WO2003085974A1

WO2003085974A1 - Information recording medium, information recording device and method, information reproduction device and method, information recording/reproduction device and method, recording or reproduction control computer program, and data structure containing a control signal

Info

Publication number: WO2003085974A1
Application number: PCT/JP2003/004449
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nobuyuki Takakuwa; Takeshi Koda; Tohru Kanegae; Masanori Nakahara; Takao Sawabe; Yasuko Fukuda
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2002-04-08
Filing date: 2003-04-08
Publication date: 2003-10-16
Also published as: JP2003304499A; AU2003236330A1

Abstract

On an information recording medium, a whole stream containing a plurality of partial streams each consisting of content information including still image information is multiplexed and recorded on packet basis. The information recording medium includes a file for storing object data consisting of a plurality of packets each containing a fragment of content information and a file for storing correlation definition information which defines the correlation between a plurality of packets and a plurality of partial streams to be multiplexed so as to control reproduction of the object data. The correlation definition information includes a flag indicating whether still image control information is present between two adjacent packets in the arrangement of only the packets whose positions are specified by address information for each partial stream.

Description

Specification

Information recording medium, information recording device and method, information reproducing device and method, information recording and reproducing device and method, computer program for recording or reproducing control, and data structure including control signal

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

DVDs have become popular as optical discs on which various information such as main video, audio, sub-video, and playback control information are recorded. According to the DVD standard, main video information (video data), audio information (audio data), and sub-video information (sub-picture data) are packetized together with playback control information (navigation data), and high-efficiency coding is performed. It is multiplex-recorded on the disc in a program stream format conforming to the MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Grouphase 2) standard, which is a dagger technology. Among these, the main video information has only one stream of data compressed in accordance with the MPEG video format (IS013818-2) in one program stream. On the other hand, audio information is recorded in multiple formats (ie, linear PCM, AC-3 and MPEG audio, etc.), and up to 8 streams can exist in one program stream. The sub-picture information is defined by a bit map and recorded by compression in a run-length system, and up to 32 streams can exist in one program stream. In this way, in the case of DVD, the adoption of the program stream format allows, for example, for one movie, one stream of main video information and multiple streams of selectable audio information (for example, a stream). In addition to teleo audio or surround audio, original English audio, Japanese dubbed audio, a stream of… etc.) and multiple streams of selectable sub-picture information (eg Japanese subtitles, English subtitles) , Etc.) are recorded in multiplex. On the other hand, the transport stream format of the MPEG 2 standard has been standardized, which is suitable for data transmission. According to this transport stream format, a plurality of elementary streams are transmitted simultaneously. For example, a plurality of programs or programs, such as a large number of satellite digital broadcast television channels, are multiplexed in a time-division manner and transmitted simultaneously on one satellite wave. Disclosure of the invention

However, in the above-described DVD, only one stream of main video can be multiplex-recorded together with audio information and sub-video information of a plurality of streams, and the main video of a plurality of streams cannot be multiplex-recorded. In other words, a DVD recording in conformity with the MPEG 2 program stream format cannot essentially record multiple programs or programs simultaneously transmitted in the MPEG 2 transport stream format. There is a problem.

Further, even if a disc having a high transfer rate and a large recording capacity or a high density recording capable of simultaneously recording a plurality of programs or a plurality of programs transmitted in the MPEG 2 transport stream format, Frequently recording and reproducing a huge amount of still image information such as bitmap data along the reproduction time axis is not appropriate from the viewpoint of data efficiency. In particular, if only a broadcast is received in real time and displayed and output via a tuner, the display processing of such still image information can be relatively simple, but the still image information is one of the elementary streams. After being recorded on a disc, it is subject to special playback such as time search and chapter search or interactive playback by the user due to its nature. For this reason, the load on the reproduction and display processing of still image information and the like consisting of bitmap data having a huge data amount sometimes becomes extremely large. In order to deal with this, hardware performance etc. must be specified exclusively for processing the still image information. Technical issues arise when the image quality is reduced or special playback or interactive playback is restricted, as to the power or still picture information that needs to be significantly enhanced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and allows still image information having a relatively large data amount to be multiplex-recorded together with moving image information, audio information, and the like. Information recording medium, information recording apparatus and method, information recording apparatus and method, information recording and reproducing apparatus and method, computer program for recording or reproduction control, and control for reproduction control while reproducing the still image information It is an object to provide a data structure including a signal.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the information recording medium of the present invention is designed so that an entire stream including a plurality of partial streams each composed of a series of content information is physically accessible. An information recording medium that is multiplex-recorded in a packet unit, and is a unit that can be logically accessed, and stores object data including a plurality of buckets including a bucket that stores the content information fragment. The multiplexing includes: an object data file to be stored; a reproduction sequence information file that stores reproduction sequence information that defines a reproduction sequence of the object data; and reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of the object data. Defining the correspondence between a plurality of buckets to be created and the plurality of partial streams. An object information file for storing correspondence definition information, wherein at least one of the plurality of partial streams is composed of still image information, which is one of the content information, and the still image information. And a plurality of packets each storing a fragment of the still image control information for controlling the display of the image information, wherein the corresponding definition information includes the plurality of packets for each of the plurality of partial streams. Address information relating to a packet that satisfies a predetermined condition among the packets, and further includes, for the at least one partial stream, the address information among a plurality of buckets constituting the at least one partial stream. In the section of only the packet whose position is specified by the above, and one section specified by the two adjacent packets, the still image Including control information identification flag indicating whether or not the head packet of a group of packets exist including control information. According to the information recording medium of the present invention, for example, the entire stream such as at least a part of the MPEG-2 transport stream includes a plurality of partial streams such as the elementary stream. The partial stream is composed of a series of contents that can be reproduced by the information reproducing apparatus, such as video information or sub-video information (for example, video data or sub-picture data) or audio information (for example, audio data). Be composed. That is, in the present application, one “partial stream” is a single data array or information such as an elementary stream, such as a video stream, an audio stream, a sub-picture stream, etc., which form a series of contents. Points to an array. On the other hand, in the present application, one “whole stream” refers to a data array or an information array in which a plurality of partial streams are bundled. The entire stream may be a transport stream which is a bundle of m (where m is a natural number of 2 or more) elementary streams in MPEG-2, and n (where (n is a natural number of 2 or more and less than m) A data array or an information array formed by bundling the elementary streams may be used. In the present invention, the entire stream includes at least one partial stream (for example, a sub-picture stream) composed of still image information and still image control information.

The entire stream configured in this manner is multiplex-recorded on the information recording medium in units of packets (for example, TS packets described later), which are units physically accessible by the information reproducing apparatus. Here, the object data file is a unit logically accessible by the information reproducing apparatus and stores object data composed of a plurality of packets each storing a fragment of content information. The reproduction sequence information file stores reproduction sequence information (for example, play list information) that defines a reproduction sequence of the object data stored in the object data file. The object information file contains correspondence definition information that defines the correspondence between a plurality of multiplexed packets and a plurality of partial streams (for example, an ES map table described later and an ES_PID ( (ES bucket ID), ES address information, or AU table).

Therefore, at the time of reproduction, a desired one of the entire streams is determined based on the correspondence definition information. Alternatively, a plurality of partial streams can be selectively reproduced, and at this time, the reproduction can be executed according to a scheduled reproduction sequence based on the reproduction sequence information.

Unlike the object data file, the various information stored in the object information file and the reproduction sequence information file are not multiplexed in the unit of the packet on the information recording medium. Therefore, based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information, it is possible to relatively easily execute the reproduction of the object data in the information reproducing apparatus.

In the present invention, in particular, the correspondence definition information includes, for each of a plurality of partial streams, address information relating to a packet that satisfies a predetermined condition among a plurality of packets (for example, a leading packet of only an I-picture in the MPEG-2 standard). Including. Therefore, the data amount of the address information to be included in the correspondence definition information can be reduced as compared to the case where the address information is unconditionally included in the correspondence definition information for all of a plurality of packets.

Moreover, in the present invention, particularly, the correspondence definition information includes a control information identification flag for a partial stream (for example, a sub-picture stream) relating to the still image information and the still image control information. Here, the “control information identification flag” is a flag indicating whether or not there is a first packet (for example, SCP described later) of a group of packets storing still image control information in the entry section.

Therefore, at the time of reproduction, the address information of the still image control information is not directly specified by referring to the corresponding definition information, but the entry section in which the address information exists is specified instead. Then, after the entry section in which the still image control information is present is specified, the multiplexed packet in the object file, which is actually in the specified entry section, is searched. Targeting makes it possible to find still image control information easily and quickly (for example, by finding its header, identifier, etc.).

More specifically, if the presence of the still image control information in the entry section including the display start time at the time of reproduction can be confirmed by the control information identification flag, the still image control information whose existence has been confirmed is displayed and opened. It is nothing but still image control information corresponding to the time. On the other hand, if the presence of the still image control information in the entry section including the display start time cannot be confirmed by the control information identification flag, for example, Also, the control information identification flag in the one section of the entry at the rear (the side with the larger address or packet serial number) is sequentially checked. In any case, by referring to the control information identification flag, it is possible to specify the approximate position of the still image control information to be acquired, that is, the entry section including this. Then, by searching for the still image control information in the specified entry section, the still image to be reproduced at the display start time can be efficiently reproduced.

In this way, for the purpose of executing still image playback at an arbitrary display start time, comparison is made with the case where address information of still image information consisting of bitmap data or JPEG data is included in the corresponding definition information in frame units, for example. As a result, the data amount of the address information to be included in the correspondence definition information can be further reduced. Incidentally, assuming that such address information is registered in the corresponding definition information for all frames of a still image, the data amount for the address information is about five times that of the main video or moving image (main picture). It becomes necessary. Conversely, by adopting the configuration of the present invention, the data amount required for the address information for one entry point in the correspondence definition information for the main video information is about 32 bits. On the other hand, by employing a configuration in which only one type of flag is used in the present invention, the data amount can be reduced to a maximum of about 1 bit.

In the present invention, an “entry point” refers to a packet whose position is specified by address information, and an “entry section” refers to a TS whose address information is specified by two adjacent packets. Refers to each section on the object, preferably such entry sections are not described as between two consecutive numbers of two packets, but are still images of the two packets. Describe as a time between the information display start times. In this way, even if some packets are removed by editing work, etc., and the serial numbers of the packets deviate from the beginning, there is no deviation between the display times, and therefore the entry section Is not changed. However, in an environment where such editing work and the like can be ignored, the entry section may be described as between two consecutive numbers related to the two packets.

Further, in the present invention, “specifying the entry section” in the object data file executed at the time of reproduction is performed, for example, in each object data file. Depending on the number of the packet from the reference packet (hereinafter referred to as “reference packet” as appropriate), such as the first packet recorded with the sequence number “0” or “1” in W The address of a packet that defines each end of one entry section may be specified. Then, according to the specified address, it is possible to access a bucket having an arbitrary serial number in the object data file, that is, to access an arbitrary entry section. For example, such serial numbers start from the serial number "0" of the reference bucket in the object data file at the time of multiplex recording, and continue in ascending order according to the recording order. Therefore, it is not necessary to add information indicating the bucket serial number to each bucket itself. The packet address mentioned here may be a physical address, but is more generally a logical address, and the actual physical address is uniquely identified from the logical address by file system management. It is of the nature to be done.

Furthermore, in the present invention, "information such as still image information and still image control information is included in one entry section or located in an entry section" means that all the packets storing the information are in the entry section. In addition to the meaning included in the section, the first packet storing the information is included in the entry section. In other words, in the present application, the position of the still image information or the still image control information or the like usually means the position of the first packet (SPD or SCP described later) unless otherwise specified. However, it is also possible to substitute such a leading packet with a terminating bucket ゃ a central bucket or a packet located at a predetermined position from the beginning.

As a result, the still image information included as at least one partial stream (for example, a sub-picture stream) in the entire stream can be used together with other main video information and audio information or alone. It can be properly reproduced based on the still image control information included in one partial stream. At this time, still image playback can be performed even when performing special playback such as time search, chapter search, fast forward, and rewind, that is, even when playback is started from an arbitrary time. In this case, in particular, still image information such as a bitmap or JPEG having a relatively large amount of data can be efficiently reproduced together with moving image information and audio information in any case. The increase has been effectively suppressed. The entire stream in the present invention may include two or more partial streams (that is, video streams) including main video information as content information. Alternatively, the entire stream includes a partial stream including main video information as content information and a corresponding partial stream including sub-video information (ie, a sub-picture stream) and audio information. And a partial stream (ie, an audio stream).

In one aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, one of the still image control information out of the still image control information is another of the still image control information having a head bucket whose address is larger than that of the head packet. Still image information having a head packet whose display is controlled by the still image control information and whose address is smaller than the head packet of the one still image control information is regarded as still image information to be pre-read, and the total number thereof is determined. The information includes prefetch still image number information indicating the prefetch still image identifier information for identifying the information, and prefetch still image position information indicating the recording position (for example, one section of the entry).

