KR20070048728A - Recording medium, method for searching contents recorded within the recording medium, and method and apparatus for reproducing the recorded contents - Google Patents

Abstract

The recording medium includes an area in which a plurality of contents are recorded, and a management area in which a search file for searching the recorded content is recorded. The search file includes at least one entry that classifies the content into scenes and has information defining attributes for each scene. The method of searching for content recorded in the recording medium first provides character information for each character map (C-Map) recorded in the search file according to the content search command. Next, at least one item information for each item map (IS-Map) belonging to a selected character among the provided character information is provided. Subsequently, an entry belonging to the selected item is provided among the provided item information. Finally, the entry is searched using the location information entry_pointer recorded in the selected entry among the provided entries.

Record carrier, content, search, file

Description

RECORDING MEDIUM, METHOD FOR SEARCHING CONTENTS RECORDED WITHIN THE RECORDING MEDIUM, AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPRODUCING THE RECORDED CONTENTS}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording medium, and more particularly, to a method of searching for content recorded in a recording medium, and a method and apparatus for reproducing recorded content. The present invention is applicable to a wide range of applications, but is particularly suitable for constructing a search file for retrieving content recorded in a recording medium and reproducing the recorded content.

As a recording medium, an optical disc capable of recording a large amount of data is widely used. Among them, new high-density recording media, for example Blu-ray Discs (BDs), which can record and store high-quality video data and high-quality audio data for a long time, have been developed. Blu-ray Disc (BD), a next-generation recording media technology, is a next-generation optical recording solution that can record data that significantly exceeds existing DVDs. Recently, the world's standard technical specifications with other digital devices have been established.

In particular, it is possible to record titles having contents of various attributes in the Blu-ray Disc BD. For example, a title and web programming language having a title having moving picture data by MPEG2 method, and interactive information including moving picture data executed or reproduced by a Java program. An example is a title recorded as.

However, the current Blu-ray Disc (BD) standard does not provide a unified standard for searching and reproducing contents of various attributes as described above. Therefore, a full Blu-ray Disc (BD) -based optical recording and playback apparatus (optical recording and There are many limitations in developing a / or reproducing apparatus.

The present invention relates to a recording medium, a content retrieval method within a recording medium, a content reproducing method, and a reproducing apparatus for substantially solving one or more problems caused by the above-mentioned prior art irrationalities.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of constructing a search file for searching contents recorded in a recording medium such as, for example, a Blu-ray disc.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for retrieving content from a recording medium including retrieval files.

Still other objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

In order to achieve the above object, the recording medium of the present invention includes an area in which a plurality of contents are recorded and a management area in which a search file for searching the recorded content is recorded. The file classifies the content into scenes and includes at least one entry with information defining attributes for each scene.

The search file further includes map information classified by attributes of the entry. The map information recorded in the search file includes a plurality of item maps (IS-Maps) that designate entries having the same item attribute among the entries, and a plurality of item maps (IS-Maps). It consists of a plurality of character maps (C-Maps) that specify an item map (IS-Map) with the same characteristics.

In addition, the method for searching the content recorded in the recording medium of the present invention for achieving the above object, provides character information for each character map (C-Map) recorded in the search file in accordance with the content search command; At least one item information for each item map (IS-Map) belonging to a selected character among the provided character information, and the selected item among the provided item information. ), And searching for the corresponding entry by using the location information entry_pointer recorded in the selected entry among the provided entries.

In addition, a recording medium reproducing method of the present invention for achieving the above object comprises a recording having at least one title recording area and a management area in which a management file and a retrieval file for reproducing the title are recorded, respectively; In reproducing a medium, an index file and an object file recorded in the management area are read out, and when a reproduction command of a specific title is input by the index file, the specific object file managing the reproduction scenario of the title. If a content search command within a title is input during title playback by the object file, the playback of the title is paused and the specific content in the title is searched for from the search information in the search file. The process of restarting the title playback from the stopped position of the title. All.

In addition, another recording medium reproducing method of the present invention for achieving the above object includes at least one title recording area, and a management area in which management files and retrieval files for reproducing the titles are recorded, respectively. In reproducing a recording medium, an index file and an object file recorded in the management area are read out, and if a reproduction command of a specific title is inputted by the index file, the reproduction scenario of the title is managed. If an object file is executed and an intra-title content search command is input during the title reproduction by the object file, the reproduction of the title is stopped, the specific content in the title is searched from the search information in the search file, and according to the result of the search operation. Including restarting playback of the title after the last selected search scene. The lure is.

In addition, the recording medium reproducing apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a recording having at least one title recording area, and a management area in which a management file and a retrieval file for reproducing the title are recorded, respectively. In reproducing a medium, a recording / playing unit for reading an index file and an object file recorded in a management area of the recording medium, and playback of the title when a playback command is inputted by the read index file. Executes a specific object file associated with the file, and, if a content search command within a title is input during title playback by the object file, pauses playback of the title and searches for specific content in the title from the search information in the search file; Player model that restarts title playback from the paused title playback position after the r Model).

Further, another recording medium reproducing apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object includes at least one title recording area, and a management area in which management files and retrieval files for reproducing the titles are recorded, respectively. In reproducing a recording medium, a recording / playing unit which reads an index file and an object file recorded in a management area of the recording medium, and a corresponding title when a reproduction command is inputted by the read index file. Executing a specific object file related to the reproduction of the file and if a content search command within the title is input during the title playback by the object file, the reproduction of the title is stopped and the specific content in the title is searched for from the search information in the search file; Depending on the result of the operation, play that resumes playback of the title from after the last selected search scene Including the model (Player Model).

