AV device, it has not been considered to include content provided from a plurality of content providers in the same recording medium. For example, when provider A and provider B provide content on one optical disk, it is necessary to prevent the provider A program from reproducing the video data of provider B without intention or due to a bug in the program. However, the conventional AV device does not provide a mechanism for that purpose.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of the present invention is, firstly, a content playback apparatus capable of efficiently executing a program executed in synchronization with playback of AV data or the like, the method of the content reproduction apparatus, content recording medium, the control program is to provide a computer readable recording medium recording the control program. Second, to provide a playback device, a playback device control method, a content recording medium, a data structure, a control program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the control program, which can prevent unauthorized playback. is there.

  In order to solve the above problems, a playback apparatus according to the present invention plays back and outputs the content data according to the clock signal, data acquisition means for acquiring content data and synchronization timing information, clock generation means for generating a clock signal Decoding means for converting the data to reproduction data for synchronization, synchronization control means for transmitting a synchronization control signal to the synchronization processing means at a timing designated by the timing designation information included in the synchronization timing information according to the clock signal, and the synchronization control Synchronization processing means for performing processing in accordance with the synchronization control signal received from the means.

  The playback apparatus control method according to the present invention is a playback apparatus control method comprising a data acquisition means, a decoding means, and a synchronization processing means, wherein the data acquisition means acquires content data and synchronization timing information. And at the timing designated by the timing designation information included in the synchronization timing information in accordance with the clock signal, at the data acquisition step to convert the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output according to the clock signal. It includes a decoding step for transmitting a synchronization control signal to the synchronization processing means, and a synchronization processing step for performing processing in the synchronization processing means in accordance with the received synchronization control signal.

  With the configuration described above, a synchronization control signal (trigger) that defines the timing of processing can be supplied to the synchronization processing means in synchronization with the content data reproduction processing performed by the decoding means. Here, examples of the “process” performed by the synchronization processing means include data output control and program execution. In addition, the category includes access to a network and reading / writing of a recording medium.

  Therefore, it is easy to create a process synchronized with the content data reproduction process in parallel with the content data, or to add a process synchronized with the content data reproduction process after the content data is supplied. Further, since it is not necessary to go from the stream synchronization processing means to see the reproduction clock of the decoding means, the synchronization processing means is not burdened for synchronization. Therefore, flexible content creation becomes possible.

  Further, in the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the data acquisition means further acquires a synchronization execution program, and the synchronization processing means executes the synchronization execution program according to a synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control means. It is characterized by comprising program execution means for executing.

  With the above configuration, a synchronization control signal (trigger) that regulates the timing of executing the synchronization execution program and generating output data to the synchronization processing means in synchronization with the content data reproduction processing performed by the decoding means. Can be supplied.

  Therefore, since there is no need to go from the synchronization processing means to see the reproduction clock of the decoding means, the synchronization processing means is not burdened for synchronization. Therefore, the playback apparatus can efficiently execute a program that is executed in synchronization with playback of AV data or the like.

  Furthermore, the playback apparatus according to the present invention further comprises output generation means for generating second output data that is an output other than the playback data, and the synchronization processing means outputs the output of the second output data to the synchronization data. Output control means for controlling according to the synchronization control signal received from the control means is provided.

  With the configuration described above, the output of the second output data can be controlled when there is second output data that is output in synchronization with the content data reproduction process performed by the decoding means. Here, examples of the “second output data” generated by the output generation unit include graphics data generated by executing a program and data obtained by decoding bitmap data multiplexed with video data. It is done. Further, not only visual information output but also audio information output, for example, audio data generated by executing a program and data obtained by decoding audio data multiplexed in video data are included in the category.

  Therefore, since there is no need to go from the synchronization processing means to see the reproduction clock of the decoding means, the synchronization processing means is not burdened for synchronization. Therefore, the playback apparatus can efficiently execute output control of other AV data in synchronization with playback of AV data or the like.

  For example, even when graphics display by a program is started / finished at a specific timing of video playback, it is not necessary to go to see the clock with the software of the synchronization processing means. Therefore, there is no processing overhead, and the timing can be easily matched in units of frames. That is, highly accurate control is possible and processing efficiency is excellent.

  Furthermore, in the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the synchronization processing means generates output data by executing a synchronization execution program, and outputs the output data in accordance with a synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control means. It is characterized by.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to easily display graphics by the synchronization execution program in synchronization with the content data reproduction processing performed by the decoding means, and to perform it efficiently.

  Furthermore, in the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the synchronization processing unit generates output data by executing the synchronization execution program according to the synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control unit, and outputs the output data. It is a feature.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to easily display graphics by the synchronization execution program in synchronization with the content data reproduction processing performed by the decoding means, and to perform it efficiently.

  Furthermore, the playback apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the synchronization processing means includes output control means for controlling output of output data output from the synchronization execution program in accordance with a synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control means. Yes.

  With the above configuration, it is not necessary to go to see the clock with the software of the synchronization processing means even when the graphics display by the program is started / finished at a specific timing of video reproduction. Therefore, there is no processing overhead, and the timing can be easily matched in units of frames. That is, highly accurate control is possible and processing efficiency is excellent.

  The reproduction apparatus according to the present invention is a data acquisition means for acquiring content data, a synchronization execution program, synchronization timing information, a clock generation means for generating a clock signal, and for reproducing and outputting the content data in accordance with the clock signal. Decoding means for converting the data into reproduction data, synchronization control means for transmitting a synchronization control signal to the synchronization processing means at a timing designated by the timing designation information included in the synchronization timing information according to the clock signal, and the synchronization execution program The output data may be generated by execution, and a synchronization processing unit that outputs the output data according to the synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control unit may be provided.

  Further, a control method for a playback device according to the present invention is a control method for a playback device including a decoding unit and a synchronization processing unit, and includes a data acquisition step for acquiring content data, a synchronization execution program, and synchronization timing information; The decoding means converts the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output according to the clock signal, and sends the synchronization control signal to the synchronization processing means at a timing designated by the timing designation information included in the synchronization timing information according to the clock signal. And a program execution output step of generating output data by executing the synchronization execution program in the synchronization processing means and outputting the output data in accordance with the received synchronization control signal. It may be the composition which includes.

  With the above configuration, a synchronization control signal (trigger) that defines the timing for outputting the execution result (output data) of the synchronization execution program to the synchronization processing means in synchronization with the content data reproduction processing performed by the decoding means. Can be supplied.

  Therefore, since there is no need to go from the synchronization processing means to see the reproduction clock of the decoding means, the synchronization processing means is not burdened for synchronization. Therefore, the playback apparatus can efficiently execute a program that is executed in synchronization with playback of AV data or the like.

  For example, even when graphics display by a program is started / finished at a specific timing of video playback, it is not necessary to go to see the clock with the software of the synchronization processing means. Therefore, there is no processing overhead, and the timing can be easily matched in units of frames. That is, highly accurate control is possible and processing efficiency is excellent.

  Also, the playback apparatus according to the present invention plays back and outputs the content data according to the clock signal, data acquisition means for acquiring content data, synchronization execution program, synchronization timing information, clock generation means for generating a clock signal Decoding means for converting the data into reproduction data, synchronization control means for transmitting a synchronization control signal to the synchronization processing means at a timing designated by the timing designation information included in the synchronization timing information according to the clock signal, and the synchronization execution program The output data may be generated by executing according to the synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control means, and the synchronization processing means may output the output data.

  Further, a control method for a playback device according to the present invention is a control method for a playback device including a decoding unit and a synchronization processing unit, and includes a data acquisition step for acquiring content data, a synchronization execution program, and synchronization timing information; The decoding means converts the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output according to the clock signal, and sends the synchronization control signal to the synchronization processing means at a timing designated by the timing designation information included in the synchronization timing information according to the clock signal. And a program execution output step of generating output data by executing the synchronization execution program in accordance with the synchronization control signal received and outputting the output data in the synchronization processing means. It may be a configuration.

  With the above configuration, in synchronization with the content data reproduction processing performed by the decoding means, a synchronization control signal (trigger) is provided to the synchronization processing means that defines the timing for generating the output data by executing the synchronization execution program. can do.

  Therefore, since there is no need to go from the synchronization processing means to see the reproduction clock of the decoding means, the synchronization processing means is not burdened for synchronization. Therefore, the playback apparatus can efficiently execute a program that is executed in synchronization with playback of AV data or the like.

  For example, even when graphics display by a program is started / finished at a specific timing of video playback, it is not necessary to go to see the clock with the software of the synchronization processing means. Therefore, there is no processing overhead, and the timing can be easily matched in units of frames. That is, highly accurate control is possible and processing efficiency is excellent.

  The data acquisition unit may be a reading unit that reads content data, a synchronization execution program, and synchronization timing information from the content recording medium, or may be a communication unit that acquires the content data via a network. That is, the content data, the synchronization execution program, and the synchronization timing information can be supplied to the playback device in various forms. For example, the content data, the synchronization execution program, and the synchronization timing information may all be read from a recorded content recording medium. Further, any one of the content data, the synchronization execution program, and the synchronization timing information may be acquired via a network and reproduced in combination with other data read from the content recording medium. Furthermore, part or all of the synchronization execution program recorded on the content recording medium (same for content data and synchronization timing information) may be replaced with the synchronization execution program acquired via the network and played back.

  Further, as a program, in addition to a program that generates image data (still image, animation) to be superimposed on a video image, it can be used for a program that outputs only sound such as sound effects and narration.

  Furthermore, the playback device according to the present invention is configured such that the synchronization processing means includes program execution means for generating output data by executing the synchronization execution program in accordance with the synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control means. May be.

  With the above configuration, the synchronization execution program can be executed according to the synchronization control signal based on the clock signal used for reproducing the content data. Therefore, it is possible to generate the output data of the synchronization execution program in synchronization with the reproduction of the content data.

  Furthermore, the playback apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the synchronization processing means includes output control means for outputting the output data generated by the program execution means in accordance with a synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control means. Also good.

  With the above configuration, the output data generated by the synchronization execution program can be output according to the synchronization control signal based on the clock signal used for reproducing the content data. Therefore, it is possible to control the output of the synchronization execution program in synchronization with the reproduction of the content data.

  Further, in the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the synchronization timing information includes action designation information together with the timing designation information, and the synchronization control means sends a synchronization control signal to the program execution means at a timing designated by the timing designation information. , The action specifying information corresponding to the timing specifying information is included in the synchronization control signal, and the program execution means is specified by the action specifying information included in the synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control means. It is characterized in that it executes a synchronized execution program.

  With the above configuration, the synchronization execution program to be executed can be controlled from the synchronization control means together with the timing at which the program execution means performs processing. Therefore, the program execution means can execute a plurality of synchronous execution programs (commands) while switching.

  Further, when the playback device according to the present invention starts playback from the middle of the content data, the synchronization control means, according to the synchronization timing information including timing designation information indicating a time before the playback start time, The timing specification information is characterized in that the synchronization control signal is transmitted in order from the previous one.

  With the above-described configuration, when the reproduction is started from the middle of the content data, it is not necessary to reproduce the change of the video clock up to that time, and the time until the reproduction starts can be shortened.

  Furthermore, in the playback device according to the present invention, the synchronization timing information includes dependency information indicating a dependency relationship with other synchronization timing information together with the timing designation information, and when playback is started from the middle of the content data, The synchronization control means includes synchronization timing information including timing designation information indicating a past time closest to a time at which reproduction is started, among synchronization timing information including dependency information indicating that it does not depend on other synchronization timing information; According to the synchronization timing information including timing designation information indicating a time later than the synchronization timing information, the synchronization designation signal is transmitted in order from the previous timing designation information.

  With the above configuration, when starting playback from the middle of the content data, it is possible to immediately execute processing such as displaying graphics that matches the playback start time, so there is no need to perform unnecessary processing, and until playback starts. It becomes possible to shorten the time.

  Furthermore, in the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the data acquisition unit acquires an integrated synchronization execution program that can obtain the same result as the result of executing a plurality of synchronization execution programs. Along with the timing designation information, including action designation information indicating a synchronous execution program to be executed, and integrated synchronous execution program identification information indicating whether or not the synchronous execution program indicated by the action designation information is an integrated synchronous execution program, When the reproduction is started from the middle of the content data, the synchronization control unit is the synchronization timing information including the integrated synchronization execution program identification information indicating the integrated synchronization execution program, the past closest to the time at which the reproduction is started Synchronization timing information including timing designation information indicating the time of the Accordance with the synchronization timing information including the timing specifying information indicating a time later than timing information, and wherein the timing specifying information is to send the order synchronization control signal from the previous one.

  With the above configuration, when starting playback from the middle of the content data, it is possible to immediately execute processing such as displaying graphics that matches the playback start time, so there is no need to perform unnecessary processing, and until playback starts. It becomes possible to shorten the time.

