MXPA99004071A - Optical disc, recording apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical disc including:a data area storing one or more video objects;and a time map area storing time map information. Each video object includes a plurality of video object units. The time map information includes a pair of a first time table and a second time table for each video object. Each first time table includes:addresses of video object units in a corresponding video object;and indicators. The addresses are arranged in order and indicate storage positions of the video object units that correspond to reproduction points that differ by a predetermined time unit. The predetermined time unit is longer than a maximum reproduction period of a video object unit. The indicators specify the video object units which respectively correspond to the addresses. Each second time table includes an entry for each video object unit in the corresponding video object. The entries are arranged in order. Each second time table includes a reproduction period and a data size of each video object unit.

Description

OPTICAL DISC, RECORDING DEVICE OR RECORDER AND MEANS OF RECORD READABLE IN COMPUTER FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an optical disk used to record video data, a recording device, and a computer-readable recording medium that records a program for handling a file.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recently, optical discs such as CD-ROMs and DVDs (Digital Versatile Disk) -ROMs have been used to record video data (also called AV data in this document) of films or the like, as well as being used as secondary storage. for computers. Currently, the practical uses of DVD-RAMs are in expectation due to the general expectation that DVD-RAMs will be popular as the next generation's main record medium.

First, conventional DVD-ROMs are explained in terms of special reproductions. Special reproductions include the fast transmission or rewinding of AV data at a speed n times as high as the speed of Ref. 029905 normal playback (then such speed is called speed n).

The AV data that is recorded on DVD-ROMs is compressed with a compression encoding method at a variable bit rate to increase the compression rate. The "Variable bit rate" means that the amount of image data compressed by a frame is variable. As a result, the amount of compressed data is not proportional to the reproduction period. When this occurs, even if the coded AV data is read at constant intervals, ie at each predetermined size of the coded AV data, the read AV data does not correspond to images that are sectioned for a predetermined period of time.

To relate the amount of compressed data to the reproduction period, the information of each special reproduction is entered into necessary points in the AV data on DVD-ROMs.

More specifically, the AV data is compressed according to the MPEG2 encoder. During compression, the information called NV package, which is unique to the DVD, is added to the start of each GOP. The GOPs are sections, which each have a period of 0.4 to 1.0 seconds.

Exceptionally, a part of a VOB has a GOP of 1.2 seconds. The data included between an NV packet and the next NV packet is called VOBU (Video Output Unit).

Each NV package includes information from 2 ilobits used to refer to adjacent NV packets. Each NV package also includes a data size of the first reference image in a GOP. The information used to refer to adjacent NV packets is composed of relative addresses of NV packets of VOBUs in the forward and reverse directions separated by a predetermined time period of the current VOBU, relative addresses are obtained based on the time code of the VOBUs. start of the current VOBU. The predetermined time period may be one up to 15, 20, 60, 120, and 240 seconds.

Second, the operations of special reproductions such as transmission and rapid re-development are described. Special reproductions substantially at a constant speed are achieved by reproducing only the reference images of the VOBUs having a predetermined time interval in between, according to the reproduction speed. In order to sequentially read the VOBUs having a predetermined time interval in between, the information used to refer to adjacent NV packets in each NV packet is used.

A time search map is recorded in each time code that is arranged with a predetermined time interval in between from the start of the AV data. The time search map indicates an address of an AV data part in the VOBU corresponding to the current time code. Referring to the time search maps, the reproduction apparatuses can initiate the reproduction of AV data starting from the specified time codes.

However, it has been impossible to apply the method of introducing the special reproduction information into AV data for the real-time recording of data in recording media, such as DVD-RAMs.

This is because in the AV data real-time recording, information can not be obtained on a part of the AV data that is recorded from now on (for example, NV packet addresses in the reverse direction).

Also, it is possible to generate special playback information that is recorded in each NV packet after the AV data is recorded. However, to record the information generated in an AV data storage area as NV packets, the same number of disk accesses as the number of VOBUs are required. This can not be achieved in real time.

Some may think that this problem will be solved by storing AV data and special playback information in different areas of AV data. However, this solution has another problem because in order to store the special reproduction information in a main memory, the main memory must have a large capacity, where the storage of the special reproduction information in the main memory is necessary to execute high-speed special reproductions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an optical disc recorder apparatus for generating special reproduction information of reduced amount, while the AV data is recorded on the disc in real time, and an optical disk in which the data they are recorded by the optical disc recorder.

The above objective is achieved by an optical disk that includes a data area and a time map area, the data area stores one or more video outputs and the time map area stores time map information, where each video output includes a plurality of video output units, the time map information includes a pair of a first time table and a second time table for each video output, each first time table includes: video output units in a corresponding video output, the addresses are arranged in order and indicate storage positions of the video output units corresponding to playback points differing by a predetermined time unit, the predetermined time unit it is longer than a maximum reproduction period of a video output unit; and indicators to specify the video output units, which respectively correspond to the addresses, and each second time table includes an input for each video output unit in the corresponding video output, the inputs are arranged in order and each one includes a reproduction period of a video output unit and a data size of the video output unit.

With the above construction, the first time table has a small size, since the first time table only records storage locations of video output units at predetermined intervals. For the second time table, it is not required to register a storage position of each video output unit in relation to a playback point. The second time table also includes a reproduction period and a data size for each video output unit. As a result, the second time table also has a small size, since the reproduction period is smaller than the data size in size. It is very easy to generate the second time table while recording the data on the disk, since the second time table is recorded in video output units, which are the coding unit.

In the above optical disc, each first time table may include a plurality of first time maps, which each corresponds to a different one of the reproduction points, each second time table can include a plurality of second time maps, which each corresponds to a different one of the plurality of video output units, each first Time map includes: one of the indicators, the indicator indicates a second time map for a video output unit corresponding to the reproduction point, an address of the video output unit corresponding to the reproduction point, and the Difference information indicates a difference between the corresponding playback point and a playback start time of the corresponding video output unit, and every second map - time includes time information indicating a reproduction period of a corresponding video output unit, and also includes a data size of the corresponding video output unit.

In the above optical disc, the time map information may include a time deviation for each video output, each time deviation indicates a difference between a first reproduction point during a reproduction of the corresponding video output and a time of start of a first video output unit in the corresponding video output.

With the previous construction, it is possible to correct the information of the time map without difficulty by changing the value of the time deviation if the first part of a video output is interrupted by editing.

The above objective is also achieved by a recording apparatus that includes: an input unit for receiving video data in a series of time; a compression unit for compressing the received video data to generate a video output, which includes a sequence of video output units; a writing unit for writing data to an optical disk; and a control unit for controlling the writing unit, wherein the control unit controls the writing unit for writing the video output generated on the optical disk, generates a first time table and a second time table, and controls the writing unit for writing the first time table and second table of generated time, each first time table includes: addresses of the video output units in a corresponding video output, addresses are arranged in order and indicate positions for storing the video output units corresponding to playback points differing by a predetermined time unit, the predetermined time unit is longer than a maximum reproduction period of a video output unit; and indicators to specify the video output units, which respectively correspond to the addresses, and each second time table includes an input for each video output unit in the corresponding video output, the inputs are arranged in order and each one includes a reproduction period of a video output unit and a data size of the video output unit.

With the above construction, the first time table has a small size, since the first time table only records storage locations of video output units at predetermined intervals. For the second time table, it is not required to register a storage position of each video output unit in relation to a playback point. The second time table also includes a reproduction period and a data size for each video output unit. As a result, the second time table also has a small size, since the reproduction period is smaller than the data size in size. It is very easy to generate the second time table while recording the data on the disk, since the second time table is recorded in units of video output units, which are the coding unit.