The foregoing general description of the invention and the following detailed description are to be understood as illustrative examples, and in order to provide a detailed description of the invention.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and together make and combine part of this application and embodiments of the present invention with the description provided to explain the principles of the invention.

1 shows each title recorded on a recording medium (for example, BD-ROM) according to the present invention.

2A to 2D show a file structure recorded on a recording medium (for example, an optical disc) according to the present invention, and a reproduction relationship thereof.

3 shows a data recording structure recorded on a recording medium (e.g., an optical disc) according to the present invention.

4 shows a file structure recorded in an optical disc and a playback relationship using the same according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration of search information for content search by title according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed configuration of the search information of FIG. 5.

7A and 7B illustrate a method of constructing search information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 illustrates a method of configuring search information for each language according to an embodiment of the present invention as a separate search file.

9A to 9B illustrate a method of configuring all language search information in one search file according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10 illustrates a method of managing search information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A shows an optical recording and / or reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

11B illustrates a player model of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same functional parts have been given the same reference numerals in all the figures. In addition, the term used in the present invention was selected as a general term that is widely used as possible at present, but in certain cases there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case the meaning is described in detail in the description of the invention, It is to be understood that the present invention should be understood as the meaning of terms rather than names.

In this context, the term " recording medium " in the present invention means any medium on which data can be recorded, and encompasses all mediums regardless of a recording method such as an optical disc, a magnetic tape, and the like. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described using an optical disc, in particular, a "Blu-ray Disc (BD)" as a recording medium for convenience of explanation. However, it will be apparent that the technical idea of the present invention is equally applicable to other recording media.

In addition, in the present invention, the term "title" is a playback unit that forms an interface with a user. In detail, each title is linked with a specific object, and a stream related to the title recorded in the disc is reproduced in accordance with a command or a program in the object. In relation to this, a detailed description of the relationship between the title recorded in the disc and the file structure in the disc for reproducing the same will be described later with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D. In particular, in the present invention, for the convenience of description, a title having moving picture data and interactive information by MPEG2 format among the titles recorded on the disc is particularly referred to as "HDMV Title (HDMV) Title). "It is called. Also, a title having moving picture data and interactive information executed by a Java program will be referred to as a "Java title". In relation to this, a video content set constituting the title constitutes a screen and is called a scene or scene. In the optical disc authoring method according to the present invention, positional information for efficiently searching for a specific scene in a title is configured as a search file.

In addition, in the present invention, " Object " refers to reproduction management information having a command or program for playing the disc. That is, there are various kinds of objects in the disc, which are linked with a specific title or with another object. It is possible to vary the disc playback scenarios in advance by designing them as needed or according to the disc author's intention. In other words, the object of the present invention is a reproduction management unit having a command or a program for managing the reproduction scenario of data recorded on the disc. In this regard, in particular, an object for reproducing the aforementioned "HDMV Title" is called "Movie Object" or "M-OBJ", and an object for reproducing the "Java Title" is called "Java Object" or "J-. OBJ ".

1 provides a conceptual understanding of the present invention. In detail, FIG. 1 shows an example of reproducing a Blu-ray Disc (BD-ROM) for reproduction only through the optical recorder 10. As shown in FIG. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a case in which a title recorded on a BD-ROM is recorded by mixing a HDMV title and a Java title (this is especially referred to as "full mode"). The present invention seeks to provide a file structure standardized in a disc so that only the disc (BD-ROM) or HDMV title recorded in the "Full mode" can search the contents in the disc. The present invention also provides a method for retrieving recorded content, a method for reproducing recorded content, and a reproducing apparatus.

In this regard, the optical recorder 10 of the present invention is capable of recording or reproducing optical discs of various standards. Depending on the design, only an optical disc of a specific standard (e.g., BD) may be made available for recording and reproducing, and it is also possible to enable reproduction only without recording. In the present invention, a player (BD-Player) for playing a playback-only Blu-ray disc (BD-ROM) will be described as an example. In this regard, it is obvious that the " optical record player 10 " of the present invention can also be referred to as a " driver "

In addition to the function of reproducing the Blu-ray Disc (BD-ROM), the optical recorder 10 of the present invention reads data in the Blu-ray Disc (BD-ROM), and performs signal processing and decoding on the read data. Then, it has a function of transmitting this to the user through the display 30 connected to the optical record player 10. In this regard, the optical recorder 10 of the present invention is designed to be capable of reproducing all titles having different attributes from each other in a BD-ROM disc. However, as described above, some of the optical record players 10 may play back only a title of a specific attribute (for example, an HDMV title).

2A to 2D show various embodiments of a file structure recorded on a recording medium (e.g., BD-ROM). The file structure of FIG. 2A is described in detail as follows. In the reproduction management file structure of the present invention, at least one BD directory exists under one root directory. In addition, each BD directory is an index file ("index.bdmv", "index.bdj") and an object file ("MovieObjet.bdmv") as general file information for ensuring interactivity with one or more users. , "JavaObjet.bdj"). In addition, each BD directory includes three file directories containing data to be reproduced and wjdq data necessary for reproducing the data. The file directories included in each BD directory include a playlist directory (PLAYLIST), a clip information directory (CLIPINF), a stream directory (STREAM), and a Java directory (JAVA) composed of one or more Java program files. Auxiliary data directory (AUXDATA) consisting of auxiliary data related to the corresponding. Hereinafter, the directories and the files included in the directories will be described in detail.