  Further, in the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the data acquisition means acquires a mid-stream playback synchronization execution program that is executed only when playback is started from the middle of the content data. Along with the timing designation information, action designation information indicating a synchronous execution program to be executed, and midway reproduction synchronization execution program identification information indicating whether or not the synchronization execution program indicated by the action designation information is an intermediate reproduction synchronization execution program When the reproduction is started from the middle of the content data, the synchronization control means starts the reproduction of the synchronization timing information including the midway reproduction synchronization execution program identification information indicating the midway reproduction synchronization execution program. Synchronous timer including timing specification information indicating the past time closest to the time And timing information, in accordance with the synchronization timing information including the timing specifying information indicating a time later than the synchronous timing information, and wherein the timing specifying information is to send the order synchronization control signal from the previous one.

  According to the above configuration, the interrupt process can be further selected according to the reproduction start time, and the process according to the reproduction state can be performed. For example, by displaying special graphics only when playback is started from a certain time, the user can enjoy the content repeatedly, and the added value of the content can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the synchronization timing information includes execution condition information indicating a state of the decoding unit when the synchronization execution program is to be executed, and the synchronization control unit includes: The state is monitored, and the synchronization control signal is transmitted based on the state and the execution condition information.

  According to the above configuration, the interrupt process can be selected according to the reproduction state, and the process according to the reproduction state can be performed. For example, by displaying special graphics only in the case of fast-forwarding, the user can enjoy the content repeatedly, and the added value of the content can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the decoding means plays back video data as content data and outputs a video image, and the program execution means superimposes the video image as the synchronization execution program. The present invention is characterized in that a program for generating image data to be executed is executed.

  With the configuration described above, it is possible to superimpose and output the video data generated by the program execution unit on the video image reproduced by the decoding unit in synchronization with the reproduction of the video image. Note that the image data generated by the program execution means may be a still image or an animation.

  The playback device may be realized by a computer. In this case, the playback device is operated by the computer by operating the computer as each of the above-described means, particularly as the synchronization control means and the synchronization processing means. The control program for the reproducing apparatus to be realized and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  In addition, the content recording medium according to the present invention is characterized in that at least one of content data, a synchronization execution program, and synchronization timing information is recorded so that the content recording medium can be supplied to the playback device.

  Further, the content recording medium according to the present invention records content data and synchronization timing information so that the content recording medium can be supplied to the playback device, and the synchronization timing information is separated from the content data. It is a feature.

  With the above configuration, content data (video data) and synchronization timing information are managed separately, so that it becomes easy to share one content data among a plurality of synchronization execution programs. Further, by managing the synchronization timing information and the synchronization execution program as separate files, it is not necessary to rewrite the synchronization execution program even when the video data is edited after the program is created.

  In addition, the content recording medium according to the present invention records the synchronization execution program and the synchronization timing information so as to be supplied to the playback device, and stores the synchronization timing information in the same file as the synchronization execution program. It is characterized by being.

  With the above configuration, since the number of files to be read is reduced, the overhead at the time of reading is reduced.

A content recording medium according to the present invention is a content recording medium that records content data, a synchronization execution program that is executed in synchronization with the content data, and synchronization timing information for reproducing content data, and the synchronization timing described above. The information is characterized in that it includes timing designation information indicating the timing of executing the synchronous execution program.

Furthermore, another content recording medium according to the present invention is a recording medium on which content data, synchronization timing information for reproducing the content data, and a synchronization execution program executed in synchronization with the content data are recorded. The data and the synchronization timing information are recorded separately as separate files.

Still another content recording medium according to the present invention is a content recording medium that records content data, synchronization timing information for reproducing the content data, and a synchronization execution program that is executed in synchronization with the content data. The synchronization execution program and the synchronization timing information are stored and recorded in the same file.

As described above, the playback apparatus according to the present invention includes the data acquisition means for acquiring the content data, the synchronization timing information for playback of the content data, and the synchronization execution program executed in synchronization with the content data, and the data the content data acquisition means has acquired, the synchronization control means for transmitting and decoding means for converting the reproduction data, the synchronization control signal at a specified timing by the timing specifying information contained in the above Symbol synchronization timing information, the And a program execution means for executing the synchronization execution program in accordance with a synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control means .

The control method of the playback apparatus of the present invention includes a data acquisition step of acquiring content data, the content data synchronization timing information for reproduction, and the synchronization executing program to be executed in synchronization with the content data, acquisition the was the content data, and Lud code step converts the reproduction data, at a timing specified by the timing specifying information included in the synchronization timing information, and synchronization control step of transmitting a synchronization control signal, the synchronous control step And a program execution step for executing the synchronization execution program in accordance with the synchronization control signal transmitted in (1 ).

  This makes it easy to create a process synchronized with the content data reproduction process in parallel with the content data, or to add a process synchronized with the content data reproduction process after the content data is supplied. Further, since it is not necessary to go from the stream synchronization processing means to see the reproduction clock of the decoding means, the synchronization processing means is not burdened for synchronization. Therefore, there is an effect that flexible content creation becomes possible.

1 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a video disc player according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a program execution unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an output control unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a video playback unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 1. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing the data structure of the synchronization timing information. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a data arrangement of an optical disc reproduced by the video disc player shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing a reproduction process by the video disc player shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a program execution process by a program execution unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing processing of an interrupt handler by a program execution unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of synchronous timing information. 11 is a timing chart corresponding to a specific example of the synchronization timing information shown in FIG. 10. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams showing the data structure of the synchronization timing information. FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a setting example of a field independent_flag, FIG. 13A is a display example, FIG. 13B is a sync_info () corresponding to FIG. 13A, FIG. 13C is a display example, FIG. (D) is sync_info () corresponding to FIG. 13 (c). It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a setting of field merged_flag, Fig.14 (a) is a display example, FIG.14 (b) is sync_info () corresponding to Fig.14 (a). 2 is a flowchart showing a program execution process by a program execution unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing interrupt reproduction processing by a video reproduction unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of synchronous timing information. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams showing the data structure of synchronization timing information. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the video disc player which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a program execution unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an overall control unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 19 . 22A and 22B are explanatory diagrams showing the data structure of program management information. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a data arrangement of an optical disc reproduced by the video disc player shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing of an overall control unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 19. FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing menu call processing of the overall control unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 19. FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a resume process of the overall control unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 19. FIG. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the interrelationship between the blocks of the video disc player shown in FIG. 19, showing a case where is_video_specified = 1, playback_control_mode = 1, and start_mode = 0. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the video disc player which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 29 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an overall control unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 28. 30A and 30B are explanatory diagrams showing the data structure of program management information. 31 (a) and 31 (b) are explanatory diagrams showing an overview of certificate creation and program verification included in video_info () shown in FIG. 30 (b). FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing of the overall control unit of the video disc player shown in FIG. 28. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the verification process of the whole control part of the video disc player shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the video disc player which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the conventional AV apparatus.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a video disc player will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a PC (Personal Computer) equipped with a hardware decoder.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the video disc player 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The video disc player 1 (playback device) is a device that plays back AV data recorded on the optical disc 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the video disc player 1 includes a program execution unit 10, a video playback unit 20, a synthesis unit 30, an output control unit 40, and a disc reading unit 50.

  The disk reading unit 50 (data acquisition means, reading means) reads video data (content data), a program (synchronization execution program), and synchronization timing information from the optical disk 2 (content recording medium). Then, the disk reading unit 50 sends the program to the program execution unit 10 and the video data and synchronization timing information described later to the video reproduction unit 20.

  The program execution unit 10 executes a program. Specifically, the program execution unit 10 controls the video playback unit 20, the disk reading unit 50, and the output control unit 40 by executing the program, and controls the output control unit 40 with the program. Send bitmap data generated by execution.

  The video playback unit 20 decodes the video data sent from the disk reading unit 50 and sends uncompressed video data to the synthesis unit 30. Further, the program execution unit 10 and the output control unit 40 are controlled based on the synchronization timing information sent from the disk reading unit 50.

  The output control unit 40 holds the bitmap data sent from the program execution unit 10 and outputs the bitmap data to the synthesis unit 30 according to the control from the video reproduction unit 20 and the program execution unit 10.

  The synthesizing unit 30 synthesizes the bitmap data sent from the output control unit 40 and the uncompressed video data sent from the video reproduction unit 20 and outputs a synthesized video.

  The program execution unit 10 and the output control unit 40 constitute a synchronization processing unit (synchronization processing means) 60. That is, the synchronization processing unit 60 generates bitmap data (output data, second output data) by executing a program in the program execution unit 10 in accordance with the synchronization control signal received from the video reproduction unit 20. The output control unit 40 outputs the bitmap data according to the synchronization control signal received from the video reproduction unit 20.

<Program execution part>
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the program execution unit 10.

  As described above, the program execution unit 10 executes the program according to the synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control unit 22. The program execution unit 10 executes the program specified by the field action_id included in the synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control unit 22. In particular, in the embodiment, the program execution unit 10 executes a program that generates image data to be superimposed on a video image.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the program execution unit 10 includes a memory 11, a CPU 12, a video playback control unit 13, and an interrupt control unit 14.

  The memory 11 temporarily stores the program input from the disk reading unit 50. The CPU 12 reads a program stored in the memory 11 and executes the program. The CPU 12 sends a command to the video playback control unit 13 or sends bitmap data to the output control unit 40 according to the contents of the program. The video playback control unit 13 sends a control signal to the video playback unit 20 based on the executed program. Specifically, the control signal has a purpose of reproduction control such as reproduction start / pause and status acquisition such as acquisition of the current reproduction time. The interrupt control unit 14 receives an interrupt from outside the program execution unit 10 and sends it to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 activates an interrupt handler according to the interrupt received from the interrupt control unit 14. Various information given by the interrupt source is stored in a register (not shown) in the interrupt control unit 14.

  Here, the interrupt handler corresponds to a method of an object registered as EventLisner in Java (registered trademark). It corresponds to what is called a callback function in other programming languages.

<Output control unit>
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the output control unit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the output control unit 40 includes an input side buffer switching unit 41, display buffer memories 42 </ b> A (# 1) and 42 </ b> B (# 2), and an output side buffer switching unit 43.

  The input side buffer switching unit 41 receives the bitmap data from the program execution unit 10 and sends it to one of the display buffer memories 42A and 42B under the control of the program execution unit 10. Based on the control from the video playback unit 20, the output side buffer switching unit 43 outputs any of the contents of the display buffer memories 42 </ b> A and 42 </ b> B to the synthesis unit 30.

  The display buffer memory 42A and the display buffer memory 42B are buffer memories for storing bitmap data, and are controlled by the input side buffer switching unit 41 and the output side buffer switching unit 43 as described above.

<Video playback section>
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the video playback unit 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the video playback unit 20 includes a memory 21, a synchronization control unit 22, a clock 23, a decoder 24, and an interface unit 25.

  The decoder 24 (decoding means) converts the video data into uncompressed video data for reproduction output according to the clock signal. Specifically, the decoder 24 is specified in the command sent from the interface unit 25 by the disc reading unit 50, decodes the video data read from the optical disc 2, and outputs uncompressed video data (video image). .

  The clock (clock generation means) 23 controls the output timing of decoding and uncompressed video data. That is, the clock 23 generates a clock signal. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the format of video data recorded on the optical disc 2 is ISO / IEC 13818-1 Program Stream. In this case, the value of the clock 23 corresponds to the STC (System Time Clock).

  Further, the memory 21 stores the synchronization timing information input from the disk reading unit 50.

  The synchronization control unit (synchronization control means) 22 constantly compares the synchronization timing information on the memory 21 with the value of the clock 23, and if they match, the processing block (program execution unit) designated by the synchronization timing information 10 or the output control unit 40). Specifically, the synchronization control unit 22 sends a synchronization control signal to the program execution unit 10 (program execution unit, output generation unit) at a timing designated by field timing (timing designation information) included in the synchronization timing information according to the clock signal. Send. Further, when the synchronization control unit 22 transmits a synchronization control signal to the program execution unit 10 at the timing specified by the field timing, the synchronization control signal includes the field action_id corresponding to the field timing in the synchronization control signal. In the present embodiment, monitoring of the state of the decoder 24 by the synchronization control unit 22 is not essential.

  When the processing block specified by the synchronization timing information is the program execution unit 10, the synchronization control unit 22 interrupts the interrupt control unit 14 and sets information in a register in the interrupt control unit 14.

  This makes it possible to start processing at an arbitrary timing on the video playback time axis without imposing a burden on program execution. This is because a hardware interrupt mechanism is used, so that it is not necessary to perform polling processing for referring to the clock of the video playback unit 20 in the program as in the prior art, and overhead due to polling processing is eliminated.

  On the other hand, when the processing block specified by the synchronization timing information is the output control unit 40, a command is issued to the output side buffer switching unit 43 to switch the display buffer memories 42A and 42B. This makes it possible to switch the video output by the program with frame accuracy. Because the display buffer memories 42A and 42B are switched by hardware, the display buffer memories 42A and 42B are associated with the execution of a program such as function call or garbage collection, as compared with the case where the display ON / OFF is controlled by a program as in the prior art. This is because no overhead occurs.

