MX2008006921A - Information reproducing device and method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

An information reproduction device (200) comprises display means (353) for displaying a main image and a sub-image of a first type, the display of which can be started at a desired reproduction time, storage means (355, 360) for storing the identification number of the sub-image, first control means (354, 359) for discarding the identification number of the sub-image in case the current reproduction time of the main image exceeds the range of the reproduction time, at which the sub-image is to be displayed, and second control means (354, 359) for continuously storing the identification number of the sub-image in case the current reproduction time of the main image does not exceed the range of the reproduction time, at which the sub-image is to be displayed.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD TO REPRODUCE INFORMATION AND COMPUTER PROGRAM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an information reproduction apparatus and method for performing reproduction in an information recording medium, such as an optical disk, and a computer program which performs a computer function such as a reproduction apparatus. of information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As an optical disc of the next generation of a DVD, which is becoming popular, a Blue Beam Disc is under development. In the Blue-Ray Disc, a blue laser beam is used to record and reproduce recorded data, where the blue laser beam has a shorter wavelength than a red laser beam, which is used to record and reproduce the data recorded on a DVD. Furthermore, by shortening the inclination of the tracks formed on a recording surface, the Blue Ray Disk achieves a recording capacity of approximately 23 GB in a signal recording layer (refer to patent documents 1 to 3).

On the other hand, a sub-image, such as a small window, can be displayed with it superimposed on a main image (in other words, superimposed on a portion of the main image), such as a film, recorded on the optical disc described previously. Like the sub-image, there is a sub-image of a Synchronous type (referred to from now on as a "Sinc type") and a sub-image of an Asynchronous type (hereinafter referred to as an "Asinc type") , in accordance with your deployment method. In the sub-image of the -Sinc type, a point of the time of start of deployment and a point of time of termination of deployment are established in advance with respect to a point of time of reproduction of the main image, on the other hand, in the sub-image of the Asinc type, the deployment can be initiated arbitrarily, in accordance with a user instruction or the like. In this case, in order to identify the currently selected sub-image as the display objective of a plurality of sub-image types recorded on the optical disc, a sequence number of the selected sub-image is maintained in a status register or Similary. The sequence number maintained in the status register continues to be maintained in the status register whenever a new sub-image is not selected. Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Remaining Open NO. 2004-304767 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Remaining Open NO. 2004-328450 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Remaining Open NO. 2005-269595 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Matter to be Resolved by the Invention In the case of the Sync-type sub-image, even if the sequence number continues to stay in the status register, there is no particular disadvantage in displaying the sub-image because the time point of the start of deployment and the deployment completion time point is set in advance. However, in the case of the Asinc iipo sub-image, if the sequence number continues to be maintained, the following technical problem may occur. For example, it is assumed that the main image is retraced or similar while the sub-image of the Asinc type is displayed. At this time, even if a point of the playback time at which the flashback is finished is a point of time at which the sub-picture display is not originally desired, the sub-picture is displayed at a point of time of unexpected playback because the sequence number is kept in the status register and because the sub-image is of the Asinc type in which the deployment can be started from an arbitrary time point of reproduction, which is the technical problem what can happen The matter to be solved by the present invention includes the problem mentioned above as an example. Therefore it is a object of the present invention to provide an information reproduction apparatus and method, which can preferably display a sub-image which is superimposed and displayed on a main image, and a computer program which performs a computer function such as a information recording device.

Means for Solving Matter The above object of the present invention can be achieved by an information reproducing apparatus provided with: a display device for displaying a main image and a sub-image of a first type, which is superimposed and displayed on the main image and whose display can be started at a desired time point of reproduction on an axis of the reproduction time of the main image; a storage device for storing an identification number of the sub-image of the first selected type to be superimposed and displayed in the main image; a first control device for controlling the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if a point of the current playback time of the main image is beyond a range of timesheets of reproduction in which the sub-image of the first type is displayed; and a second control device for controlling the storage device to continue storing the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the time point of Current playback of the main image is not beyond the range of playback time points in which the sub-image of the first type is displayed. The above object of the present invention can also be achieved by a method of reproducing information in an information reproduction apparatus provided with: a display device for displaying a main image and a sub-image of a first type, which is superimposed and displayed in the main image and whose display can be started at a desired time point of reproduction on an axis of the reproduction time of the main image; and a storage device for storing an identification number of the sub-image of the first type selected to be superimposed and displayed on the main image, the information reproduction method provided with: a first control process for controlling the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if a point of the current reproduction time of the main image is beyond a range of playback time points in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed; and a second control process for controlling the storage device to continue to store the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the current playback time point of the main image is not beyond the dot range of the first image. playing time in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed.

The above object of the present invention can also be achieved by a computer program for reproduction control and for controlling a computer provided in the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention, the computer program performing the computer function as at least a portion of the first control device and the second control device. These effects and other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the modalities explained below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of an information recording / reproducing apparatus in an example. FIG. 2 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing the logical structure of a title box. FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing the logical structure of a playlist. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a new optical disk and a graph showing the tracking polarity. FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing the logical structure of the playlist using PinP in which a second image, which is a sub-image, is superimposed and deployed on at least a portion of a first image, which is a main image. FIG. 6 is a time diagram showing a flow of the display of the first image and the second image along a time axis when the second image of a Sinc type is superimposed and displayed in the first image. FIG. 7 is a time diagram conceptually showing a flow of the display of the first image and the second image along the time axis when the second image of the Sinc type is superimposed and displayed on the first image. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing conceptually the second image which is superimposed and displayed in the first image. FIG. 9 is a flow diagram conceptually showing a flow of the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the information in the example. FIG. 10 is a time diagram conceptually showing a flow of the display of the first image and the second image along the time axis, if a user performs a backspace operation when the second image of an Asinc type is superimposed and displayed in the first picture. FIG. 1 1 is a time diagram conceptually showing another flow of the display of the first image and the second image along the time axis, if a user performs an operation of backspace when the second image of an Asinc type is superimposed and displayed in the first image.