The stream directory STREAM includes a plurality of AV stream files recorded in a specific format in a disc. For example, use the extension of stream files (eg 01000.m2ts) as "* .m2ts". In addition, the clip information directory CLIPINF includes clip information files (eg, 01000.clpi) that correspond one-to-one with each stream file included in the stream directory. The clip information file (* .clpi) includes property information and timing information of the corresponding stream file. Specifically, in the BD standard, a stream file (* .m2ts) and a clip information file (* .clpi) corresponding to the stream file in one-to-one correspondence are referred to as "clips". That is, a corresponding clip information file (* .clpi) exists for one stream file (* .m2ts).

The playlist directory PLAYLIST includes a plurality of playlist files (* .mpls), and each playlist file (for example, 00000.mpls) is a playing interval at which a specific clip is played. It includes at least one PlayItem (PlayItem) that specifies. That is, the PlayItem (PlayItem) includes information about the playback start time (IN-Time) and the playback end time (OUT-Time) of the particular clip (clip) to be played. In this regard, the particular clip is designated by a clip name (clip_Information_File_name) in a PlayItem. That is, the playlist file (* .mpls) performs the playback of the desired clip by the combination of at least one PlayItem (PlayItem). Further, the playlist file (* .mpls) includes a subplayitem (SubPlayItem) for reproducing data different from the data reproduced by the playitem (especially auxiliary data).

In particular, the playlist file (* .mpls) is operated only by a command by a specific object in the above-described object files ("MovieObjet.bdmv", "JavaObjet.bdj"). Accordingly, in view of the disc playback scenario, the object performs or manages a dynamic scenario, and the playlist file * .mpls performs or manages a static scenario.

In addition, the Java directory JAVA includes Java program files (eg, PPPPP.jar). Various applications are programmed in each Java program file, which is especially called an "Xlet". The Java program file is processed by a Java-only playback means, which will be described later in detail in FIG. 11B.

The auxiliary data directory AUXDATA is composed of files containing auxiliary information related to optical disc reproduction. For example, the auxiliary data directory may include a sound file ("sound.bdmv") and a font file (for example, "11111.otf"). The sound file may be click sound when playing an optical disc. And the font file provides font information upon playback of a text subtitle.In the context of the present invention, the auxiliary data directory AUXDATA is provided on an optical disc. It may include a search file ("* .esi") for searching for specific content within.

According to FIG. 2A, in constructing a search file of the present invention, a separate search file can be configured for each language. For example, a search file composed of English is "01001.esi", a search file composed of Korean is "01002.esi", and a search file composed of Japanese is set. It may be configured as "01003.esi". The structure of the search file will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 5.

Figure 2b shows another file structure according to the present invention. FIG. 2B composes the search file in comparison with FIG. 2A described above, in which all the languages that can be supported are configured in one search file. For example, in the same search file "01001.esi", it is possible to support English, Korean, and Japanese. In particular, specific support for all languages in one search file will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

Figure 2c shows another file structure according to the present invention. 2C is included in a separate metadata directory META rather than the auxiliary data directory AUXDATA in constructing the search file, compared to FIGS. 2A and 2B described above. In this regard, the search file will use a unique file name that distinguishes it from other metadata files. That is, the metadata directory META is provided in the BD directory. For example, the search file according to the present invention is recorded with a file name such as "esmt_LLL_xxxxx.xml". That is, the head "esmt_" constituting the file name is utilized as a file descriptor code that is distinguished from other metadata. Thus, for example, all files beginning with "esmt_" mean search files (especially "enhanced search meta data"). On the other hand, all files beginning with "dlmt_" may be defined as meaning a Disc Library file.

In addition, "_LLL_" constituting the file name is utilized as a language code for distinguishing language information supported by the search file. For example, a search file composed of English may be designated as "_eng_". Similarly, a search file composed of Korean may be designated as "_kor_", and a search file composed of Japanese may be designated as "_jpn_". In addition, a search file composed of a plurality of languages may be designated as "_mul_". In addition, the last "_xxxxx" constituting the file name is used as an identification code to distinguish the playlist file (for example, 00000.mpls, ...) that is the target of the search information constituting the search file. do. For example, when a specific title in the disc is played by a specific playlist file "00000.mpls", the file name of the search file in English for searching the content information in the title is "esmt_eng_00000.xml". It is designated as.

Figure 2d shows another file structure according to the present invention. Under one root directory, a directory (e.g., BDJ) for playback management by a Java program, a directory (e.g., BDMV) for playing and managing HDMV titles, and a metadata directory (META) are included. It is done. Specifically, an index file ("index.bdj") and an object file ("JavaObject.bdj") are included in the directory BDJ for reproduction management by a Java program, and also a Java program file (PPPPP.jar, Contains a directory (JAR) containing ...) In addition, the directory BDMV for playing and managing HDMV titles includes an index file ("index.bdmv") and an object file ("MovieObject.bdmv"), and the above-described playlist directory (PLAYLIST) and clip information. Directory (CLIPINF), stream directory (STREAM) and auxiliary data directory (AUXDATA). In addition, the metadata directory META includes a search file "esmt_LLL_xxxxx.xml" having the file name described above with reference to FIG. 2C.