  In the video playback unit 20, the interface unit 25 receives a control signal sent from the video playback control unit 13 of the program execution unit 10, and controls the decoder 24 in accordance with the control signal, or the current state is changed to the video playback control unit. Send to 13.

<Synchronization timing information>
Here, the data structure of data recorded on the optical disc 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  Video data, a program, and synchronization timing information are recorded on the optical disc 2 so as to be supplied to the video disc player 1.

  5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing the data structure of the synchronization timing information. As shown in FIG. 5A, the synchronization timing information is composed of number_of_sync_info indicating the number of entries and zero or more sync_info () as entries. As shown in FIG. 5B, the entry sync_info () is composed of three fields, timing, target, and action_id. That is, the synchronization timing information includes at least field action_id (action designation information) together with field timing (timing designation information).

  A field timing indicates the timing at which a command is given to the program execution unit 10 or the output control unit 40. The field timing is used for comparison with the clock 23 in the synchronization control unit 22.

  A field target indicates a target to which a command is given. In the field target, either the program execution unit 10 or the output control unit 40 is specified.

  A field action_id indicates a command content. Details of the field action_id will be described later.

  As described above, by providing the field target indicating the target to be commanded in the synchronization timing information, it is possible to deal with a case where commands are given to a plurality of processing blocks. Also, by providing a field action_id indicating the command content, it is possible to switch out a plurality of commands for the same processing block.

<Data allocation and file structure>
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the data arrangement on the optical disc 2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the optical disc 2 includes a management information area 61 and a video data area (content data storage area) 62. The management information area 61 includes a program storage area (synchronous program storage area) 61A in which programs are stored, and a synchronization timing information storage area 61B in which synchronization timing information is stored. The video data area 62 stores video data. Individual synchronization timing information, programs, and video data are managed as files.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the synchronization timing information is separated from the video data. Also, synchronization timing information is recorded in the vicinity of the program. The synchronization timing information is stored in the same file as the program.

  As described above, by separately managing the video data and the synchronization timing information, it becomes easy to share one video data among a plurality of programs. Further, by managing the synchronization timing information and the program as separate files, it is not necessary to rewrite the program even when the video data is edited after the program is created.

  The video data, program, and synchronization timing information can be supplied to the video disc player 1 in various forms. For example, the video disc player 1 may read from the optical disc 2 on which all of the video data, the program, and the synchronization timing information are recorded. Further, any one of the video data, the program, and the synchronization timing information may be acquired via a network by a communication unit (communication means) (not shown) and reproduced in combination with other data read from the optical disc 2. Furthermore, a part or all of the program recorded on the optical disc 2 (the same applies to video data and synchronization timing information) may be replaced with the program acquired via the network and reproduced.

  For example, in FIG. 1, it can be considered that the acquisition destination of the program and the synchronization timing information is changed via a network. By adopting such a configuration, the creator of the optical disc 2 can add value to the video data provided by the user on the optical disc 2 later through the network. Since the program and the synchronization timing information have a much smaller data amount than the video data, this method is advantageous in terms of communication costs such as time and fee when adding value later.

<Reproduction processing>
Next, playback processing by the video disc player 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of playback processing by the video disc player 1.

  First, after the power is turned on, the video disc player 1 reads file system information (not shown) from the optical disc 2 and initializes each processing unit. Further, the disk reading unit 50 acquires the position of the automatic start program on the optical disk 2 based on the read file system information (S11). The automatic startup program can be identified by the file name.

  The automatic startup program is a program that is first started from the optical disc 2 when the optical disc 2 is loaded in the video disc player 1 or when the video disc player 1 is turned on. The contents of the automatic start program can be freely determined by the creator of the optical disc 2, but usually a menu display program for selecting a plurality of contents in the optical disc 2 is used. If it is determined in advance that a specific name is given to the file name of the file storing the automatic start program, the disk reading unit 50 can acquire the position of the automatic start program based on the file name.

  Next, the disk reading unit 50 reads the program based on the position information of the program and sends it to the program execution unit 10 (S12). The program execution unit 10 executes the received program (S13). At this time, the disk reading unit 50 acquires the position of the next program to be executed on the optical disk 2 (S14).

  Next, step S13, which is a step in which the program execution unit 10 executes the program, will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the program execution unit 10 registers an interrupt handler for handling an interrupt from the video playback unit 20 (S21). The interrupt handler will be described later. Next, the program execution unit 10 designates a video data file to be played back and instructs the video playback unit 20 to start playback (S22). Finally, processing that does not require synchronization with video playback is executed (S23).

  Here, the registration of the interrupt handler is realized in Java (registered trademark) by registering EventLisner to an object corresponding to an event related to video reproduction.

<Example of program execution>
Next, a specific example of program execution in the video disc player 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a program that displays a still image from time T2 to T4 during video data reproduction and displays an animation from time T4 to T5 is taken as an example.

  The setting of the interrupt handler in this specific example will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, after starting the interrupt handler, the CPU 12 refers to the register in the interrupt control unit 14 to acquire the value of the field action_id set by the video playback unit 20 (S31) and determines (S32).

  If the field action_id is “A1” in step S32, the CPU 12 calls a process for generating a still image and writing it in the display memory buffer 42A (S33). When the field action_id is “A2”, the CPU 12 starts generating the animation and calls a process of writing the generated bitmap data into the memory buffer 42B (S34). When the field action_id is “A3”, the CPU 12 calls a process for ending the generation of the animation (S35).

  FIG. 10 shows the synchronization timing information used in this specific example. Note that “A1”, “A2”, and “A3” in the column of the field action_id correspond to the processing in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a timing chart in this specific example. The horizontal axis represents the time axis of video data playback.

  First, in the still image display process started at time T1, writing to the display buffer memory 42A is completed at time t1, and display preparation is completed. Next, at time T2, the image to be sent to the combining unit 30 is switched to that of the display buffer memory 42A (# 1), and a still image is displayed.

  The point here is that T2−T1 is made longer than the time d1 (= t1−T1) required for writing the still image into the display buffer memory 42A. As a result, a still image can be displayed at the designated time T2.

  Similarly, in the animation display start process started at time T3, writing of the first bitmap data of the animation to the display buffer memory 42B is completed at time t2. Next, at time T4, the image to be sent to the combining unit 30 is switched to that of the display buffer memory 42B (# 2), and the animation is displayed.

  The point here is to make T4-T3 longer than the time d2 (= t2-T3) required to write the first bitmap data of the animation to the display buffer memory 42B. As a result, the video can be switched from the still image to the animation at the designated time T4.

  Next, the timing for reading various data from the optical disc 2 in the present embodiment will be described. Since video data has a large amount of data, it is not practical to read from the optical disc 2 collectively before decoding in terms of memory amount and read time. Therefore, video data is decoded and read out in parallel.

  On the other hand, the program and the synchronization timing information have a small amount of data, and there is no problem in terms of the amount of memory and the reading time even if they are collectively read to the memory 21 or the memory 11. Accordingly, in order to avoid interruption of video playback, increase in power consumption, and generation of noise due to movement of the pickup (not shown) of the disk reading unit 50 during reading of video data, the program and synchronization timing information are read from the video data. Read together before. In the present embodiment, since the program and the synchronization timing information are arranged in the vicinity of the optical disc 2, the moving distance of the pickup at the time of reading is small, the waiting time until the start of reproduction is reduced, and video reproduction is performed. Can be prevented, power consumption can be suppressed, and noise can be suppressed.

  Next, the configuration of the program in this specific example will be described. In this specific example, it is composed of a video reproduction process which is a main process, and two types of sub-processes, a still image display process and an animation display process. These may be combined into one program, or one main program and two subprograms.

  If the program is composed of a plurality of programs, each program may be a separate file. In this case, in order to reduce the burden on the disk reading unit 50, it is desirable to combine them into one file. As an example, in the Java (registered trademark) language, a file format called a JAR (Java ARchive) file is defined for its use.

  As described above, the video disc player 1 of the present embodiment includes the program execution unit 10, the video reproduction unit 20, the output (bitmap data) of the program execution unit 10 and the output of the video reproduction unit 20 (uncompressed video data). Are combined, and the output of the program execution unit 10 is controlled based on the clock of the video playback unit 20 according to the synchronization timing information. As a result, it is possible to realize the output generated by the video playback unit 20, that is, the output start / end at the designated timing of the video data, without imposing a burden on the processing of the program execution unit 10 and with accuracy in units of frames. Therefore, when computer program execution and video playback are performed simultaneously, it is possible to start and end display of graphics and animation generated by the program from a specific video frame on the video playback time axis.

  Further, in the video disc player 1, the synchronization timing information is separated from the information (video data) for generating the output from the video playback unit 20. Thereby, multiple versions of synchronization timing information can be applied to the information for generating the output from the video playback unit 20.

  Further, in the video disc player 1, the synchronization timing information includes the time on the time axis of the video playback unit 20, and includes at least one of a control target and control content. Thereby, it is possible to cope with a case where a command is given to a plurality of processing blocks, and a plurality of commands can be switched for the same processing block.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted. The terms defined in Embodiment 1 are used in accordance with the definitions in this embodiment unless otherwise specified.

  The present embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment in consideration of starting reproduction from an arbitrary position of video data. Therefore, since there are many parts in common with the first embodiment, only parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

<System configuration>
Since it is the same as Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Program execution part>
Since it is the same as Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Output control unit>
Since it is the same as Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Video playback section>
This embodiment is almost the same as in the first embodiment, except that this embodiment ignores the entry sync_info () in which the value of the field merged_flag (described later) in the synchronization timing information is set to “1” during video playback. .

  In addition, when the reproduction is started from the middle of the content data, the synchronization control unit 22 sets the timing designation information before the timing according to the synchronization timing information including the field timing (timing designation information) indicating the time before the reproduction start time. The synchronization control signal is transmitted to the program execution unit 10 in order from the above.

  Further, when the reproduction is started from the middle of the content data, the synchronization control unit 22 starts the reproduction out of the synchronization timing information including dependency information (a field independent_flag described later) indicating that the content data does not depend on other synchronization timing information. In accordance with the synchronization timing information including the timing specification information indicating the past time closest to the time and the synchronization timing information including the timing specification information indicating the time later than the synchronization timing information, the timing specification information is sequentially from the previous one. A synchronization control signal is transmitted to the program execution unit 10. For this purpose, the synchronization timing information includes dependency information indicating a dependency relationship with other synchronization timing information in addition to the field timing.

  Further, when the reproduction is started from the middle of the content data, the synchronization control unit 22 is an integrated synchronization execution program identification information indicating that the result is the same as the result of executing the plurality of synchronization execution programs. Among the synchronization timing information including (field merged_flag), synchronization timing information including timing specifying information indicating a past time closest to the time to start reproduction, and timing specifying information indicating a time later than the synchronization timing information The synchronization control signal is transmitted to the program execution unit 10 in order from the previous timing designation information according to the synchronization timing information included. For this reason, the disk reading unit 50 acquires an integrated synchronization execution program that can obtain the same result as the result of executing a plurality of synchronization execution programs. This integrated synchronization execution program is preferably recorded on the same optical disc 2 as the corresponding synchronization execution program. The synchronization timing information, together with the timing designation information, indicates a field action_id (action designation information) indicating a synchronization execution program to be executed, and whether or not the synchronization execution program indicated by the field action_id is an integrated synchronization execution program. Includes integrated synchronous execution program identification information (field merged_flag).

<Synchronization timing information>
Here, the data structure of the synchronization timing information in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams showing the data structure of the synchronization timing information.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the synchronization timing information is composed of number_of_sync_info indicating the number of entries and zero or more sync_info () as entries. As shown in FIG. 12B, the entry sync_info () is composed of five fields: timing, target, action_id, independent_flag, and merged_flag. Among these, the field timing (timing designation information), the field target, and the field action_id (action designation information) are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Each sync_info () during the synchronization timing is preferably arranged in the order of the field timing value.

  The field independent_flag is a flag indicating whether or not the process of sync_info () including this flag and the process result depend on the result of the process corresponding to the field action_id of all the previous sync_info (). “0” is set in the case, and “1” is set in the case of no dependency.

  Here, FIGS. 13A to 13D are explanatory diagrams illustrating setting examples of the field independent_flag.

  For example, the process corresponding to action_id of sync_info (1) which is the first sync_info () draws graphics A, and the process corresponding to action_id of sync_info (2) which is the second sync_info () is graphics B. Is additionally rendered (FIG. 13A), the result of the process corresponding to action_id of sync_info (2) depends on the result of the process corresponding to action_id of sync_info (1). 0 ″ is set (FIG. 13B).

  On the other hand, when the process corresponding to action_id of sync_info (2) once erases graphics A and newly draws graphics B (FIG. 13C), the processing result corresponding to action_id of sync_info (2) is Since it does not depend on the processing result corresponding to action_id of sync_info (1), “1” is set to independent_flag of sync_info (2) (FIG. 13 (d)). Hereinafter, the i-th sync_info () is expressed as sync_info (i).