In the above recording apparatus, each first time table may include a plurality of first time maps, each corresponding to a different one of the reproduction points, each second time table may include a plurality of second time maps, which each corresponds to a different one of the plurality of video output units, each first time map includes: one of the indicators, the indicator indicates a second time map for a video output unit corresponding to the point of reproduction, an address of the video output unit corresponding to the reproduction point, and difference information indicating a difference between the corresponding reproduction point and a start time of the corresponding video output unit, and every second Time map includes time information indicating a reproduction period of a corresponding video output unit , and also includes a data size of the corresponding video output unit.

In the above recording apparatus, the time map information may include a time deviation for each video output, each time deviation indicates a difference between a first reproduction point during a reproduction of the corresponding video output and a time of start of a video output unit in the corresponding video output.

With the previous construction, it is possible to correct the time map information without difficulty by changing the value of the time deviation, even if the first part of a video output is interrupted by editing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows the appearance and recording area of the DVD-RAM disc, which is the optical disc of the present invention described in the embodiment; FIG. 2 shows the cross section and surface of a cut of the DVD-RAM at the top of a sector; FIG.3A shows the plurality of zone areas 0-23 and other areas provided in a DVD-RAM; FIG. 3B shows a horizontal arrangement of zone areas 0-23 and other areas.

FIG. 3C shows logical sector numbers (LSNs) in the volume area; FIG. 3D shows logical block numbers (LBNs) in the volume area; FIG. 4 shows a hierarchical relationship between area areas, ECC blocks, and sectors; FIG. 5 shows a sector management table (spacing bitmap) and a consecutive record area management table recorded in the volume area; FIG. 6 shows a hierarchical directory structure of AV files and non-AV files; FIG. 7 shows VOBs registered as AV files "Moviel.VOB," "Movie2. VOB," ..., - FIG. 8 shows hierarchically the contents of the file for the handling of AV data "RTRW.IFO"; FIG. 9 shows logical relationships between the title search indicator table, PGC information table, and VOBs; FIG. 10 shows the data structure of the AV file, ie the VOB; FIG. 11 shows the data structure of the time map information corresponding to a VOB; FIG. 12 shows the logical relationships between the time map table and the VOBU table; FIG. 13 shows the time deviation, which -shows a time difference between the start time of the VOB and the time of the first time map; FIG. 14 shows the construction of a system that includes the optical disk recording / reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment; FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the DVD recorder 10; FIG. 16 shows a remote control; FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the construction of the MPEG 2 encoder; FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the construction of the MPEG 4 decoder; FIG. 19 is a function block diagram showing the construction of the DVD recorder 10 based on the functions of the components; FIG. 20 shows a list of commands supported by the system unit of an AV file 103 and the system unit of a common file 104 for handling a file; FIG. 21 shows guide images; FIG. 22 is an operation diagram showing the registration process carried out by the AV data recording unit 110; FIG. 23 shows an example of GOP information; FIG. 24 is an operation diagram showing the process of generating and recording the information for handling an AV file by the information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file; FIG. 25 shows a time map table and a generated VOBU table based on the GOP information; FIG. 26 is an operation diagram showing the process of an ordinary reproduction carried out by the AV data reproduction unit 130; FIG. 27 is an operations diagram showing the reproduction process carried out when the user specifies the start and end times in a title; Y FIG. 28 is an operation diagram showing the special reproduction process carried out by the AV data reproduction unit 130.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES (1) Optical Disk [1-1) Physical Structure of the Optical Disk FIG. 1 shows the appearance and recording area of a DVD-RAM disc, which is an optical disc. As shown in the figure, the DVD-RAM disk has an entry area at its innermost periphery and an output area at its outermost periphery, with the data area in between. The input area records the reference signals necessary for the stabilization of a servo during access by an optical transducer, and the identification signals prevent confusion with other means. The output area records the same type of reference signals as the input area.

The data area, meanwhile, is divided into sectors, which are the smallest unit through which you can access the DVD-RAM. Here, the size of each sector is set to 2KB. The data recorded in the data area includes information for managing the system of a file, AV data, file for handling AV data, and non-AV data.

The information for managing the system of a file includes a directory structure of the DVD-RAM disk, positions of the registered files, and information on the status of the data area assignment. The information for managing a file system is used when the files are created, written, read, or deleted.

AV data is recorded in file units, which respectively correspond to Video Outputs (VOBs). Each VOB is recorded on the disk by an optical disc recorder in a consecutive register. The contents of the VOBs are, for example, a whole or a part of a movie, or a whole or a part of a TV program. Each VOB is composed of a plurality of Video Output Units (VOBUs).

Each VOBU includes AV data corresponding to 0.4 up to 1. 2 seconds of playback. Each VOBU includes at least one GOP (Group of Images), which is the image data section defined in the standard MPEG2 encoder. Each GOP includes at least one I (Intra) image defined in the standard MPEG2 encoder, where each GOP can also include P images (Predictive) and B (Bidirectional Predictive) images defined in the standard MPEG2 encoder. This allows the independent reproduction of the GOPs. Especially, in special reproductions, such as fast transmission and re-development, or reproduction at specified times, the I images are extracted in the GOPs that are reproduced. Alternatively, the I images are extracted as reference images by the images P or B that are reproduced.

A file for handling AV data is a file used to handle AV data on a DVD-RAM. The file includes one or more pieces of information from the time map, which corresponds to one or more VOBs. Time map information shows relationships between playback points (times) and storage positions of AV files (ie, VOBs). The time map information is used to convert the arbitrary VOB reproduction times to storage positions of the VOB. The weather map information has a hierarchical data structure. That is, the time map information includes a first time table and a second time table in a hierarchy.

The first time table (also called a table of 5 time map or a TMAP table) includes: storage locations (sector addresses: LSNs (Logical Sector Numbers)) of video output units in a corresponding video output , the reproduction points differ by a predetermined unit of time (for example, 60 seconds); e 10 indicators to specify the video output units, which respectively correspond to the storage positions.

The second time table "(also called a 15 VOBU table) includes an input for each video output unit in the corresponding video output, the inputs are arranged in order and each one includes a reproduction period of one unit of video. video output and a data size of the video output unit i 0 Figure 2 shows the cross-section and surface area of a DVD-RAM cut in the upper part of a sector, as shown in the figure, each sector is composed of a sequence of cavities that are formed on the surface of a reflective film, such as a metal film, and a different-part.

The sequence of cavities consists of cavities of 0.4 μm ~ 1.87 μm that are cut on the surface of the DVD-RAM to show the direction of the sector.

The different part consists of a concave part called "groove" and a convex part called "surface between grooves". Each concave and convex part called groove and surface between grooves respectively, has a registration mark composed of a metal film capable of phase change attached to its surface. Here, the expression "capable of phase change" means that the registration mark may be in a crystalline state or a non-crystalline state depending on whether the metal film has been exposed to a beam of light. Using this phase change feature, data can be recorded in this different part. While it is only possible to record the data in the convex part called the groove surface of an MO (Magnetic-Optical) disk, the data can be recorded in both concave and convex parts called surface between grooves and groove of a DVD-RAM, which means that the recording density of a DVD-RAM exceeds that of an MO disk. The error correction information is provided on a DVD-RAM for each group of 16 sectors. In the present embodiment, each group of 16 sectors that is a given ECC (Error Correction Code) is called ECC block.

In a DVD-RAM, the data area is divided into a plurality of zone areas to perform the rotation control called Z-CLV (Constant Linear Zone Velocity) during recording and reproduction.