According to the file structure as shown in FIG. 2D, in the case of the specific optical record / playback player 10, even if playback is not supported by a Java program, only HDMV titles can be played through the BDMV directory. On the other hand, when the specific optical record / playback player 10 can support playback by a Java program, it becomes possible to play back both a Java title and an HDMV title through the BDJ directory.

3 shows, for example, a form in which information related to the above-described file structure (FIGS. 2A to 2D) is recorded in a disc. Specifically, starting from the inner circumference of the disk, the disk volume includes a file system information area located at the innermost circumference of the disk volume and an AV stream area located at the outermost circumference of the disk volume. And a database area located between the file system information area and the AV stream area. In the file system information area, system information for controlling the entire data files is recorded. Also, main data such as audio / video / graphics are recorded in the stream area. In addition, files used for reproducing the recorded stream data, for example, index files, object files, playlist files, clip information files and metadata files, are recorded in the database area in the disk volume. .

As described above, moving picture contents can be recorded as data recorded in the stream area in the optical disc. In addition, information for searching the video content is recorded in the search file as a metadata file. In addition, an area for recording file information for reproducing moving picture content recorded in the stream area may be referred to as a "management area." The management area corresponds to the file system information area and database area shown in FIG. In this regard, each region shown in FIG. 3 is given as an example, and the arrangement of each region is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 3.

Fig. 4 shows the file structure recorded in the optical disc according to the embodiment of the present invention and the data reproduction relationship using the file structure. That is, FIG. 4 shows a relationship in which a specific title is reproduced by the above-described file structure shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates in detail a relationship in which a title is reproduced when a user reproduces a title for a specific title provided in an index table configured based on an index file.

Relatedly, an example of an optical record player 10 capable of supporting a Java program will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the index file utilizes the Java index file (index.bdj). The index file index.bdj includes "First Play" information, "TopMenu" information, and at least one "Title (eg, Title # 1 to Title # 4)" information. In relation to this, the titles Title # 1 to Title # 4 may be HDMV titles or configurable as either Java titles. In this regard, each title (Title # 1 to Title # 4) includes information indicating an attribute for each title. Each title also includes a "Title_feature ()" field, a "Title_mobj_id_ref ()" field (or a "Title_jobj_id_ref ()" field), a "Title_descriptor_ref ()" field, and an "Enhanced_search_info_ref ()" field. The "Title_feature ()" field indicates the title feature, and the "Title_mobj_id_ref ()" field (or "Title_jobj_id_ref ()" field) designates a specific object having corresponding title reproduction scenario information. In addition, the "Title_descriptor_ref ()" field indicates the attribute of the title, and the "Enhanced_search_info_ref ()" field designates a search file including search information in the title.

In detail, the "Title_feature ()" field includes "Title_environment" information, "Title_playback_type" information, and "Title_link" information. The " Title_environment " information indicates whether the playback environment of the title is a playback by a Java program or a video HDMV. The " Title_playback_type " information indicates whether the title is a movie movie title or an interactive title with the user as an attribute of the title. In addition, the "Title_link" information indicates whether or not to link the title of the attribute different from the title. For example, when the title is an HDMV title, the "Title_link" information indicates whether to link with a Java title. On the other hand, if the title is a Java title, the "Title_link" information indicates whether or not to link with the HDMV title.

Also, among the search files included in the file structure of FIGS. 2A to 2D described above, a search file name including search information associated with the title is recorded in the "Enhanced_search_info_ref ()" field. For example, the search file name will be recorded as either "ESI_filename_1 ()" or "ESI_filename_2 ()". In relation to this, when a user selects a specific title having title information as described above, the title is reproduced. These reproduction relationships are described in detail as follows.

When the user selects playback of a specific HDMV title (e.g., Title # 1), the specific object (e.g., "") in the movie object file (MovieObject.bdmv) specified by the "Title_mobj_id_ref ()" field in the title information. A specific playlist (for example, "00000.mpls") is played back according to a command or a program defined in M-OBJ 1 "). In addition, a specific clip (consisting of "* .clpi" and "* .m2ts") is played back by the playitem in the playlist.

In addition, when the user selects playback of a specific Java title (e.g., Title # 3), the specific object (e.g., in the Java object file (JavaObject.bdj) specified by the "Title_jobj_id_ref ()" field in the title information (e.g., , According to a command or a program defined in "J-OBJ 1", a specific playlist (for example, "00000.mpls") is played. In addition, a specific clip (consisting of "* .clpi" and "* .m2ts") is played back by the playitem in the playlist. Each object (for example, "J-OBJ 1", "J-OBJ 2", ...) in the Java object file (JavaObject.bdj) is an application in a specific Java program file (* .jar). ) Includes an application ID (application_id) for executing. Title playback by a Java program is performed by performing an application designated as the application ID.

5 is a block diagram of search information for content search by title according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to Fig. 5, when there are a plurality of titles (Title 1, Title 2, Title 3, ...) in the optical disc, the contents in each title are classified as scenes (scenes), and the attributes for each scene are displayed. You will configure the defined scene entry. In this regard, in constructing the search information, the search information is again classified according to attributes of the corresponding scene entry. That is, entries having the same attribute are classified as specific "Item" information. Items having the same characteristics among the classified plurality of items are classified as “Characters”.