  Next, the field merged_flag is a flag indicating whether or not the processing result of sync_info () including this flag reflects all the processing results of all sync_info () up to immediately before. If it is, “1” is set. Otherwise, “0” is set.

  Here, FIGS. 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a setting example of the field merged_flag.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, it is assumed that the process corresponding to action_id of sync_info (1) draws graphics A, and the process corresponding to action_id of sync_info (2) additionally draws graphics B. . At this time, the processing result corresponding to action_id of sync_info (3) is equal to the processing result corresponding to each action_id of sync_info (1) and sync_info (2), that is, graphics A and graphics B are drawn simultaneously. In this case, “1” is set in merged_flag (FIG. 14B). Here, the process corresponding to action_id of sync_info (3) is called an integrated synchronization execution program.

  The field dependent_flag and the field merged_flag are used to reduce the graphics superimposed display process when the reproduction is started from the middle of the video data, as will be described later.

<Data allocation and file structure>
Since it is the same as Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Reproduction processing>
The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is in the program execution process. Therefore, the description will be focused on the program execution process with reference to FIG. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the reproduction starts from time T on the reproduction time axis of the video data. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a program execution process by the program execution unit 10 of the video disc player 1 (FIG. 1).

  First, the program execution unit 10 registers an interrupt handler for handling an interrupt from the video playback unit 20 (S41). Next, the program execution unit 10 issues an interrupt reproduction command to the video reproduction unit 20 and waits until interruption reproduction is completed (S42), designates a video data file to be reproduced, and instructs to start reproduction (S42). S43). Finally, the program execution unit 10 executes a process that does not require synchronization with video playback (S44).

  Next, the interrupt reproduction process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing interrupt reproduction processing by the video playback unit 20.

  First, the video playback unit 20 searches the synchronization timing information for an entry p having the maximum timing value at or below the playback start time T (S51). Next, while the entry number i is decremented by one, the value of independent_flag is “1” (depends on the result of processing corresponding to the field action_id of all the previous sync_info ()) or the value of merged_flag is “1”. An entry (which reflects all the processing results of all sync_info () up to immediately before) is searched (S52 to S56). If there is an entry satisfying the condition as a result of the search, an interrupt is sequentially activated from the entry to the entry number p (S57 to S59). Even when there is no entry satisfying the condition, interrupts from entry number 1 to entry number p are sequentially activated (S57 to S59).

<Specific example>
Next, a specific example of program execution in the video disc player 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the synchronization timing information.

  First, when the video data playback start time T <T1, there is no need to reproduce the interrupt in step S42, and the video playback unit at the timing when the field timing matches the value of the clock 23 in order from entry number 1 to 5 according to video playback. 20 generates an interrupt to the program execution unit 10. However, since the value of merged_flag is “1” for the entry of entry number 3, no interrupt is generated.

  Next, when the reproduction start time T of the video data is T1 ≦ T <T2: the field independent_flag of sync_info (1) that is an entry whose field timing value is T1 or less is “1”, the field independent_flag of sync_info (2), and Since the field merged_flag is “0”, interrupts corresponding to sync_info (1) and sync_info (2) are generated in order in the interrupt reproduction process.

  Next, when the reproduction start time T of the video data is T2 ≦ T <T3: Since the value of merge_flag of sync_info (3) is 1, an interrupt corresponding to sync_info (3) is generated in the interrupt reproduction process. Since sync_info (3) does not need to perform the movement process in sync_info (2), the processing amount is smaller than that in which sync_info (1) and sync_info (2) are executed in sequence. That is, when the reproduction is started from time T, the time until the reproduction can actually be started is shortened.

  Next, when the reproduction start time T of the video data is T3 ≦ T <T4: Since the independent_flag value of sync_info (4) is 1, it corresponds to sync_info (1) and sync_info (2) in the interrupt reproduction process. There is no need to generate an interrupt and only an interrupt corresponding to sync_info (4) needs to be generated.

  Next, when the video data reproduction start time T is T4 ≦ T: In the interrupt reproduction process, an interrupt corresponding to sync_info (4) and sync_info (5) may be generated.

  As described above, by providing synchronization timing information, when generating graphics corresponding to an arbitrary time of video data, it is not necessary to reproduce the change of the video clock up to that time, and until the start of reproduction. Is shortened. Also, by providing independent_flag, the time required for displaying graphics can be further reduced. Also, by preparing a process that integrates the results of individual processes, the time required for displaying graphics can be further reduced.

  As described above, in the playback device of the present invention, the synchronization control unit follows the timing information having the timing specification information indicating the past from the specific time before starting the playback from the specific time of the content data, in ascending order of the timing specification information. The initial control signal may be transmitted.

  As a result, when the content data is reproduced from an arbitrary time, it is not necessary to reproduce the change in the video clock up to that time, and the time until the start of reproduction can be shortened.

  In the playback apparatus of the present invention, the timing information includes a plurality of timing information sets, the timing information includes dependency information indicating a dependency relationship with other timing information in the timing information set, and the synchronization control means includes the content Before starting the playback from the specific time of the data, check the dependency information, do not depend on other timing information, point to the past from the specific time, point to the future, and follow the timing information with the timing specification information. The synchronization control signal may be transmitted in ascending order.

  As a result, it is not necessary to execute unnecessary processing, and it is possible to shorten the time until graphics are displayed and playback is started.

  Further, the playback device according to the present invention includes a plurality of synchronous execution programs and constitutes a synchronous execution program set, and the synchronous execution program set is the same result as a plurality of other synchronous execution program processing results in the synchronous execution program set Including the synchronous execution program (integrated synchronous execution program) obtained, including the integrated synchronous execution program identification information for identifying whether or not the synchronous execution program specified by the action specifying information is the integrated synchronous execution program, and the synchronization control means is content data Before starting playback from the specified time, check the integrated synchronization execution program identification information, refer to the integrated synchronization execution program, and specify the timing according to the timing information that has the timing specification information that points to the past from the specified time and points to the future. Send synchronization control signals in ascending order of information It may have been made.

  As a result, it is not necessary to execute unnecessary processing, and it is possible to shorten the time until graphics are displayed and playback is started.

[Embodiment 3]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted. Further, the terms defined in the first and second embodiments are used in accordance with the definitions in the present embodiment unless otherwise specified.

  The present embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment in consideration of so-called special reproduction such as high-speed reproduction. Therefore, since there are many parts in common with the first embodiment, only parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

<System configuration>
Since it is the same as Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Program execution part>
Since it is the same as Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Output control unit>
Since it is the same as Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Video playback section>
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the synchronization control unit 22 monitors the state of the decoder 24, as well as the state of the decoder 24 and execution condition information (described later). The difference is that the synchronization control signal is transmitted based on the field condition ()). For this purpose, the synchronization timing information includes execution condition information indicating the state of the decoder 24 when the synchronization execution program is to be executed.

  That is, the synchronization control unit 22 constantly monitors the playback state of the decoder 24 (for example, during normal playback, high-speed playback, reverse playback, and slow playback), and each of the synchronization timing information according to the playback state. Switches whether to generate an interrupt for the entry. Specifically, looking at fields normal, FF, FR, SF, SR, which will be described later of each entry, for example, if the field normal is “1”, an interrupt is generated during normal playback, and the field FF is “1”. If so, an interrupt is generated during high-speed playback.

<Synchronization timing information>
Here, the data structure of the synchronization timing information of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams showing the data structure of synchronization timing information.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, the entry sync_info () is composed of four fields: timing, target, action_id, and condition (). Among these, the field timing, the field target, and the field action_id are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. Each sync_info () during the synchronization timing is preferably arranged in the order of the field timing value.

  As shown in FIG. 18B, the field condition () (execution condition information) includes subfields normal, FF, FR, SF, and SR. The subfield normal indicates whether or not an interrupt related to sync_info () including the subfield is generated during normal playback. Specifically, an interrupt is generated when “1”, and no interrupt is generated when “2”. Similarly, subfields FF and FR indicate the presence or absence of an interrupt in the case of forward high-speed playback and reverse high-speed playback, respectively. Subfields SF and SR indicate whether or not there is an interruption in forward slow playback and reverse slow playback, respectively.

  In this way, by making it possible to select the interrupt process according to the playback state, it becomes possible to perform processing according to the playback state. For example, by displaying special graphics only in the case of fast-forwarding, the user can enjoy the content repeatedly, and the added value of the content can be improved.

  As described above, in the playback apparatus of the present invention, the timing information includes execution condition information indicating the state of the decoding unit on which the synchronization execution program is to be executed, the synchronization control unit monitors the state of the decoding unit, The synchronization control signal may be transmitted according to the state and the execution condition information.

  Thereby, the interrupt process can be selected according to the reproduction state, and the process according to the reproduction state can be performed. For example, by displaying special graphics only in the case of fast-forwarding, the user can enjoy the content repeatedly, and the added value of the content can be improved.

[Embodiment 4]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the first, second, and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Further, the terms defined in the first, second, and third embodiments are used in accordance with the definitions in the present embodiment unless otherwise specified.

<System configuration>
FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the video disc player 1 ′ according to the present embodiment.

  The video disc player 1 ′ (playback device) is a device that plays back AV data recorded on the optical disc 2. As shown in FIG. 19, the video disc player 1 ′ includes a user input unit 3, a video playback unit 20, a synthesis unit 30, a disc reading unit 50, a program execution unit 70, and an overall control unit (overall control means, presentation means) 80. , A switching unit (switching means) 90 is provided.

  The disc reading unit 50 reads video data (content data), a program (synchronization execution program), synchronization timing information, and program management information from the optical disc 2 (content recording medium). Then, the disk reading unit 50 sends the program to the program execution unit 70, the video data and synchronization timing information described later to the video playback unit 20, and the program management information to the overall control unit 80, respectively.

  The user input unit 3 is used by the user to operate the video disc player 1 ', and corresponds to a button on the front panel of the remote controller or device. From the user input unit 3, operation information (user input operation information, reproduction control information) is generated according to an operation by the user, and is sent to the overall control unit 80. User operations include reproduction control operations (reproduction start, pause, etc.), menu operations (menu call and return from menu to content), and GUI operations (cursor up / down / left / right movement, determination, etc.).

  The overall control unit 80 is responsible for overall control of the video disc player 1 '. Specifically, the program execution unit 70 and the switching unit 90 are controlled based on the program management information read by the disk reading unit 50. Also, the user input input from the user input unit 3 is transferred to the program execution unit 70 and the switching unit 90 based on the program management information.

  The program execution unit 70 executes a program. Specifically, the program execution unit 70 controls the video playback unit 20 via the disk reading unit 50 and the switching unit 90 by executing the program, and controls the program to the synthesis unit 30. Send bitmap data generated by execution. In the present embodiment, the program executed by the program execution unit 70 is not limited to the one that generates output data.

  The switching unit 90 switches the transmission source of reproduction control information to be sent to the video reproduction unit 20. Specifically, the switching unit 90 switches between playback control information sent from the overall control unit 80 and playback control information sent from the program execution unit 70 based on control (playback control switching information) from the overall control unit 80. To the video playback unit 20.

  The video playback unit 20 decodes the video data sent from the disk reading unit 50 and sends uncompressed video data to the synthesis unit 30. Further, the program execution unit 70 is controlled based on the synchronization timing information sent from the disk reading unit 50.

  The synthesizer 30 synthesizes the bitmap data sent from the program execution unit 70 and the uncompressed video data sent from the video playback unit 20 and outputs a synthesized video.

  In this embodiment, the reason why the output control unit 40 in the above embodiment is not included is to simplify the description, and the output control unit 40 is added to the video disc player 1 ′ of the present embodiment. It is easy to incorporate.

<Program execution part>
FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the program execution unit 70.

  As described above, the program execution unit 70 executes the program according to the synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control unit 22. The program execution unit 70 executes the program specified by the field action_id included in the synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control unit 22. In particular, in the present embodiment, the program execution unit 70 executes a program that generates image data to be superimposed on a video image.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the program execution unit 70 includes a memory 11, a CPU 12, a video playback control unit 13, an interrupt control unit 14, a user input control unit 15, an interface 16, and a disk read control unit 17.

  The memory 11 temporarily stores the program input from the disk reading unit 50. The CPU 12 reads a program stored in the memory 11 and executes the program. The CPU 12 sends a command to the video playback control unit 13 or sends bitmap data to the synthesis unit 30 according to the contents of the program.

  The video playback control unit 13 sends a control signal to the video playback unit 20 based on the executed program. Specifically, the control signal has a purpose of reproduction control such as reproduction start / pause and status acquisition such as acquisition of the current reproduction time. The interrupt control unit 14 receives an interrupt from outside the program execution unit 70 and sends it to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 activates an interrupt handler according to the interrupt received from the interrupt control unit 14. Various information given by the interrupt source is stored in a register (not shown) in the interrupt control unit 14.