FIG. 3A shows the plurality of zone areas provided in a DVD-RAM. As shown in the figure, a DVD-RAM is divided into 24 area areas numbered from zone 0 to zone 23. Each zone area is a group of tracks that are accessed using the same angular velocity. In this mode, each zone area contains 1888 tracks. The rotational angular speed of the DVD-RAM is set separately for each zone area, with this speed being greater than the conjunctor, a zone area is located on the inner periphery of the disk. This ensures that the optical transducer can move at a constant speed, while access is carried out within a single zone area. By doing this, the recording density of the DVD-RAM is increased, and the rotation control becomes easier during recording and playback.

FIG. 3B shows a horizontal array of the entrance area, the exit area, and the zone area 0-23 shown in FIG. 3A.

The entrance area and the exit area each have an interior DMA (Defect Management Area). The DMA registers: the position information that shows the positions of sectors finds that it includes defects; and the substitution position information showing the positions of the sectors replaces the defective sectors located in a substitution area.

Each zone area has a user area inside, and the substitution area and an unused area are provided on the boundary between zone areas. The user area is an area that can be used by the system of a file as a registration area. The substitution area is used to replace the defective sectors when such defective sectors are found. The unused area is an area that is not used to record data. Only two clues are assigned as the unused area, with such unused area being provided that the wrong identification of the sector addresses is prevented. This is because while the sector addresses are recorded in the same position on adjacent tracks within the same zone, for the Z-CLZ, the sector addresses are recorded at different positions on adjacent tracks in the zone boundary.

In this way, the sectors which are not used for data registration exist at the boundaries between area areas. Therefore, in a DVD-RAM, the logical sector numbers (LSN: Logical Sector Number) are assigned to physical sectors of the user area in order starting from the inner periphery until consecutively showing only the sectors used to record data.

As shown in FIG.3C, the area that registers user data and is composed of sectors that have been assigned LSNs is called the volume area.

Also, as shown in FIG.3D, in the innermost and outermost peripheries, the information of the volume structure that is used to associate with the disk as a logical volume is recorded. The rest of the volume area, except the areas to record the volume structure information, is called the partition area. The partition area records files. The logical block numbers (LBN: Logical Block Number) are assigned to sectors of the partition area in order starting from the first sector.

FIG. 4 shows a hierarchical relationship between area areas, ECC blocks, and sectors. As shown in the drawing, each zone area includes a plurality of ECC blocks. It should be noted here that in the optical discs, the areas in units of sectors are assigned to non-AV data, while the areas in units of consecutive recording areas are assigned to AV data, so that each consecutive recording area ensures the reproduction uninterrupted of the AV data. Here, each consecutive record area is composed of consecutive sectors in units of ECC blocks (in other words, each area is an integral multiple of an ECC block) and has a predetermined size (approximately 7 MB) or greater, each area Consecutive record does not exceed the boundary between zones. However, when the AV data includes a plurality of areas, the last area may be smaller than the predetermined size. The reason why it is defined that each consecutive recording area does not exceed the limit between zones is that an excess of the limit will change the angular speed of rotation of the optical disc, which will disturb the uninterrupted reproduction. The reason why each consecutive record area is an integral multiple of an ECC block is that the ECC block is the minimum unit associated with the ECC process.

FIG.5 shows a sector management table (spacing bitmap) and a consecutive record area management table. The sector management table is recorded in the partition area of the volume area and is included in the information for managing the system of a file. The consecutive record area is used to handle the consecutive record areas. The drawing also shows a hierarchical relationship between the area of volume, sectors, and contents of the sectors.

The first layer shows the volume area shown in FIG.3D.

The second layer shows areas of the sector, which include a sector management table. The areas of the sector are included in the partition area. "The sector management table (also called spacing bitmap) that shows the status of data allocation for each sector is recorded in the areas of the sector with block numbers. logical 0-79.The consecutive record area management table, registered as a non-AV file and as a normal file, is not recorded in a fixed area.

As shown in the third layer, the "spacing bitmap" column shows whether each sector included in the partition area is assigned or not assigned. In this example, the allocation status of each sector is indicated by a bit. For example, each sector for logical block numbers 0-79 is the given bit - "0" (indicating "assigned"), since these sectors have already been assigned as a spacing bitmap.

As shown in the third layer, the consecutive record area management table shows areas in the partition area that have been assigned as consecutive record areas. In FIG. 5, the consecutive record area management table is described as a table in a list format that includes entries the, e2, e3, e4, .... Outside the left hand side of the table, the relative addresses of the entries (the bit numbers), which are relative to the beginning of the table.

As shown in the drawing from left to right, each entry consists of a start sector number (LSN), a final sector number, and an indicator. The sectors between the specified start sector number and the final sector number correspond to a part of or a total consecutive record area. The indicators indicate the positions of the next entries by their relative addresses. The indicator of the last entry has a value "-1", which indicates that it is the last entry.

In the present example shown in FIG. 5, the entry is a consecutive record area that includes consecutive sectors with sector numbers 6848 through 15983. The input the has information (indicator) that indicates that the next input e2 is an area that starts from the twelfth bit. The other entries are similar to the entry on. In the present example, the el-e4 entries are formed by a consecutive record area composed of consecutive sectors with sector numbers 6848 through 31983. This suggests that the AV data has been recorded four times and that a consecutive record area is added every time the AV data is recorded.

The spacing bitmap column must be written in connection with the assignment of consecutive record areas. For example, in an optical disc recorder, the areas assigned as the consecutive record areas are indicated as the areas also allocated in the spacing bitmap column.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a system of a DVD-RAM file, in which the AV data and non-AV data files are recorded.

In the drawing, the ovals represent directories, and the rectangles represent files.

The beginning directory branches to a "RTRW" directory and two non-AV data files "Filel.DAT" and "File2.DAT". The "RTRW" directory branches to a plurality of AV data files "Moviel .VOB", "Movie2.VOB", .... and a file for handling AV data "RTRW.IFO." As shown in FIG. 7, the AV data files "Moviel .VOB", "Movie2.VOB", .... are stored in the data area respectively as VOBs. (1.2) File for AV Data Management FIG. 8 shows hierarchically the contents of the AV data handling file "RTRW.IFO" shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 8, the file. for data handling AV includes a title search indicator table 810, an AV 820 file management table, and an information table of PGC 830. FIG. 9 shows logical relationships between these tables and VOBs.

The title search indicator table 810 includes a list of titles registered in the DVD-RAM. Here, titles can be programs registered by users or can be edited by users. FIGs. 8 and 9 show only title search indicators 811, 812, ... included in the title search indicator table.

The title search indicators 811, 812, ... are indicators, which indicate PGCs (or PGC information) corresponding to the titles. For example, the title search indicator 811 indicates information of the PGC 831. Here, each PGC is formed of a plurality of arbitrary AV data sections of arbitrary VOBs, the sections are logically joined. Each information part of the PGC shows a logical relationship between the plurality of arbitrary AV data sections of arbitrary VOBs.

The AV 820 file management table shows relationships between the playback points (times) and the storage positions of the AV files (ie, VOBs). The table includes as many information parts of the VOB (VOB information 821, 822, ....) as the number of VOBs.

Each of the VOB information 821, 822, ... includes general information about the VOB and time map information. The general information of the VOB is information, such as a reproduction period, unique to each VOB. The time map information shows relationships between the reproduction points (times) and storage positions of the VOBUs.

The general information of the VOB 821a includes an identifier of the current VOB and the reproduction period of the VOB.

The time map information 821b includes the first time table and the second time table, which has been described above.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first time table (time map table) is composed of time maps # 1, # 2, ... which include: storage positions (addresses of the sector) of VOBUs placed on a time axis whose start is a start time of the current VOB, the storage positions are arranged in order and correspond to playback points that differ by a predetermined unit of time (for example , 60 seconds); and indicators to specify the VOBUs, which respectively correspond to the storage positions.