According to this aspect, at the time of reproduction, first, the control information identification flag included in the correspondence definition information is referred to identify the entry section including the still image control information. Thereafter, the still image control information is searched for in the specified entry section in the object data file. Then, prefetched still image count information, prefetched still image identifier information, and prefetched still image position information (for example, an entry section including still image information to be prefetched) included in the still image control information are acquired. Thereafter, still image information to be prefetched is searched for in the object data file based on the prefetched still image number information, the prefetched still image identifier information, and the prefetched still image position information. Here, “still image information to be pre-read” for one still image control information is defined as “still image control information of another still image having a head packet whose address is larger than that of the head packet of the still image control information. This is still image information that is display-controlled by the information and has a head packet whose address is smaller than the head packet of one still image control information. Such still image information is regarded as still image information to be pre-read at the time of object data authoring, and the number of pre-read still image information, pre-read still image identifier information, and pre-read still image position information for coping with this are considered. Are stored in advance in the one still image control information. Therefore, the operation described above during playback Thus, the still image information and the still image control information necessary for the still image reproduction after the display start time have been completely read. For example, at some point after the start of playback, a situation in which still image information or still image control information that is recorded ahead of the playback time axis and that has not been read yet may be necessary for still image playback may occur. do not do.

Alternatively, in the information recording medium of the present invention, the address information may include a serial number of a packet relating to a bucket satisfying the predetermined condition, and a display start time corresponding thereto. With this configuration, at the time of reproduction, the position of the bucket in the object data file can be specified based on the serial number of the packet and the display start time thereof, and the desired partial stream can be appropriately reproduced. In particular, the entry section related to the control information identification flag in the correspondence definition information can be defined in a form corresponding to the display start time.

Further, in this case, the display of the one still image control information is controlled by another still image control information having a head bucket having a serial number larger than that of the head packet, and the head packet of the one still image control information is also controlled. Still image information having a leading bucket with a serial number smaller than the first packet is regarded as still image information to be prefetched, prefetched still image number information indicating the total number, prefetched still image identifier information identifying the information, and its recording position. May be configured to include the prefetching still image position information indicating With this configuration, at the time of reproduction, first, the control information identification flag included in the correspondence definition information is referred to, and the entry section including the still image control information is specified. Thereafter, the still image control information is searched for in the specified entry section in the object data file. Then, prefetched still image number information, prefetched still image identifier information, and prefetched still image position information (for example, an entry section including still image information to be prefetched) included in the still image control information are acquired. Thereafter, still image information to be prefetched is searched for in the object data file based on the prefetched still image number information, the prefetched still image identifier information, and the prefetched still image position information. Therefore, by these operations, the still image information and the still image control information necessary for the still image reproduction after the display start time are read without lack.

In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, when the content information includes video information based on the MPEG-2 standard, the address information is related to an I picture. It includes a bucket serial number and a corresponding display start time.

According to this aspect, at the time of reproduction, the address of the packet can be specified based on the serial number of the packet related to the I picture, and based on the display start time corresponding to this.

Play I-pictures. Further, based on the I picture, a B picture and a P picture can be reproduced, and if there is audio information corresponding to such video information, the audio information can be reproduced. That is, it is possible to access the packet related to the I picture, and it is also possible to access the packet related to the video information and audio information related to the accessed I picture. It will be possible to play back again. At this time, it is not particularly necessary to describe the address information of the packet relating to the B picture and the P picture and the address information of the packet relating to the corresponding audio information, so that the entire information is recorded on the information recording medium. Information amount to be reduced.

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

According to this aspect, based on the display start time and the information indicating the display time of the still image included in the still image control information, it is possible to reproduce the still image using the corresponding still image information according to the intention of the maker. Can run only for hours.

In the information recording medium of the present invention, the correspondence definition information has table information indicating a packet identification number uniquely assigned to a plurality of packets multiplexed at the same time for each of the partial streams. May be. With such a configuration, by referring to table information (for example, an ES map table or ES address information to be described later) indicating a packet identification number for each partial stream, a desired portion can be obtained at any playback time. You can quickly identify which bucket the stream corresponds to. As a result, a desired partial stream can be reproduced.

In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, the plurality of buckets forming the at least one partial stream include a still image information including at least one of the still image information and the still image control information. Each of the sets includes a packet for storing a fragment of the still image information set further including structure information indicating the structure thereof.

According to this aspect, the still image information and the still image control information include the still image information together with the structure information. It has a structure compiled as a report set, and the structure is indicated by the structure information. For this reason, in the object data file, if the first bucket of an arbitrary still image information set is accessed and the structure information is acquired, all the buckets constituting the still image information set are respectively structured. Identified based on information (eg, by counting within the structure). In other words, it is possible to reduce the data amount of the address information in the correspondence definition information necessary for specifying the address of the still image information and the still image control information or the entry section to be stored in the object information file.

In the aspect according to the still image information set, the still image information set includes: (i) a first still image information set including the three items of the still image information, the still image control information, and the structure information. (Ii) a second still image information set including the still image control information and the structure information and not including the still image information; and (iii) a second still image information set and the structure information. Out of the third still image information set including the two and not including the still image control information, at least one of the first and third still image information sets and the second still image information set. And may be included.

With this configuration, there are a maximum of three types of still image information sets, but in each case, the first packet is specified. All buckets that compose a packet can be specified based on the structural information. Moreover, by using the three types of still image information sets in this way, the same still image information can be displayed and controlled in different formats by using a plurality of still image control information, and a plurality of different still image information can be displayed in the same still image information. Display control based on image control information can also be suitably performed.

Furthermore, in a simple case, still surface reproduction can be performed by a combination of the still image information and the still image control information included in the same still image information set. In this case, the address specification is performed by using the same first packet. It can be easily implemented by specifying. In this case, the data amount of the still image information, the address of the still image information, or the address information in the corresponding definition information necessary to identify one section of the entry to be stored in the op-image information file is further increased. Can be smaller.

In the aspect according to the still image information set, the bucket storing the structure information includes: It may be placed at the top of a plurality of packets related to the still image information set.

With this configuration, at the time of reproduction, the structure of the still image information set can be specified by searching for and reading the first bucket of the still image information set in the object data file. This makes it possible to easily specify a bucket that stores the still image information and the still image control information that make up the still image information set.

If the amount of information in the structure information is smaller than the packet, the entire structure information and part of the still image information or still image control information may be stored in the same first bucket. Alternatively, the structure may be such that only the structure information is stored in one head packet. Alternatively, if the amount of information in the structure information is large compared to the packet, the structure information may be configured to be stored in a plurality of packets. In the aspect according to the still image information set, the structure information includes an identifier of the still image information, a data length of the still image control information, a data length of the still image information, and a recording position of the still image information. At least the identifier may be included in the indicated location information. With such a configuration, each still image information set can be relatively quickly and quickly searched by searching for the “identifier” of the still image information set within the object data file within the specified entry section. Easy to find. In particular, with respect to the first still image information set, the number of packets storing such information is arranged based on the data length of the still image control information and the data length of the still image information. Can be identified. With respect to the second still image information set, it is possible to specify how many packets storing this information are arranged based on the data length of the still image control information. For the third still image information set, it is possible to specify how many packets storing this information are arranged based on the data length of the still image information. As described above, according to the data length of the still image information and the data length of the still image control information as the structure information, even if one still image information set is divided into a plurality or a large number of packets, the first packet By specifying the address of the packet, the address of all the packets of the still image information set can be specified. In other words, the amount of data in correspondence definition information, particularly packet address information, to be stored in the object information file can be reduced. In the case of the second still image information set, the “position information indicating the recording position of the still image information” is the position information indicating the recording position of the still image information to be display-controlled. (For example, entry section). On the other hand, in the case of the first or third still image information set, the position information of the still image information is unnecessary because the still image information itself is included. In this case, for example, information indicating that the location information is invalid is described.

In addition, setting the data length of the still image information to “0” or a predetermined value indicating invalidity may indicate that the still image information set is the second still image information set. Alternatively, the data length of the still image control information may be set to “0” or a predetermined value indicating invalidity, thereby indicating that the still image information set is the third still image information set. In order to solve the above problems, the information recording apparatus of the present invention physically converts an entire stream including a plurality of partial streams each composed of a series of content information items into an information recording medium. What is claimed is: 1. An information recording apparatus for multiplex-recording in a packet unit which is a unit which can be accessed logically, and a plurality of packets including a packet which stores the fragment of the content information together with the unit which is logically accessible. First recording means for recording an object data file for storing object data composed of object data, second recording means for recording a reproduction sequence information file for storing reproduction sequence information defining a reproduction sequence of the object data, Multiplexed as reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of the input object data. A third recording unit that records an object information file that stores correspondence definition information that defines a correspondence relationship between the plurality of packets and the plurality of partial streams; At least one partial stream includes a plurality of packets each storing still image information, which is one of the above-mentioned content information, and fragments of still image control information for controlling the display of the still image information. The correspondence definition information includes, for each of the plurality of partial streams, address information on a bucket that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of packets, and further includes the at least one partial stream. As for the stream, only the bucket whose position is specified by the address information among a plurality of buckets constituting the at least one partial stream. The Entori section specified by two buckets you want to mutually adjacent in the arrangement, including the control information identification flag to indicate whether the first bucket bets of a group of packets exist, including the still picture control information.

According to the information recording apparatus of the present invention, for example, a system controller, an encoder, An object data file for storing object data is recorded by first recording means such as a TS object generator and an optical pickup, which will be described later. For example, a system controller, an encoder, a TS object generator, and an optical pickup A playback sequence information file for storing playback sequence information is recorded by the second recording means such as the above, and reproduced by the third recording means such as a system controller, an encoder, a TS object generator described later, and an optical pickup. As control information, an object information file storing correspondence definition information defining correspondence between a plurality of multiplexed packets and a plurality of partial streams is recorded. At least one partial stream is configured to include a plurality of packets each storing a fragment of still image information and still image control information. The correspondence definition information includes, for each partial stream, address information on a packet that satisfies a predetermined condition, and further includes a control information identification flag for at least one of the partial streams. Therefore, on the information recording medium of the present invention, various types of content information including still image information such as bitmaps and JPEG, such as at least a part of the MPEG-2 transport stream, can be multiplex-recorded. .

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

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the information recording method of the present invention physically stores an entire stream including a plurality of partial streams each composed of a series of content information on an information recording medium. An information recording method for performing multiplex recording in a packet unit which is a unit accessible to a plurality of packets, the plurality of packets including a packet storing a fragment of the content information as well as a unit logically accessible. A first recording step of recording an object data file storing object data, and a second recording step of recording a reproduction sequence information file storing reproduction sequence information defining a reproduction sequence of the object data. Multiplexed as reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of object data. And a third recording step of recording an object information file storing correspondence definition information for defining correspondence between the number of buckets and the plurality of partial streams. At least one partial stream is And a plurality of packets each storing still image information, which is one of the content information, and fragments of the still image control information for controlling the display of the still image information. The definition information includes, for each of the plurality of partial streams, address information on a bucket that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of packets, and further includes at least one of the at least one partial stream. In a plurality of buckets constituting one partial stream, in a row of only packets whose position is specified by the address information, in the entry section specified by two adjacent packets, the still image control information is stored. It contains a control information identification flag that indicates whether or not the first bucket of a group of buckets that includes.

According to the information recording method of the present invention, an object data file storing object data is recorded in a first recording step, and a reproduction sequence information file storing reproduction sequence information is recorded in a second recording step. In the third recording step, an object information file storing correspondence definition information defining correspondence between a plurality of multiplexed packets and a plurality of partial streams is recorded as reproduction control information. At least one partial stream is configured to include a plurality of packets each storing a fragment of the still image information and a fragment of the still image control information. The correspondence definition information includes, for each partial stream, address information relating to a bucket satisfying a predetermined condition, and further includes a control information identification flag for at least one of the partial streams. Therefore, various types of content information including still image information such as bitmaps and JPEG data, such as at least a part of an MPEG-2 transport stream, can be multiplex-recorded on the information recording medium of the present invention described above. .

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

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information reproducing apparatus of the present invention is an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing the recorded content information from the above-described information recording medium (including various aspects thereof), Reading means for physically reading information from an information recording medium; and information included in the information read by the reading means based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information included in the information read by the reading means. Reproducing means for reproducing the object data to be reproduced. According to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, information is physically read from the information recording medium in packet units or the like by reading means such as an optical pickup and a demodulator. Then, based on reproduction control information and reproduction sequence information included in the read information, object data included in the read information is reproduced by reproduction means such as a system controller, a demultiplexer, and a decoder. Therefore, the content information multiplex-recorded on the information recording medium of the present invention can be appropriately reproduced as a series of content information. At this time, in particular, still image information such as bitmaps and JPEGs, which have a relatively large data amount, can be efficiently played back, and an increase in the load in the playback processing is effectively suppressed.

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

In one aspect of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, when a display start time is given, the reproduction unit refers to the control information identification flag to correspond to a display start time corresponding to the display start time in the still image control information. Means for specifying an entry section in which the still image control information exists, wherein the reading means accesses the one still image control information in the specified entry section in the object data. And means to read it.

According to this aspect, first, by referring to the control information identification flag in the correspondence definition information, a rough position of the still image control information to be acquired, that is, an entry section including this, is specified. Therefore, the still image control information can be quickly obtained by subsequently searching for the specified section of the entry in the object file.