  The user input control unit 15 receives the user input information transferred from the overall control unit 80 as an interrupt, and sends it to the CPU 12. The CPU 12 activates an interrupt handler in response to the interrupt received from the user input control unit 15. Various kinds of information given at the time of interruption are stored in a register (not shown) in the user input control unit 15.

  The interface 16 is an interface between the overall control unit 80 and the program execution unit 70. The overall control unit 80 instructs the program execution unit 70 through the interface 16 to read and execute the program. On the other hand, when the execution of the program is completed, the program execution unit 70 notifies the overall execution unit 80 of the completion.

  The disk read control unit 17 controls the disk read unit 50 based on a command from the CPU 12.

<Overall control unit>
FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the overall control unit 80.

  The overall control unit 80 performs overall control of the video disc player 1 ′ based on the program management information read by the disc reading unit 50 as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the overall control unit 80 includes a memory 81, a user input control unit 82, a CPU 83, a disk read control unit 84, a switching control unit 85, a video playback control unit 86, and a program execution control unit 87. .

  The memory 81 temporarily stores program management information input from the disk reading unit 50. The CPU 83 reads the program management information stored in the memory 81, and based on the information, the user input control unit 82, the disk read control unit 84, the switching control unit 85, the video playback control unit 86, and the program execution control unit 87. Send a command.

  The user input control unit 82 transfers the user input sent from the user input unit 3 to the program execution unit 70 and simultaneously sends it to the CPU 83. The CPU 83 interprets user input based on the program management information and controls the program execution control unit 87 and the video reproduction control unit 86.

  The disk read control unit 84 controls the disk read unit 50 in accordance with a command from the CPU 83.

  The switching control unit 85 controls the switching unit 90 in accordance with a command from the CPU 83.

  The video playback control unit 86 sends a control signal to the video playback unit 20 in accordance with a command from the CPU 86. The control signal includes designation of video data to be reproduced, start of reading, start of decoding, end of decoding, movement to previous and next chapters, start of high-speed reproduction, and the like.

  The program execution control unit 87 sends control information to the program execution unit 70 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 83.

<Video playback section>
Although substantially the same as in the first embodiment, the present embodiment does not include the output control unit 40, and therefore does not control the output-side buffer switching unit 43 output from the synchronization control unit 22 in FIG. Are different.

<Program management information>
Here, the data structure of the program management information recorded on the optical disc 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The program management information is a collection of various pieces of information necessary for the overall control unit 80 to control the execution of the program, and one piece of program management information is prepared for each program.

  All program management information in the optical disc 2 is stored in the program management table shown in FIG. number_of_pmi indicates the number of program management information stored in the program management table. The first entry in the program management table means a program that is automatically executed when the optical disc 2 is inserted.

  FIG. 22B is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of program management information. As shown in FIG. 22B, the program management information includes program_file_name, playback_control_mode, is_video_specified, video_file_name, start_mode, resume_flag, and menu_flag.

  A field program_file_name (program designation information) is a field for designating a file name of a file storing a program.

  The field playback_control_mode is a flag indicating whether or not the playback control operation of the user input is sent from the overall control unit 80 to the video playback unit 20, and is “0” when not sent and “1” when sent. Set. As will be described later, this flag allows the content creator to select whether to place importance on the response to the playback control operation by the user or to give priority to the degree of freedom of the program.

  The field is_video_specified is a flag indicating whether or not video data to be played back simultaneously with the program is specified, and is set to “0” when not specified and “1” when specified. When the value of this flag is “1”, the field video_file_name and the field start_mode follow.

  A field video_file_name (content data designation information) is a field for designating a file name of a video data file to be reproduced simultaneously with the program. As described above, this field exists only when the field is_video_specified is “1”. As will be described later, by referring to this field, it becomes possible to start reading video data and synchronization timing information from the optical disc 2 before executing the program, and it is possible to shorten the time until the start of reproduction of the video data.

  The field start_mode (reproduction start instruction necessity information) is a flag indicating whether to start display of the video data specified by the field video_file_name by an instruction in the program specified by the field program_file_name or regardless of the program. In this case, “0” is designated, and in the latter case, “1” is designated. As described above, this field exists only when the field is_video_specified is “1”. As will be described later, by referring to this field, it is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary to wait for synchronization with a program when starting playback of video data. If there is no need to wait, the time until the start of video playback can be determined. Further shortening is possible.

  The field menu_flag is a flag indicating whether or not the program specified by the program management information including this field is “menu content”. Menu content is content that is executed when a user performs a menu call operation. In the case of menu contents, “1” is designated, and in other cases, “0” is designated.

  The field resume_flag (resume availability information) is a flag indicating whether or not the program specified by the program management information including this field is a target of resume. “Resume” is a function of resuming playback of a content that has been paused when the user has read out the menu at the time of content playback from the paused location when the user returns from the menu. “1” is designated for the contents to be resumed, and “0” is designated otherwise. The reason why such a flag is necessary will be described below. Content is divided into what is executed in synchronization with video playback and what is not (eg, video is played back as part of a game program). The former can be resumed easily, but it is difficult to resume the latter. In other words, this flag is present so that the overall control unit 80 can easily distinguish between the two so that the content that cannot be resumed is not resumed or the user is informed that the content cannot be resumed. .

<Data allocation and file structure>
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing data arrangement on the optical disc 2.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the optical disc 2 includes a management information area 61 and a video data area (content data storage area) 62. The management information area 61 includes a program management information storage area 61C in which a program management table is stored, a program storage area (synchronous program storage area) 61A in which programs are stored, and a synchronization timing information storage area in which synchronization timing information is stored. 61B. The video data area 62 stores video data. Each program management table, synchronization timing information, program, and video data are managed as files.

  As will be described later, since all the program management information is read first when the optical disc 2 is inserted, the program management information is read out in the program management information storage area 61C in the form of a program management table. It is possible to shorten the seek time required for the operation.

<Reproduction processing>
Next, the reproduction process by the video disc player 1 ′ will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of the reproduction process by the overall control unit 80.

  First, after the power is turned on, file system information (not shown) and the like are read from the optical disc 2 and each processing unit is initialized (S61).

  Next, the program management table is read from the program management information storage area 61C on the optical disc 2 and stored in the memory 81 (S62), and the first program management information in the program management table stored in the memory 81 is set to “Current”. Select as “Program Management Information”.

  Next, the switching unit 90 is set (S63). Specifically, if the field playback_control_mode in the current program management information is “1”, the switching unit 90 is set to transfer the playback control information from the overall control unit 80 to the video playback unit 20, and “0”. Then, it is set so that only the playback control information from the program execution unit 70 is transferred to the video playback unit 20.

  Next, the field is_video_specified in the current program management information is checked (S64). If “1”, the video playback controller 13 reads and decodes the video file specified by the field video_file_name through the video playback controller 13. Is issued (S65). Furthermore, the behavior when the display preparation is completed is also set. Specifically, when the field start_mode is “0”, the display is not performed until an instruction from the program is received, and when the field is “1”, the display is displayed regardless of the instruction from the program when the preparation is completed. Set to start.

  Next, an execution command for the program file specified by the field program_file_name is issued to the program execution unit 70 through the program execution control unit 87 (S66).

  Next, the process waits for the execution of the program to end (S67). When program execution completion is notified from the program execution unit 70, the menu content is set in the current program management information, and the process jumps to step S63. The search here can be realized by searching for program management information whose field menu_flag in the program management table in the memory 81 is “1”.

<Menu call processing and resume processing>
Next, menu call processing and resume processing by the video disc player 1 ′ will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG.

  First, the menu call process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the user performs a menu call operation during content reproduction, first, a menu call command is sent from the user input unit 3 to the overall control unit 80. The overall control unit 80 checks the field resume_flag of the program management information corresponding to the content being played back (S71), and if the value is “0”, informs the user that a resume is not possible (S76), and video A reproduction stop command is issued to the reproduction unit 20 (S77).

  On the other hand, if the value of the field resume_flag is “1” in step S71, a stop command is issued to the video playback unit 20 (S72). Also, an instruction to save the current value of the clock 23 (FIG. 4) of the video playback unit 20 in a register (resume register, not shown) is issued (S73). Further, the current program management information is set to “resume target program management information” (S74).

  Next, the overall control unit 80 issues a stop command to the program execution unit 70 (S75).

  Thereafter, the overall control unit 80 sets the menu content in the current program management information, and executes the menu content by the same processing as steps S63 to S66 in FIG.

  Next, the resume process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the user performs a return (resume) operation while executing the menu content, the overall control unit 80 sets the program management information set in the resume target program management information in the current program management information (S81). Next, the program execution unit 70 is designated to execute the program by designating the field program_file_name in the current program management information (S82). Next, the video playback unit 20 is instructed to set the value stored in the resume register to T and execute the interrupt reproduction process described in FIG. 16 in the second embodiment (S83). Further, the video playback unit 20 is instructed to start playback from the value of the resume register (S84). Thereby, the resume process can be realized.

  On the other hand, when the user does not perform a return operation and selects another content from the menu displayed in the menu content, the overall control unit 80 issues an instruction to the video playback unit 20 to discard the value of the resume register. Release the setting of resume target program management information.

  The above processing can be performed by combining the apparatus configuration and the data configuration for reproducing the video data described in the second embodiment from an arbitrary position.

<Specific examples of program management information and processing>
A specific example of program management information and processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

(Example 1) Content centered on video When a content is selected, a video is played back, the user can control the playback, and a setting example of program management information of content having a configuration in which a program synchronized with the video playback is executed is described below. Shown in

playback_control_mode = 1
is_video_specified = 1
start_mode = 0
This setting will be described below. Since the user can control the playback, “1” is set in the playback_control_mode in order to increase the response to the playback control operation, and “1” is set in the is_video_specified because the video data to be played back is known in advance. Since there is a program that synchronizes with video playback and it is necessary to start video playback after program execution has started, “0” is set in start_mode.

  Next, a specific example of processing at this time will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the overall control unit 80 performs initialization from time T11 to time T12, and then instructs the video playback unit 20 to start video playback and the program execution unit 70 to start program execution. From time T12, the video playback unit 20 starts reading and decoding video data, and preparation for video display becomes possible at time T13.

  On the other hand, the program execution unit 70 reads the program in parallel with it, prepares to execute the program, and starts executing the program. The program execution unit 70 issues a video playback start command to the video playback unit 20 at time T14 when the program execution reaches the video playback start location.

  When the video playback reaches the end of the video data, the video playback unit 20 causes the program execution unit 70 to generate a video playback end interrupt. In response to this, the interrupt handler in the program performs program termination processing and notifies the overall control unit 80 of the completion of program execution.

As described above, by adopting the configuration in the present embodiment, the video playback unit 20 can prepare for video data playback in parallel with the program execution preparation in the program execution unit 70, and the time until the video playback starts can be compared with the conventional case. It can be shortened .

  If the program synchronization timing is not near the beginning of video playback, there is no need to wait for program execution preparation for video playback, so setting start_mode to “1” eliminates the waiting time between times T13 and T14. It is also possible to further accelerate the start of video playback.

  The user playback control operation “play from next chapter” at time T15 is also sent directly from the overall control unit 80 to the video playback unit 20 without passing through the program execution unit 60. Therefore, overhead due to program execution is small and response to user operations is improved.

(Example 2) Content centered on a program An example of setting program management information for a content that is mainly a program like a game and whose video playback is only part of the content is shown below.

playback_control_mode = 0
is_video_specified = 0
This setting will be described below. Since the program wants to freely control the video playback, the playback_control_mode is set to “0”, and the video data to be played changes depending on the state of the program, so it is not known in advance which video data is to be played back. Is set.

The video playback control unit 86 sends a control signal to the video playback unit 20 in accordance with a command from the CPU 83 . The control signal includes designation of video data to be reproduced, start of reading, start of decoding, end of decoding, movement to previous and next chapters, start of high-speed reproduction, and the like.

<Variation>
In the present embodiment, only one video_file_name in the program management information has a data structure that can be specified, but a plurality of video_file_names may be specified. At this time, if the designated order represents the playback order, the video playback unit 20 can start reading, decoding, and playback of the next video data simultaneously with the end of playback of the video data. The additional effect of shortening the joint time between video data in the content that continuously reproduces the video data can be obtained.

  Also, in this embodiment, when a menu is called during playback of a content whose resume_flag is “0”, a warning that the resume is not possible is issued. A warning may be issued when

  In this embodiment, the overall control unit 80 issues a playback preparation start command for the video playback unit 20 at the same time as a program start start command for the program execution unit 80, but it is not necessary to be simultaneous. For example, if the immediately preceding content is only a program without video playback, the video playback unit 20 is not used. Therefore, by starting preparation for video playback of the next content during playback of the previous content, it is possible to further reduce the waiting time until video playback starts. At this time, a flag indicating whether or not the program specified by program_file_name in the program management information performs video playback is added so that the overall control unit 80 can easily determine whether or not each program performs video playback. May be.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the file name of the video data file is specified by video_file_name in the program management information, the video playback unit 20 is instructed to start reading and decoding the video data file. The reading unit 50 may be instructed to read a video data file. In this case, since the video data can be read from the optical disc 2 in parallel with the program execution preparation, the start of video reproduction can be accelerated.