The second time table (VOBU table) is composed of VOBU maps # 1, # 2, ... which include: playback periods and data sizes of the VOBUs, the VOBU maps are arranged in the order of reproduction of the corresponding VOBUs starting from the beginning of the current VOB.

The information table of the PGC 830 includes a plurality of information parts of the PGC 831, 832, ....

The plurality of information parts of the PGC 831, 832, ... are each, a table which includes a list of video sections in VOBs, the sections are arranged in the order of reproduction. The information that specifies the video section is called cells. Each cell specifies a video section in a VOB by its start time and end time. Each PGC information part shows logically linked video sections of AV data specified by the cells.

Each of the cells 831a, 831b, ... includes an AV file identifier, a VOB identifier, and a pair of a start time and a end time of a video section.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, a sequence of AV data corresponding to a title is identified following the course of: title search indicator 811- > information from PGC 831-? 831a cells up to 83lc? -VOB information 821, 822- »VOBs # 1, # 2. In this example, the AV data corresponding to a title consists of two VOBs # 1, # 2. The simplest example of PGC information, such as the case of a newly registered title, is represented as: a title-Mine part of "information from the PGC-ina cell-Mine information part of the VOB-VOB Mine. In such a case, a title consists of a VOB.

FIG. 10 shows the data structure of the AV file, or the VOB. As shown in the drawing, each VOB is composed of a plurality of VOBUs. Each VOBU is a section of AV data that includes video data and compressed audio data corresponding to approximately 0.5 seconds of playback and includes at least one I image. Each VOBU is composed of a sequence of interleaved video packets (V_PCK) and packets. Audio (A_PCK). Each packet includes a packet header, a small packet header, and video / audio data, and has the same size as the sector size (2KB). The packets correspond to the small packets defined in the MPEG2 encoder.

FIG. 11 shows the data structure of the time map information corresponding to a VOB. In the drawing, the time map information 821b shows the correlation between the reproduction points and the storage positions of the VOBs. The time map information 821b is composed of a general information of time map 8210, a time map table 8220, a VOBU table 8230.

FIG. 12 shows the logical relationships between the time map table and the VOBU table.

The general information of time map 8210 includes the number of time maps and the number of VOBU maps included in the time map information, one unit of time (also referred to as TMU), which shows a fixed predetermined time period between the time maps, and a time deviation (also referred to as TM_0FS), which shows a time difference between the start time of the Current VOB and the time of the first time map.

The time map table 8220 includes a plurality of time maps 8211, 8212, ... which are arranged in time order at TMU intervals. The 8211 time map specifies a VOBU map corresponding to a time that is obtained by adding a TM_OFS to the start time of the current VOB. The time map 8212 specifies a VOBU map corresponding to a time obtained by adding a TMU to the time of the time map 8211. The time map 8213 specifies a VOBU map corresponding to a time obtained by adding two TMUs at the time map time 8211. The following time maps specify the corresponding VOBU maps in a similar way.

Usually, the TM__OFS is "O" where, as described above, -the time of the 8211 time map equals the start time of the current VOB. When, for example, the first part of the VOB is deleted by editing, the TM_OFS shows a different value of "0".

FIG. 13 shows the logical relationships between the time map table and the VOBU table when the first part of the VOB is deleted. As it is understood from the drawing, the TM_OFS in this example shows a time difference between the start time of the current VOB and the time of the first time map, and is set to be equal to the VOB playback time of the first part deleted from the VOB. This reduces the amount of calculation required to generate the time map table.

The reproduction point of the time map #i (also referred to as time map time) is represented as .- TIME MAP TIME = (TMU * (i-l) + TM_OFS).

The time maps 8211, 8212, ... each include a VOBU map number, a time difference (also referred to as TM_DIFF), and a VOBU address (also referred to as VOBU_ADR).

The VOBU map number 8212a is a VOBU map number, which corresponds to the time map time of the 8212 weather map.

The TM_DIFF 8212b is a time difference between the start time of the current VOBU and the corresponding time map time. The start time of the VOBU #j is represented as: VOBU START TIME = (TMU * (j-l) + TM_OFS - TM_DIFF).

The VOBU_ADR 8212c is an address (a sector address of four bits) that indicates the start of a VOBU.

The VOBU 8230 table is a table that includes VOBU maps 8231, 8232, .... which respectively correspond to the VOBUs included in the current VOB.

VOBU maps 8231, 8232, ... each include a reference image size, a VOBU playing time, and a VOBU size.

The size of the reference image 8232a is a size of the first image I of a VOBU. The size 8232a is used to read a reference image in the performances of special reproductions and reproductions at specified times.

The playing time of a VOBU 8232b is a period for which a VOBU is played. The time 8232b is represented by a bit. The time 8232b is used to detect a reference image in the performances of special reproductions and reproductions at specified times. That is, the reproduction apparatus continues to operate to sum each reproduction time of a VOBU to the start time of a VOBU in order until the addition is equal to the time of the VOBU corresponding to the reference image. The reproduction apparatus detects the reference VOBU and then also detects the reference image of the detected VOBU.

The size of a VOBU 8232c is a data size of a VOBU. The size of a VOBU 8232c that has two bits indicates the size of a VOBU by the number of sectors. The size 8232c is used to detect the size of the reference image in the functions of special reproductions and reproductions at specified times. (2) Registration / Reproduction Apparatus The optical disk recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings. (2-1) Complete System FIG. 14 shows the construction of a system that includes the optical disk recording / reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment.

The system includes an optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 10 (also referred to as a DVD recorder 10), a remote control 6 used to operate the DVD recorder 10, a visual display of the DVD recorder 12 connected to the DVD recorder 10. , and an antenna 9.

After the DVD-RAM is loaded, the DVD recorder 10 compresses the video / audio data, which is included in the analog broadcast waves, which are received through the antenna 9, records the compressed data as AV files on the DVD-RAM disc, expands compressed video / audio data, and directs expanded video / audio signals to a visual presentation 12. (2-2) Hardware Structure of the DVD Recorder 10 FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the DVD recorder 10.

The DVD recorder 10 includes a control unit 1, an MPEG 2 encoder, a disk access unit 3, an MPEG 4 decoder, a video signal processing unit 5, a remote control 6, a bus 7, a remote control signal receiving unit 8, and a receiver 9.

The control unit 1 includes a CPU, a processor bus bar Ib, a bus bar interface lc, and a main memory Id. The control unit 1 executes a program stored in the main memory Id to control the complete DVD recorder 10 in terms of registration, reproduction, editing, etc. In particular, after an AV (VOB) file including AV data is recorded, the control unit 1 generates VOB information and PGC information corresponding to the registered VOB, and registers or updates the file for the handling of the VOB. AV data. Also, when the AV data is reproduced, the control unit 1, based on the VOB information, obtains the address of a section specified by its start and end times in a cell included in the PGC information in the file. the AV data handling shown in FIG. 9. Then the control unit reads and plays the section. In particular, in the case of special reproductions, the control unit 1 refers to the VOB information in order to sequentially obtain directions of reference images, which are arranged at intervals of a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds or -5 seconds), for fast transmission or re-development.

The MPEG 2 encoder compresses the video / audio data, which is included in the analog broadcasting waves received through the antenna 9 and generates an MPEG current.

The disk access unit 3, having a track buffer 3a, under the control of the control unit 1, records the MPEG current received from the MPEG 2 encoder on the DVD-RAM disk via the track buffer 3a , reads the MPEG stream from the DVD-RAM disc, and sends the read MPEG stream to the MPEG 4 decoder via the track buffer 3a.

The MPEG decoder 4 expands the compressed MPEG stream, which is read by the disk access unit 3, and produces the expanded video data and audio signals.

The video signal processing unit 5 converts the video data output of the MPEG 4 decoder into video signals for the visual presentation 12.