In this aspect, if the presence of the still image control information in the entry section including the display start time can be confirmed by the control information identification flag, the still image control information whose existence has been confirmed is one still image control information corresponding to the display start time. It is nothing but image control information. On the other hand, if the presence of the still image control information in the entry section including the display start time cannot be confirmed by the control information identification flag, it is behind the entry section (the side where the consecutive number of the address or bucket is higher). The control information identification flag in the entry section at is checked sequentially. Then, the still image control information confirmed to be closest to the rear from the entry section including the display start time is This is one piece of still image control information corresponding to the display start time. However, if the still image control information does not exist in any of the rear entry sections, the control information identification flags in one entry section ahead of the entry section including the display start time are sequentially set. The still image control information that is checked and confirmed to be closest to the front of the entry section including the display start time is defined as one still image control information corresponding to the display start time. In any case, by referring to the control information identification flag in the correspondence definition information, it is possible to specify a rough position of the still image control information to be acquired, that is, an entry section including the still image control information. .

In this aspect, the reading means is paired or paired with the one still image control information, and stores the position information indicating the recording position of the one still image information to which the one still image control information should act. The information processing apparatus may further include means for accessing the one piece of still image information to be operated and reading the information.

With this configuration, even if the address information of the still image information that may be displayed at each time is not sequentially described in the corresponding definition information, for example, the still image information set described above in the object data may be used. The still image information to be actuated based on position information (for example, an entry section) indicating the recording position of one still image information to be acted on by one still image control information such as structural information in the Quick access to.

In this case, further, the reading means may be paired or paired with the one still image control information, and may have another still image having a head packet whose address is larger than the head packet of the one still image control information. Still image information having a head packet whose display is controlled by the control information and whose address is smaller than the head packet of the one still image control information is regarded as the still image information to be prefetched, and the prefetch still image indicating the total number thereof is displayed. The image processing apparatus may further include means for accessing and reading the still image information to be prefetched based on the number of strokes information, the prefetched still image identifier information for identifying the information, and the prefetched still image position information indicating the recording position.

With this configuration, even if the address information of the still image information that may be displayed at each time is not sequentially described in the corresponding definition information, for example, the still image information set described above in the object data can be used. Information on the number of prefetched still images, such as the structure information in the above, • Prefetched still image identifier information and prefetched still image position information (for example, one entry section) , The still image information to be read ahead can be quickly accessed. Therefore, in particular, if the still image information to be pre-read at this time is read, the other display control information reproduced next to or after the one display control information corresponding to the display start time becomes the other. Even when it operates on the still image information, since the other still image information has already been read, it can be displayed quickly without any problem.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information reproducing method according to the present invention is an information reproducing method for reproducing the recorded content information from the information recording medium (including various aspects thereof) according to the present invention. A reading step of physically reading information from the information recording medium; and reading the information read in the reading step based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information included in the information read in the reading step. A reproducing step of reproducing the contained object data.

According to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, in the reading step, information is physically read from the information recording medium in packet units or the like. Then, in the reproducing step, the object data included in the read information is reproduced based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information included in the read information. Therefore, the content information multiplex-recorded on the information recording medium of the present invention can be appropriately reproduced as a series of content information. At this time, in particular, still image information such as bitmaps and JPEGs having a relatively large data amount can be efficiently reproduced, and an increase in the load in the reproduction processing is effectively suppressed.

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

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention records the content information on the information recording medium of the present invention (including various aspects thereof) and reproduces the recorded content information. An information recording / reproducing apparatus, comprising: first recording means for recording the object data file; second recording means for recording the reproduction sequence information file; and third recording means for recording the object information file. Reading means for physically reading information from the information recording medium; and information read by the reading means based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information included in the information read by the reading means. Said object included in Playback means for playing back data.

According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, similarly to the above-described information recording apparatus of the present invention, the first recording means records the object data file, and the second recording means records the reproduction sequence information file. Record, and record the object information file by the third recording means. After that, similarly to the above-described information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the reading means physically reads the information from the information recording medium, and the reproducing means reproduces the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence included in the read information. The object data included in the read information is reproduced based on the information. Therefore, various types of content information including still image information such as bitmaps and JPEG, such as at least a part of the MPEG-2 transport stream, can be multiplex-recorded on the above-described information recording medium of the present invention. The multiplex-recorded content information can be properly reproduced, including still image reproduction.

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

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

According to the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention, similarly to the above-described information recording method of the present invention, an object data file is recorded in a first recording step, and a reproduction sequence information file is recorded in a second recording step. Record, and record the object information file in the third recording step. Thereafter, similarly to the information reproducing method of the present invention described above, the reading step physically reads the information from the information recording medium, and the reproducing step reproduces the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence included in the read information. Based on the information, The object data included in the read information is reproduced. Therefore, on the information recording medium of the present invention described above, various types of content information including still image information such as a bitmap and JPEG, such as at least a part of the transport stream of MPEG2, can be multiplex-recorded. Further, the multiplex-recorded content information can be appropriately reproduced, including reproduction of a still image.

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

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a recording control computer program of the present invention is a recording control computer program for controlling a computer provided in the above-described information recording apparatus of the present invention (including its various aspects). Wherein the computer functions as at least a part of the first recording unit, the second recording unit, and the third recording unit.

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

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a computer program for reproduction control of the present invention is a computer program for reproduction control for controlling a computer provided in the above-mentioned information reproducing apparatus of the present invention (including its various aspects). Wherein the computer functions as at least a part of the reproducing means.

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

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

According to the computer program for recording and reproduction control of the present invention, the computer program can be read and executed from a recording medium such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a hard disk for storing the computer program. Alternatively, if the computer program is executed after being downloaded to a computer via the communication means, the above-described information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention can be realized relatively easily. '' In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the data structure including the control signal according to the present invention is designed so that an entire stream including a plurality of partial streams each composed of a series of content information which makes a physical access. It is multiplexed and recorded in units of buckets, which are possible units, and stores object data consisting of a plurality of packets including packets each of which is a logically accessible unit and stores a fragment of the content information. An object data file, a reproduction sequence information file for storing reproduction sequence information that defines a reproduction sequence of the object data, and reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of the object data, Defines the correspondence between the packet and the plurality of partial streams And an object information file for storing the definition information. At least one of the plurality of partial streams is a still image information which is one of the content information and a display of the still image information. And a plurality of buckets each storing a fragment of the still image control information for controlling the plurality of packets. The correspondence definition information includes a predetermined packet among the plurality of packets for each of the plurality of partial streams. Address information relating to a packet that satisfies the condition, and for the at least one partial stream, a position is specified by the address information among a plurality of packets constituting the at least one partial stream. In the entry section specified by two adjacent packets in the arrangement of only the packets to be Control information identification indicating whether the head bucket bets group of buckets bets exist including broadcast Contains flags.

According to the data structure including the control signal of the present invention, as in the case of the above-described information recording medium of the present invention, still image information such as a bit map or JPEG is compliant with the MPEG-2 transport stream, for example. It is possible to multiplex-record complex content information including, and to reproduce it including still image reproduction.

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

A first program storage device of the present invention is a program storage device that can be read by a computer provided in an information recording device, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. It explicitly embodies a computer program capable of executing the program.

A second program storage device according to the present invention is a program storage device readable by a computer provided in an information reproducing device, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. It explicitly embodies a computer program capable of executing the program.

A third program storage device of the present invention is a program storage device that can be read by a computer provided in an information recording / reproducing device in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. Explicitly embody a computer program capable of executing the reproduction method.

According to the first, second, or third program storage device of the present invention, the computer program is read by a computer from a program storage device such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a hard disk that stores the computer program. The information recording method, the information reproducing method, or the information recording / reproducing method according to the present invention described above, if the computer program is executed after the computer program is downloaded to the computer via the communication means. It can be realized relatively easily. A computer data signal embodied by the first transmission wave according to the present invention is a series of computer data signals for causing a computer provided in an information recording apparatus to execute the information recording method according to the present invention. Indicates an instruction.

The computer data signal embodied by the second transmission wave of the present invention has the above problem. In order to solve the above problem, a series of instructions for causing a computer provided in the information reproducing apparatus to execute the above-described information reproducing method of the present invention will be described.

The computer data signal embodied by the third transmission wave of the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, causes a computer provided in an information recording / reproducing apparatus to execute the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention described above. Here is a sequence of such instructions.

According to the computer data signal embodied by the first, second or third transmission wave of the present invention, the computer program is downloaded to a computer by a computer data signal via a computer network or the like, and is executed. For example, the above-described information recording method, information reproducing method, or information recording / reproducing method according to the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

The operation and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the embodiments explained below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a basic structure of an optical disc which is an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention. An upper part is a schematic plan view of an optical disc having a plurality of areas, and a lower part corresponding thereto is: FIG. 3 is a schematic conceptual diagram of an area structure in the radial direction. Fig. 2 shows a schematic conceptual diagram of the conventional MPEG 2 program stream (Fig. 2 (a)) and a schematic conceptual diagram of the MPEG 2 transport stream used in this embodiment (Fig. 2 (b)). It is.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data structure recorded on the optical disc of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing details of a data structure in each object shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows that the elementary stream for the upper program # 1 and the elementary stream for the middle program # 2 in this embodiment are multiplexed, and the transport stream for these two programs is multiplexed. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing how is configured with the horizontal axis as a time axis.

FIG. 6 shows the multiplexed data in one transport stream in this embodiment. The image of the TS bucket is conceptually shown as a packet arrangement along time.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a logical configuration of data on an optical disc in the embodiment, focusing on development from a logical hierarchy to an object hierarchy or a physical hierarchy.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a recording operation (No. 1) of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a recording operation (No. 2) of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a recording operation (part 3) of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a recording operation (part 4) of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a reproducing operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a data structure in the ES address information related to the video stream constructed in the ES map table in the object information in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating an example of the position of the TS packet registered in the ES address information of the video stream on the TS object with respect to the time axis.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the contents of SP data, SP control information, and structure information according to the method for acquiring SP data and SP control information in the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a subpicture structure according to the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an acquisition procedure in the acquisition method according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing the data structure of the ES address information relating to the sub-picture stream in the TS object shown in FIG.

Fig. 20 shows the structure information and SP control information according to the acquisition method of the embodiment. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the body example.

FIG. 21 is a diagram conceptually showing the entire access flow at the time of reproduction in relation to the logical structure of the optical disc in the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating a specific example of the data configuration of the disk information file in a specific example according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating a specific example of a data configuration of a title information table included in a disk information file in a specific example according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating a specific example of a data configuration in a playlist information table constructed in a playlist information file in a specific example according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram schematically showing a specific example of the data configuration in the AU table constructed in the object information file and the ES map table associated therewith in one specific example according to the present embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Information recording medium)

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

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical disc 100 can be recorded by various recording methods, such as a magneto-optical method and a phase change method, which can record (write) plural times or only once. Like the DVD, the lead-in area 104, data area 106, and lead-out area 108 are located on the recording surface of the disc body with a diameter of about 12 cm from the inner circumference to the outer circumference centering on the center hole 102. Is provided. In each area, for example, a spiral or concentric centering on the center hall 102 A group track and a land track are alternately provided in a circle. The group and the track may be coupled, or one or both of the tracks may be formed with a pre-pit. Note that the present invention is not particularly limited to an optical disk having such three areas.

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

In FIG. 2A, one program stream includes only one video stream for video data as main video information along the time axis t, and further includes an audio stream for audio data as audio information. It contains a maximum of 8 streams and a maximum of 32 sub-picture streams for sub-picture data as sub-picture information. That is, the video data multiplexed at an arbitrary time tX relates to only one video stream. For example, a plurality of video streams corresponding to a plurality of television programs or a plurality of movies are transmitted. They cannot be included in the program stream at the same time. In order to multiplex and transmit or record TV programs with video, at least one video stream is required for each TV program, so a DVD with only one video stream does not exist. In the program stream format, it is not possible to multiplex and transmit or record multiple TV programs.

In FIG. 2 (b), one transport stream (TS) includes a plurality of video streams as elementary streams (ES) for video data as main video information, and further includes audio information. Elementary stream for audio data, which includes a plurality of audio streams as a stream (ES) and multiple sub-picture streams as an elementary stream (ES) for sub-picture data, which is sub-picture information Become. That is, the video data multiplexed at an arbitrary time tX relates to a plurality of video streams. For example, a plurality of video streams corresponding to a plurality of television programs or a plurality of movies are simultaneously played. It can be included in the transport stream. In the transport stream format in which a plurality of video streams exist, a plurality of television programs and the like can be multiplexed and transmitted or recorded. However, in the digital broadcasting that adopts the current transport stream, the sub-picture stream is not transmitted.

In FIG. 2 (a) and FIG. 2 (b), for convenience of explanation, the video stream, audio stream, and sub-picture stream are arranged from the top in this order, but the packet order is as described later. It does not correspond to the order of multiplexing in units. In the transport stream, conceptually, for example, one program is composed of one video stream, two audio streams, and two subpicture streams. I have.