Description of Reference Codes 10 title box 12 playlist pointer 30 playlist 31 play object 100 optical drive 200 information recording / playback device 352 optical pickup 353 signal recording / playback device 354. 359 CPU 355. 360 memory DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION From now on, the best mode for carrying out the present invention in the embodiments of the information and method reproduction apparatus, and the computer program of the present invention will be explained with reference to the figures.

(Information Reproduction Apparatus Modality) An embodiment of the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention is provided with: a display device for displaying a main image and a sub-image of a first type, which is superimposed and displayed on the main image and whose display can be started at a desired time point of reproduction on a time axis of reproduction of the main image; a storage device for storing an identification number of the sub-image of the first selected type to be superimposed and displayed on the main image; a first control device for controlling the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if a point of the current playback time of the main image is beyond a range of points of the playing time in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed; and a second control device for controlling the storage device to continue storing the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the current playback time point of the main image is not beyond the dot range of the first image. playing time in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed. In accordance with the embodiment of the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention, the main image, such as a film, can be displayed on a screen or the like by the operation of the deployment device. In addition, by the operation of the display device, the sub-image of the first type can be displayed with it superimposed on the main image (in other words, superimposed on a portion of the main image). The sub-image of the first type is a sub-image whose display can be started at the point of the desired reproduction time on the axis of the reproduction time of the main image, and this is referred to as, for example, a sub-image of an Asinc type. That is, the sub-image of the first type is a sub-image whose playback time point to initiate the display is not set in advance, and which can be displayed at an arbitrary playback time point in accordance with an instruction of the user. At this time, the identification number of the sub-image which is the target of deployment (for example, which is selected as the target of deployment by the user or the like) is stored in the storage device. The display device superimposes and displays the sub-image, which is specified by the identification number stored in the storage device, on the main image. In particular in the embodiment, by the operation of the first control device, the identification number of the sub-image stored in the storage device is destroyed if the current playback time point of the main image is beyond the range of the time points of reproduction for the sub-image of the first type. More specifically, in the event that a time point of reproduction to initiate the display of the sub-image of the first type is T1 and a point of the reproduction time to finish the display of the sub-image of the first type is 12, if a point of the current reproduction time T is not within the T1 or 12 interval, the identification number of the sub-image stored in the storage device is destroyed. On the other hand, if the current playback time point of the main picture is not beyond the range of the playback time points of the sub-picture of the first type, the identification number of the sub-picture stored in the storage device continues to be stored by the operation of the second control device. More specifically, in the event that the playback time point initiates the display of the sub-image of the first type is T1 and the playback time point to finish the display of the sub-image of the first type is 12, if the current playback time point T is within the range of T1 to 12, the identification number of the sub-image stored in the storage device continues to be stored by the operation of the second control device. For example, it is assumed that the main image is backward, fast forward or similar with the condition that the main image is displayed while the sub-image of the first type is superimposed on it. In this case, if a point in the production time at which the rewind or fast forward is finished is beyond the range of playback time points at which the sub-image of the first type is to be unfolded, the sub-image of the first type is not displayed with this superimposed on the main image when the main image is played after the rewind or fast forward is finished. On the other hand, if the point of the reproduction time in which the rewind or fast forward is finished is in the interval of the reproduction time points in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed, the sub -image of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image when the main image is reproduced after the rewind or fast forward is finished. As described above, based on the point of time of reproduction of the main image and the interval of time points of reproduction of the sub-image of the first type, it is preferably possible to suppress or eliminate such a disadvantage that the sub-image of the first type is displayed at a point of the unexpected playback time or unwanted playback time point. That is, it is possible to preferably display the sub-image that is superimposed and displayed on the main image. In one aspect of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the first control device can control the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the current reproduction time point of the main image is beyond the range of points of the reproduction time in which the sub-image of the first type is to be unfolded, then the sub-image of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image. By virtue of such a construction, it is preferably possible to eliminate or eliminate such a disadvantage that the sub-image of the first type is displayed at a point of the unexpected playing time or unwanted playing time point. In another aspect of the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention, the second control device can control the storage device to continue storing the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the current reproduction time point. of the main image is not beyond the range of playback time points in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed, after the sub-image of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image. By virtue of such a construction, it is possible to preferably eliminate or eliminate such a disadvantage that the sub-image of the first type is displayed at a point of the unexpected playing time or unwanted playing time point. In another aspect of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the display device displays a sub-image of a second type which is superimposed and displayed on the main image and whose point of playback time to initiate the display is set in advance with respect to the axis of the reproduction time of the main image, the storage device stores the identification number of the sub-image of the first type or the sub-image of the second type, which is selected to be superimposed displayed in the main image, and the information reproduction apparatus is further provides with a third control device for controlling the storage device to continue the storage of the identification number of the sub-image of the second type, if the sub-image of the second type is superimposed and displayed on the main image. According to this aspect, by the operation of the deployment device, the sub-image of the second type, which is different from the sub-image of the first type, can be displayed with it superimposed on the main image (in other words, superimposed over a portion of the main image). The sub-image of the second type is a sub-image whose playback time point to initiate the display (and also, whose point of playback time to finish the display) is set in advance with respect to the playback time axis of the main image, and this is referred to as for example a sub-image of a sync type. For the sub-image of the second type, as in the sub-image of the first type, the identification number of the sub-image, the what is the deployment goal, is stored in the storage device. Incidentally, it is preferably a sub-image that is superimposed and displayed on the main image. That is, the sub-image of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image, the sub-image of the second type preferably is not displayed. In the same way, if the sub-image of the second type is superimposed and displayed on the main image, the sub-image of the first type is preferably not displayed. In addition, if one of a plurality of sub-images of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image, another of the plurality of sub-images of the first type is preferably not displayed. In the same way, if one of a plurality of sub-images of the second type is superimposed and displayed on the main image, another of the plurality of sub-images of the second type is preferably not displayed. Then, if the sub-image of the second type is superimposed and displayed on the main image, the identification number of the sub-image stored in the storage device continues to be stored by the operation of the third control device. That is, since the point of the reproduction time or the like to initiate the deployment of the sub-image of the second type is established in advance, even if the identification number continues to be stored as it is, there is no possibility that the sub-image of the second type is displayed at a point of the unexpected playing time or unwanted playback time point. Therefore, if the sub-image of the second type is superimposed and displayed on the main image, the identification number continues to be stored, and the sub-image of the second type is displayed automatically or in accordance with a user's instruction.

