U.S. patent application number 08/692918 was filed with the patent office on 2002-04-18 for information carrier, device for reading and device for providing the information carrier and method of transmitting picture information.
This patent application is currently assigned to SONY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to DE HAAN, WIEBE, FUJINAMI, YASUSHI, KAWAMURA, MAKOTO.
Application Number | 20020044757 08/692918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27236735 |
Filed Date | 2002-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020044757 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KAWAMURA, MAKOTO ; et
al. |
April 18, 2002 |
INFORMATION CARRIER, DEVICE FOR READING AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING
THE INFORMATION CARRIER AND METHOD OF TRANSMITTING PICTURE
INFORMATION
Abstract
Information carrier, device for reading and device for providing
the information carrier and method of transmitting picture
information. The disclosed system comprises an information carrier
(1) on which an information signal is recorded that represents
picture information intended for being displayed on a picture
screen, which picture information comprises video information of a
video program as well as control information for selectively
displaying the video program. The video program is subdivided into
sections (35) and, when the video program is displayed selectively,
sections are shown in a new order (34) and partly omitted or
replaced. To this end the control information includes path
information (36) which indicates a path of sections to be displayed
in linked fashion. The path information may be recorded multiplexed
with MPEG-2 video information and then contains addresses (53, 54,
55, 56, 57, 58, 59) for forward and backward jumps.
Inventors: |
KAWAMURA, MAKOTO; (KANAGAWA,
JP) ; FUJINAMI, YASUSHI; (KANAGAWA, JP) ; DE
HAAN, WIEBE; (EINDHOVEN, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FROMMER LAWRENCE & HAUG
745 FIFTH AVENUE- 10TH FL.
NEW YORK
NY
10151
US
|
Assignee: |
SONY CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
27236735 |
Appl. No.: |
08/692918 |
Filed: |
July 31, 1996 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
386/220 ;
386/230; 386/290; 386/329; 386/346; 386/E9.013; G9B/19.001;
G9B/20.002; G9B/20.015; G9B/20.029; G9B/27.012; G9B/27.019;
G9B/27.029; G9B/27.05; G9B/27.051 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 2220/218 20130101;
G11B 2220/2529 20130101; G11B 2220/2545 20130101; G11B 27/36
20130101; G11B 7/0037 20130101; G11B 27/34 20130101; G11B 20/00086
20130101; G11B 27/3027 20130101; G11B 27/034 20130101; G11B
2220/2525 20130101; G11B 19/02 20130101; G11B 20/00159 20130101;
G11B 2220/2562 20130101; G11B 20/1251 20130101; G11B 27/28
20130101; H04N 9/8227 20130101; G11B 27/11 20130101; G11B 7/24
20130101; H04N 5/85 20130101; G11B 27/105 20130101; H04N 9/8042
20130101; G11B 27/3036 20130101; G11B 20/00739 20130101; G11B
2220/65 20130101; G11B 20/12 20130101; H04N 5/783 20130101; G11B
27/329 20130101; G11B 2220/90 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/46 ; 386/68;
386/69; 386/125 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/92; H04N
005/781 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 4, 1995 |
JP |
07-200122 |
Aug 4, 1995 |
JP |
07-200121 |
Aug 16, 1995 |
EP |
95 202215.0 |
Claims
1. Information carrier on which an information signal is recorded,
the signal representing picture information intended to be
displayed on a picture screen, the picture information comprising
video information of at least a single video program and control
information for displaying various versions of the video program,
characterized in that the control information comprises path
information indicative of one or more versions of video information
sections to be reproduced in a linked fashion, the path information
being indicative of sections to be reproduced consecutively.
2. Information carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
the video information of a video program is subdivided into two
portions, the first portion comprising the video information of a
basic version and the second portion comprising additional video
information, and a version comprising at least one section of the
additional video information.
3. Information carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
the sections are addressable and in that the path information
comprises addresses of sections to be displayed consecutively.
4. Information carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
the path information comprises playtime information.
5. Information carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
the path information comprises track information indicative of a
subdivision into tracks, while the tracks are numbered
independently for each video program.
6. Information carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
path information for displaying each version is recorded in an
information carrier area that can be located.
7. Information carrier as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
path information is recorded on the information carrier near to
entry points, while playback is possible from the entry points
without the use of previous picture information.
8. Information carrier as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that
the information carrier is subdivided into addressable sectors and
in that the path information near to an entry point comprises
address information relative to the respective entry point.
9. Information carrier as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that
the video program is subdivided into tracks and in that the path
information near to an entry point comprises address information
indicative of the beginning of the next track in the respective
version.
10. Information carrier as claimed in claim 7, characterized in
that the path information near to an entry point comprises address
information of video information to be displayed beforehand.