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

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

In the following description, a “title” is a playback unit that continuously executes a plurality of “playlists”, and has a logically large unit, such as one movie or one TV program. Units. A “playlist” is a file storing information necessary for reproducing an “object”, and is a plurality of “items” each storing information regarding a reproduction range of an object for accessing the object. It is configured. More specifically, in each item, "IN point information" indicating the start address of the object and "OUT point information" indicating the end address are described. Each of the “IN point information” and “OUT point information” may directly indicate an address, or may indirectly indicate an address such as time or time on a reproduction time axis. And "object" is This is the entity information of the contents that make up the MPEG2 transport stream. In FIG. 3, the optical disc 100 has a logical structure of a disc information file 110, a play (Ρ) list information file 120, an object information file 130, and an object data file 140. There are four types of files, and a file system 105 for managing these files is further provided. Although FIG. 3 does not directly show the physical data arrangement on the optical disc 100, the arrangement order shown in FIG. 3 must be recorded so as to correspond to the arrangement order shown in FIG. That is, it is also possible to record the file system 105 etc. in the data recording area 106 following the lead-in area 104, and further record the object data file 140 etc. in the data recording area 106. It is. Even without the lead-in area 104 and the lead-out area 108 shown in FIG. 1, the file structure shown in FIG. 3 can be constructed.

The disc information file 110 is a file for storing comprehensive information on the entire optical disc 100, and includes the disc general information 112, the title information table 114, and other information 118. Store. The disc total information 112 stores, for example, the total number of titles in the optical disc 100 and the like. The title information table 114 stores, as logical information, the type of each title (for example, sequential playback type, branch type, etc.) and the play (Ρ) list number that constitutes each title for each title. I do.

The play list information file 120 stores a play (Ρ) list information table 121 indicating a logical configuration of each play list, which is a play (Ρ) list comprehensive information 122 And a play (Ρ) list pointer 124, a plurality of play (Ρ) lists 126 (Ρlist # 1 to # η), and other information 128. This playlist information table 122 stores logical information of each playlist 126 in order of playlist number. In other words, the storage order of each playlist 1 26 is the playlist number. In the above-described title information table 114, it is also possible to refer to the same playlist 126 from a plurality of titles. That is, even when the title # η and the title #m use the same playlist # ρ, the playlist # ρ in the playlist information table 12 1 is used as the title information table. It is also possible to configure so as to point at rules 114.

The object information file 130 stores the storage location (that is, the logical address to be reproduced) in the object data file 140 for each item included in each playlist 126, and the reproduction of the item. Stores various attribute information related to In the present embodiment, in particular, the object information file 130 contains an AU table 13 containing a plurality of AU (association unit) information 13 21 (AU #l to AU #n) described later in detail. 1 and ES (elementary lease stream) map table 1 3 4 and other information 1 3 8 are stored.

The object data file 140 contains the transport stream (TS) separate TS object 142 (TS # 1 object to TS #n object), that is, the entity data of the content that is actually played back. Store multiple.

The four types of files described with reference to FIG. 3 can be further divided into a plurality of files and stored, and all of them can be managed by the file system 105. For example, it is possible to divide the object data file 140 into a plurality of object data files # 1, # 2, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 4, the TS object 142 shown in FIG. 3, which is a logically reproducible unit, is divided into a plurality of aligned units 144 each having a data amount of, for example, 6 kB. It becomes. The beginning of the aligned unit 144 coincides with the beginning of the TS object 142 (aligned). Each aligned unit 144 is further subdivided into a plurality of source packets 144 each having a data amount of 1922B. The source packet 144 is a physically reproducible unit. In this unit, ie, packet unit, at least video data, audio data and sub-picture data of data on the optical disc 100 are multiplexed. And other information may be similarly multiplexed. Each source packet 144 has a data amount of 4 B, and plays back a packet arrival time stamp or the like indicating a playback start time of a TS (Transport Stream) packet on the playback time axis. It comprises control information 144 for controlling and a TS bucket 144 having a data amount of 188 B. TS packet 1 46 has packet header 1 4 6 a as its head. It has a packet payload as a substantive data part following it, and the video data is packetized into a “video packet”, or the audio data is packetized into an “audio packet”. The sub-picture data is packetized into a "sub-picture packet", or other data is packetized.

Next, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the transport stream format video data, audio data, sub-picture data, etc. as shown in FIG. 2 (b) are transferred to the TS bucket 1 shown in FIG. With reference to 46, the point of multiplex recording on the optical disk 100 will be described. Here, Fig. 5 shows that the elementary stream (ES) for the upper program # 1 (PG1) and the elementary stream (ES) for the middle program # 2 (PG2) are multiplexed. Fig. 6 conceptually shows how the transport stream (TS) for these two programs (PG 1 & 2) is constructed using the horizontal axis as the time axis. It conceptually shows the image of TS packets multiplexed in the transport stream (TS) as a packet arrangement along time.

As shown in Fig. 5, the elementary stream for program # 1 (upper part) is composed of, for example, a TS packet 146 in which video data for program # 1 is packetized on the time axis (horizontal axis). On the other hand, they are arranged discretely. The elementary stream (middle) for program # 2 is, for example, a TS packet 146 in which video data for program # 2 is packetized and arranged discretely with respect to the time axis (horizontal axis). I get it. Then, these TS packets 146 are multiplexed to construct a transport stream (lower) for these two programs. Note that, although omitted in FIG. 5 for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), actually, audio data is bucketed as an elementary stream for program # 1. Elementary lease stream consisting of TS packets that have been divided into sub-picture data and sub-picture streams that consist of buckets of sub-picture data may be multiplexed in the same manner. In addition to these, the elementary stream for program # 2 As a stream, an elementary stream consisting of a TS bucket in which audio data is bucketed ゃ A TS packet in which sub-picture data is packetized Sub-picture streams may be multiplexed as well.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, one TS stream is constructed from a large number of TS buckets 146 multiplexed in this way. Then, a large number of TS buckets 146 are multiplexed and recorded on the optical disc 100 with information of a packet arrival time stamp and the like 145 added in such a multiplexed form. In FIG. 6, j (j = 1, 2,...) Constitutes a program for TS packet 1 46 consisting of data that constitutes program # i (i = l, 2, 3). "E lement (i0j)" is a number indicating the order of each stream to be performed. This (i0j) is the identification number of the TS bucket 146 for each elementary stream. It is the packet ID. This packet ID is unique among a plurality of TS packets 146 multiplexed at the same time so that even if a plurality of TS packets 146 are multiplexed at the same time, they can be distinguished from each other. Value has been assigned.

In FIG. 6, the PAT (program association table) and the PMT (program map table) are also packetized and multiplexed in units of TS packets 146. Among these, the PAT stores a template indicating the packet ID of a plurality of PMTs. In particular, the MPEG2 standard specifies that a PAT is given (0000) as a predetermined packet ID as shown in FIG. In other words, of a number of packets multiplexed at the same time, a TS bucket 146 having a PAT as a bucket is referred to as a TS bucket 146 having a packet ID power S (0000). It is configured to be detected. The PMT stores, for one or a plurality of programs, a table indicating a bucket ID for each elementary stream constituting each program. An arbitrary packet ID can be assigned to the PMT, and these packet IDs are indicated by the PAT that can detect the packet ID as (0000) as described above. Therefore, of the many packets multiplexed at the same time, the TS packet 146 whose PMT is packetized (that is, the packet ID (100), (200), (200) in FIG. 6) The TS packet 14 6) provided with 300) is configured to be detected by PAT.

When the transport stream as shown in FIG. 6 is transmitted digitally, the tuner refers to the PAT and PMT configured in this way to multiplex the data. From the multiplexed buckets, those corresponding to the desired elementary stream are extracted and demodulated.

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

Further, in the present embodiment, the PAT or PMT recorded in this manner is not referred to when the optical disc 100 is reproduced, and instead, the AU table 131, which will be described in detail after FIG. By referring to the ES Map Tape 1 34, more efficient playback will be possible, and it will be possible to deal with complex multi-vision playback. For this reason, in the present embodiment, for example, the correspondence between the elementary stream and the packet obtained by referring to the PAT and PMT at the time of demodulation and recording is represented by the AU tape 13 1 and the ES map table 13. It is stored in the object information file 130 in the form of 4 and without packetization or multiplexing.

Next, the logical configuration of data on the optical disc 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 7 schematically shows the logical configuration of data on the optical disc 100, focusing on the development from the logical hierarchy to the smart business hierarchy or the real hierarchy. In FIG. 7, one or more titles 200, which are logically large groups of, for example, one movie and one television program, are recorded on the optical disc 100. Each title 200 is logically composed of one or more playlists 126. Within each title 200, a plurality of playlists may have a sequential structure or a branch structure.

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

Each play list 126 is logically composed of a plurality of items (play items) 204. In each play list 126, the plurality of items 204 may have a sequential structure or a branch structure. It is also possible to refer to one item 204 from a plurality of playlists 126. Eye The playback range of the TS object 142 is logically specified by the above-described IN point information and OUT point information described in the system 204. Then, by referring to the object information 130 d for the playback range logically specified, the playback range of the TS object 142 is eventually physically changed via the file system. It is specified. Here, the object information 134 d is the attribute information of the TS object 142, the TS object 14 such as the ES end address information 134 d necessary for data search in the TS object 142. 2 includes various information for reproducing (the ES map table 134 shown in FIG. 3 includes a plurality of such ES address information 134d).

When the TS object 142 is reproduced by the information recording / reproducing apparatus described later, the physical address to be reproduced in the TS object 142 is obtained from the item 204 and the object information 130d. And the regeneration of the desired elementary lease stream is performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the ES map table 13 4 (see FIG. 3) of the IN point information and the OUT point information described in the item 204 and the object information 130 d (see FIG. 3) According to the address information 1334d, the association from the logical hierarchy to the object hierarchy in the playback sequence is executed, and the elementary stream can be played back.

As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, multiplex recording is performed in units of TS packets 146 on the optical disc 100, whereby a large number of elementary streams as shown in FIG. The transport stream including the stream can be multiplex-recorded on the optical disc 100. According to the present embodiment, when a digital broadcast is recorded on the optical disc 100, a plurality of programs or a plurality of programs can be recorded simultaneously within the limit of the recording rate. A method of multiplexing and recording a plurality of programs or a plurality of programs into 2 is adopted. Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of executing such a recording process will be described.

(Information recording / reproducing device)

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

In FIG. 8, an information recording / reproducing device 500 is roughly divided into a reproducing system and a recording system, and is capable of recording information on the optical disk 100 described above and reproducing the information recorded thereon. It is configured to be possible. In the present embodiment, the information recording / reproducing device 500 is for recording / reproducing as described above, but the recording system of the present invention can be basically constituted from the recording system portion. First, an embodiment of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention can be constructed from the reproducing system.

The information recording / reproducing device 500 includes an optical pickup 502, a servo unit 503, a spindle motor 504, a demodulator 506, a demultiplexer 508, a video decoder 511, and an audio decoder 511. 2, sub-picture decoder 5 1 3, adder

514, System Controller 520, Memory 530, Memory 540, Modulator 606, Formatter 608, TS Object Generator 610, Video Encoder

6 11, an audio encoder 6 12, and a sub-picture encoder 6 13. The system controller 520 includes a file (Fi1e) system / logical structure data generator 521 and a file (Fi1e) system / logical structure data reader 522. Further, a memory 530 and a user interface 720 for performing user input such as title information are connected to the system controller 520.

Among these components, demodulator 506, demultiplexer 508, video decoder 511, audio decoder 511, sub-picture decoder 513 and adder 514, and memory 540 Thus, a reproducing system is generally configured. On the other hand, among these components, the modulator 606, the formatter 608, the TS object generator 610, the video encoder 611, the audio encoder 612, and the sub-picture encoder 613 Generally, a recording system is configured. Then, a user interface for inputting user information such as an optical pickup 502, a service unit 503, a spindle motor 504, a system controller 520 and a memory 530, and title information. 720 is generally shared by both the reproduction system and the recording system. Furthermore, regarding the recording system, the TS object data source 700 and the video data source 7 11, an audio data source 7 12 and a sub-picture data source 7 13 are provided. The file system Z logical structure data generator 521 provided in the system controller 520 is mainly used in the recording system, and the file system / logical structure reader 522 is mainly used in the reproducing system. Used.

The optical pickup 502 irradiates the optical disk 100 with an optical beam LB such as a laser beam at a first power as a reading light at the time of reproduction and at a second power as a writing light at the time of recording. Irradiation is performed with modulation. During playback and recording, the servo unit 503 performs control such as focusing and tracking in the optical pickup 502 under the control of the control signal Sc1 output from the system controller 52. Spindle servo in spindle motor 504 is performed. The spindle motor 504 is configured to rotate the optical disc 100 at a predetermined speed while receiving spindle servo from the servo unit 503.