For example, Title 1 is classified into a plurality of characters (Character1, Character2, Character3, ...) having the same character. Thereafter, each character is again classified into a plurality of items (Item1, Item2, Item3, ...) having the same property. Each item includes at least one scene entry having the same attribute.

Therefore, when a user wants to search for specific content in Title 1, a plurality of characters (Character1, Character2, Character3, ...) are displayed on the main screen. For example, the character 1 Character 1 may be configured by an actor, the character 2 character 2 by a place, and the character 3 character 3 by characters. Then, if the user wants to search by a specific actor, Character1 is selected, and a plurality of items (Item1) classified under a specific actor name belonging to the corresponding character 1, Character1 , Item2, Item3, ...) are displayed. Then, when the user selects a specific actor name (eg, "Name A"), at least one entry (Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, ...) in which the actor appears is provided. Finally, when a specific entry is selected by the user, a specific scene corresponding to the entry is then provided. Therefore, according to the present invention, search information is composed of scene entries for a specific scene in a title. However, " Item " and " Character " are configured as higher-level search information for classifying the scene entry by attribute.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed configuration of the above-described search information of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to FIG. 6, the "Item" and "Character" are configured as map information as search information, respectively, which are "Item Map 1022 (ItemSearch-Map; hereinafter" IS-Map "). ) And "Character Map 102" (hereinafter referred to as "C-Map"). In relation to this, the search file 100 includes a general information field 101 ("EnhancedSearch_GI ()") and a plurality of character map fields 102 ("C-Map_ # n ()"). The general information field 101 ("EnhancedSearch_GI ()") has information on the number of character maps included in the search file (1011, "Num_of_Characters") and respective character map information (1012, "C-Map_ # n_info ()"). It includes. In particular, in the character map information 1012 ("C-Map_ # n_info ()"), recognition information 1012a indicating a character map ("C-Map_Identifier") and information describing characteristics of the character map (1012b) , "C-Map_Char_Descriptor") and pointer information 1012c ("C-Map_Pointer") indicating the position of the character map in the search file. In this regard, the " C-Map_Char_Descriptor " 1012b information is composed of properties defined by the disc author. For example, the "C-Map_Char_Descriptor" 1012b information may be defined as "Place", "Actor", "Character",...

In addition, each character map field 102 ("C-Map_ # n ()") in the search file 100 has a corresponding character map general information field 1021 ("CharacterMap_GI ()") and a plurality of item map fields ( 1022, "IS-Map_ # n ()"). The character map general information field 1021 ("CharacterMap_GI ()") includes information on the number of item maps 1031 ("Num_of_IS-Maps") included in the character map 102 and respective item map information 1032 ("IS"). -Map_ # n_info () "). In particular, the item map information 1032 ("IS-Map_ # n_info ()") indicates information 1032a describing the characteristics of the item map ("IS-Map_Item_Descriptor") and indicates the position of the item map in the search file. Pointer information 1032b ("IS-Map_Pointer") and entry number information 1032c ("Num_of_Entries") included in the item map 1022 are included. In this regard, the information " IS-Map_Item_Descriptor " 1032a is composed of properties defined by the disc author. For example, if the character map of the upper hierarchy is defined as "Actor", each item map is assigned to individual actor names ("Name A", "Name B", "Name C", ...) It is possible to define.

In addition, each item map field 1022 ("IS-Map_ # n ()") includes at least one entry 1042, "Entry_ # 1 (), Entry_ # 2 (), Entry_ # 2 (), ... "). Each entry ("Entry_ # n ()") includes classification information (1042a, "Entry_Classifier") of the entry, information (1042b, "Entry_Descriptor") describing characteristics of the entry, and access associated with the entry search. (access) information 1042c, " Ref_to_thumbnail_info () ", and pointer information 1042d, " Entry_Pointer " indicating the position where the entry is recorded in the disc.

Regarding each information included in the entry 1042, " Entry_ # n () ", for example, will be described below. The entry classification information 1042a ("Entry_Classifier") may be used as information indicating a viewing rating of a scene represented by the entry. For example, the entry classification information 1042a ("Entry_Classifier") may indicate whether the entry is an adult entry or an entry that is under 18 years of age.

Further, information 1042b (" Entry_Descriptor ") describing the characteristic of the entry indicates the characteristic of the scene that the entry means. For example, the "Entry_Descriptor" indicates characteristics defined in the above-described character map and item map, for example, "actor name, place, character name," and the like. That is, the information instructed by "Entry_Descriptor" 1042b determines which item map 1022 and character map 102 are included in the entry. It will also be apparent that the same entry may be included in the plurality of item maps 1022 and the plurality of character maps 102.

In addition, the access information 1042c ("Ref_to_thumbnail_info ()") related to an entry search designates an index or an icon recorded in a separate file, for example, thumbnail information. Means information. In addition, the "Ref_to_thumbnail_info ()" is utilized as information for briefly indicating the corresponding entry.

Further, the pointer information 1042d, " Entry_Pointer " indicates the actual position where the entry is recorded in the disc. For example, the pointer information 1042d (" Entry_Pointer ") may indicate a specific position in the title as time information. Alternatively, the pointer information 1042d (" Entry_Pointer ") can be displayed as mark information in a playlist to be reproduced.