11. Information carrier as claimed in claim 7, characterized in
that the path information near to an entry point comprises time
code information indicative of the playtime from the beginning of
the respective version.
12. Device for reading an information carrier on which an
information signal is recorded, the signal representing picture
information intended to be displayed on a picture screen, the
picture information comprising video information of at least a
single video program and control information for displaying various
versions of the video program, the device comprising first means
for recovering the picture information and control means for
selectively reproducing the video program in response to the
control information, characterized in that the control information
comprises path information indicative of one or more versions of
video information sections to be reproduced in linked fashion, the
path information being indicative of sections to be reproduced
consecutively, and in that the device comprises second means for
recovering the path information and in that the control means are
adapted for consecutively reproducing the video program sections in
response to the path information.
13. Device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the path
information comprises for each path the playtime information of the
respective version and in that the device comprises means for
displaying the playtime in response to the path information.
14. Device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the path
information for displaying each version is recorded in a locatable
area of the information carrier and in that the second means are
adapted for locating the area.
15. Device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that path
information is recorded on the information carrier near to entry
points, while playback is possible from the entry points without
the use of previous picture information, and in that the second
means are adapted for recovering the path information near to entry
points.
16. Device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the path
information near to an entry point comprises address information of
video information to be displayed beforehand, and in that the
control means are adapted for displaying the picture information in
reverse direction in response to said addresses.
17. Device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the path
information near to an entry point comprises time code information
indicative of the playtime from the beginning of the respective
version, and in that the first means are adapted for displaying the
picture information in response to the time code information.
18. Device for providing an information carrier on which an
information signal is recorded, the signal representing picture
information intended to be displayed on a picture screen, the
picture information comprising video information of at least a
single video program and control information for displaying various
versions of the video program, the device comprising coding means
for coding the picture information and recording means for
recording the information signal on the information carrier,
characterized in that the control information comprises path
information indicative of one or more versions of video information
sections to be shown in linked fashion, the path information being
indicative of sections to be displayed consecutively and in that
the device comprises generator means for generating the path
information and means for adding the path information to the
picture information.
19. Method of transmitting picture information intended for being
displayed on a picture screen via an information carrier on which
an information signal representing picture information is recorded,
this picture information comprising video information of at least
one video program and control information for displaying various
versions of the video program, characterized in that the control
information comprises path information indicative of one or more
versions of video information sections to be shown in a linked
fashion, the path information being indicative of sections to be
displayed consecutively.
20. A method for displaying one of a plurality of versions of a
program recorded on an information carrier, said method comprising
the steps of: displaying to a user a rating information regarding
at least two versions from said plurality of versions; receiving
from said user a selection of one of said plurality of versions;
reproducing from said information carrier said one of said
plurality of versions for display to the user.
21. The method according to claim 20 wherein said step of
displaying rating information comprises the steps of: displaying to
the user a plurality of country identification information; and
receiving from the user a selection of a country corresponding to
one of said plurality of country identification information.
22. The method according to claim 21 wherein said step of
displaying rating information further comprises the steps of:
displaying to the user a plurality of ratings corresponding to said
country; and receiving from the user a selection of at least one of
said plurality of ratings.
23. The method according to claim 21 further comprising the steps
of: displaying to the user a selected rating information regarding
one of said plurality of versions if said selected rating
information is consistent with said selection of at least one of
said plurality of ratings.
24. The method according to claim 20 wherein said step of
displaying rating information further comprises the steps of:
displaying to the user a plurality of ratings; and receiving from
the user a selection of at least one of said plurality of
ratings.
25. The method according to claim 20 wherein said step of
displaying rating information comprises the step of displaying to a
user a rating information regarding each version from said
plurality of versions.
26. The method according to claim 20 wherein said step of
displaying rating information comprises the steps of: accessing at
least one preselected user rating preference; and displaying to the
user a preselected rating information regarding one of said
plurality of versions if said preselected rating information is
consistent with said prestored user rating preference.
27. An apparatus for displaying one of a plurality of versions of a
program recorded on an information carrier, said apparatus
comprising: means for displaying to a user rating information
regarding at least two versions from said plurality of versions;
means for receiving from said user a selection of one of said
plurality of versions; means for reproducing from said information
carrier said one of said plurality of versions for display to the
user.
28. The apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said means for
displaying rating information comprises: means for displaying to
the user a plurality of country identification information; and
means for receiving from the user a selection of a country
corresponding to one of said plurality of country identification
information.
29. The apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said means for
displaying rating information further comprises: means for
displaying to the user a plurality of ratings corresponding to said
country; and means for receiving from the user a selection of at
least one of said plurality of ratings.