(i) Configuration and operation of recording system:

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

(i-1) When using the created TS object:

This case will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 8, a TS object data source 700 is composed of a recording storage such as a video tape and a memory, and stores the TS object data D1. In FIG. 9, first, information of each title logically configured on the optical disc 100 using the TS object data D 1 (for example, the configuration of the playlist) is transmitted from the user interface 720. The information is input to the system controller 520 as a user input I2 such as title information. Then, the system controller 520 takes in the user input I2 such as the title information from the user interface 720 (Step S21: Yes and Step S22). At this time, the user interface 720 receives the control by the control signal Sc from the system controller 520, and attempts to record, for example, a selection via the title menu screen. Input processing according to the content is enabled. If the user input has already been executed (step S21: No), these processes are omitted.

Next, the TS object data source 700 outputs the TS object data D1 under the control of the control signal Sc8 instructing the data reading from the system controller 520. Then, the system controller 520 fetches the TS object data D1 from the TS object source 700 (step S23), and the TS analysis function in the file system Z logical structure data generator 521 For example, based on the PAT, PMT, etc. packetized together with the video data as described above, the data array (eg, recording data length, etc.) in the TS object data D1, and the configuration of each elementary stream are analyzed. (For example, understanding of ES—PID (elementary stream packet identification number) described later) and the like (step S24).

Subsequently, the system controller 520 determines the file system / logical structure based on the user input I2 such as the captured title information and the data array of the TS object data D1 and the analysis result of each elementary stream. The data generator 5 21 converts the logical information file data D 4 into a disk information file 110, a playlist information file 120, an object information file 130, and a file system 105 (see FIG. 3). ) Is created (step S25). The memory 530 is used when creating such logical information file data D4.

It should be noted that various types of pari- lations, such as preparing the data arrangement of the TS object data D1 and the configuration information of each elementary stream in advance, are naturally conceivable. Is within the range.

In FIG. 8, a formatter 608 is a device that performs a data array format for storing both the TS object data D 1 and the logical information file data D 4 on the optical disc 100. More specifically, the formatter 608 includes a switch Sw 1 and a switch Sw 2, and is controlled by a switch control signal Sc 5 from a system controller 520, thereby obtaining a TS object. When the data D 1 is formatted, the switch Sw 1 is connected to the ① side, and the switch Sw 2 is connected to the ① side, and the TS object from the TS object data source 700 is connected. Outputs the project data D1. The transmission control of the TS object data D1 is performed by the control signal Sc8 from the system controller 520. On the other hand, when the logical information file data D4 is formatted, the formatter 608 is switching-controlled by the switch control signal Sc5 from the system controller 520, and sets the switch Sw2 to the negative side. And output the logical information file data D4.

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

The selected output from the formatter 608 is sent to the modulator 606 as disc image data D 5, modulated by the modulator 606, and then transmitted to the optical disc 100 via the optical pickup 502. Recorded above (step S27). The disk recording control at this time is also executed by the system controller 520.

If both the logical information file data D4 generated in step S25 and the corresponding TS object data D1 have not been recorded, the process returns to step S26 to continue recording. (Step S28: No). The recording order of the logical information file data D4 and the corresponding TS object data D1 may be either earlier or later.

On the other hand, if both of these are already recorded, it is determined whether or not to end recording on the optical disc 100 based on the presence or absence of an end command (step S29). S29: No) Return to step S21 and continue the recording process. On the other hand, if it is to be ended (Step 3 2 9: 6 _3), a series of record processing ends.

As described above, the information recording / reproducing device 500 performs the recording process when using the created TS object. .

In the example shown in FIG. 9, after the logical information file data D 4 is created in step S 25, the logical information file data D 4 and the corresponding T Although the data output with the S object data D 1 is executed, the output of the TS object data D 1 and the recording on the optical disc 100 are executed before step S 25, and after this recording or In parallel with this recording, the logical information file data D4 can be generated and recorded.

(i-2) When receiving and recording a transport stream being broadcast: This case will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10. In FIG. 10, the same steps as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

In this case as well, almost the same processing is performed as in the above-mentioned "when a created TS object is used". Therefore, the following description focuses on the differences.

When receiving and recording the transport stream being broadcast, the TS object data source 700 is composed of, for example, a receiver (set-top box) that receives the digital broadcast being broadcast. D1 is received and transmitted to the formatter 608 in real time (step S41). At the same time, the reception information D3 including the program configuration information decrypted at the time of reception and ES-PID information described later (that is, corresponds to the data transmitted through the interface between the receiver and the system controller 520) ) Is taken into the system controller 520 and stored in the memory 530 (step S444).

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

In parallel with these, the file system / logical structure generator 5 2 1 is used by using the program configuration information and ES-PID information contained in the reception information D 3 fetched at the time of reception and stored in the memory 530. To create logical information file data D4 (step S24 and step S25). After completion of the recording of the series of TS object data D1, the logical information file data D4 is additionally recorded on the optical disc 100 (steps S46 and S47). The processing in steps S24 and S25 may be performed after step S43.

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

As described above, the information recording / reproducing device 500 performs the recording process when the transport stream being broadcast is received and recorded in real time. If all the received data at the time of broadcasting are stored in the archive device and then used as the TS object source 700, the same processing as in the above-mentioned "when using the created TS object" is performed. Is enough.

(i-3) Recording video, audio and sub-picture data: This case will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 11. In FIG. 11, the same steps as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

When recording video data, audio data, and sub-picture data separately prepared in advance, the video data source 711, the audio data source 71 12, and the sub-picture data source 71 13 are, for example, video tapes, It consists of recording storage such as memory, and stores video data DV, audio data DA and sub-picture data DS, respectively.

These data sources receive the video data DV, the audio data DA, and the sub-picture data DS, respectively, under the control of a control signal Sc8 for instructing data reading from the system controller 520. 11 and are transmitted to the audio encoder 612 and the sub-picture encoder 613 (step S61). Then, a predetermined type of encoding process is executed by the video encoder 611, the audio encoder 612, and the sub-picture encoder 613 (step S62).

The TS object generator 610, under the control of the control signal Sc6 from the system controller 520, converts the data thus encoded into TS object data forming a transport stream ( Step S63). At this time, data array information of each TS object data (for example, recording data length, etc.) 構成 The configuration information of each elementary stream (for example, ES_PID described later) is transmitted from the TS object generator 610 to the system controller 520 as information I6, and stored in the memory 530 ( Step S66).

On the other hand, the TS object data generated by the TS object generator 610 is sent to the switch SW1 of the formatter 608 at the ② side. That is, when the TS object data from the TS object generator 610 is formatted, the formatter 608 is subjected to switching control by the switch control signal Sc 5 from the system controller 52, and the switch Sw 1 Is set to the ② side and the switch Sw 2 is connected to the 当該 side to output the TS object data (step S64). Subsequently, the TS object data is recorded on the optical disc 100 via the modulator 606 (step S65).

In parallel with these, the file system / logical structure generator is used by using the data arrangement information of each TS object data and the configuration information of each elementary stream, which are loaded into the memory 530 as information I6. The logical information file data D 4 is created according to 5 21 (step S 24 and step S 25). Then, after the recording of the series of TS object data D2 is completed, it is additionally recorded on the optical disc 100 (steps S67 and S68). Note that the processing in steps S24 and S25 may be performed after the end of step S65.

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

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

Note that this recording process can also be applied when recording any content owned by the user.

(i-4) When recording data by authoring: This case will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 12. In FIG. 12, the same steps as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

In this case, by combining the recording processes in the above three cases, the authoring system generates a TS object, generates logical information file data, and the like in advance (step S81). The processing up to the switching control performed by the formatter 608 is ended (step S82). After that, the information obtained by this operation is sent out as disc image data D5 to the modulator 606 provided before and after the disc mastering machine (step S83), and the cutting machine uses the master. Creation is performed (step S84).

In this embodiment, in particular, in the configuration and operation of the (i) recording system described above, in any case (i-1) to (i14), the still image is included in the sub-picture data. Information and data related to the control information (for example, SP data, SP control information, their structure information, a header, etc., which will be described later) are multiplex-recorded on the optical disc 100. Further, data (SP data identification flag, SCP identification flag, etc.) relating to the control information of the still image is generated in the generation of the logical information file data in step S25, and the object is generated via the formatter 608. It is recorded in a part of the information file 130 (see FIG. 3) or the like in a form associated with the still image information (for example, in a table format associated with “entry section” described later).

(ii) Configuration and operation of playback system:

Next, with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 13, a specific configuration of each component constituting the reproducing system of the information recording / reproducing device 500 and an operation thereof will be described.

In FIG. 8, a title to be reproduced from the optical disc 100 and its reproduction conditions are input to the system controller as a user input I2 such as title information by the user interface 720. At this time, the user interface 720 is controlled by the control signal Sc4 from the system controller 520, and responds to the content to be reproduced, for example, selection via a title menu screen. Input processing is enabled.

In response, the system controller 520 sends data to the optical disc 100. The optical pickup 502 performs the disk reproduction control, and sends the read signal S7 to the demodulator 506.

The demodulator 506 demodulates the recording signal recorded on the optical disc 100 from the read signal S7 and outputs it as demodulated data D8. Logical information file data as an unmultiplexed information portion included in the demodulated data D8 (that is, the file system 105, disk information file 110, and P list information file 1 shown in FIG. 3). 20 and the object information file 130) are supplied to the system controller 520. Based on the logical information file data, the system controller 520 executes various reproduction controls such as a reproduction address determination process and a control of the optical pickup 502.

On the other hand, with respect to the TS object data as the multiplexed information portion included in the demodulated data D8, the demultiplexer 508 is controlled by the control signal Sc2 from the system controller 520. Demultipletus. Here, when the access to the playback position address is completed by the playback control of the system controller 520, the control signal Sc2 is transmitted so as to start the demultipletus.

From the demultiplexer 508, a video packet, an audio packet, and a sub-picture packet are respectively transmitted and supplied to the video decoder 511, the audio decoder 511, and the sub-picture decoder 513. Is done. Then, the video data DV, the audio data DA and the sub-picture data DS are respectively decoded. The PAT or PMT bucketed packet included in the transport stream shown in FIG. 6 is included as a part of the demodulated data D8. Is discarded.

The adder 5 14 was controlled by the control signal S c 3 instructing the mixing from the system controller 5 20, and was decoded by the video decoder 5 11 and the sub-picture decoder 5 13 respectively. Video data DV and sub-picture data DS are mixed or superimposed at a predetermined timing. The result is output as a video output from the information recording / reproducing device 500 to, for example, a television monitor. On the other hand, the audio data DA decoded by the audio decoder 512 is output as an audio output from the information recording / reproducing device 500 to, for example, an external speaker.

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

In FIG. 13, in the initial state, recognition of the optical disk 100 by the playback system and recognition of the volume structure and file structure by the file system 105 (see FIG. 3) have already been performed by the system controller 520 and its It is assumed that the processing has been completed by the file system / logical structure reader 52 2. Here, the processing flow after acquiring the total number of titles from the disc total information 112 in the disc information file 110 and selecting one of the titles will be described.

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

Subsequently, an object information file 130 relating to the TS object to be reproduced is obtained. In the present embodiment, in particular, AU (association unit) information 132 I and PU (presentation unit) information 302 I (described later in FIG. 34), which will be described later, are also included in the object information. The information is acquired as information stored in the file 130 (step S14). Based on the acquired information, the above-described logical hierarchy is associated with the object hierarchy (see FIG. 7).

Subsequently, based on the information obtained in step S14, the object to be reproduced and the reproduction address are determined (step S15), and then the processing of the object hierarchy is started, that is, the actual reproduction is started. Start (step S16).

During playback, AU information 1 3 2 1 and? It is monitored whether or not a “scene switch” command input corresponding to the switching of the PU 302 in the AU 132 based on the 11 information 302 is performed (step S 17). Here, "Scene change" command If there is a password input (step SI: Yes), the process returns to step SI5 and repeats the processing from steps S15 to S17. On the other hand, if there is no command input of “scene change” (step S17: No), it is determined whether there is a command input to end the reproduction process (step S18). Here, if there is no command input for terminating (Step S18: No), the process returns to Step S11 and repeats the processes in Steps S11 to S18. On the other hand, if there is a command input for terminating (step S18: Yes), a series of reproduction processing ends. In this embodiment, in particular, the sub-picture data decoded by the sub-picture decoder 5 13 in step S 16 of FIGS. 8 and 13 is temporarily stored in the memory 540 functioning as a buffer. You. Thereafter, as described below, at least one of the SP data (still image data) and SP control information (still image control data) included in the temporarily stored subpicture data is stored in the system controller 5 20. It is read under the control of the control signal Sc5 from the CPU. By applying the SP control information to the SP data, a still image is displayed as part or all of the video output.

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

(How to get SP data and SP control information)

Next, a method for acquiring SP data and SP control information in the present embodiment will be described. This acquisition method is executed mainly by the information recording / reproducing device 500 (see FIG. 8) based on the ES address information in the object information and the SP data and SP control information in the subpicture structure. Things. With reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 20, a method for acquiring SP data and SP control information and a control for reproducing a still image associated therewith will be described. Here, FIG. 14 is a table showing an example of a data structure in the ES address information relating to the video stream constructed in the ES map table in the object information, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the data structure in the TS object. TS packets registered in the ES address information of the video stream An example of a dot position is schematically shown with respect to a time axis (horizontal direction in the figure). Fig. 16 shows the contents of SP data, SP control information, and structural information according to this acquisition method in a table, and Fig. 17 shows the three types of sub data composed of these three data or information. Fig. 3 schematically shows a picture structure. Fig. 18 schematically shows the acquisition procedure in this acquisition method, and Fig. 19 shows the data structure in the ES address information related to the sub-picture stream shown in Fig. 19, which is constructed in the ES map table. Are shown in a table. FIG. 20 shows a specific example of the structure information and the SP control information according to the present acquisition method.