In one aspect of the information reproduction apparatus in which the sub-image of the second type is displayed, as described above, it can be additionally provided with a first estimation device to estimate whether the sub-image of the first type is selected as the sub-image to be superimposed and displayed on the main image or the sub-image of the second type is selected as the sub-image to be superimposed and displayed on the main image. By virtue of such a construction, although preferably a distinction is made between the sub-image of the first type and the sub-image of the second type, it is possible to suppress or eliminate such a disadvantage that the sub-image of the first type is displayed at a point of the Unexpected playback time or unwanted playback time point. In another aspect the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention, is additionally provided with a second estimation device to estimate whether or not the current playback time point of the main picture is beyond the range of playback time points in which the sub-picture of the first type is for to be displayed, if the sub-image of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image. In accordance with this aspect, it is possible to suppress or eliminate such a disadvantage that the sub-image of the first type is displayed at a point of the unexpected playing time or unwanted playing time point.

In another aspect of the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention, it is further provided with a fourth control device for controlling the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the display of the The sub-image of the first type ends after the sub-image of the first type is superimposed and displayed in the main image. According to this aspect, by the operation of the fourth control device, if the sub-image display of the first type ends, the identification number stored in the storage device is destroyed, as in the case where the The current playback time of the main image is longer. beyond the range of playback time points for the sub-image of the first type. Thus, it is possible to suppress or eliminate such a disadvantage that the sub-image of the first type is displayed at a point of the unexpected playing time or unwanted playing time point. In addition, this may also be constructed in such a way that the identification number of the sub-image of the first type is destroyed if the display of the main image ends after the sub-image of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image. . In another aspect of the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention, the range of points of the reproduction time in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed is in a range from a point of time of reproduction in which the deployment of the sub- image of the first type is started up to a point of the reproduction time after a period of a period of deployment of the sub-image of the first type. In accordance with this aspect, it is possible to suppress or eliminate preferably such a disadvantage that the sub-image of the first type is displayed at a point of the unexpected playing time or unwanted playing time point. In another aspect of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the first control device controls the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type by storing an invalid value within the storage device. In accordance with this aspect, it is preferably possible to suppress or eliminate such a disadvantage that the sub-image of the first type is displayed at a point of the unexpected playing time or unwanted playing time point.

(Method of Information Reproduction Method) One embodiment of the information reproduction method of the present invention is a method of reproducing information in an information reproduction apparatus provided with: a display device for displaying a main image and a sub image -image of a first type, which is superimposed and displayed on the main image and whose unfolding can be initiated at a desired time point of reproduction on an axis of the playback time of the main image; and a storage device for storing an identification number of the sub-image of the first type selected to be superimposed and displayed on the main image, the information reproduction method provided with: a first control process for controlling the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if a point of the current reproduction time of the main image is beyond a range of points of the reproduction time in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed; and a second control process for controlling the storage device to continue storing the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the current playback time point of the main image is not beyond the dot range of the first image. playing time in which the sub-image of the first type is going to be displayed. In accordance with the method of information reproduction method of the present invention, it is possible to receive the same benefits mentioned above as those of the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention. In response to the various aspects of the aforementioned information reproduction apparatus of the present invention, the information reproduction method of the present invention can employ several aspects.