  In this embodiment, the overall control unit 80 interprets and transmits various types of information in the program management information, but other function blocks, for example, the program execution unit 70 may perform the information. When the program execution unit 70 interprets, the program management information related to a program a is stored in another program b, and the program execution unit 70 interprets and sends out the program b different from the program management information immediately before the execution of the program a. By doing so, the same function can be realized. That is, the essence of the present invention is that the program management information is stored in a place different from the corresponding program.

  However, if the program management information is arranged outside the program as in this embodiment, the existing program can be rewritten even if the execution order between programs is changed as compared with the case where the program management information is stored in the program as described above.・ An additional effect is obtained that no recompilation is required.

  Further, in the present embodiment, one entire video data section is reproduced from the program, but the present invention can be extended to reproduce only one section of video data. In this case, a field indicating the video data playback start / end time may be added to the program management information. This makes it possible to reproduce various partial sections for one video data.

  In the present embodiment, the switching control unit 85 and the switching unit 90 are provided, but are unnecessary if only video-centric content is handled. Even in this case, it is possible to execute the program in synchronization with the video reproduction, and by eliminating the overhead for the reproduction control operation by the program, the effect of the present invention that the response to the reproduction control operation of the user can be enhanced can be obtained. Needless to say.

  In this embodiment, when the video playback reaches the end of the video data, the video playback unit 20 causes the program execution unit 70 to generate a video playback end interrupt. Alternatively, the end of video playback may be notified directly. In this case, the procedure at the end is that the overall control unit 80 receives the end of the video reproduction and issues a program execution end instruction to the program execution unit 70. In this way, it is possible to avoid the situation that the interrupt handler in the program has a problem and the video playback end interrupt does not end, and the program can be ended reliably. can get.

  Further, whether to notify the program execution unit 70 or the overall control unit 80 of the end of video playback from the video playback unit 20 may be switched depending on whether the content is centered on video or program.

[Embodiment 5]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Further, the terms defined in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments are used in accordance with the definitions in the present embodiment unless otherwise specified.

<System configuration>
FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the video disc player 1 ″ according to the present embodiment.

  The video disc player 1 ″ (playback device) is a device for playing back AV data recorded on the optical disc 2 (content recording medium). As shown in FIG. 28, the video disc player 1 ″ is a user input unit 3. , A video playback unit 20, a synthesis unit 30, a disk reading unit 50, a program execution unit 70, and an overall control unit 80 '.

  The overall control unit 80 ′ controls the overall control of the video disc player 1 ″. Specifically, the overall control unit 80 ′ controls the program execution unit 70 based on the program management information read by the disc reading unit 50. The user input input from the input unit 3 is transferred to the program execution unit 70. Also, based on the information transmitted from the video playback unit 20 using an interrupt, the video data playback of the currently executed program is the right of the video data. It is verified whether it is permitted by the person.

  The program execution unit 70 executes a program. Specifically, the program execution unit 70 controls the disc reading unit 50 and the video playback unit 20 by executing the program, and also generates bitmap data generated by executing the program for the synthesis unit 30. Send. In the present embodiment, the program executed by the program execution unit 70 is not limited to the one that generates output data.

  The video playback unit 20 decodes the video data (content data) sent from the disc reading unit 50 and sends uncompressed video data to the synthesis unit 30. Further, the program execution unit 70 is controlled based on the synchronization timing information sent from the disk reading unit 50. Further, information for verifying whether or not the video data reproduction of the currently executed program is permitted by the right owner of the video data is transmitted to the overall control unit 80 'using the video data interrupt.

  Since the disk reading unit 50, the combining unit 30, and the user input unit 3 are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the reason why the output control unit 40 and the switching unit 90 in the above embodiment are not included is to simplify the description, and output to the video disc player 1 ″ of this embodiment. It is easy to incorporate the control unit 40 and / or the switching unit 90.

<Program execution part>
Since it is the same as that of Embodiment 4, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Overall control unit>
FIG. 29 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the overall control unit 80 ′.

  As described above, the overall control unit 80 ′ performs overall control of the video disc player 1 ″ based on the program management information read by the disc reading unit 50.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the overall control unit 80 'includes a memory 81, a user input control unit 82, a CPU 83, a disk read control unit 84, a verification unit 88, an interrupt control unit 89, and a program execution control unit 87.

  The memory 81 temporarily stores program management information input from the disk reading unit 50. The CPU 83 reads the program management information stored in the memory 81, and instructs the user input control unit 82, the disk read control unit 84, the verification unit 88, the interrupt control unit 89, and the program execution control unit 87 based on the information. Send.

  The user input control unit 82 transfers the user input sent from the user input unit 3 to the program execution unit 70 and simultaneously sends it to the CPU 83. The CPU 83 interprets user input based on the program management information and controls the program execution control unit 87.

  The disk read control unit 84 controls the disk read unit 50 in accordance with a command from the CPU 83.

  The interrupt control unit 89 handles an interrupt from the video playback unit 20. At the time of interruption, whether or not the video data playback of the currently executing program set in the register (not shown) in the interrupt control unit 89 by the video playback unit 20 is permitted by the right owner of the video data. Get information for verification. Specifically, a video data file name for specifying video data in the optical disc 2 and public key data attached to the video data are acquired.

  Based on the video data file name, the public key data, and the certificate data in the program management information, the verification unit (verification unit) 88 plays back the video data of the currently running program as the right owner of the video data. It is verified whether it is permitted to. The verification method will be described later.

<Video playback section>
Although it is substantially the same as Embodiment 1, the following points differ.

  First, since the output control unit 40 is not provided in the present embodiment, the output side buffer switching unit 43 that is output from the synchronization control unit 22 in FIG. 4 is not controlled.

  At the start of video data playback, public key data attached to the video data is extracted from the video data. The extracted public key data is notified to the overall control unit 80 ′ by interruption together with the file name of the video data to be reproduced.

<Program management information>
Here, the data structure of the program management information recorded on the optical disc 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 (a) and 30 (b).

  The program management information is a collection of various information necessary for the overall control unit 80 'to control the execution of the program, and one program management information is prepared for each program. All program management information in the optical disc 2 is stored in the program management table shown in FIG.

  FIG. 30A is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of program management information. As shown in FIG. 30 (a), the program management information includes program_file_name, number_of_video_info, and video_info ().

  A field program_file_name (program designation information) is a field for designating a file name of a file storing a program.

  The field number_of_video_info is a field for designating the number of fields video_info () described later.

  A field video_info () is a data block for storing information on video data used by the program for the program management information including this field, and is composed of two fields of video_file_name and certificate shown in FIG.

  A field video_file_name (content data designation information) is a field for storing a file name of video data.

  The field certificate (permission information) is a field for storing certificate data indicating that the video file specified by the field video_file_name in the video_info () included in this field is permitted to be played.

  Next, a certificate data creation procedure and a certificate verification procedure will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, a procedure for creating certificate data will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the right owner of the video data creates a public key (verification information) and private key pair using a public key cryptosystem. In this embodiment, RSA is used for the public key cryptosystem, but the present invention is not limited to this. The program creator performs hash processing on the program and submits the hash value to the video data right owner. The video data right owner encrypts the hash value with the secret key, and passes the encrypted result to the program creator as a certificate.

  This certificate is stored in the certificate field of the aforementioned video_info () data block and recorded on the optical disc 2. The public key is multiplexed with the target video data at a predetermined interval and recorded on the optical disc 2.

  Next, the certificate data verification procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the public key is separated from the video data. The certificate corresponding to the video data is extracted from the program management information and decrypted with the public key described above. The decrypted result is compared with the program subjected to hash processing. Due to the characteristics of public key cryptography, it cannot be decrypted correctly if it is not encrypted with the corresponding private key. Therefore, it can be determined that the program is permitted to use the video data if they match, and the program is illegally using video data if they do not match.

  In addition, since the public key is multiplexed at a predetermined interval as described above, there is no movement of the pickup associated with reading the public key, so there is no waiting time for reading the public key before playing the video, Response time can be shortened.

<Data allocation and file structure>
Since it is the same as that of Embodiment 4, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Reproduction processing>
Next, the playback process by the video disc player 1 ″ will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of the reproduction processing by the overall control unit 80 ′.

  First, after the power is turned on, file system information (not shown) and the like are read from the optical disc 2 and each processing unit is initialized (S91).

  Next, the program management table is read from the program management information storage area 61C (FIG. 23) on the optical disc 2 and stored in the memory 81 (S92).

  Next, an execution command for the program file specified by the field program_file_name is issued to the program execution unit 70 through the program execution control unit 87 (S93). At this time, the hash value of the program file specified by program_file_name is calculated and stored in the memory 81 for verification processing described later.

  Next, it waits for the end of program execution (S94). When an interrupt indicating completion of program execution arrives from the program execution unit 70, the menu content is set in the current program management information, and the process jumps to step S93.

<Verification process>
Next, the verification process by the video disc player 1 ″ will be described with reference to FIG. 33. As described above, the verification process is a program currently being executed used by the right owner of the video data to be reproduced. This is a process for checking whether permission has been obtained.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the flow of verification processing by the overall control unit 80 ′. The following process is realized as an interrupt process started by the video playback unit 20.

  The CPU 83 obtains the file name of the reproduction target video data set in the register (not shown) of the interrupt processing unit 89 by the video reproduction unit 20 and the public key separated from the video data (S101).

  Next, the CPU 83 searches the corresponding video_info () entry from the program management information stored in the memory 81 using the video data file name as a key (S102). If a video_info () entry exists (YES in S 102), the certificate included therein is sent to the verification unit 88. At this time, if the corresponding video_info () entry does not exist (NO in S103), the CPU 83 determines that the video reproduction is not permitted and ends the program execution (S106).

  If there is no video_info () entry (NO in S102), the CPU 83 ends the program execution (S106).

  On the other hand, if certificate exists in the video_info () entry (YES in S103), the following processing is executed.

  The CPU 83 extracts the certificate from the video_info () entry corresponding to the video data file name from the memory 81. Next, the hash value of the program being executed and the public key calculated in advance are taken out from the memory 81, sent together with the certificate to the verification unit 88, and the verification unit 88 is instructed to start verification (S104).

  The verification unit 88 performs verification according to the procedure of FIG. That is, a value obtained by decrypting certificate with the public key is compared with the hash value. If they do not match, the CPU 83 is notified of the mismatch. If the mismatch is notified from the verification unit 88, the CPU 83 determines that the video reproduction is not permitted (NO in S105), and ends the program execution (S106). On the other hand, when the match is notified from the verification unit 88, the CPU 83 determines that the video reproduction is permitted (YES in S105), and continues the program execution.

  With the above data structure, device configuration, and processing procedure, it is possible to restrict playback that the right owner of video data does not permit.

<Variation>
In this embodiment, the public key encryption method is used. However, even if only video_file_name is used without using the public key encryption method, the right owner of the video data can easily check the unauthorized use. The reason will be described below.

  If there is no such information, even if the program illegally uses video data, the unauthorized use cannot be known unless the program is executed. In the case of a large-scale program, it takes time to follow the entire processing of the program. In addition, a technique for detecting a portion where illegal reproduction is performed from binary data in a program file is difficult to apply if the program creator has intentionally made it difficult to understand.

  However, by adopting a configuration that only the video data declared to be used in video_file_name can be played, the video data right holder can check the static information video_file_name outside the program without executing the program. It becomes possible for the right owner of the video data to check for illegal use of the video data.

  In this embodiment, verification is started after the video playback unit 20 starts reading the video data. However, reading of video data that is not declared to be used in video_file_name may be prohibited. . In the present embodiment, file access is directly performed from the program execution unit 70 and the video playback unit 20, but a file system unit is provided between the program execution unit 70 and the video playback unit 20 and the disk reading unit 50. The file may be accessed via the file system unit. In this case, video data that is not declared to be used in video_file_name may not be referred to as a file.

  In this case, for video data that is not declared to be used in video_file_name, illegal video data reproduction can be detected before the video data is read, so the time until detection is shortened.

  In this embodiment, the case where the program and the video data have a one-to-one correspondence has been described, but it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a many-to-many relationship. In other words, a plurality of video data reproduction permission may be given to one program, and a reproduction permission for one video data may be given to a plurality of programs.

  In the present embodiment, the entire video data section is reproduced from the program. However, the present invention can be easily extended to reproduce only one section of the video data. In this case, a field indicating the start / end time of video data playback may be added to video_info ().

  In this embodiment, the public key / private key pair is common to all sections of one video data, but it is easy to extend the video data to change for each section of video data.