The ES (Elementary Stream) address information of the video stream shown in Fig. 14 is a part of the ES address information 1 34 d (see Fig. 7) in the ES map table 13 4 shown in Fig. 3. It is described as Here, the video stream is an index # 14 elementary stream shown in the ES map table of FIG. 25 described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 14, as the contents of the ES address information, only for packets that satisfy a predetermined condition on the video stream, the packet numbers q, r, s, t, u,. , The serial number of the bucket in the TS object, hereafter referred to as the “packet number” as appropriate) and the corresponding display start times T 14 _ 0, T 14 4-1, T 14 4-2, T14_3, ... are described.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, a packet that satisfies a predetermined condition is determined as the first bucket of an I-picture based on the MPEG-2 standard, and the bucket numbers and the corresponding display start times are determined. Are described as ES address information shown in Fig.14. This is because MPEG decoding can be started if the recording position of the I picture can be specified by the address information.

Then, as shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the ES address information is specified by two adjacent packets in the arrangement of only the packets whose recording positions are specified by the ES address information. Each section on the object is defined as "one entry section". For example, the section specified by the adjacent packets q and r in which the ES address information is adjacent is defined as an entry section # 0, and the section specified by the buckets r and s is defined as an entry section # 1. In addition, the video stream The SP data and SP control information on the Suppose Stream associated with the still image and corresponding to the system (that is, displayed at the same time or in parallel with it) exist in the range of one entry section defined in this way. Whether or not they exist is described. Note that the sub-picture stream here is an elementary stream of index # 16 shown in the ES map table of FIG. 25 described in detail later. Therefore, in the index # 16 of the ES map table, the index number information of the elementary stream used as the entry section 13 4e ("index number = 14" according to the present embodiment) is described. It has been.

As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, data or information relating to a still image recorded on the sub-picture stream includes (i) SP data 7 13, which constitutes an example of still image information, and (ii) SP control information 712 which constitutes an example of still image control information for display control of SP data 713, and (iii) one or both of them constitute one sub-picture structure, and the structure of the sub-picture structure concerned Information (header) 7 1 1 and three data or information.

Then, as a combination of these three data or information, a sub-picture structure 7 including all the constituent elements of the structural information 71 1, the SP control information 7 12 and the SP data 7 13 shown in FIG. 0 1, the sub-picture structure 70 2 composed of the structural information 7 11 1 and SP control information 7 12 shown in FIG. 17 (b), and the structural information 7 1 1 shown in FIG. 17 (c). And a sub-picture structure 703 having SP data 713 as a component. In the case of DVD, only the type shown in Fig. 17 (a) is defined.

As described above, in the present embodiment, various examples of the “still picture information set” according to the present invention are respectively constituted by the sub-picture structures shown in FIGS. 17 (a) to 17 (c).

As shown in FIGS. 17 (a) to 17 (c), in this embodiment, the SP control information 712 and the SP data 713 are usually stored in a plurality of TS packets 146. You will be divided. Then, the structure information 711 is stored in the first packet in the sub-picture structure 701 to 703, and the SP information 712 (FIGS. 17 (a) and (b)) following the first packet is stored. The head part or the head part of the SP data 7 1 3 also includes this structural information 7 1 1 Is stored in the first bucket.

In the present embodiment, the TS bucket 146 in which the head of the SP control information 712 in the sub-picture structure 702 is stored is referred to as “SCP”. The TS packet 146 storing the head of the SP data 713 in the subpicture structure 703 is called "SPD". Further, the first packet of the sub-picture structure 701 including both of them is called “SCP + SPD” in a form corresponding to these. In the present application, “the sub-picture structure is arranged or belongs in the entry section” as shown in FIG. 15 means that the sub-picture structure 70 1 in FIGS. 17 (a) and (b) In the case of 702, the header S containing the SCP (that is, the packet for storing the structural information) is the power S, which means that it is recorded in the entry section, and the sub-portion of Fig. 17 (c) In the picture structure 703, it means that the header including the SPD is recorded in one section of the entry.

As shown in FIG. 16, the structure information 7 11 1 has “SP data identifier”. In the sub-picture structures 701 and 703, the SP data identifier identifies the SP data 713 included in the sub-picture structure. On the other hand, in the sub-picture structure 702, the SP data identifier identifies the SP data 7 13 included in another sub-picture structure to which the SP control information 7 12 included in the sub-picture structure operates. Is what you do.

The structure information 711 further includes information indicating “data length of SP control information” and “data length of SP data”. Based on these, at the time of reproduction, it is specified to which packet the sub-picture structure 701 continues from the head of the structure information 71 1. Further, based on the data length of the SP control information, at the time of reproduction, it is specified to which bucket the sub-picture structure 702 continues from the head of the structure information 7111. Furthermore, based on the data length of the SP data, at the time of reproduction, it is specified to which bucket the subpicture structure 703 continues from the head of the structure information 7111.

In the sub-picture structure 702 without the SP data 7 13, the “SP data length” in the structure information 7 11 is set to “0”, and the SP data 7 You may indicate that you do not have 13. Similarly, in the sub-picture structure 703 having no SP control information 712, the “SP control By setting the “data length of troll information” to “0”, it may be indicated that the SP control information 7 12 is not provided.

The structure information 711 further has "SP data position information". At the time of reproduction, SP data 713 on which the SP control information 712 operates is specified based on this. As the position information of such SP data, the approximate position is described using the entry section shown in FIG. As a result, if the SPD is searched in the entry section, the SP data 7 13 can be specified. Therefore, even if the SP data 7 13 does not have the SP data 7 13 as in the sub-picture structure 7 02, the SP The control information 7 1 2 can be applied to the planned SP data. However, the packet number of the SPD may be directly described as the position information of the SP data.

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

The SP control information 712 includes information indicating the display start time of the applied SP data and the display time of the SP data. At the time of reproduction, this causes the SP data on which the SP control information 7 12 acts to be reproduced for a predetermined time on the reproduction time axis, and a still image is displayed.

Further, the SP control information 712 includes the total number of prefetched SP data, the identifier of the prefetched SP data, and the position information (entry section) of the prefetched SP data. The "look-ahead SP data" here is specified based on the recording position of the SCP in the SP control information that describes the total number, etc., and is recorded after the SCP in the SP control information on the playback time axis. This refers to SP data on which the SP control information that has the SCP described is applied, and that SP data is recorded ahead of the SCP in the SP control information. Therefore, in the following description of the acquisition method, SP data that satisfies such conditions is simply referred to as “prefetch SP data”. In other words, in this acquisition method, “the packet number of the SCP in the SP control information that affects the i-th SP data> i + the packet number of the SCP in the SP control information that acts on the first SP data” The i-th SP data that satisfies the condition is treated as look-ahead data, and the total number, identifier, and location information are described in the SP control information 7 12.

The SP data 713 has, for example, run-length encoded bit map data format or J PEG format image data. For example, each pixel (pixel) has 8-bit color information data and 8-bit transparency information data. Also, SP data representing one still image is packetized and multiplexed into a plurality of TS packets 146 (see FIG. 4).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the entry section is represented by using the display start time of the packet number of the first bucket constituting the entry section. For example, the entry section # 0 of the elementary stream at index # 14 is represented by "T14-0". In this way, if the display start time is used, even if the serial number of the packet shifts due to the lack of the packet due to editing or the like after recording, the display start time does not shift. It is not necessary to update the ES address information etc. as shown in 4.

In this embodiment, in particular, the following conditions (hereinafter, referred to as “first arrangement”) are applied to the packet arrangement for one section of the entry defined in this way so that SCP and SPD can be obtained easily and quickly. Condition ").

That is, as compared with the “display start time” and “packet number” of the entry point #i, the sub-control including the SP control information 7 12 (which holds the display start time “TT”) The headers of the picture structures 70 1 to 70 3 are physically arranged as follows. Note that an entry point refers to a bucket whose position is specified by address information.

"Display start time of entry one point #i"

K = T T <"Display start time of entry point # i + l"

When

`` Entry point #i packet number '' <“Packet number of header of sub-picture structure including SP control information”

<“Packet number of entry point # i + l”

According to the first arrangement condition, the subpicture structure 702 including the SP control information 712 necessary for the SP data 713 to be displayed during the playback of the entry section during the playback of the entry section is not included in the entry section. Can be found by searching for. For example, in FIGS. 14 and 15 · when the display start time is equal to or greater than T 14-1 and smaller than T 14-2, the subpicture structure including its SP control information 7 1 2 in one entry section # 1 The packet number of the header of 702 is recorded. On the other hand, SP data can be found from the “SP data recording position” (see FIG. 16) of the structural information 711 constituting the header as described above.

In the acquisition method according to the present embodiment, acquisition of SP data and SP control information as illustrated in FIG. 18 is executed using address information as illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 18, at the time of reproduction, first, the display start PTS is given as the (0) th processing, then the SCP of the forward entry section is searched and read as the (1) processing, and then the SP data is obtained as the (2) processing And then read the SCP in the bulletin entry section as the (3) th process, then read the SP data as the (4) th process, and read the prefetched SP data as the (5) th process. Reading, and finally, each process of starting playback as the (6) process is shown graphically at the corresponding location on the time axis (the axis extending from left to right in the figure).

In order to perform such acquisition of SP data and SP control information and the control of playback of still images, the acquisition method specifically corresponds to the entry section defined by the video stream shown in Fig. 14, for example. In the format, the ES address information about the sub-picture stream is described in the ES map table as shown in Fig. 19.

As shown in FIG. 19, the ES address information of the sub-picture stream is divided into the entry sections of the elementary stream indicated by the index number information 13 4 e (FIG. 25 described later in detail). It contains a 1-bit SCP identification flag that indicates whether the SCP has been recorded. In FIG. 19, "1" is set when there is a file, and "0" is set when there is no file. Then, in this acquisition method, As described above, when the SCP does not exist at the display start time by the SCP identification flag, it is first checked whether or not the SCP exists in the forward on the playback time axis, and then the backward in the playback time axis. It is checked whether an SCP exists.

As shown in FIG. 20, unlike the sub-picture structure of FIG. 16 that includes SP data, the sub-picture structure that does not include SP data has structure information 71 1 and SP control information 7 1 2 20. As a specific example corresponding to FIGS. 18 and 19 in FIG. 20, SP control information with SCP # 2a located in entry section # 4 as the first bucket 7 1 2 "is shown as an example.

In FIG. 18, during playback, first, when the display start PTS in entry section # 3 is obtained (processing (0)), the SCP identification flag of the ES address information included in the object information file (FIG. 19) Is checked to see if an SCP exists in this entry # 3. Then, in this example, since it is determined that the SCP does not exist, the SCP identification flag is further referred to, and first, a search is made for an SCP existing in another entry section located ahead in the reproduction time axis. Accordingly, in this example, it is determined that the SCP to be read first exists in the entry section # 1.

Therefore, in FIG. 18, SCP data is searched for in the object data file in this entry section # 1 (the (1) -th processing in FIG. 18). More specifically, first, by referring to the ES address information in FIG. 14, the first packet (in this example, “r”) of entry 1 section # 1 is obtained, and then, in the object data file, Access to the first packet is executed. After that, the header (structure information 71 1) of the packet on the same sub-picture stream following this first packet is sequentially checked, and within the entry section # 1, the sub-picture structure 70 2 including the SCP is checked. Will be found.

After that, the “SP data position” recorded in the SP control information in the subpicture structure including the acquired SCP is referred to, and the position (entry section) of the SP data that is controlled by this SP control information is specified. . Then, access to the SP data whose position is specified is executed (the (2) -th process in FIG. 18). For example, display start time T 1 4 as the position of SP data (entry section) If —0 is described, the packet number “q” is obtained by referring to the ES address information shown in FIG. 14 in the object information file No. 1 first. That is, in this example, it is determined that the SPD to be read exists in the entry section # 0. Thereafter, access to this first packet (bucket number "q") is performed in the object data file. Subsequently, the header (structure information 711) of the packet on the same subpicture stream following the first bucket is sequentially checked, and in the entry section # 0, the subpicture structure 70 including the SPD is checked. 1 or 7 0 3 (in FIG. 18, the sub-picture structure 7 0 3 indicated by “SCP # la + SPD # l”) will be found.

After that, the SP data in the sub-picture structure including the acquired SPD is read (No. (2) processing in Fig. 18).

Next, another entry section that is located backward on the playback time axis is searched for one in which SCP exists. Thus, in this example, it is clear that the SCP to be read first exists in the entry section # 4.