(Mode of the Computer Program) One embodiment of the computer program of the present invention is a computer program for playback control and for controlling a computer provided in the aforementioned information reproduction apparatus of the present invention (including its various aspects). ), the computer program performing the computer function with at least a portion of the first control device and the second control device. In accordance with the computer program of the present invention, the aforementioned information reproduction apparatus of the present invention (including its various aspects) can be performed relatively easily when a computer reads and executes the computer program from a storage device. program, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a hard drive, or when it runs the computer program after downloading the program through a communication device. Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the aforementioned information reproduction apparatus of the present invention, the computer program of the present invention can also employ several aspects. The above object of the present invention can also be achieved by a computer program product in a computer-readable medium to tangibly represent a program of instructions executable by a computer provided in the aforementioned information reproducing apparatus of the present invention (including its various aspects), the computer program product performing the computer function in at least a portion of the first control device and the second control device. In accordance with the computer program product of the present invention, the aforementioned information reproduction apparatus of the present invention can be incorporated relatively easily, by loading the computer program product from a recording medium for storing the product of computer program, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-ROM. (Compact Disc - Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (DVD Read Only Memory), a hard disk or similar, inside the computer, or when downloading the computer program product, which can be a carrier wave , inside the computer via a communication device. More specifically, the computer program product may include computer readable codes to cause the computer (or may comprise computer-readable instructions to cause the computer) to function as the aforementioned information reproducing apparatus of the present invention. Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information reproduction apparatus mentioned above of this invention, the computer program product of the present invention may also employ several aspects. These effects and other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the examples explained below. As explained above, in accordance with the embodiment of the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention, this is provided with the deployment device, the storage device, the first control device, and the second control device. In accordance with the embodiment of the information reproduction method of the present invention, this is provided with the first control process and the second control process. In accordance with the mode of the computer program of the present invention, it performs a computer function as a portion of the embodiment of the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention. Therefore, it is possible to preferably display the sub-image that is superimposed and displayed on the main image.

EXAMPLE From now on, the preferred example of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. (1) Fundamentals of Recording / Reproduction Apparatus Information First with reference to FIG. 1, a description will be provided on the basic structure of an information recording / reproducing apparatus, as an example of the information reproduction apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing conceptually the basic structure of an information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 in the example. Incidentally, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 has a function of recording data on an optical disk 100 and a function of reproducing the recorded data on the optical disk 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 is provided with: a disk unit 301 on which the optical disk 100 is currently loaded and on which data recording and data reproduction is performed; and a central computer 302, such as a personal computer, for controlling the recording and reproduction of data with respect to the disk unit 301. The disk unit 301 is provided with: the optical disk 100; a spindle motor 351; an optical collector 352; a signal recording / reproducing device 353; a CPU (control device unit) 354; a memory 355; a data input / output control unit 306; and a bus 357. In addition, the central computer 302 is provided with: a CPU 359; a memory 360; a control device operation / deployment 307; an operation button 310; a deployment panel 31; and a data input / output control device 308. The spindle motor 351 is intended to rotate and stop the optical disk 100, and operates on the accessibility of the holographic recording medium 1. More specifically, the spindle motor 351 is adapted to rotate the optical disc 100 at a predetermined speed and stop it, under servo spindle from a servomotor unit not illustrated or the like. The optical collector 352 is provided with for example a semiconductor laser diode, a collimator lens, an objective lens, and the like, to perform recording and reproduction of the optical disk 100. More specifically, the optical collection 352 irradiates the optical disk 100 with A: LB laser beam with a first energy as reading light in the reproduction, and with a second energy and with this modulated as a writing light in the recording. The signal recording / reproducing device 353 constitutes a specific example of the "deployment device" of the present invention and controls the spindle motor 351 and the optical collector 352, so as to perform recording and reproduction on the optical disk 100. More specifically, the signal recording / reproducing device 353 is provided with for example a laser diode unit (LD unit), a head amplifier, and the like. The laser diode unit generates, for example, a drive pulse and drives the semiconductor laser element disposed in the optical collector 352. The head amplifier amplifies an output signal of the optical collector 352, ie reflected light of the laser beam LB, and outputs of the amplified signal. Memory 355 is used in general data processing and an OPC process on disk unit 301, including a buffer area for recording / reproducing data, an area used as a buffer when data is converted to data which can be used in the signal recording / reproducing device 353, and the like. In addition, memory 355 is provided with: a ROM area within which a program for performing an operation such as recording equipment, i.e., firmware, is stored; a buffer for temporarily storing the recording / reproducing data; a RAM area within which a parameter required for the operation of a firmware program or the like is stored; and similar. The CPU (drive control device) 354 is connected to the recording / reproducing device of the signal 353 and the memory 355 via the bus 357, and controls the complete disk unit 301 providing an instruction to several control devices. Typically, the software or firmware to operate the CPU 354 is stored in the memory 355. The data input / output control device 306 controls the input / output of the data from the outside with respect to the disk unit 301, for thus perform storage and export from the data buffer in the memory 355. A control command of drive issued from the external central computer 302 connected to the disk unit 301 through an interface, such as SCSI and ATAPI, is transmitted to the CPU 354 via the data input / output control device 306. In addition, the data are also exchanged with the central computer 302 through the data entry / exit control device 306, in the same manner. The operation / deployment control device 307 constitutes a specific example of the "input device" of the present invention. The operation / display control device 307 receives an operation instruction and performs the deployment with respect to the central computer 302, and transmits an instruction by the operation button 310, such as a write instruction, to the CPU 359. The CPU 359 can transmit a control command to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200, through the data input / output control device 308, based on instruction information from the operation / deployment control device 307, to control thus the complete disk unit 301. In the same way, the CPU 359 can transmit a command to request the disk unit 301 to transmit an operational state to the central computer, with respect to the disk unit 301. In this way, the operational state of the disk unit 301, such as during recording, can be recognized, such that the CPU 350 can output the operational state of the disk unit 301 to the deployment panel 31 1, such as a fluorescence tube and an LCD, through the operation / deployment control device 307. The memory 360 is an internal memory apparatus used by the central computer 302, and is provided with: a ROM area in which a program of firmware, such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), is stored; a RAM area in which variables necessary for the operation of an operating system and an application program or the like are stored; and similar. In addition, the memory 360 can be connected to an external memory device, such as a hard disk not shown, through the data input / output control device 308. A specific example used when combining the disk unit 301 and the computer central 302, as explained above, is home equipment, such as recording equipment for recording and reproducing video images. The recording equipment records a video signal from a transmit reception tuner and an external connection terminal, on the disc. The operation as the recording equipment is performed by executing a program stored in the memory 360, in the CPU 359. Furthermore, in another specific example, the disk unit 301 is a disk unit (hereinafter referred to as a "unit"). ", as the occasion demands), and the central computer 302 is a personal computer and a workstation. The central computer, such as the personal computer and the device are connected through the data input / output control devices 306 and 308, such as SCSI and ATAPI, and the application, such as writing software, installed on the computer in the central computer 302 controls the disk unit 301. (2) Logical Structure of Data Recorded in the Optical Disc Next, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 8, a description of the logical structure of the data will be provided on the optical disk 100. First, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, a description will be provided of the basic structure of the logical structure of the data in the optical disk 100. FIG. 2 is a data structure diagram that conceptually shows the logical structure of a title box. FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram that conceptually shows the logical structure of a playlist. FIG. 4 is a data structure that conceptually shows a hierarchical relationship of the logical structure of the data. As shown in FIG. 2, a title box 10 is recorded on the optical disc 100, wherein the title box 10 indicates objects that constitute a plurality of titles. Here, the title is the AV content unit which has a logically large group, such as a movie and a TV show. As described below, the title is an AV content reproduction unit in which a plurality of "playlists" is continuously executed.