The remote control signal receiving unit 8 receives remote control signals from the remote control 6 and gives information to the control unit 1 of what operation the user has ordered.

The DVD recorder 10, as shown in FIG. 14, is constructed based on the premise that is used as a substitution for a VTR used in its element. Not limited to construction, when the DVD-RAM disk is used as a recording medium for computers, the following constructions are possible. That is, the disk access unit 3 is connected, like a DVD-RAM drive apparatus, to a computer bus via an IF called SCSI or IDE. Also, the different components of the disk access unit 3 shown in FIG. 3 are achieved or operate when the OS and the application program runs on the computer hardware.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the construction of the MPEG encoder 2. As shown in the drawing, the MPEG encoder 2 includes a video encoder 2a, a video buffer 2b for storing the output of the video encoder, an encoder audio 2c, a 2d audio buffer for storing the output of the audio encoder, a system encoder 2e for multiplexing the video data and encoded audio data respectively stored in the video buffer 2b and the audio buffer 2d, a unit of STC (System Time Clock) 2f to generate clock signals of synchronism and drive these units.

The control unit of the encoder 2g sends the information, such as the GOP information and the image information to the control unit 1 shown in FIG. 15 each time a VOBU is generated in the encoding. Here, the information of. GOP includes the number of packets in the VOBU and the number of packets in the first I image in the VOBU. The packages mentioned here, for example, are video packets (V_PACK) and audio packets (A_PACK) shown in FIG. 10, each one has a fixed length of 2KB. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the GOP information indicates the number of sectors assigned to the VOBU and the number of sectors assigned to the first I image in the VOBU.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the construction of the MPEG decoder 4. As shown in the drawing, the MPEG 4 decoder includes a demultiplexer 4a for dividing the MPEG streams into video currents and audio streams, a video buffer 4b for temporarily storing the divided video streams, a video decoder 4c for decoding the video streams stored in the video buffer 4b, an audio buffer 4d for temporarily storing the divided audio streams, an audio decoder 4e to decode the audio streams stored in the audio buffer 4d, an STC unit (System Time Clock) 4f to generate clock signals of synchronism, a 4g adder to add deviated values to the clock signals of synchronism, and selectors 4h-4j to select either a clock signal or a clock signal synchronization clock added with a deviated value and supplying the selected signal to the demultiplexer 4a, audio decoder 4e, and a video decoder 4c, respectively. (2-3) Function Block Diagram FIG. 19 is a function block diagram showing the construction of the DVD recorder 10 based on the functions of the components. Each function shown in the figure is achieved after the CPU in the control unit 1 executes the program in the main memory Id to control the hardware shown in FIG. fifteen.

As shown in FIG. 19, the DVD recorder 10 is composed of a disk registration unit 100, a disk reading unit 101, a system unit of a file 102, a recording / editing / reproduction control unit 105, a unit User IF 106, a "control data handling unit 107, an AV data recording unit 110, an AV data editing unit 120, and an AV data reproduction unit 130.

The disk registration unit 100, which receives a logical sector number and logical data in units of sectors of the system unit of a file 102, records the logical data received on the disk. However, in reality, the disk registration unit 100 reads and writes the logical data in units of ECC blocks (each block is composed of 16 sectors) of and on the disk. If the logical data has less than 16 sectors, the disk registration unit 100 reads the -ECC block which includes the logical data, executes the ECC process, then writes the ECC block to the disk.

The disk reading unit 101, which receives a logical sector number and the number of sectors of the system unit of a file 102, reads the data of the specified sectors and transfers the read data to the system unit of a file . However, in reality, the disk reading unit 101 reads the data in units of ECC blocks. After the read data is executed in the ECC process, the disk reading unit 101 transfers only the necessary data in sectors to the system unit of a file. This is because reading AV data in units of ECC blocks (each block is made up of 16 sectors), the factors that reduce the performance of the program are reduced. This is the same with the disk registration unit 100.

The system unit of a file 102 includes a system unit of an AV file 103 for writing and editing mainly AV files, and a system unit of a common file 104 for executing the processes common to AV files and non-AV files. The system unit of a file 102, which receives commands from the AV data recording unit 110, data editing unit AV 120, and data reproduction unit AV 130 in relation to writing or reading files, handling files in the optical disk in units of sectors at the minimum.

The register / edit / playback control unit 105 controls the complete DVD recorder 10. More specifically, the control unit 105 controls the visual presentation of the guide, which asks the user to operate, receives instructions from the user who is reacting to the directory via the user's IF unit 106, and, in accordance with the user's instructions, request the data recording unit AV 110, data editing unit AV 120 or data reproduction unit AV 130 to execute the operations, such as the newly recorded AV data, and the reproduction and editing of registered AV data.

The user IF unit 106 receives instructions for user operations via the remote control 6, and directs the received user instructions to the register / edit / playback control unit 105.

The control data handling unit 107 reads the file for AV data handling, which is non-AV data in the main memory Id, and provides information at the request of any unit.

The AV data recording unit 110, which receives a registration request from the control unit 105, issues a command necessary to achieve the registration request to the system unit of an AV 103 file. For this purpose, the data record AV 110 includes an AV 111 data entry unit and an information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file.

The AV 111 data input unit converts video and audio signals to MPEG data. That is, the AV 111 data entry unit encodes the video and audio signals in real time. The AV 111 data entry unit sends the data of MPEG encoded to the system unit of an AV 103 file, so that the MPEG data is recorded on the disk as an AV file. In coding the signals, the AV 111 data entry unit calculates the number of packets in each VOBU and the number of packets in the first image I in each VOBU in the MPEG data, and store the calculated results in the memory (main memory Id) as the GOP information. Then the AV data entry unit sends the information to the information generation unit for handling a file AV 112 after it records the AV files on the disk.

The information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file, after an AV file is recorded on the disk by the AV 111 data entry unit, generates VOB information, PGC information, and an indicator of title search corresponding to the registered AV file based on the GOP information stored in the memory. The information generated is used as information for the management of an AV file. The information generation unit for handling an AV file 112 also updates the file for handling AV data stored in the unit for handling control data 107, and registers the file for handling AV data updated in the DVD-RAM disc via the system unit of a 102 file.

The data editing unit AV 120, which receives an edit request from the control unit 105, issues a command necessary to achieve the editing request to the system unit of a file 103.

The data reproduction unit AV 130, which receives a playback request from the control unit 105, issues a command necessary to achieve the reproduction demand to the system unit of a file 103. (2.-4) Commands Executed by the System Unit of a File 102 The following are the commands supported by the system unit of a 102 file.

The system unit of a file 102 receives various commands from the unit for handling control data 107, AV data recording unit 110, data editing unit AV 120, data reproduction unit AV 130, and the unit of record control / editing / playback, and manages the files according to the commands received.

FIG. 20 shows a list of commands supported by the system unit of an AV 103 file and a common file system unit 104 for handling a file. The operations executed by the file system unit 102 in response to the commands are described below.

CREATE: generate a new file on the disk, and choose a file identification descriptor.

DELETE: delete a file from the disk.

OPEN: obtain a file identification descriptor to access a file registered on the disk.

CLOSE: close an open file.

WRITE: register a file on the disk.

READ: read a file from the disk.

SEEK: move within a stream of data recorded on the disk.

RENAME: change the name of a file.

MKDIR: generate a new directory on the disk.

RMDIR: delete a directory from the disk.

STATEFS: ask about the current state of the system of a file.

GET-ATTR: get a property of a file.

SET-ATTR: change a property of a currently open file.

SEARCH DISCON: detect if a specified section includes a discontinuous limit (zone limit), answer "TRUE" if it includes the discontinuous limit; and answer "FALSE" if it does not include the discontinuous limit.