7A and 7B conceptually illustrate a method of constructing search information according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to FIG. 7A, the search information may be configured in a hierarchical table structure, such as an item map (IS-Map) in the character map (C-Map) and an entry in the item map (IS-Map). . According to FIG. 7B, the search information is composed of a plurality of character maps (C-Map), a plurality of item maps (IS-Map), and a plurality of entries. The search information of FIG. 7B includes descriptors for specifying a mapping relationship between the character map (C-Map), the item map (IS-Map), and an entry. That is, according to the table structure of FIG. 7A, in constructing a search file, a plurality of subgroups (for example, an item map (IS-Map)) is included in an upper group (for example, a character map (C-Map)). Included. In addition, at least one entry classified into the same property is included in each item map (IS-Map). Therefore, even if an entry representing the same scene is included in different item maps (IS-Maps), each entry is registered in the corresponding item map (IS-Map). Similarly, each item map (IS-Map) is included in at least one character map (C-Map).

Alternatively, in constructing a search file by the descriptors structure of FIG. 7B, the structure may include a plurality of character maps (C-Map), a plurality of item maps (IS-Map), and a plurality of entries ( entry). However, each item map (IS-Map) includes mapping information that specifies at least one or more upper character maps (C-Map). In addition, each entry includes mapping information that designates at least one higher item map (IS-Map).

8 illustrates a method of configuring search information for each language as a separate search file according to an embodiment of the present invention.

That is, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C, the present invention relates to a case where a search file is separately configured for each language. For example, a search file in English is indicated using a file name of "01001.esi" or "esmt_eng_00000.xml". In addition, a search file in Korean is indicated using a file name of "01002.esi" or "esmt_kor_00000.xml". In addition, a search file in Japanese is indicated using a file name of "01003.esi" or "esmt_jpn_00000.xml". In this regard, the structure of the search information included in each search file can be configured as shown in Figs. 7A and 7B described above.

9A to 9B illustrate a method of configuring search information generated for each language in one search file according to an embodiment of the present invention. That is, as described above in Figs. 2B and 2C, in constructing a search file, it is composed of one file incorporating all languages supported on the disc. For example, the search file is indicated using a file name of "01001.esi" or "esmt_mul_00000.xml". 9A shows the structure of search information included in the search file. In this connection, as shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, a plurality of pieces of search information are generated for each language. On the other hand, in FIG. 9B, the structure of the search information included in the search file is configured as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, but supportable language information is generated as a separate descriptor.

That is, according to FIG. 9B, only the search information part related to the language information is composed of a plurality of descriptors, and the rest of the search information is shared in common. For example, the structure of the search information shown in FIG. 9B includes the number information 1013 (Num_of_languages) of languages supported in the general information field 101 ("EnhancedSearch_GI ()") of the search file 100. . Further, information 1012b ("C-Map_Char_Descriptor") describing the characteristics of the character map, information 1032a ("IS-Map_Item_Descriptor") describing the characteristics of the item map, and information describing the characteristics of the entry are described. Only 1042b, "Entry_Descriptor" is provided independently for each language that can be supported. Therefore, it is possible to provide all language-specific search information in one search file.

10 illustrates a method of managing search information according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to FIG. 10, the retrieval information management method according to the present invention relates to managing the maximum number of entries and / or items that can exist. For example, limiting the maximum number of entries and / or items present in the entire disk, or limiting the number of entries and / or items present in a particular character map. It is possible to limit the maximum number or limit the maximum number of entries existing in a particular item map. It is also possible to limit the maximum number of entries and / or items present in a particular search file. As described above, by limiting the maximum number of entries and / or items constituting the search information, the disc author can efficiently configure only the necessary search information. It becomes possible. This reduces unnecessary search time for the user.

11A and 11B show an optical recording and reproducing apparatus and player model according to the present invention. In relation to this, Fig. 11A shows the configuration of the entire optical recording and reproducing apparatus 10, and Fig. 11B shows the reproduction processing means 17 or player model 17b of the present invention for reproducing a disc on which titles with different attributes are recorded. The structure of the Player Model is shown. Referring to Fig. 11A, the overall configuration of the optical recording and reproducing apparatus 10 of the present invention is as follows.

The optical recording and reproducing apparatus 10 includes a pickup section 11 for reproducing management information including contents recorded in a stream recording area in an optical disc and file information recorded in a reproduction management area, and the pickup section 11; Servo 14 for controlling the operation of the signal, the signal processing unit for restoring the reproduction signal received from the pickup unit 11 to the desired signal value, or modulating (modulation) the signal to be recorded to the signal recorded on the optical disk (13), a memory (15) for storing various necessary information necessary for disc reproduction, and a microcomputer (16) for controlling the operation of the components. In association with the above components, it is also referred to as "recording and playback section 20". The recording and playback section 20 can be provided as a single product.

In addition, the controller 12 controls all the components. In particular, the control unit 12 receives a playback command for a specific title and a content search command within a title through an interface with the user. Also, the reproduction processing means 17 finally decodes the output data under the control of the controller 12 and provides it to the user. Specifically, the reproduction processing means 17 includes a decoder 17a and a player model 17b. The decoder 17a decodes the AV signal. The player model 17b interprets an object command or program and a user command input through the control unit 12 in connection with the reproduction of the specific title described above. The player model 17b then determines the playback direction in accordance with the interpreted information and command. However, in some embodiments, the player model 17b may be used to include the decoder 17a. In this case, the reproduction processing means 17 of the present invention functions as a player model (Fig. 11B).

In addition, the encoder 18 converts an input signal into a signal of a specific format (for example, an MPEG2 transport stream) under the control of the control unit 12 to record the signal on the optical disc, and converts the converted signal into a signal processing unit. Provide to (13).