In the title box 10, there are recorded pointers 12 which indicate the storage positions of the playlists which constitute each title (for titles # 1 to #n), in each of the title numbers # 1 to # n (where n is an integer or 1 or more) to identify the title. Here, the "playlist" is a row in which the information necessary for the reproduction of the AV content is stored. As described below, the playlist is provided with a plurality of "play objects" in each of which the information about the play interval of the AV content is stored to access the AV content. In addition, in the title box 10, other information 13 is recorded except for the aforementioned pointers 2. Incidentally, FIG. 2 exemplifies the title box 10 in the case where the plurality of titles is recorded on the optical disc 100. If a title is recorded on the optical disc 10, the present invention employs such a construction that the pointers 12 for the playlists are which constitute a title are recorded. In addition, FIG. 2 exemplifies the title box 10 in which the reproduction unit which is obtained by continuously executing the plurality of playlists, is established as a title; however, it is obvious that a reproduction unit which is obtained by executing a single playlist can be established as a title.

As shown in FIG. 3, the playlist (for the title #m (where 1 < m < n)) 30, whose storage position is indicated by the pointer 12 recorded in the title box 10, includes a plurality of objects of reproduction 31 and other information 32. Each of the plurality of reproduction objects 31 includes a reproduction start position (in other words, an IN position) of the AV content and an end reproduction position (in other words, in the IN position) of the AV content and a position of the end of playback (in other words, a OFF position) of the AV content. Incidentally, the reproduction start position and the end reproduction position are preferably indicated by a time stamp (i.e.,: a length of the playback time or a playback time point) on an axis of the playback time of the AV content. In addition, the playlist 30 preferably includes the position (s) of one or a plurality of chapters included in the AV content. As shown in FIG. 4, the data structure explained in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 has a hierarchical relationship. That is, a title is provided with one or a plurality of playlists 30, and a playlist 30 is provided with one or a plurality of play objects 31. Then, the play object 31 indicates an access point in a fragment for the reproduction start position and the end reproduction position described above. Incidentally the "fragment" in the example indicates a pair of an AV content sequence file (i.e., a current data file of the AV content, eg, an MPEG 2 transport stream) and the fragment information, which is information corresponding thereto. Next, the data file of the fragment information is referred to as a fragment information file. The play start position and the end play position shown as the time stamp by the play object 31 are converted to address information, in which the decoding is started in the AV content sequence file, using the Fragment information file. Thus, the fragment information preferably includes a frame or the like which indicates a correspondence relationship between the time stamp and the address information. For example, in FIG. 4, the title # 1 shown first from the left is provided with three playlists 30. The first playlist 30, shown on the left side in FIG. 4 of the three playlists, is provided with two playback objects 31. The two reproduction objects 31 refer to a first portion half and a last portion portion of an AV content sequence included in the first fragment shown on the left side of FIG. 4. Thus, if the first playlist 30 is selected, the first half portion and the last half portion of the AV content sequence included in the first fragment is reproduced.