MERGE: combine two pieces of AV data on the disk into data in memory.

SPLIT: split an AV file on the disk into two AV files.

SHORTEN: delete an unnecessary part (an edge part) of an AV file on the disk.

REPLACE: replace a part of an AV file with data in memory.

The AV data recording unit 110, AV data editing unit 120, and AV reproduction unit 130 achieve processes, such as recording, editing, and playback using the combinations of the above commands. (3) Registration / reproduction Now, the operations of the DVD recorder 10 are described in detail. The operations are: (3-1) AV File Registration, (3-2) Generation and Registration of Information for the Management of an AV File, (3-3) AV Data Reproduction, (3-4) Reproduction by Time Specified, and (3-5) Special AV Data Reproduction. (3-1) AV File Registration To record video / audio data, a manual record and a programmed record are available. The manual registration immediately starts after "the user presses the" Register "key on the remote control and sets a few items for the record In the programmed record, the start and end times of the record are programmed by the user in advance .

For example, when the user presses the key "Register" on the remote control 6, the display 12 shows a guide image 200 as shown in FIG. 21 under the control of the register / edit / playback control unit 105. When the user presses the keys "1" and "Selection" on the remote control, while the guide image 200 is displayed on the screen, it is shown a guide image '201 to set the registration conditions (in the present example, the "registration time" and "registration quality").

To set the recording time, the user first moves the on-screen focus to either "do not limit" or "specify" by operating the cursor button on the remote control 6, then press the "Select." Here, yes the user selects "specify", the screen changes to a guide image to ask the user to enter a time by operating the 10 key buttons After the user specifies the time, the screen returns to the guide image 201.

"Record quality" as a registration condition refers to the bit rate and resolution of MPEG data and has three types: "high", "standard", and "time assurance". The "high quality" has a bit rate of 6Mbps and a resolution of 720 * 480 points; the "standard" has 3Mbps and 360 * 480 points; and the quality of "time assurance" has 1.5Mbps and 360 * 240 points.

Here, it is assumed that the user selects "no limit" and "time assurance" quality in the guide image 201, and then presses the "Register" button in the guide image 202.

When making such selections, the register / edit / playback control unit 105 instructs the AV data recording unit to register as specified. Receiving the instruction, the AV 110 data registration unit initiates a registration process.

FIG. 22 is an operation diagram showing the registration process carried out by the AV data recording unit 110.

In case of a manual registration, a notification is sent that the user has pressed the "Register" button to the register / edit / playback control unit 105 via the user's IF unit 106.

Upon receipt of the notification, the control unit 105 allocates a consecutive record area having a size greater than the predetermined size (approximately 7MB), which has been described above (step 220). More specifically, the control unit 105 refers to the spacing bitmap and the consecutive record area handling table detecting unmapped consecutive sector areas. Then the control ff unit 105 allocates a new consecutive record area composed of the consecutive sector areas not assigned to the record. By doing this, when other AV data has already been recorded on the disk and when the AV data being recorded continues from the logically existing AV data, the control unit 105 allocates a consecutive log area that continues from the consecutive log area. already assigned from the existing AV data, if this is possible.

The record / edit / playback control unit 105 sends a file identifier and a parameter indicating the quality of "time assurance" specified as the registration condition to the AV 111 data entry unit. The AV 111 data entry unit instructs the MPEG 2 encoder for initiating the encoding of the video and audio data of a predetermined channel received through the antenna 9 and transfer the encoded MPEG data to the track buffer 3a (step 221).

The record / edit / playback control unit 105 issues the CREATE command that specifies the consecutive record area newly assigned to the system unit of a common file 104 (step 222). Receiving the command, the system unit of a common file 104 returns to the identification identifier of a file when it is possible to create a file in the newly assigned consecutive record area.

While the above process is continued, the AV 111 data entry unit issues the OPEN command to the system unit of an AV 103 file (step 223) to allow the system unit of an AV 103 file to store the AV descriptor. identification of a file given by the control unit 105 and information in the entry of a file in a working memory (not illustrated) (the information stored in the working memory is also referred to as "Fd" (File descriptor).

The AV data input unit 111 calculates and stores the number of packets in each VOBU and the number of packets in the first reference image (image I) in each VOBU in the main memory Id as the GOP information each time a VOBU is coded. The AV data entry unit 111 continues to operate to carry out this process until it receives a stop instruction from the control unit 105 (step 224). FIG. 23 shows an example of information from the GOP The drawing shows the GOP information stored in the main memory Id at the same time that the VOBUs up to VOBU # 22 have been coded. It should be noted that in this modality, each VOBU includes video data of 15 frames (or 30 fields), which correspond to approximately 0.5 seconds of playback.

In addition, the AV data input unit 111 issues the WRITE command to the system unit of an AV file 103 each time the track buffer 3a stores a predetermined amount of MPEG data (step 228 and 229). Here, it is presumed that the WRITE command is issued to the system unit 103 together with three specified parameters. The three parameters respectively indicate: the Fd has been opened by the OPEN command as described above; the data size is recorded; and a buffer (in this mode, the track buffer 3a) stores the data. The Fd specified by the parameter includes, as the file entry, information of a storage position of an area and a length of the area. The information represents the consecutive record area assigned in step 220. The Fd is updated each time a script is issued during the period between the opening and closing of the Fd. For the second or a subsequent issuance of the WRITE command, the new data is additionally written, following the data already registered.

Receiving the stop instruction (step 224,) the AV input unit 111 issues the WRITE command (step 230). Then the AV 111 data entry unit issues the CLOSE command (step 231). The AV data entry unit further informs the information generating unit for the handling of an AV 112 file that has completed a record of an AV (VOB) file (step 232) to complete the entire process. Note that the WRITE command is issued in step 230 to record the rest of the data in the track buffer on the disk. Also, the CLOSE command issued in step 255. is a command used to answer the Fd in the working memory on the DVD-RAM disk as a file identifier, a file entry or the like on the DVD-RAM disc.

In the example shown in Figure 23, a case of manual registration is described. In the case of scheduled registration, a notification is sent that the "Register" button has been pressed to the register / edit / playback control unit 105 via the user's IF unit 106 together with a time specified for the scheduled registration. The control unit 105 allocates a consecutive recording area corresponding to the specified period of time. (3-2) Generation and Registration of Information for the Management of a AV file.

FIG. 24 is an operation diagram showing the process of generating and recording the information for handling an AV file by the information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file.

As shown in the drawing, the information generating unit for handling an AV 112 file, which receives from the AV 111 data entry unit a notification that a record of an AV file has been completed (step 251), generates the VOB information based on the GOP information stored in the memory (main memory Id) by the AV 111 data entry unit and also based on the numbers of the VOBU corresponding to the start addresses of the newly assigned consecutive registration area that stores the AV file (step 252). (a) The general information of the VOB and the weather map information including, as shown in figure 11, (b) general weather map information, (c) VOBU table, and (d) map table of time are generated as follows. (a) General information about the VOB (VOB Identifier, VOB Play Time).

When a table for handling a file has already been provided in the unit for handling control data 107, the information generating unit for handling an AV 112 file allocates an unassigned VOB identifier (e.g. next VOB identifier). When a table for managing a file has not been provided in the unit for handling control data 107, the information generating unit for handling an AV 112 file assigns a VOB # 1 as the VOB identifier, obtains the playing time of the AV file of the AV 111 data entry unit, and generates the general information of the VOB, which includes these types of information. (b) General Information of the Time Map (Number of Time Maps, Number of Maps of VOBU, TMU, TM_OFS).