Therefore, in FIG. 18, the SCP data is searched for in the object data file, in this entry section # 4 (process (3) in FIG. 18). More specifically, first, the first packet (in this example, "u") of entry section # 4 is obtained by referring to the ES address information in FIG. 14, and thereafter, in the object data file. The access to the first packet is executed. After that, the header (structural information 711) of the packet on the same sub-picture stream following this first packet is sequentially checked, and within the entry section # 4, the sub-picture structure including the SCP is checked. 70 2 is searched, and SP control information 7 1 2 "having the structure shown in Fig. 24 is obtained. Fig. 24 shows the specific contents of SP control information 7 1 2 for SCP # lc. Is shown.

After that, the “SP data position” (see Fig. 20) recorded in the SP control information in the sub-picture structure containing the acquired SCP # 2a is referenced, and the SP data that is the control target of this SP control information is referred to. Location (entry section) is specified. Then, access to the SP data whose position is specified is executed (the (2) th process in FIG. 18). For example, as the position of SP data (one section) Assuming that the display start time T14-2 is described, first, the packet number "s" is acquired by referring to the ES address information shown in Fig. 14 in the object information file. You. That is, in this example, it is found that the SPD to be read exists in the entry section # 2. After that, access to this first packet (packet number "s") is executed in the object data file. Subsequently, the header (structural information 71 1) of the packet on the same sub-picture stream following the first packet is sequentially checked, and the sub-picture structure 7 0 Either 1 or 70 3 (in FIG. 18, sub picture structure 7 03 indicated by “SPD # 2”) will be found.

After that, the SΡ data in the sub-picture structure including the acquired SPD is read (process (4) in Fig. 18).

After that, the prefetching S 総数 described in the S サブ control information in the subpicture structure including the SC Ρ # 1 c obtained in the (3) th process of Fig. 18 S 総数 Total number of data, identifier and location information (entry section ) (See FIG. 20), the read-ahead S Ρ data is read. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the total number of the prefetch SP data is “1”, the identifier is “# 1”, and the position information of the prefetch S Ρ data “# 1” identified thereby is identified. If Τ14-0, first, the ES address information in FIG. 14 is referred to, and the packet number q is obtained. Then, after accessing the bucket with the packet number q, a subpicture or structure including SP data is searched for from a plurality of packets following the bucket in the entry section # 0, and the prefetch SP Read as data (No. (5) processing in Fig. 18).

In this specific example, since the prefetched _SP data #i has already been acquired in the (2) th process, the acquisition operation need not be performed again.

After that, the display control based on the obtained SP control information is performed by the above processing, and the reproduction of the still image corresponding to the SP data is started (No. (6) processing). Here, for example, based on the display start time and the display time indicated by the SP control information (see FIG. 16), the still image display by the sub-picture corresponding to the SP data is performed in a fixed period.

By the series of processing shown in Fig. 18, time search, chapter search, fast forward, Even when the display is started from an arbitrary display start time in special playback such as rewinding, the still image that should be displayed at the display start time is displayed, and it should be displayed after that. There are no situations in which a still image cannot be displayed or the still image is interrupted.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20, according to this method of acquiring SP data and SP control information, one flag has a very small total of 1 bit (see FIG. 19). Using the ES address information of the data amount, it is possible to efficiently specify the recording position of the SP control information. For example, if the ES address information related to the video stream as shown in FIG. 14 is 32 bits per entry section, the ES address information related to the sub-picture stream as shown in FIG. However, a small data amount of 1/32 is sufficient.

According to the acquisition method according to the present embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20, as shown in FIG. 17, by adopting three types of sub-picture structures 70 1 to 70 3 It is not necessary to read the subpicture structure including the SP data 713 to be controlled each time display control is performed by the SP control information 712 during playback. Conversely, the display control of one SP data 713 can be controlled by the SP control information recorded separately from the SP data. In particular, a plurality of SP control information can be applied to the same SP data. Alternatively, a plurality of SP data 713 can be displayed and controlled by the same SP control information recorded separately therefrom.

Incidentally, the sub-picture structure 70 1 or 70 3 including the SP data 7 13 and the sub-picture structure 720 including the SP control information 7 12 which operates on the same sub-picture stream are included in the same sub-picture stream. It may be recorded, but it may be recorded separately on multiple sub-picture streams.

(Access flow during playback)

Next, referring to FIG. 21, an information recording / reproducing apparatus using AU (associate unit) information 132 and PU (presentation unit) information 302, which is one of the features of the present embodiment. The access flow at the time of reproduction in 500 will be described together with the logical structure of the optical disk 100. Here, Figure 21 shows the optical disk 100 In relation to the logical structure, it conceptually shows the entire access flow during playback.

In FIG. 21, the logical structure of the optical disc 100 is divided into three layers: a logical layer 401, an object layer 400, and a logical object association layer 402 that associates these two layers with each other. It is roughly divided.

Among them, the logical layer 401 is a layer that logically specifies various kinds of logical information for reproducing a desired title at the time of reproduction, a playlist (P list) to be reproduced, and its constituent contents. It is. In the logical layer 410, disk information 110d indicating all titles 200 on the optical disk 100 is described in the disk information file 110 (see FIG. 3). Further, reproduction sequence information 120d of all contents on the optical disc 100 is described in a playlist information file 120 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the structure of one or more playlists 126 is described in each title 200 as the playback sequence information 120d, and each playlist 1206 includes: The structure of one or more items 204 (see Fig. 7) is described. Then, at the time of access at the time of playback, the title 200 to be played back is specified by such a logical hierarchy 401, and the playlist 1226 corresponding to this is specified. Identify the item 204 corresponding to.

Subsequently, the logical-object association layer 402 specifies the combination and configuration of the TS object data 144 d as the entity data based on the information specified in the logical layer 401 as described above. In addition, it is a layer that specifies the attribute of the TS object data 140 d to be reproduced and its physical storage address so that the address conversion from the logical layer 401 to the object layer 400 is performed. . More specifically, in the logical object association hierarchy 402, the block of contents constituting each item 204 is classified into units of AU132, and each AU132 is assigned to PU302. The object information data 130d, which is subdivided into units of 2, is described in the object information file 130 (see Fig. 3).

Here, “PU (presentation unit) 302” is a unit in which a plurality of elementary streams are associated with each other in units of playback switching. If there are three audio streams in this PU302, this vision During playback, the user can freely switch between the three audios (for example, language-specific audio).

On the other hand, “AU (associate unit) 1 32” is a unit in which a plurality of elementary streams such as video streams in a TS object used in one title are collected. Consists of a set of PU302. More specifically, it is a unit in which the elementary lease stream bucket ID (ES-PID) is indirectly arranged via PU302 for each TS object. The AU1332 corresponds to a set of a plurality of programs or a plurality of programs having a specific relationship with each other in consideration of content, such as a plurality of mutually switchable programs or a plurality of programs in multi-source broadcasting. I have. The PU 302 belonging to the same AU 132 forms a set of one or more elementary streams that respectively constitute a plurality of programs or a plurality of programs that can be switched mutually by a user operation during reproduction. Yes, it is.

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

It should be noted that a more specific data configuration of the AU information 1321 and the PU information 302I defining the AU 132 and the PU 302, respectively, will be described later with reference to FIG. explain.

Here, the elementary stream actually reproduced is specified or specified from the PU information 302 by ES-PID, which is a packet ID of the elementary stream (see FIG. 6). At the same time, the information indicating the playback start time and end time is converted into the elementary stream address information, so that the content in the specific area (or specific time range) of the specific elementary stream is reproduced. Will be done.

In this manner, in the logical-object association hierarchy 402, the address conversion from the logical address related to each item 204 to the physical address related to each PU 302 is executed. Subsequently, the object layer 4003 is a physical layer for reproducing the actual TS object data 140d. In the object hierarchy 403, TS object data 140d is described in an object data file 140 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, TS packets 146 constituting a plurality of elementary streams (ES) are multiplexed for each time, and these are arranged along the time axis, so that a plurality of TSs are arranged. An elementary stream is configured (see Fig. 5). Then, the plurality of TS buckets multiplexed at each time are associated with the PU 302 specified by the logical one object association layer 402 for each elementary stream. In addition, associating a plurality of PUs 302 with one elementary stream (for example, a common elementary stream related to the same audio data between a plurality of switchable programs or a plurality of programs) Or use the elementary stream related to the same sub-picture data in common).

As described above, in the object hierarchy 403, the actual reproduction of the object data is performed using the physical address obtained by the conversion in the logical object association hierarchy 402.

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

(Structure of each information file)

Next, with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25, various information files constructed on the optical disc 100 of the present embodiment, that is, (1) the disc information file 110 described with reference to FIG. The data structures of (2) playlist information file 120 and (3) object information file 130 will be described with specific examples.

(1) Disk information file:

First, with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the disc information file 110 will be described in detail using a specific example. Here, FIG. 22 schematically shows a specific example of the data configuration of the disk information file 110, and FIG. 23 shows the title information table (tab '1 e) 1 included in the disk information file 110. 14 schematically shows a specific example of the data configuration of 14. As shown in FIG. 22, in this specific example, the disk information file 110 stores disk general information 112, a title information table 114, and other information 118.

Among them, the disk comprehensive information 112 is comprehensive disk information such as disk volume information indicating a serial number of a series composed of a plurality of optical disks 100 and total title number information.

The title information table 114 stores all playlists that constitute each title, and other information such as chapter information in the title as information for each title, for example. Title # 1 information, Title # 2 information,…. Here, the “Title pointer information” is the storage address information of the title #n information, that is, the title # in the title information table 1 14 as shown by the correspondence in the arrow in FIG. This is storage address information indicating the storage location of n information, and is described in a relative logical address. Then, the number of titles in the optical disc 100 are arranged in the order of titles as relative logical addresses. Incidentally, the data amount of each of such stored address information may be a fixed byte or a variable byte.

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

For example, if the title simply consists of one playlist, the title information table 1 14 stored in the disk information file 110 shown in FIG. 22 (see FIG. 3) Is described as having relatively simple contents as shown in FIG.

(2) Playlist information file:

Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the playlist information file 120 will be described in detail using a specific example. Here, FIG. 24 schematically shows a specific example of a data configuration in the playlist information table (table) 121 constructed in the playlist information file 120.

In this specific example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the playlist information file 120, the playlist general information 122 and the playlist The inter-table 124, the playlist # 1 information table and the playlist # 2 information table 126 are stored as a playlist information table 122 (see FIG. 3).

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

Among these, the playlist total information (P-list comprehensive information) 122 describes the size of the playlist staple, other information, the total number of playlists, and the like. The playlist pointer table (P list pointer table) 124 stores the address of each playlist listing position in the playlist information table 121 as shown by the arrow in FIG. It is stored as a relative logical address in.

The play list # 1 information table (P list # 1 information table) 1 26 contains general information about the play list # 1 and the item information table of the play list # 1 (P list Item information Tab 1 e) Contains 12 9 and other information. The playlist # 2 information table 12.6 also describes the same type of information related to playlist # 2.

The “item information table (Item information table) 1 229” stores the item information for all the items constituting one program list. Here, the AU number in the AU (associate unit) table described in “item # 1 (1 tem # 1 information)” or “item # 2 (1 t βm # 2 information)” is The address of the TS object used for playing the item and the information for specifying each elementary stream (ie, video stream, audio stream, or sub-picture stream) in the TS object used for playing the item are stored. This is the number of the AU sent.

(3) Object information file:

Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the object information file 130 will be described in detail using a specific example. Here, Figure 25 shows the AU (associate unit) table 13 1 (see Figure 3) constructed in the object information file 130 (see Figure 3) FIG. 3 schematically shows a specific example of a data configuration in an ES (elementary stream) map table 13 4 (see FIG. 3) associated with.

As shown in FIG. 25, in this specific example, the object information file 130 stores an object information table (object information table). The object information table is composed of an AU table 1331 shown in the upper part of the figure and an ES map table 134 shown in the lower part of the figure.

In the upper part of FIG. 25, the AU table 1331 may have a structure in which the required number of tables for each field (Field) can be added. For example, if there are four AUs, the structure may be such that the number of folds increases to four.

In the AU table 131, "AU table comprehensive information" in which the number of AUs, a pointer to each AU, and the like are described, and "other information" are stored in separate fields (Field).

Then, in the AU table 131, AU information 1332I indicating ES staple index #m (E S_table Index #m) in each PU # m corresponding to each AU # n is expressed as: The index number of the corresponding ES map table 134 (Index number = '···) is described. Here, “AU” means a unit corresponding to a “program” in a television broadcast, for example (particularly, in the case of a “multi-vision” broadcast, a plurality of switchable “visions” as described above). It is a unit of one), and contains one or more PUs as playback units. The “PU” is a set of mutually switchable elementary streams included in each AU as described above, and the ES table index # corresponding to each PU is specified by the PU information 302 I. Have been. For example, when configuring multi-view content with an AU, a plurality of PUs are stored in the AU, and a plurality of elementary streams indicating buckets that constitute the content of each view are stored in each PU. Contains a pointer to the packet ID. This indicates the index number in the ES map tape 134 described later.