In addition, the second playlist 30 shown on the central side in FIG. 4 of the three playlists 30 is provided with a reproduction object. A reproduction object 31 refers to a sequence of complete AV content included in the second fragment shown on the right side in FIG. 4. Thus, if the second playlist 30 is selected, the complete AV content sequence included in the second fragment is reproduced. Thus, if the second playlist 30 is selected, the complete AV content sequence included in the second fragment is reproduced. However, the third playlist 30 shown on the right side in FIG. 4 of the three playlists is provided with two playback objects 31. The two reproduction objects 31 refer to a portion of the AV content sequence included in the first fragment and a portion of the AV content sequence included in the second fragment. Thus, if the third playlist 30 is selected, a portion of the AV content sequence included in the first fragment and a portion of the AV content sequence included in the second fragment are reproduced. As described above, from the point of view of the logical structure of the data recorded on the optical disc 100, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 in the example reproduces the AV content recorded on the optical disc 100 following the structure of Hierarchical data shown in FIG. 4 as needed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, a more specific description will be provided in one aspect of the display of a second image and the logical structure of the playlist 30 using PinP in which the second image, which is a sub-image, is superimposed and displayed (in other words, reproduce) on at least a portion of a prime image, which is a primary image, of the AV content. FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing the logical structure of the playlist using PinP in which the second image, which is the sub-image, is superimposed and displayed over at least a portion of the first image, which is the main image. FIG. 6 is a time diagram showing conceptually a flow of the display of the first image and the second image along a time axis when the second image of the Sinc type is superimposed and displayed on the first image. FIG. 7 is a time diagram conceptually showing a flow of the display of the first image and the second image along the time axis when the second image of the Asinc type is superimposed and displayed on the first image. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing conceptually the second image which is superimposed and displayed on the first image. As shown in FIG. 5, the playlist 30 using PinP includes one or a plurality of play objects 31 (# 1 to #p: where p is an integer of 1 or more) including information about the first image and information about the second image. The reproduction object 31 includes a pointer to an AV content file corresponding to the first image and the sequence number information about the first image. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the reproduction object 31 specifies sequences with sequence number # 1 up to sequence number #i as the first image. Incidentally, the point of time of beginning of reproduction and the point of time of finishing the reproduction shown in FIG. 3 are preferably defined in each sequence, which is not illustrated. In addition, the reproduction object 31 includes a pointer to an AV content file corresponding to the second image and information of the sequence number about the second image., in addition to the sequence number information about the first image. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the reproduction object 31 specifies sequences with the sequence number # i + 1 up to the sequence number #k as the second image. In particular, in the example, when the second image, there is a second image of a Sync type and a second image of an Asinc type, in accordance with its deployment method. In the second image of the Sync type, the point of time of start of deployment and the point of time of completion of the deployment is established in advance based on the point of time of reproduction of the first image. On the other hand, in the second Asin type image, the reproduction may start at an arbitrary time point of reproduction in accordance with an instruction of a user or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 5, sequences with sequence number # i + 1 up to sequence number #j are specified as the second image of type Syn, and sequences with sequence number # j + 1 up to sequence number #k are specified as the second image of the Asinc type. As described above, including one or a plurality of reproduction objects 31, which includes (n) the information about the first image and the information about the second image, it is possible to reproduce another sequence that is not multiplexed in the fragment for the first image, in synchronization with the sequence for the first image. Specifically, in the case of the second image of the Sinc type, as shown in FIG. 6, while the first image with sequence number # 1 is played, the second image with sequence number # 1 1 or # 12 is played in parallel. These sequence numbers of the first image and the second image which are the deployment objectives are stored in memory 355 or memory 360, which constitutes a specific example of the "storage device" of the present invention. For example, if the second image with the sequence number # 1 1 is played in parallel while the first image with the sequence number # 1 is played, the sequence number # 1 and sequence number # 1 1 are stored within memory 355 or memory 360. Playback of the second image with sequence number # 1 1 or # 12 starts at a point in play time t1 and ends at a point in the reproduction time t2. After that, the reproduction starts at a point in the reproduction time t3, and the reproduction ends at a point in the reproduction time t4. Therefore, if a user provides an instruction to display the second image in a period A between the point of the reproduction time t1 and the point of reproduction time t2 and a period C between the reproduction time point t3 and the point of the playback time t4, the second image is displayed on a screen. In addition, if the user provides an instruction to display the second image in a period B between the time of reproduction time t2 and the time of reproduction time t3, the second image is displayed on the screen at the time of reproduction t3 after the instruction. At this time, under the control of CPU 354 or CPU 359, which constitutes a specific example of the "third control device" of the present invention, the sequence number of the second image continues to be stored in memory 355 or the memory 360 even if the reproduction of the second image ends at the point of the reproduction time t2. For example, if the second image with the sequence number # 1 1 is reproduced, the sequence number # 1 1 continues to be stored in the memory 355 or the memory 360 even in the period B after the time point of reproduction t2. As a result, the second image with the sequence number # 1 1 is automatically reproduced at the time point of reproduction t3. Alternatively, in the case of the second image of the type Asinc, as shown in FIG. 7, if the user provides an instruction to display the second image with sequence number # 21, the second image with sequence number # 21 is displayed in parallel with the first image with sequence number # 1, regardless of the reproduction of the point of time in which the instruction is provided. If the user provides an instruction to complete the deployment of the second image or if the reproduction period of the second image is terminated, the display of the second image ends. If the second image of the Asinc type is reproduced, the sequence number continues to be stored in memory 355 or memory 360 or is destroyed, in accordance with a flow shown in FIG. 9. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, a small window of the second image is superimposed and displayed simultaneously on a portion of the first image. Incidentally, in the example, memory 355 or memory 360 stores there a sequence number of the first image and a sequence number of the second image. That is, a plurality of sequence numbers of the first images is not stored in the memory 355 or the memory 360. In the same way, a plurality of sequence numbers of the second images is not stored in the memory 355 or the memory 360. However, it may be constructed in such a way that the plurality of sequence numbers of the first images is stores in memory 355 or memory 360. (3) Principle of operation of the Recording / Information Reproduction Apparatus Next with reference to FIG. 9 through FIG. 11, a description will be given of the more detailed aspect of the reproduction operation (specifically, the aspect of the operation of displaying the second image) of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the information 200 in the example. FIG. 9 is a flow chart conceptually showing a flow of the operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus in the example. FIG. 10 is a time diagram conceptually showing a flow of the display of the first image and the second image along the time axis if a user performs a backspace operation when the second image of the Asinc type is superimposed and displayed on the first image . FIG. 1 1 is a time diagram that conceptually shows another flow of the display of the first image and the second image along the time axis if the user performs the backspace operation when the second image of the Asinc type is superimposed and displayed in the first picture.