The information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file calculates the number of time maps by dividing the VOB playing time by the TMU, which is set to 60 seconds, for example. Then the information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file sets the number of VOBU maps to the number of VOBUs included in the GOP information, and sets the TM_OFS to "0" (in case of a new record). (c) VOBU Table (Size of Reference Image, VOBU Play Time, VOBU Size).

Since the GOP information shown in FIG. 23 directly shows the sizes of the reference image and sizes of the VOBU, the information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file adds the playing time of each VOBU to the GOP information to generate the VOBU table. In the present modality, since each VOBU includes video data of 15 frames (or 30 fields), each VOBU is played for approximately 0.5 seconds (for periods of 15 frames). It should be noted that since the playing time of the last VOBU in the AV file is different from the other VOBUs, the information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file obtains the playing time of the last VOBU of the unit AV 111 data entry to set the time obtained in the VOBU table. (d) Time Map Table (VOBU Map Number, TM_DIFF Time Difference, and VOBU Address).

The information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file adds the VOBU reproduction times in the VOBU table in sequence. Each time the addition is equal to a time, which is an integral multiple of the TMU, the information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file detects a VOBU that corresponds to the time. In this way, the information generating unit for handling an AV 112 file obtains the VOBU map number corresponding to each time map, and obtains the time difference TM_DIFF of the equation: TM_DIFF = (TMU integral multiple) - (sum).

The addresses of the VOBU are obtained by adding each size of the VOBU to the "VOBU map number" to the start address of the consecutive record area, the starting address is obtained from the data entry unit AV 111 After the VOB information is generated as described above, the information generating unit for handling an AV 112 file generates the PGC information of the title registered by the AV data entry unit. - 111 (step 253). In a programmed register, the AV 111 data entry unit generates a VOBU. In this case, the information of the PGC includes a single cell that specifies the start time and the end time of a VOB.

When the user stops a record, it is desirable that the different cells are generated to specify different reproduction periods before and after the pause. This is because the AV 111 data input unit (MPEG 2 encoder) reaches a total stop and that is an important gap between the images for the user. When this happens, the information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file generates two or more cells obtaining the times at which the pauses start.

Also, the information generating unit for handling an AV file 112 generates the title search indicator indicating the information of the generated PGC (step 254).

Then the information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file issues the OPEN command and the command READ the system unit of a file 102 to read a file for handling AV data if the file already exists (step 255). However, the file for handling AV data is not read when the unit for handling control data 107 saves the file.

The information generation unit for handling an AV 112 file updates the file for handling AV data. adding the VOB information, the PGC information, and the title search indicator generated in steps 252-254 to the AV data handling file (step 256). Then the unit of generation of information for the handling of an AV file issues the WRITE command and the CLOSE command to the system unit of a file 102 to register (write) the file for the handling of updated AV data on the disk (step 257). With this operation, the process of generating and recording the information for handling an AV file ends. Here, an area is assigned to the file for the handling of AV data in units of sectors, since the file for handling AV data is a non-AV file.

FIG. 25 shows a time map table and a generated VOBU table based on the GOP information displayed in the FIG. 23. In the figure, the TMU is set at 5 seconds for convenience reasons. Also, the playing time of the VOBU is represented by the number of field times (1/60 seconds). (3-3) AV Data Playback In the reproduction process, the guide image 203 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed when the user presses the "2" and "Selection" buttons on the remote control, while the guide image 200 is displayed. When the user presses the "1" and "Selection" buttons while the image of the user is displayed. guide 203, the control unit 105 sends a title name (or a title search indicator number) to the AV data playback unit 130. In the present example, this allows the title A to be played back.

FIG. 26 is an operation diagram showing the process of an ordinary reproduction carried out by the AV 130 data reproduction unit.

In FIG. 26, the data reproduction unit AV 130 refers to the aid of the file for handling AV data by the unit for handling control data 107 by the title name sent (or the title search indicator number). ) to obtain the PGC information and the VOB information (step 281). Also, the AV data reproduction unit 130 issues the OPEN command that specifies an AV file displayed in the VOB information obtained from the system unit of a file 102 (step 282).

Then the data reproducing unit AV 130 plays the title A by repeating a loop that fluctuates from step 283 to 290 the same number of times as the number of fixed cells in the PGC information.

More specifically, the AV reproduction unit 130 converts the start and end times of the cell to the start address (sector address) and the end address respectively with reference to the time map information (step 284). ). The AV data reproduction unit 130 issues the READ command which specifies the times to the system unit of a file 102. This allows the disk reading unit 101 to start reading the data section in the VOB (corresponding to the cell) between the start and end addresses.

Then the AV data reproduction unit 130 decodes the AV data in the track buffer 3a each time the track buffer stores a predetermined amount of AV data until the end cell reading is completed (step 286-288) . When the disk reading unit 101 finishes reading the cell, the data reproduction unit AV 130 decodes the data in the track buffer 3a (step 289). The reproduction of the cell ends with the step.

After all the cells shown in the PGC information are decoded through the process described above, the AV data playback unit 130 issues the CLOSE command to the system unit of a file 102 to complete the playback process. (3-4) Playback by Specified Time The "time-specified reproduction" is a reproduction carried out when the user specifies the start time and the end time within the range of the reproduction period of the title in the guide image 205 shown in FIG. twenty-one.

FIG. 27 is an operations diagram showing the playback process for a specified time.

In FIG. 27, the data reproduction unit AV 130 refers to the file help for the handling of AV data by the unit for the control data handling 107 by the title name sent (or the title search indicator number). ) to obtain the PGC information and the VOB information (step 295). The data reproduction unit AV 130 also converts the start and end times specified by the user to the start address and the end address respectively by referring to the time map information (step 296).

The AV data reproduction unit 130 issues the OPEN command that specifies an AV file displayed in the VOB information obtained from the system unit of a file 102 (step 297). The data reproduction unit AV 130 also issues the READ command which specifies the start and end addresses obtained to the system unit of a file 102. This allows the disk reading unit 101 to start reading the data section in the VOB between the start and end addresses.

Then the AV data reproduction unit 130 decodes the AV data in the track buffer 3a each time the track buffer 3a stores a predetermined amount of AV data until the reading of the current cell ends (steps 299-301 ). When the disk reading unit 101 ends reading, the data reproduction unit AV 130 decodes the data in the track buffer 3a (step 302), and outputs the CLOSE command to the system unit of a file 102 ( step 303). The reproduction process ends with the step. (3-5) Special AV Data Playback The special reproduction process starts when the user presses the "fast transmit" key or the "Rewind" key on the remote control 6, and ends when the user presses the "play" key in the reproduction process shown in FIGS. 26 and 27.

FIG. 28 is an operation diagram showing the special reproduction process carried out by the AV data reproduction unit 130.

The data reproduction unit AV 130, which receives a notification from the record / edit / playback control unit 105 that the user has pressed the key "transmit Fast" or "Re-develop", sets a skip time? T for playback special (step 310). For example, the jump time? T is set to "+1 second" for the key "Quick Transmit", and "-1 second" for the key "Redevelopment." The jump time? T can be extended respectively by "+1 second" and "-1 second" when the key "Transmit Rapido" or "Redevelopment" is pressed during special playback.

In subsequent steps, the AV data playback unit 130 stops the MPEG 4 decoder, obtains the pause time "ts" of the MPEG 4 decoder, and clears the track buffer 3a (steps 311-313).

Then the data reproduction unit AV 130 executes the process that fluctuates from step 315 to step 325 each time the pause time "ts" is updated using the skip time? T until an instruction terminating the special playback (for example, press the "Play" key) is recorded.