11B illustrates a detailed configuration of the player model. In the present invention, a case of a player model capable of playing both an HDMV title and a Java title will be described as an example. Referring to FIG. 11B, the player model includes "Module Manager 171", "Movie Module 172", "BDJ Module 173" and "Playback Control Engine". 174, " Playback control engine " and " Playback engine 175 ". In relation to this, the movie module 172 and the BDJ module 173 are independently configured as separate means for reproducing the HDMV title and the Java title. In detail, the Movie Module 172 plays HDMV titles, and the BDJ Module 173 plays Java titles. Both the movie module 172 and the BDJ module 173 have a control function for receiving a command or program in an object (M-OBJ or J-OBJ) and processing the same. As a means for receiving and processing the command, a "command processor 172a" is provided in the movie module 172 and an "application manager 173a" and a "Java VM 173b in the BDJ module 173. ) "Is included. In addition, the module manager 171 transmits a user command to the movie module 172 and the BDJ module 173, and controls operations of the movie module 172 and the BDJ module 173.

In addition, the playback control engine 174 interprets the contents of the playlist file recorded on the actual disc according to the playback commands of the movie module 172 and the BDJ module 173 (in particular, the contents of the playlist file). Constitutes a "static scenario"), and performs playback accordingly. In addition, the presentation engine 175 displays a specific stream on the screen screen. In this regard, the playback of a particular stream is managed by the playback control engine 174. In particular, the playback control engine 174 is composed of " Playback control function 174a " and " Player registers 174b ", and the " Playback control function 174a " The " Player registers 174b " stores a player's playing environment or playing state. That is, the "Player registers 174b" records a plurality of "Palyer status registers (PSR)" and "General purpose registers (GPR)". In some cases, "Playback control function 174a" may mean "Playback control engine 174".

In addition, in the player model of the present invention, the module manager 171, the movie module 172, the BDJ module 173, and the playback control engine 174 may perform software processing. For example, processing in software is more useful in design than in actual hardware configuration. However, the reproduction engine 175, the decoder 17a, and the graphics plans 17c and 17d are generally designed in hardware. In particular, the components that are processed by software (for example, reference numerals 171, 172, 173, and 174) may be configured as part of the above-described control unit 12. Therefore, the configuration of the present invention should be understood as the meaning, it is obvious that it is not limited to the hardware configuration or software configuration.

Features of the player model are as follows. First, as described above, the movie module 172 for the HDMV title and the BDJ module 173 for the Java title are independently configured. In other words, the two modules 172 and 173 are not executed simultaneously. In other words, Java titles cannot be played during HDMV title playback. Also, HDMV titles cannot be played while Java titles are being played.

Next, the HDMV title and the Java title each receive a user command in a separate manner, and the method of performing the user command is independent of each other. However, there is a need for a means for receiving a user command and transferring it to either the movie module 172 or the BDJ module 173. This is handled by the "User Event Manager 171a" in the module manager 171. Thus, for example, the "User Event Manager 171a" is performed by transmitting the received command to the "UO controller 172b" in the movie module 172 if the received command is a user command by the "User Operation (UO)". If the received command is a user command by "Key event", the command is transmitted to "Java VM 173b" in the BDJ module 173 for execution.

In addition, any one of the modules 172 and 173 currently operating manages (or "masters") the regeneration control engine 174. That is, the movie module 172 becomes a master during HDMV title reproduction, and the BDJ module 173 becomes a master during reproduction of Java title. Finally, management of the graphic plane is also performed independently. For example, the HDMV plan 17c has the playback engine 175 as the master, and the Java plan 17d has the master as the "Java VM 173b" in the above-described BDJ module 173. do.

The optical disk reproducing method using the optical recording and reproducing apparatus 10 of the present invention will be described below. That is, when the disc on which the reproduction management file structure has been recorded is loaded into the optical recording / reproducing apparatus 10 according to any one of the above-described embodiments of Figs. 2A to 2D, the microcomputer 16 enters into the loaded disc. The recorded reproduction management file information and the like are read out using the pickup 11. Thereafter, the microcomputer 16 stores the read information in the memory 15. Thereafter, when a user selection command for reproducing a specific title is input through the control unit 12, the microcomputer 16 reads specific data according to a reproduction scenario corresponding to the selected title. The microcomputer 16 transmits the read data to the player model (FIG. 11B, Player Model). The player model then determines the movie module described above according to the playback scenarios identified through the attributes of the title and each object file (which determines the "Dynamic scenario") and playlist file (which determines the "Static scenario"). One of 172 and the BDJ module 173 is driven to finally play back the title selected by the user. Relatedly, there are two ways to search for specific content within a title during such title playback.

One method is to pause title playback if an intra-title content search command is input by the user during the title playback. Then, the specific content in the title is searched for from the search information in the search file described above. Thereafter, when the search operation ends, title playback is restarted from the playback position of the paused title. In other words, after pausing title playback and performing a search operation, when a specific time has elapsed by a user's request or by the system, it means to automatically resume playback from the paused position.

Another method is to stop playback of a title if an intra-title content search command is input by the user during the playback of the title. Then, the specific content in the title is searched for from the search information in the search file, and according to the result of the search operation, playback of the title is restarted from after the last selected search scene. That is, after the reproduction of the title is completely completed and the search operation is performed, the reproduction of the title is restarted from the scene desired by the user.