Incidentally, the flow chart shown in FIG. 9 indicates the operation of displaying the second image when the title (in other words, the AV content) to be reproduced has already been selected by the user and the first image included in the title is displayed. As shown in FIG. 9, the sequence of the second image is selected by the user (step S101). In other words, the second image to be superimposed and displayed on the first image is selected. At this time, the sequence number of the second selected image is stored in memory 355 or memory 360 (step S102). After that, under the control of CPU 354 or CPU 359 which constitute a specific example of the "first estimation device" of the present invention, it estimates whether or not the type of the second selected image is of the Sync type (step S103). As a result of the estimation in step S103, if the type of the second image is estimated to be Sinc type (step 103: Yes), as explained in FIG. 6, the second image of the selected Sinc type is reproduced (step S104). As a result, as explained in FIG. 8, the second image is superimposed and displayed on the first image. At this time, as described below, under the control of CPU 354 or CPU 349 which constitutes a specific example of the "third control device" of the present invention, the sequence number of the second image of the Sinc type continues for be stored in memory 355 or memory 360.

On the other hand, as a result of the estimation in step S103, if it is estimated that the type of the second image is not of the Sinc type (step 103: No), a period of deployment (in other words, a period of reproduction) of the second image on the axis of the reproduction time of the first image is calculated (step S105). The period of deployment of the second image calculated here is in a range from the time point of the start of playback (in other words, the time point of the start of the display) of the second image to a point of the playing time afterwards. of a lapse of time to display the second image. After that, as explained in FIG. 7, the second image of the selected Async type is reproduced (step S106). As a result, as explained in FIG. 8, the second image is superimposed and displayed on the first image. Then, under the control of CPU 354 or CPU 359 which constitutes a specific example of the "second estimation device" of the present invention, it is estimated whether or not the current reproduction time point of the first image is within the period of displaying the second image calculated in step S 05 (step S 07). More specifically, if the current reproduction time point of the first image is T and the displayed period of the second image is T1 to T2, it is estimated whether or not T1 = T = T2. Yes T1 <; T < T2 it is estimated that the current reproduction time point of the first image is within the period of display of the second image calculated in step S105. On the other hand, if T < T1 or T2 < T, it is estimated that the current playback time point of the first image is not within the period of display of the second image calculated in step S105. As a result of the estimation in step S107, if it is estimated that the current playback time point of the first image is within the period of display of the second image calculated in step S105 (step S 07: Yes), then it is estimated whether or not the display of the second image is completed (step S108). More specifically, it is estimated whether or not an instruction has been provided to the user to complete the deployment of the second image. As a result of the estimation in step S108, if it is estimated that the display of the second image is terminated (step S1 08: Yes), the sequence number stored in the memory 355 or the memory 360 is destroyed, under the control of CPU 354 or CPU 359 which constitutes a specific example of the "fourth control device" of the present invention (step S 09). Specifically, the stored sequence number may be erased, or instead of the stored sequence number, a flag or value which indicates invalid sequence number or the like may be stored in memory 355 or memory 360. On the other hand as a result of the estimate in step S108, if it is estimated that the deployment of the second image will not be terminated (step S108: No), the operational flow returns to step S106 again to continue the operation after step S106. In this case, under the control of CPU 354 or CPU 359 which constitutes a specific example of the "second control device" of the present invention, the sequence number stored in memory 355 or memory 360 continues to be stored as this. On the other hand, as a result of the estimation in step S107, it is estimated that the current playback time point of the first image is not within the period of display of the second image calculated in step S105 (step S107: No), the sequence number stored in the memory 355 or the memory 360 is destroyed, under the control of the CPU 354 or the CPU 359 which constitute a specific example of the "first control device" of the present invention (step S109) . A specific explanation provided using time diagrams is now provided. As shown in FIG. 10, after the deployment of the first image is started, the user provides an instruction to begin the deployment of the second image. At this time, it is assumed that the user provides an instruction to rewind the first image. In accordance with a first operation, a point of the reproduction time in which the user provides an instruction to terminate the backward movement is before the point of time of the start of the deployment of the second image. That is, the point of the playback time at which the user provides the instruction to terminate the rewind is not within the period of deployment of the second image. By therefore, in this case, the sequence number stored in memory 355 or memory 360 is destroyed. Thus, at the point in time at which the display of the first image is started after the retrace ends, the sequence number is not stored in memory 355 or memory 360. Thus, only the first image is displayed and the second image does not unfold. As described above, it is preferably possible to eliminate or avoid a disadvantage of displaying the second image at a point in the unexpected playing time, by destroying the sequence number stored in memory 355 or memory 360 when it is estimated that the time point of Current playback of the first image is not within the deployment period of the second image. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. eleven, in accordance with a second operation, the point of the reproduction time in which the user provides the instruction to terminate the retracement is within the period of deployment of the second image. Therefore, in this case, the sequence number that has been stored in memory 355 or memory 360 continues to be stored as it is. Thus, at the point in time at which the deployment of the first image begins after the retracement ends, the second image is superimposed and displayed on the first image. In this case, the point of the reproduction time in which the instruction is given to finish the backward movement is originally the point of the Play time to display the second image, so the display of the second image is not a problem. As explained above, in accordance with the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 in the example, in accordance with (1) if the type of the second image, which is the sub-image, is of the Sinc type or the type Asinc, and additionally (2) if not the current playback time point of the first image, which is the main image, is within the deployment period of the second image, it is possible to determine whether the sequence number stored in the memory 355 or memory 360 continues to be maintained or destroyed. Thus, it is possible to suppress or eliminate preferably such a disadvantage that the second image is displayed at a point of the unexpected playing time or the unwanted playing time point, which can be a problem particularly in displaying the second image of the Asinc type . As described above, in accordance with the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 in the example, it is possible to preferably display the second image, which is the sub-image, superimposed and displayed on the first image, which is the image principal. Incidentally, in the example mentioned above, an explanation is provided on the optical disk 100 as an example of the information recording medium and the player related to the optical disk 100 as an example of the information reproduction apparatus; without However, the present invention is not limited to the optical disc and the optical disc player, and this can also be applied to various other information recording media which support high density recording or high transmission speed, and players for various means of recording information. In addition, obviously, not only the information recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the AV content (s) recorded on the optical disc 100 but also an information recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing the AV content (s) received through it. A wired line or wireless line, such as TV transmission and the Internet, can receive the various benefits mentioned above for performing the operations mentioned above.