More specifically, when the updated time "ts" does not exceed the final time of the cell being reproduced, the data reproduction unit AV 130 refers to the time map information to identify a VOBU map corresponding to the time "ts" (step 318), calculates the start address of the VOBU map by reference to the corresponding time map and the VOBU, and reads the size of the reference image of the identified VOBU map (step 319). When the updated time "ts" exceeds the final time of the currently reproduced cell and when there is a next cell, the AV data reproduction unit 130 updates the "ts" time to a time that exceeds the start time of the next cell for a time obtained from a certain formula (steps 315-317), then it obtains the start address of the VOBU and the size of the reference image described above.

The AV data playback unit 130 issues a command SEARCH_DISCON_AV_BLK to the system unit of a file 102 specifying the obtained start address and the size of the reference image indicating a data section (step 320). This command is issued to check if a registration area of the reference image exceeds a limit, such as a boundary between zones, that is, if a registration area of the reference image is a consecutive area or a discontinuous area (step 320). When the area is judged to be discontinuous, the AV data reproduction unit 130 detects a VOBU map adjacent to the current VOBU (step 322), and reads the start address and size of the reference image (step 323) .

The data reproduction unit AV 130 issues the READ command which specifies the read start address and the size of the reference image to the system unit of a file 102 (step 324). Receiving the command, the system unit of a file 102 stores the reference image data specified by the command in the track buffer 3a. Then the reference image data is reproduced by the MPEG 4 decoder.

The process described above is repeated until an instruction that ends special playback is recorded, with the time "ts" being updated by the jump time? T in each of the repeated processes. When the instruction ending special reproduction is recorded (step 325), the data reproduction unit AV 130 ends the special reproduction process and returns to a previous normal reproduction, that is, to step 283 shown in FIG. 26 or step 296 shown in FIG. 27 (step 326). When doing this, the time "ts" is set at the start time of special playback.

As described above, the directions of the reference image corresponding to the times, which differ by the jump time, are obtained sequentially according to the information of the time map. In addition, the time map information includes the time map table and the VOBU table in the hierarchical structure, in which the reproduction times of all the VOBUs and their storage positions (sector addresses) are related to each other . With this construction, it is unnecessary for the disk to record the playback times and storage positions (sector addresses) of all the VOBUs. This reduces the amount of data that is recorded on a disk, allows video / audio data to be played in real time, while video / audio data is recorded on the disk.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the DVD recorder 10 is constructed based on the premise that is used as a substitution for a VTR used in its element. Nevertheless, not limited to construction, when the DVD-RAM disc is used as a means of registration for computers, the following constructions are possible. That is, the disk access unit 3 is connected, like a DVD-RAM drive apparatus, to a computer bus via an IF called SCSI or IDE. Also, the different components of the disk access unit 3 are achieved or operate when the OS and the application program run on the computer hardware. In this case, the disk registration unit 100, disk reading unit 101, and system unit of a file 102 are mainly achieved as applications for increasing OS or OS functions. Also, the other components other than these are mainly achieved as functions of the application programs. The different commands supported by the system unit of a file 102 are equivalent to service commands, such as a command called system, provided to the applications.

In the present embodiment, it is described that each AV file registers a VOB. However, an AV file can register a plurality of VOBs. This is achieved, for example, by an arrangement in which the AV data management file (RTRW.IFO) records and handles the size of each VOB included in the AV files or addresses deviated from the VOBs from the beginning of the file AV corresponding.

The size of the reference image can be defined as the final address of the video packet, in which the final data of the first coded reference image (the first image I) of this VOBU is recorded. The final address is measured by the sector address on file of the first sector of this VOBU.

While the present invention has been fully described, various changes and modifications are of course possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL USE As apparent from the above description, the optical disc recording apparatus of the present invention is suitable for generating special reproduction information of reduced quantity used for special reproductions, such as fast transmission and re-development, while the data are recorded in the disk in real time. Also, the optical disc of the present invention is suitable for recording the special reproduction information together with the AV data. The computer-readable record medium of the present invention is operated on a computer that includes a recording / playback unit for optical discs, and is suitable for generating special reproduction information of reduced quantity used for special reproductions, such as transmission and re-development fast, while the AV data is recorded on the disk in real time.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property.

Claims (7)

1. An optical disk that includes a data area and a time map area, the data area stores one or more video outputs and the time map area stores time map information, characterized in that each video output includes a plurality of video output units, the time map information includes a pair of a first time table and a second time table for each video output, Each first time table includes: addresses of video output units in a corresponding video output, the addresses are arranged in order and indicate storage positions of the video output units corresponding to playback points differing by a predetermined unit of time, the unit of predetermined time is longer than a maximum reproduction period of a video output unit; and indicators to specify the video output units, which respectively correspond to the addresses, and each second time table includes an input for each video output unit in the corresponding video output, the inputs are arranged in order and each one includes a reproduction period of a video output unit and a data size of the video output unit.

2. The optical disk according to claim 1, characterized in that each first time table includes a plurality of first time maps, each corresponding to a different one of the reproduction points, each second time table includes a plurality of second time maps, each corresponding to a different one of the plurality of video output units, each first time map includes: one of the indicators, the indicator indicates a second time map for a video output unit corresponding to the point of reproduction, an address of the video output unit corresponding to the playback point, and difference information indicating a difference between the corresponding reproduction point and a reproduction start time of the corresponding video output unit, and each second time map includes time information indicating a reproduction period of a corresponding video output unit, and also includes a data size of the corresponding video output unit.

3. The optical disk according to claim 2, characterized in that the time map information includes a time deviation for each video output, each time deviation indicates a difference between a first playback point during a reproduction of the corresponding video output and a start time of a first output unit of video in the corresponding video output.

4. A recording device, characterized in that it comprises: input means for receiving video data in a series of time; compression means for compressing the received video data to generate a video output, which includes a sequence of video output units; writing means for writing data to an optical disk; Y control means to control the writing means, where the control means controls the writing means for writing the video output generated on the optical disk, generates a first time table and a second time table, and controls the writing means for writing the first time table and second table of generated time, each first time table includes: addresses of video output units in a corresponding video output, the addresses are arranged in order and indicate storage positions of the video output units corresponding to playback points differing by a predetermined unit of time, the unit of predetermined time is longer than a maximum reproduction period of a video output unit; and indicators to specify the video output units, which respectively correspond to the addresses, and each second time table includes an input for each video output unit in the corresponding video output, the inputs are arranged in order and each one includes a reproduction period of a video output unit and a data size of the video output unit.

5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that each first time table includes a plurality of first time maps, each corresponding to a different one of the reproduction points, each second time table includes a plurality of second time maps, each corresponding to a different one of the plurality of video output units, Each first time map includes: one of the indicators, the indicator indicates a second time map for a video output unit corresponding to the point of reproduction, an address of the video output unit corresponding to the playback point, and difference information indicating a difference between the corresponding reproduction point and a reproduction start time of the corresponding video output unit, and each second time map includes time information indicating a reproduction period of a corresponding video output unit, and also includes a data size of the corresponding video output unit.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the time map information includes a time deviation for each video output, each time deviation indicates a difference between a first point of reproduction during a reproduction of the corresponding video output and a start time of a first output unit of video in the corresponding video output.

7. A computer-readable record medium that stores a program that is read by a computer, which receives video data in a series of time, compresses the received video data to generate a video output, which includes a sequence of units of video output, and writes the video output generated on an optical disc, the program instructs the computer to generate a first time table and a second time table and writes the generated tables on the optical disk, characterized in that the First time table includes: addresses of video output units in a corresponding video output, the addresses are arranged in order and indicate storage positions of the video output units corresponding to playback points differing by a predetermined unit of time, the unit of predetermined time is longer than a maximum reproduction period of a video output unit; and indicators to specify the video output units, which respectively correspond to the addresses, and the second time table includes an input for each video output unit in the corresponding video output, the inputs are arranged in order and each one includes a reproduction period of a video output unit and a data size of the video output unit.