In this embodiment, the AU table 13 1 has a packet number in the case where a packet is lost due to editing processing in the serial number (serial number) of the packet in the TS object 14 2 described above. Discontinuous information indicating a discontinuous state may be added. If such discontinuity information is used, when a packet loss occurs, the discontinuity state indicated by the discontinuity information can be taken into consideration without the need to newly assign a packet number (for the elementary stream). By counting the number of packets (starting from the specified bucket), the address of the bucket to be accessed can be specified. Such discontinuity information includes, for example, information indicating the start point of the discontinuity and the number of missing packets. As described above, only one discontinuity information is described in common for a plurality of AUs, which is excellent from the viewpoint of saving recording capacity. It is also possible to describe such discontinuity information inside and outside the object information file other than the AU table 13 1.

In the lower part of FIG. 25, the ES map table 134 has fields (F i e

1 d) Separately, ES map table general information (ES—maptab 1 e general information), multiple indexes #m (m = 1, 2,...), And “other information” are stored. I have.

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

The “index #m” includes the elementary stream packet ID (ES-PID) of all elementary streams used for reproduction, the corresponding index number, and the address information of the elementary stream. It is composed of

In the present embodiment, particularly, when the elementary stream is the video stream of the MPEG2 as described above, the TS packet number at the head of the I picture is used as the address information, that is, the ES address information 134 d. Only the display time corresponding to this is described in the ES map table 134 to reduce the data amount (see Fig. 14). On the other hand, with regard to the ES address information 134 d of the sub-picture stream, the index number information 134 4 e of the elementary stream used as one entry section is described, so that the SCP identification flag sets the SCP identification flag for one entry section. Each data is described, and the amount of data is reduced (see Figure 19).

With this configuration, the element number of the actual elementary stream can be obtained from the index number of the ES map 13 4 specified from the AU table 13 1. Tally stream packet ID (ES_PID) can be obtained. In addition, since the address information of the elementary stream corresponding to the elementary stream bucket ID can be obtained at the same time, the object data can be reproduced based on the information.

According to the data structure of the optical disc 100 described above, even if a new title is added to the optical disc 100, it is useful because necessary information can be easily added. Conversely, even if certain information becomes unnecessary as a result of, for example, editing, it is only necessary to refer to that information, and there is no need to actually delete that information from the table. It is useful.

In FIG. 25, the ES_PID not referenced from the upper AU table 13 1 is also described for each index of the lower ES map table 13 4. There is no need to write this way. However, by writing an ES_PID that is not referred to in this way, creating a more versatile ES map table 13 4 can be used to re-edit the content, for example, when authoring again. This has the advantage that there is no need to rebuild the ES map table.

As described above in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25, according to the present embodiment, still image data including bitmap data having a relatively large data amount is converted into video data as sub-picture data. Multiplex recording can be performed efficiently with data and audio data.

Furthermore, by utilizing the 1-bit flag information called the SCP identification flag, it is possible to efficiently perform the process of acquiring the SP control information and the SP data and the process of controlling the reproduction of the still image. In particular, since the amount of data required for this is small, the recording capacity on the optical disc 100 can be saved.

In the above embodiment, the optical disk 100 as an example of the information recording medium and the recorder or player according to the optical disk 100 as an example of the information reproducing / recording apparatus have been described. The present invention is not limited to a recorder or a player, but can be applied to other various information recording media compatible with high-density recording or a high transfer rate, and its recorder or player. As described above, according to the present invention, still image information having a relatively large data amount can be multiplex-recorded together with moving image information, audio information, and the like. Can be reproduced. In particular, by employing the control information identification flag (for example, the SCP identification flag) according to the present invention, the still image information acquisition processing and the reproduction control processing can be performed efficiently, and the data required for these processings can be obtained. By reducing the data amount, the recording capacity can be saved as a whole.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be appropriately modified within the scope not contrary to the gist or idea of the invention, which can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and information accompanying such changes A recording medium, an information recording device and method, an information reproducing device and method, an information recording and reproducing device and method, a computer program for controlling recording or reproduction, and a data structure including a control signal are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. That is. Industrial applicability

An information recording medium, an information recording apparatus and method, an information reproducing apparatus and method, an information recording and reproducing apparatus and method, a computer program for recording or reproducing control, and a data structure including a control signal according to the present invention include, for example, Alternatively, it can be used for high-density optical discs such as DVDs that can record various information such as main video, audio, and sub-video for business use at high density, and can also be used for DVD players, DVD recorders, etc. . Further, for example, the present invention can be used for an information recording medium, an information recording / reproducing device, etc. which are mounted on various consumer or business computer devices or connectable to various computer devices.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. An information recording medium in which an entire stream including a plurality of partial streams each composed of content information forming a series of contents is multiplex-recorded in a packet unit which is a physically accessible unit. And

An object data file that stores object data that is a logically accessible unit and includes a plurality of packets including packets that respectively store fragments of the content information;

A playback sequence information file that stores playback sequence information that defines a playback sequence of the object data;

An object information file storing correspondence definition information defining correspondence between the plurality of multiplexed packets and the plurality of partial streams as reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of the object data;

With

At least one of the plurality of partial streams is composed of still image information which is one of the content information and a fragment of still image control information for controlling display of the still image information. The correspondence definition information includes, for each of the plurality of partial streams, address information relating to a bucket that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of packets. In addition, the at least one partial stream is adjacent to the plurality of packets constituting the at least one partial stream in an arrangement of only buckets whose positions are specified by the address information. Indicates whether the first packet of a group of buckets containing the still image control information exists in the entry section specified by the two packets. Information recording medium, characterized in that it comprises a control information identification flag.

2. One still image control information of the still image control information is display-controlled by another still image control information of the still image information having a head bucket whose address is larger than that of the head packet. Still image information having a head packet whose address is smaller than the head bucket of the one still image control information is determined by the still image information to be pre-read. The information according to claim 1, characterized in that the information includes prefetching still image number information indicating the total number, prefetching still image identifier information for identifying the number, and prefetching still image position information indicating the recording position thereof. recoding media.

3. When the content information includes video information based on the Moving Picture Experts Group 2 (MPEG2) standard, the address information includes a serial number of a packet related to an I picture and a 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the information recording medium comprises a display start time corresponding to the information.

4. The still image control information according to claim 1, wherein the still image control information includes information indicating a display start time of a still image displayed based on the still image information and a display time of the still image. Information recording medium.

5. The plurality of packets constituting the at least one partial stream are a still image information set including at least one of the still image information and the still image control information, and have a structure indicating the structure. 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the information recording medium further includes a packet for storing a fragment of the still image information set further including information.

6. The still image information set includes: (i) a first still image information set including the still image information, the still image control information, and the structure information, and (ii) the still image control information and A second still image information set including the two pieces of structural information and not including the still image information; and (iii) the second still image information set includes the two pieces of still image information and the structural information and further includes the still image control information. A third still image information set that does not include at least one of the first and third still image information sets and the second still image information set. The information recording medium according to claim 5.

7. The packet storing the structure information includes a plurality of packets related to the still image information set. 6. The information recording medium according to claim 5, wherein the information recording medium is arranged at the top of a packet.

8. The structure information includes at least the identifier of the still image information identifier, the data length of the still image control information, the data length of the still image information, and position information indicating the recording position of the still image information. The information recording medium according to claim 5, characterized in that:

9. The entire stream including a plurality of partial streams each composed of a series of content information is multiplexed on the information recording medium in packet units, which are physically accessible units. An information recording device for recording,

First recording means for recording an object data file that stores object data that is a logically accessible unit and that stores a plurality of packets including packets that respectively store the pieces of the content information,

Second recording means for recording a reproduction sequence information file storing reproduction sequence information defining a reproduction sequence of the object data;

As playback control information for controlling the playback of the object data, an object information file storing correspondence definition information defining correspondence between the plurality of multiplexed buckets and the plurality of partial streams is recorded. And a third recording means for

At least one of the plurality of partial streams stores still image information, which is one of the content information, and a fragment of still image control information for controlling the display of the still image information. The correspondence definition information includes, for each of the plurality of partial streams, address information on a packet that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of packets. Regarding the at least one partial stream, two packets adjacent to each other in the arrangement of only the buckets whose positions are specified by the address information among a plurality of buckets constituting the at least one partial stream Indicates whether or not the first bucket of a group of packets including the still image control information exists in one section of the entry specified by the packet. An information recording device comprising a control information identification flag.

10. Multiple recording of an entire stream including a plurality of partial streams each composed of a series of content information on an information recording medium in packet units that are physically accessible units Information recording method,

A first recording step of recording an object data file that stores object data that is a logically accessible unit and that stores a plurality of packets including packets that respectively store the pieces of the content information,

A second recording step of recording a reproduction sequence information file storing reproduction sequence information defining a reproduction sequence of the object data;

As reproduction control information for controlling the reproduction of the object data, an object information file storing correspondence definition information defining correspondence between the plurality of multiplexed packets and the plurality of partial streams is provided. And a third recording step for recording.

At least one of the plurality of partial streams is composed of still image information, which is one of the content information, and a fragment of still image control information for controlling display of the still image information. The correspondence definition information includes, for each of the plurality of partial streams, address information relating to a bucket that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of packets. In addition, the at least one partial stream is adjacent to the plurality of packets constituting the at least one partial stream in an arrangement of only buckets whose positions are specified by the address information. Indicates whether the first packet of the group of packets including the still image control information exists in the entry section specified by the two packets. Information recording method characterized in that it comprises a control information identification flag.

11. The recorded medium from the information recording medium described in claim 1.

An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing information,

Reading means for physically reading information from the information recording medium;

The reproduction control information and the reproduction included in the information read by the reading unit; Reproducing means for reproducing the object data contained in the information read by the reading means based on the sequence information;

An information reproducing apparatus comprising:

12. When the display start time is given, the reproduction means refers to the control information identification flag to find an entry in the still image control information where one piece of still image control information corresponding to the display start time exists. A means for identifying the section,

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said reading means includes means for accessing and reading said one still image control information within said specified entry section in said object data. The information reproducing device according to item 1.

13. The reading means is paired or paired with the one still image control information, and is based on position information indicating a recording position of one still image information on which the one still image control information is to act. 13. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: means for accessing and reading the one piece of still image information to be operated.

14. The reading means is a pair or a pair with the one still image control information, and has another head control having a head packet having a larger address than a head packet of the one still image control information. Still image information having a head bucket whose display is controlled by the information and whose address is smaller than the head packet of the one still image control information is regarded as the still image information to be pre-read, and the pre-read still image indicating the total number thereof is displayed. The method further comprises a step of accessing and reading the still image information to be prefetched based on the number of strokes information, prefetched still image identifier information for identifying the information, and prefetched still image position information indicating its recording position. 14. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that:

15. An information reproducing method for reproducing the recorded content information from the information recording medium according to claim 1.

A reading step of physically reading information from the information recording medium,

The reproduction control information and the reproduction included in the information read by the reading unit; A reproducing step of reproducing the object data included in the information read by the reading unit based on the sequence information;

An information reproducing method, comprising:

16. An information recording / reproducing apparatus that records the content information on the information recording medium according to claim 1 and reproduces the recorded content information.

First recording means for recording the object data file;

Second recording means for recording the reproduction sequence information file,

Third recording means for recording the object information file;

A reproducing unit for reproducing the object data included in the information read by the reading unit based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information included in the information read by the reading unit;

An information recording / reproducing apparatus comprising:

17. An information recording / reproducing method for recording the content information on the information recording medium according to claim 1 and reproducing the recorded content information,

A first recording step of recording the object data file;

A second recording step of recording the reproduction sequence information file,

A third recording step of recording the object information file;

A reproducing step of reproducing the object data included in the information read by the reading unit, based on the reproduction control information and the reproduction sequence information included in the information read by the reading unit;

An information recording / reproducing method, comprising:

18. A recording control computer program for controlling a computer provided in the information recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the computer comprises: the first recording unit, the second recording unit, and the computer. At least part of the third recording means A computer program for recording control, characterized in that it is activated.

19. A computer program for reproduction control for controlling a computer provided in the information reproducing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the computer functions as at least a part of the reproducing means. A computer program for playback control, characterized in that:

20. A computer program for recording / reproducing control for controlling a computer provided in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the computer is the first recording unit, the second recording Means, functioning as at least a part of the third recording means and the reproducing means.

2 1. The entire stream, which includes a plurality of partial streams each composed of a series of content information, is multiplex-recorded in units of packets that are physically accessible units.

An object data file storing object data comprising a plurality of buckets including buckets each of which is a logically accessible unit and stores a fragment of the content information,

An object information file storing correspondence definition information defining correspondence between the plurality of multiplexed packets and the plurality of partial streams as reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of the object data.

With

At least one of the partial streams stores still image information, which is one of the content information, and a fragment of still image control information for controlling the display of the still image information. The correspondence definition information includes a plurality of packets, and the correspondence definition information includes a plurality of packets for each of the plurality of partial streams. The address information includes address information relating to a bucket satisfying a predetermined condition, and the position of the at least one partial stream is determined by the address information among a plurality of packets constituting the at least one partial stream. Control indicating whether or not the first bucket of a group of packets including the still image control information exists in one entry section specified by two adjacent packets in the row of only specified buckets. A data structure including a control signal, which includes an information identification flag.