According to the present invention, a recording medium, a content retrieval method in a recording medium, a recording medium reproducing method and a reproducing apparatus have the following advantages. By using the present invention, it is possible to easily search and provide various contents recorded in the recording medium. In addition, it is possible to efficiently manage and reproduce the recording medium, thereby providing a more convenient function to the user.

The above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed for the purpose of illustration, and those skilled in the art can improve and change other various embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present invention disclosed in the appended claims below. , Replacement or addition would be possible.

Claims (27)

An area in which a plurality of contents are recorded, A management area in which a search file for searching the recorded content is recorded; And the search file includes at least one entry which classifies content into scenes and has information defining attributes for each scene. The method of claim 1, The search file may further include map information classified according to attributes of the entry. The method of claim 2, Map information recorded in the search file includes a plurality of item maps (IS-Maps) for designating an entry having the same item attribute among the entries, and a plurality of item maps (IS-Map). A recording medium comprising a plurality of character maps (C-Maps) that specify an item map (IS-Map) having the same characteristics. The method of claim 3, wherein The plurality of character maps (C-Map) may include a character map (C-Map) created by a character appearing in content and a character map (C-) created by a place appearing in the content. And a recording medium. The method of claim 1, The search file is a recording medium, characterized in that consisting of metadata (metadata). The method of claim 5, The metadata in the search file is a hierarchical structure. The method of claim 3, wherein The search file includes a plurality of character maps (C-Map), a plurality of item maps (IS-Map), and at least one entry, respectively, and the search file includes the plurality of character maps (C-Map). And a plurality of descriptors specifying mapping relationships between a plurality of item maps (IS-Maps) and at least one entry. The method of claim 7, wherein And each of the at least one entry is mapped to at least one or more item maps (IS-Maps). The method of claim 4, wherein And each item map (IS-Map) is mapped to at least one character map (C-Map). The method of claim 1, The search file is a recording medium, characterized in that consisting of a separate file for each language. The method of claim 1, And the search file comprises a single file incorporating all supported languages. The method of claim 11, And a separate descriptor for each supported language in the search file. The method of claim 11, And a number information (Num_of_language) of supported languages in the search file. The method of claim 1, And the search file is recorded in an auxiliary data directory (AUXDATA). The method of claim 1, And the search file is recorded in a metadata directory (META). The method of claim 1, And a playlist file (PlayList) that manages the reproduction of contents in the management area. The method of claim 1, The search file, characterized in that the recording medium (PlayList) unit characterized in that the recording medium. The method of claim 17, The file name indicating the search file includes file descriptor information indicating that the file is a search file, language information supported by the search file, and specific playlist file (PlayList) information related to the search file. A recording medium, characterized in that made. The method of claim 1, Wherein each entry in the search file includes positional information (entry_pointer) in which a scene related to the recording medium is recorded. The method of claim 2, The number of items included in the recording medium, characterized in that within the predetermined maximum value. The method of claim 2, And the number of entries included in the recording medium is within a predetermined maximum value. The method of claim 21, And a number of entries included in the recording medium is within a predetermined maximum value for each search file. A method for searching contents recorded in a recording medium, Providing character information for each character map (C-Map) recorded in a search file according to a content search command; Providing item information for at least one item map (IS-Map) belonging to a selected character among the provided character information; Providing an entry belonging to a selected item among the provided item information; And searching for a corresponding entry using location information (entry_pointer) recorded in a selected entry among the provided entries. A method for reproducing a recording medium having at least one title recording area and a management area in which a management file and a retrieval file for reproducing the title are recorded, respectively. Reading an index file and an object file recorded in the management area; Executing a specific object file managing a reproduction scenario of the title, when a reproduction command of a specific title is input by the index file; During a title playback by the object file, if a content search command within a title is input, pausing title playback and searching for specific content in the title from search information in the search file; And resuming title playback from the playback position of the paused title after the searching operation is terminated. A method for reproducing a recording medium having at least one title recording area and a management area in which a management file and a retrieval file for reproducing the title are recorded, respectively. Reading an index file and an object file recorded in the management area; Executing a specific object file managing a reproduction scenario of the title, when a reproduction command of a specific title is input by the index file; Stopping playback of a title and searching for specific content in the title from the search information in the search file, if a content search command in the title is input during title playback by the object file; And resuming playback of the title after the last selected search scene according to the result of the search operation. An apparatus for reproducing a recording medium having at least one title recording area, and a management area in which a management file and a retrieval file for reproducing the title are recorded, respectively. A recording / playback section for reading an index file and an object file recorded in the management area of the recording medium; When the playback command is input, the read index file executes a specific object file related to the playback of the title. During playback of the title by the object file, if the in-title content search command is input, playback of the title is paused. And a player model for searching for a specific content in the title from the search information in the search file, and starting the playback of the title again from the playback position of the paused title after the end of the search operation. Media playback device. An apparatus for reproducing a recording medium having at least one title recording area, and a management area in which a management file and a retrieval file for reproducing the title are recorded, respectively. A recording / playback section for reading an index file and an object file recorded in the management area of the recording medium; When the playback command is input, the read index file executes a specific object file related to the playback of the title. If the intra-title content search command is input during the playback of the title by the object file, the playback of the title is stopped and searched. And a player model for searching for specific content in the title from the search information in the file, and resuming playback of the title from after the last selected search scene according to the result of the search operation. Playback device.

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