  For example, consider an optical disc that includes content a and b provided by content providers A and B, and menu content c for introduction of content a and b by another content provider C. At this time, by changing the public key / private key pair of a and b only in the section permitted to be used for the content c, the certificate of the program of the content c encrypted with those secret keys is created and recorded. Only the necessary part for the menu content can be given a reproduction permission section.

  Further, in this embodiment, the verification using the public key and certificate is performed for the reproduction of all video data. However, it is easy to expand to verify only what the right holder of video data thinks necessary. It is.

  For example, when public key data is multiplexed only on video data that needs to be verified and the public key data is not multiplexed, the video playback unit 20 notifies only the video file name to the overall control unit 80 '. Configure as follows. Further, the overall control unit 80 ′ is configured to check the presence / absence of a public key between steps S102 and S103 in FIG. 33, and to end the verification process if there is no public key. This makes it possible to verify only what the right owner of the video data thinks necessary. Therefore, verification using a public key and certificate can be omitted for those that do not require verification, and additional effects such as an improvement in processing speed and a reduction in power consumption can be obtained.

  In this embodiment, the video data itself is not encrypted, but may be encrypted to prevent unauthorized copying. At this time, by separating the encryption key for video data and the encryption key for verifying the reproduction permission, even if one is decrypted illegally, the other is not affected.

  In the present embodiment, the public key for program verification is multiplexed in the video data. However, it may exist outside the video data as long as it can be ensured that other than the content provider cannot create it illegally.

  For example, consider preparing one piece of video data management information for one piece of video data. At this time, the public key (public key a) is stored in the video data management information, another public key (public key b) is multiplexed in the video data, and the video data management information corresponds to the public key b. The hash value of the video data management information encrypted with the secret key is added to the video data management information as verification data. Thereby, it can be verified at the time of reproduction that the video data management information is not illegal, and as a result, it can be assured that the public key a included therein is also legitimate.

  In this embodiment, the program and the video data are stored in the same read-only recording medium. However, the present invention can be applied to a case where the program and the video data are stored in another medium or a rewritable recording medium.

  For example, consider adding a recording medium such as a hard disk and a network connection function to the video disk player 1 ″, and downloading an additional program for the optical disk 2 through the network connection function and storing it on the hard disk. There is a risk that an unauthorized program may be downloaded from the server, and the legitimate program on the hard disk may be tampered with. It is possible to prevent a complicated program from reproducing the video data on the optical disc 2 without permission.

  In the present embodiment, the overall control unit 80 'is provided, but an implementation method that does not include the overall control unit as in the first embodiment is also conceivable. In this case, the program execution unit performs verification.

  In the present embodiment, the hash value of the program is encrypted, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this as long as there is a guarantee that different programs are associated with different values.

[Embodiment 6]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. Since it is similar to the fourth embodiment, only the differences will be described.

<Synchronization timing information>
It has the same data structure as FIG. However, the meaning of each field differs as follows.

  First, a value ALWAYS that does not specify interrupt timing is defined in the field timing. Furthermore, when the value of field timing is ALWAYS, each subfield in field condition () is interpreted as an interrupt generation condition. For example, when the subfield normal is “1”, it means that when the synchronization control unit 22 changes from another playback state to normal playback, an interrupt corresponding to sync_info () including the subfield is generated. .

<Video playback section>
The synchronization control unit 22 checks sync_info () whose field timing value is ALWAYS when the playback state changes, and generates an interrupt according to the value of the field condition ().

  By doing in this way, the process according to the change of a reproduction | regeneration state is attained. For example, by displaying special graphics only at the moment of fast-forwarding, the user can repeatedly enjoy the content and improve the added value of the content.

  In the present embodiment, the process is changed according to the playback state transition destination, but the process may be changed according to the playback state transition source. The processing may be changed according to the combination of the transition source and the transition destination.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, and technical means disclosed in different embodiments are appropriately combined. The obtained embodiment is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, the video data is directly referred to by the program and the program management information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be video data management information including various information related to video data (attribute information, random access information, etc.) or playlist information indicating the playback order of video data.

  In the embodiment described above, the video data, the synchronization timing information, and the program are recorded on the optical disk, but may be recorded on another recording medium such as a hard disk. It may also exist on another recording medium over the network. Moreover, each data may exist in another recording medium.

  In the embodiment described above, the program and the synchronization timing information are managed as separate files, but it is also conceivable to manage them as the same file. In this case, unlike the embodiment described above, the synchronization timing information is sent from the program execution unit to the video playback unit. Thereby, since the number of files to be read is reduced, an additional effect that overhead is reduced is produced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the target of synthesis of the outputs of the program execution unit and the video playback unit is video, but the same mechanism can be applied even when audio is used.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the program execution unit executes a general-purpose program, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the effects of the present invention can be obtained even with a single-function processing unit such as still image slide show playback. The same applies when the program execution unit is a WEB browser and the program is a combination of HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and ECMAScript.

  In the above-described embodiment, processing executed by a program (synchronous execution program) or interrupt handler outputs an image. However, any processing can be performed as long as it is executed in synchronization with a specific time axis. Needless to say. However, those that perform output control of images and sounds generated by the program execution unit using the output control unit are excluded. For example, reading / writing data in a recording medium, accessing a network, or incrementing a variable in a program may be used.

  In the embodiment described above, both the program execution unit and the output control unit are controlled based on the synchronization timing information, but it is not necessary to control both. For example, even if the program execution unit sets the timing of bitmap generation using a unique clock and controls only the output control unit, the effect of enabling control in units of frames can be obtained. On the other hand, even when the output control unit is not provided and only the interrupt to the program is used, the effect of eliminating the overhead of the polling process can be obtained.

  In the embodiment described above, the output control unit only switches the display buffer memory based on the field action_id. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the embodiment described above, the program execution unit and the output control unit are controlled objects, but the synthesis unit may be controlled. In that case, the type of control may be switching the order of display planes.

  FIG. 34 shows another configuration example of the video disc player 1. In the above-described embodiment, the output control unit switches the image generated by the program execution unit. However, the present invention can be applied to any case where the output of an image or sound is controlled according to the synchronization timing information. FIG. 34 shows an example. In this example, the video reproduction unit 20 receives data obtained by multiplexing video data and bitmap data, and outputs uncompressed video data and bitmap data. Therefore, the video playback unit 20 includes two decoders, that is, a decoder that generates uncompressed video data and a decoder (output generation means) that generates bitmap data (second output data). Operate with a common clock. The output control unit 40 controls the output of bitmap data output from the video playback unit 20. Also, the synchronization timing information is transferred from the program to the video playback unit 20. According to this configuration, the output of bitmap data from the program can be controlled with the accuracy of the video frame.

  In the embodiment described above, two display buffer memories are used, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if one or more display buffer memories are used, the effect of the present invention can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, only one program execution unit outputs video in parallel with the video playback unit. However, even if a plurality of video output blocks are used, the effect of the present invention can be obtained. Is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the video playback unit performs control based on the synchronization timing information, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any component that uses a common clock with the video playback unit can achieve the effects of the present invention.

  In the embodiment described above, the value of merged_flag in sync_info () that designates an integrated synchronization execution program that obtains the same result as the result of executing a plurality of synchronization execution programs is set to “1”. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a video is played from the middle, it is also possible to specify a program for displaying a warning or a program for displaying a graphic different from that played from the beginning.

  That is, in the playback apparatus of the present invention, the data acquisition means acquires a midway playback synchronization execution program that is executed only when playback is started from the middle of the content data, and the synchronization timing information includes the timing designation information. , Action designation information indicating a synchronous execution program to be executed, and intermediate reproduction synchronous execution program identification information indicating whether the synchronous execution program indicated by the action designation information is an intermediate reproduction synchronous execution program (for example, merged_flag contains “ When the reproduction is started from the middle of the content data, the synchronization control means includes the synchronization timing information including the intermediate reproduction synchronization execution program identification information indicating the intermediate reproduction synchronization execution program identification information. Timing specification indicating the past time closest to the time to start playback In accordance with synchronization timing information including information and synchronization timing information including timing specification information indicating a time later than the synchronization timing information, the synchronization control signal is transmitted in order from the previous timing specification information. May be. The midway reproduction synchronization execution program may be recorded on the same optical disk as other synchronization execution programs.

  As a result, different outputs can be obtained depending on the playback start time, so that the user can enjoy the content repeatedly and the added value of the content can be improved. That is, it is possible to create content so that the result is intentionally different when played back halfway.

  The playback device according to the present invention is a playback device including a first output generation unit and a second output generation unit, and generates a second output based on the clock of the first output generation unit according to the synchronization timing information. Means for controlling the output of the unit may be provided.

  Furthermore, in the playback apparatus of the present invention, the synchronization timing information may be separated from information for generating an output from the first output generation unit.

  Furthermore, in the playback apparatus of the present invention, the synchronization timing information may include a time on the time axis of the first output generation unit, and may include at least one of a control target and control content.

  Furthermore, in the playback apparatus of the present invention, the first output generation unit may be a video playback unit, and the second output generation unit may be a program execution unit.

  The playback method of the playback device according to the present invention is a playback method of a playback device including a first output generation unit and a second output generation unit, and includes synchronization timing information and a clock of the first output generation unit. And a step of issuing a control signal according to the comparison result.

  The recording medium of the present invention is a recording medium in which information for generating an output from the first output generation unit and information for generating an output from the second output generation unit are recorded. And the synchronization timing information may be for controlling the output of the second output generator based on the clock of the first output generator.

  Furthermore, in the recording medium of the present invention, the timing information may be recorded in the vicinity of information for generating an output from the second output generation unit.

  Furthermore, in the recording medium of the present invention, the timing information and the program may be stored in the same file.

  Finally, each block of the video disc player 1, 1 ′, 1 ″ may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows.

  That is, the video disc player 1, 1 ', 1 "develops a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program for realizing each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and the program. A random access memory (RAM), a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data, etc. A video disc player which is software for realizing the functions described above is provided. A recording medium in which program codes (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of 1,1 ', 1 "control program are recorded so as to be readable by a computer is supplied to the video disc player 1,1', 1" The computer (or CPU or MPU) is recorded on a recording medium. You may read and execute the program code that is achievable.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the video disc players 1, 1 ′, 1 ″ may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication network, etc. can be used. The transmission medium to be configured is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth (registered trademark), 802 .11 Wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital Be a wireless network such as is available. In addition, the present invention is the program code is embodied by electronic transmission can be realized by a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave.

As described above, the playback device according to the present invention includes content acquisition means, data acquisition means for acquiring a synchronization execution program, program execution means for executing the synchronization execution program, clock generation means for generating a clock signal, Decoding means for converting the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output according to the clock signal, synchronization control means for transmitting a synchronization control signal to the program execution means at a predetermined timing according to the clock signal, and reproduction from the outside Input means for receiving a control operation and converting it into reproduction control information, wherein the decoding means is controlled by reproduction control information from the input means, and the program execution means is at least in accordance with a synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control means. It is intended to execute a synchronous execution program. It is set to.

Also, a playback apparatus control method according to the present invention is a playback apparatus control method comprising data acquisition means, program execution means, clock generation means, decoding means, synchronization control means, and input means, wherein the data acquisition means The data acquisition step for acquiring the content data and the synchronization execution program, the program execution step for executing the synchronization execution program by the program execution means, and the clock generation for generating a clock signal by the clock generation means A decoding step for converting the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output in accordance with the clock signal in the decoding means; and execution of the program at a predetermined timing in accordance with the clock signal in the synchronization control means. Synchronization control step for transmitting a synchronization control signal to the means. And an input step of accepting an external reproduction control operation and converting it into reproduction control information at the input means, wherein the decoding means operates in accordance with the reproduction control information from the input means in the decoding step, In the program execution step, the program execution means executes the synchronization execution program according to at least a synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control means.

With the above configuration, it is possible to execute a synchronous execution program synchronized with the reproduction of content data, and it is possible to control content reproduction by an external reproduction control operation (user operation) without going through the synchronous execution program. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the overhead caused by passing through the synchronous execution program and enhance the response to the reproduction control operation by the user.

Here, the “predetermined timing” at which the synchronization control means transmits the synchronization control signal to the program execution means includes, for example, the end of reproduction of the content data and the timing specified by the synchronization timing information.

The reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes content acquisition means for acquiring content data, a synchronization execution program, program management information, decoding means for converting the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output, and the synchronization execution program. The program management information includes program specification information and content data specification information for specifying content data to be reproduced and output simultaneously and a synchronous execution program, respectively. Instructs the program execution means to execute the synchronous execution program designated by the designation information, and instructs the decoding means to convert the content data designated by the content designation information or the content data designated by the content designation information of Give is characterized in that it comprises the overall control means for instructing to the data acquisition means.

Also, a control method for a playback device according to the present invention is a control method for a playback device comprising a decoding means, a program execution means, and a data acquisition means, wherein the data acquisition means includes content data, a synchronization execution program and a program. A data acquisition step for acquiring management information; a decoding step for converting the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output by a decoding means; and a program execution step for executing the synchronous execution program by a program execution means. Further, the program management information includes program designation information and content data designation information for designating content data to be reproduced and output simultaneously and a synchronization execution program, respectively. The synchronous execution program designated by the program designation information Run the above program A reproduction execution instruction step for instructing the execution means and instructing the decoding means to convert the content data specified by the content specification information or instructing the data acquisition means to acquire the content data specified by the content specification information It is characterized by including.