Industrial Applicability The apparatus and method of reproducing information, and the computer program in accordance with the present invention can be applied to an information reproduction apparatus, such as a DVD player. In addition, these may be applied to an information reproduction apparatus or the like which is mounted on various computer equipment for consumer use or for commercial use, or which may be connected to various computer equipment.

Claims (10)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. An information reproducing apparatus comprising: a deployment device for displaying a main image and a sub-image of the first type, which is superimposed and displayed on the main image and whose deployment can be initiated at a point in time of desired reproduction on a time axis of reproduction of the main image; a storage device for storing an identification number of the sub-image of the first selected type to be superimposed and displayed on the main image; a first control device for controlling the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if a point of the current playback time of the main image is beyond a range of points of the playing time in which the sub-image of the first type is displayed; and a second control device for controlling the storage device to continue storing the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the current playback time point of the main image is not beyond the dot range of the first image. playing time in which the sub-image of the first type is displayed.

2. - The information reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first control device controls the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the point of the current reproduction time of the main image is beyond the range of points of the reproduction time in which the sub-image of the first type is displayed, after which the sub-image of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image.

3. - The information reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the second control device controls the storage device to continue storing the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the point of the Current playback time of the main image is not beyond the range of playback time points at which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed, after which the sub-image of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image

4. - The information reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the deployment device displays a sub-image of a second type which is superimposed and displayed on the main image and whose point of time of reproduction for start the deployment is set above with respect to the axis of the playback time of the main image, the storage device stores the identification number of the sub-image of the first type or the sub-image of the second type, which is selected to be superimposed and displayed on the main image, and the information reproduction apparatus additionally comprises a third control device for controlling the storage device for continue storage of the identification number of the sub-image of the second type, if the sub-image of the second type is superimposed and displayed on the main image.

5. The information reproduction apparatus according to claim 4, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a first estimation device for estimating whether the sub-image of the first type is selected as the sub-image to be superimposed and displayed on the Main image or sub-image of the second type is selected as the sub-image to be superimposed and displayed on the main image.

6. The information reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a second estimation device for estimating whether or not the current reproduction time point of the main image is beyond the range of points of the image. playing time in which the sub-image of the first type is going to unfold, if the sub-image of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image.

7. The information reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that additionally it comprises a fourth control device for controlling the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the display of the sub-image of the first type ends after the sub-image of the first type is superimposed and displayed on the main image.

8. - The information reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the interval of points of the reproduction time in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed is in a range from a point of time of reproduction in which the display of the sub-image of the first type is initiated for a point of the reproduction time after a lapse of a period of deployment - of the sub-image of the first type.

9. - The information reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first control device controls the storage device to destroy the identification number of the sub-image of the first type to store an invalid value within the storage device.

10. - A method of reproducing information in an information reproduction apparatus comprising: a display device for displaying a main image and a sub-image of a first type, which is superimposed and displayed on the main image and whose deployment can start at a desired time point of reproduction on an axis of the playback time of the main image; and a device storage for storing an identification number of the sub-image of the first selected type to be superimposed and displayed on the main image, the method of reproducing information comprises: a first control process for controlling the storage device to destroy the number of identification of the sub-image of the first type, if a point of the current reproduction time of the main image is beyond a range of reproduction time points in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed; and a second control process for controlling the storage device to continue storing the identification number of the sub-image of the first type, if the current playback time point of the main image is not beyond the dot range of the first image. playing time in which the sub-image of the first type is to be displayed.