With the above configuration, reading, decoding, and reproduction of content data from a recording medium can be started independently of the execution of the synchronization execution program, and the time until the reproduction of content data can be shortened. In particular, prefetching is possible by instructing the data acquisition means to acquire content data. In the above configuration, the synchronization execution program is not limited to the one that generates output data.

Furthermore, in the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the program management information includes playback start instruction necessity information indicating whether or not an instruction from the synchronization execution program is required to start playback of content data, and the decoding means includes When the reproduction start instruction necessity information indicates that an instruction from the synchronization execution program is required, reproduction of content data is not started until an instruction from the synchronization execution program is received.

With the above configuration, the content data can be read out and decoded from the recording medium independently of the execution of the synchronization execution program, and the time until the start of reproduction of the content data can be shortened. It becomes possible to match the phase of execution and start of content data reproduction.

The reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes content acquisition means for acquiring content data, a synchronization execution program, program management information, decoding means for converting the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output, and the synchronization execution program. The program management means for executing the program management means, the input means for accepting an external reproduction control operation and converting it into reproduction control information, the reproduction control information from the input means and the reproduction control information from the program execution means, Switching means for switching based on reproduction control switching information included in the information and sending it to the decoding means.

With the above configuration, it is possible to switch between reproduction control by the user and reproduction control by the synchronization execution program. Therefore, the content creator can select whether to give priority to the response to the reproduction control operation by the user or give priority to the degree of freedom of the program, and can create the content. In the above configuration, the synchronization execution program is not limited to the one that generates output data.

The reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes content acquisition means for acquiring content data, a synchronization execution program, program management information, decoding means for converting the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output, and the synchronization execution program. Program execution means for executing the above-mentioned program, and further comprising overall control means for resuming playback from the place where the reproduction output of the content data and the synchronization execution program is paused and paused, and the program management information includes the content data and the synchronization When the resume output of the execution program is paused and then includes resume capability information indicating whether or not the resume function that resumes playback from the paused location is possible, and the resume availability information indicates that the resume function is not possible The overall control means is a paused item. It is characterized in that it does not instruct the playback start from.

With the above configuration, resume is not performed for content that cannot be resumed. Therefore, stable operation is possible and user confusion can be reduced.

The reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes content acquisition means for acquiring content data, a synchronization execution program, program management information, decoding means for converting the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output, and the synchronization execution program. In addition, the program management information indicates whether or not a resume function for restarting playback from the paused position after pausing the playback output of the content data and the synchronization execution program is possible. Resume enable / disable information can be resumed when the user receives either a pause instruction, an instruction for an operation that requires a pause, or an instruction to resume playback from the paused position. Indicates that the resume function is not possible. It is characterized in that it comprises presentation means for presenting to The.

With the above configuration, when content that cannot be resumed is received from the user, when an instruction for pause, an instruction for an operation that requires a pause, or an instruction to resume playback from the paused position is received, A warning message or the like can be presented to the user. Therefore, user confusion can be reduced.

Note that examples of the operation instructions include a menu call instruction and a return instruction from the menu, and the above configuration is particularly suitable for these. Examples of presentation by the presentation means include lighting of a lamp, alarm sound, and message display on a display screen. In the above configuration, the synchronization execution program is not limited to a program that generates output data.

The reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes content acquisition means for acquiring content data, a synchronization execution program, program management information, decoding means for converting the content data into reproduction data for reproduction output, and the synchronization execution program. In addition, the program management information includes at least content data designation information for designating content data to be reproduced and output simultaneously with the synchronization execution program, and the synchronization execution program decodes the program data. It is characterized by comprising verification means for verifying whether or not the content data instructing the means to decode is content data designated by the content data designation information.

Also, a playback apparatus control method according to the present invention is a playback apparatus control method comprising a decoding means, a program execution means, a data acquisition means, and a verification means, wherein the data acquisition means performs content data synchronization execution. A program, a data acquisition step for acquiring program management information, a decoding step for converting the content data into playback data for playback output by the decoding means, and the synchronization execution program executed by the program execution means And the program management information includes at least content data designation information for designating content data to be reproduced and output simultaneously with the synchronization execution program. Execution program instructs decoding means to decode That content data is characterized by comprising a verification step of verifying whether content data specified by the content data specifying information.

With the above configuration, it is possible to verify whether or not the content data that the synchronization execution program intends to reproduce is content data specified by the content data specification information. Therefore, it is possible to verify whether or not the content data reproduction of the currently executing synchronization execution program is permitted by the content data right holder. Therefore, it is possible to detect a reproduction operation by a program that is not permitted to be reproduced and prevent content data from being reproduced without permission. Note that the synchronization execution program is not limited to generating output data for reproduction output.

In addition, by configuring the playback device so that only the content data specified (declared) in the content data specification information of the program management information can be played back by the synchronous execution program, the right owner of the content data executes the synchronous execution program Without confirming, it is possible to check the unauthorized use of the content data by the right owner of the content data only by confirming the static information called the content data designation information outside the synchronization execution program.

In addition, the playback device according to the present invention includes content acquisition means for acquiring content data, a synchronization execution program, program management information, and verification information; decoding means for converting the content data into playback data for playback output; Program execution means for executing the synchronization execution program, and the program management information includes at least permission information for permitting use of content data to be reproduced and output simultaneously with the synchronization execution program. The execution program includes verification means for verifying the permission information of the content data instructing the decoding means to decode using the verification information.

Also, a playback apparatus control method according to the present invention is a playback apparatus control method comprising a decoding means, a program execution means, a data acquisition means, and a verification means, wherein the data acquisition means performs content data synchronization execution. A data acquisition step for acquiring a program, program management information, and verification information; a decoding step for converting the content data into playback data for playback output by the decoding means; and the synchronization at the program execution means A program execution step for executing an execution program, and the program management information includes at least permission information for permitting use of content data to be reproduced and output simultaneously with the synchronous execution program. The synchronization execution program instructs the decoding means to decode. The authorization information of the content data to be, is characterized in that it comprises a verification step of verifying using the verification information.

With the configuration described above, it is possible to verify whether or not the content data is reproduced by the synchronous execution program in which appropriate permission information is recorded in the program management information, using the verification information. Therefore, it is possible to verify whether or not the content data reproduction of the currently executing synchronization execution program is permitted by the content data right holder. Therefore, it is possible to detect a reproduction operation by a program that is not permitted to be reproduced and prevent content data from being reproduced without permission. Note that the synchronization execution program is not limited to generating output data for reproduction output.

Further, in the playback device according to the present invention, the verification information is a public key, and the permission information is obtained by encrypting information unique to the synchronization execution program using a secret key corresponding to the public key. The verification means preferably decodes the permission information with the verification information and performs verification based on the obtained result. As the “information unique to the synchronization execution program”, for example, a hash value obtained by performing hash processing on the code of the synchronization execution program itself or the code of the synchronization execution program can be used.

Furthermore, the playback device according to the present invention is characterized in that the program execution means stops the execution of the synchronous execution program when the permission information is not confirmed to be appropriate as a result of the verification by the verification means. Yes.

With the above configuration, it is further possible to prevent a program that is not permitted to be reproduced from reproducing content data without intention or due to a bug in the program.

Furthermore, the content recording medium according to the present invention records the synchronization execution program and the synchronization timing information so that the content recording medium can be supplied to the playback device, and the synchronization timing information is recorded in the vicinity of the synchronization execution program. It is characterized by having.

With the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the moving distance of the pickup when reading these data when executing the synchronization execution program. Therefore, the waiting time until the start of reproduction is shortened, and it is possible to prevent interruption of video reproduction, suppress power consumption, and suppress noise.

Further, the content recording medium according to the present invention is recorded with at least content data, program management information, and verification information so that it can be supplied to the playback device. It is characterized in that at least permission information permitting use of content data to be reproduced and output is included, and the verification information is included in the content data.

Furthermore, the content recording medium according to the present invention is characterized in that the verification information is multiplexed at predetermined intervals in the content data.

According to the above configuration, the pickup does not move when the verification information is read out, so that the waiting time until video playback is shortened. Note that a synchronization execution program may be recorded on the content recording medium together with content data, program management information, and verification information.

Furthermore, the content recording medium according to the present invention is characterized in that the verification information differs depending on the section of the content data.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to give a reproduction permission to the program only in a necessary section.

In addition, the data structure according to the present invention stores a content data storage area for storing content data to be played back by the playback device, and a synchronization execution program executed in synchronization with the playback of the content data by the playback device. A synchronization execution program storage area; and a synchronization timing information storage area for storing synchronization timing information designating a timing at which the synchronization execution program is executed based on a clock signal for the playback device to play back the content data. It is characterized by that.

With the above configuration, a content recording medium storing these data can be realized, so that these data can be easily supplied to the playback device.

In addition, the data structure according to the present invention stores a content data storage area for storing content data to be played back by the playback device, and a synchronization execution program executed in synchronization with the playback of the content data by the playback device. A synchronization execution program storage area and a program management information storage area for storing program management information including content specification data and content data specification information for specifying content data to be reproduced and output simultaneously and a synchronization execution program, respectively Yes.

With the above configuration, a content recording medium storing these data can be realized, so that these data can be easily supplied to the playback device.

Further, in the data structure according to the present invention, the program management information includes at least permission information for permitting use of content data that is reproduced and output simultaneously with the synchronization execution program, and the content data includes the permission information. It is characterized in that verification information for verifying information is included.

According to the above configuration, a content recording medium storing these data can be realized, so that these data can be easily supplied to the reproducing apparatus.

  Since the playback device of the present invention can efficiently execute a program executed in synchronization with playback of AV data or the like, it is suitable for a video player that superimposes and displays a graphic output generated by a computer program during playback of video data. Can be used.

1,1 ', 1 "Video disc player (playback device)
2 Optical disc (content recording medium)
10, 70 Program execution unit (program execution means, output generation means)
20 Video playback unit (output generation means)
22 Synchronous control unit (synchronous control means)
24 Decoder (decoding means)
23 clock (clock generation means)
40 Output control unit (output control means)
50 Disc reading unit (data acquisition means)
60 Synchronization processing unit (synchronization processing means)
61A Program storage area (synchronous program storage area)
61B Synchronization timing information storage area 61C Program management information storage area 62 Video data area (content data storage area)
80, 80 'overall control unit (overall control means, presentation means)
88 Verification unit (Verification means)
90 switching part (switching means)

Claims (6)

A content playback device,
Content data, information for reproducing the content data, synchronization timing information including a time on the reproduction time axis of the content data and an ID associated with the time, and an interrupt during reproduction of the content data Data acquisition means for acquiring a program for registering processing ;
Program execution means for executing the program;
Synchronization control means for notifying the program execution means of the ID associated with the time at the time when the time is reached based on the synchronization timing information;
The program executed by the program execution unit registers an interrupt process to be called when the ID is notified from the synchronization control unit in association with the ID.
The program execution means executes the program before the reproduction of the content data reaches the time at which the ID is notified, and is associated with the ID when the ID is notified from the synchronization control means. A content playback apparatus that calls and executes the interrupt process. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program execution unit starts reproduction of the content data after the association and registration of the ID and the interrupt process are completed. A control program for causing a computer to function as a content playback device,
Content data, information for reproducing the content data, synchronization timing information including a time on the reproduction time axis of the content data and an ID associated with the time, and an interrupt during reproduction of the content data A data acquisition step for acquiring a program for registering processing ;
A synchronization control step of notifying the ID associated with the time at the time when the time is reached based on the synchronization timing information;
The program acquired in the data acquisition step, the program that registers the interrupt process that is called when the ID is notified in the synchronization control step in association with the ID, the reproduction of the content data, and the ID A program execution step to be executed before the notification time is reached ;
A control program for causing the computer to execute a step of calling and executing the interrupt process associated with the ID when the ID is notified in the synchronization control step.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program according to claim 3 is recorded.   A content recording medium on which the content data, the program, and the synchronization timing information are recorded so as to be provided to the content reproduction apparatus according to claim 1. A method for controlling a content playback device, comprising:
Content data, information for reproducing the content data, synchronization timing information including a time on the reproduction time axis of the content data and an ID associated with the time, and an interrupt during reproduction of the content data A data acquisition step for acquiring a program for registering processing ;
A synchronization control step of notifying the ID associated with the time at the time when the time is reached based on the synchronization timing information;
The program acquired in the data acquisition step, the program that registers the interrupt process that is called when the ID is notified in the synchronization control step in association with the ID, the reproduction of the content data, and the ID A program execution step to be executed before the notification time is reached ;
And a step of calling and executing the interrupt process associated with the ID when the ID is notified in the synchronization control step.

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