30. The apparatus according to claim 28 further comprising: means
for displaying to the user a selected rating information regarding
one of said plurality of versions if said selected rating
information is consistent with said selection of at least one of
said plurality of ratings.
31. The apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said means for
displaying rating information further comprises: means for
displaying to the user a plurality of ratings; and means for
receiving from the user a selection of at least one of said
plurality of ratings.
32. The apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said means for
displaying rating information comprises means for displaying to a
user a rating information regarding each version from said
plurality of versions.
33. The apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said means for
displaying rating information comprises: means for accessing at
least one preselected user rating preference; and means for
displaying to the user a preselected rating information regarding
one of said plurality of versions if said preselected rating
information is consistent with said prestored user rating
preference.
34. A method for recording a plurality of versions of a program on
an information carrier, said plurality of versions comprising a
plurality of program sections, said method comprising the steps of:
encoding said plurality of program sections to produce a plurality
of encoded program sections; appending an address information to
each of said plurality of encoded program sections; appending a
version information to each of said plurality of encoded program
sections; and recording said plurality of encoded program sections,
including said address information and said version information, on
said information carrier.
35. The method according to claim 34 wherein said step of encoding
comprises the steps of: intra-coding said plurality of program
sections to produce I-frames; and predictive coding said plurality
of program sections to produce P-frames.
36. The method according to claim 34 wherein said step of appending
an address information comprises the step of appending a start
address information and an end address information to each of said
plurality of encoded program sections.
37. The method according to claim 36 wherein said step of appending
an address information further comprises the step of appending a
next section start address information and a previous section last
entry point information to each of said plurality of encoded
program sections.
38. The method according to claim 37 wherein said step of appending
an address information further comprises the step of appending an
adjacent entry point address information to each of said plurality
of encoded program sections.
39. The method according to claim 34 further comprising the step of
appending a time code information to each of said plurality of
encoded program sections.
40. The method according to claim 39 wherein said step of appending
a time code information comprises the step of appending time code
information regarding a timing of each of said plurality of encoded
program sections relative to a leading end of at least one of said
plurality of versions.
41. The method according to claim 34 further comprising the step of
appending a track number information to each of said plurality of
encoded program sections.
42. The method according to claim 41 wherein said step of appending
a track number information comprises the step of appending track
number information regarding a track indication of each of said
plurality of encoded program sections relative to a leading end of
at least one of said plurality of versions.
43. The method according to claim 34 wherein said step of appending
a version information comprises the step of appending at least one
path number to each of said plurality of encoded program
sections.
44. The method according to claim 34 wherein said step of appending
a version information comprises the step of appending at least one
rating information to each of said plurality of encoded program
sections.
45. The method according to claim 34 wherein said step of appending
a version information comprises the step of appending at least one
version identification information to each of said plurality of
encoded program sections.
46. The method according to claim 34 wherein said step of appending
a version information comprises the step of appending at least one
path descriptor information to each of said plurality of encoded
program sections.
47. The method according to claim 34 wherein said step of recording
comprises the steps of: recording a first completed access unit
immediately prior to a jump point on said information carrier; and
recording a second completed access unit immediately following said
jump point on said information carrier.
48. The method according to claim 34 wherein said step of recording
comprises the steps of: recording a first completed access unit
immediately prior to each respective jump point on said information
carrier; and recording a second completed access unit immediately
following said each respective jump point on said information
carrier.
49. The method according to claim 34 wherein said step of recording
comprises the steps of: recording a first plurality of access units
on a first side of a jump point; and recording a second plurality
of access units on a second side of said jump point without
recording an access unit which requires for decoding one of a
prediction and a reference with respect to one of said first
plurality of access units.
50. The method according to claim 34 wherein one of said plurality
of versions comprises a single program section on said information
carrier.
51. Apparatus for recording a plurality of versions of a program on
an information carrier, said plurality of versions comprising a
plurality of program sections, said apparatus comprising: means for
encoding said plurality of program sections to produce a plurality
of encoded program sections; means for appending an address
information to each of said plurality of encode program sections;
means for appending a version information to each of said plurality
of encoded program sections; and means for recording said plurality
of encoded program sections, including said address information and
said version information, on said information carrier.
52. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said means for
encoding comprises: means for intra-coding said plurality of
program sections to produce I-frames; and means for predictive
coding said plurality of program sections to produce P-frames.
53. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said means for
appending an address information comprises means for appending a
start address information and an end address information to each of
said plurality of encoded program sections.
54. The apparatus according to claim 53 wherein said means for
appending an address information further comprises means for
appending a next section start address information and a previous
section last entry point information to each of said plurality of
encoded program sections.
55. The apparatus according to claim 54 wherein said means for
appending an address information further comprises means for
appending an adjacent entry point address information to each of
said plurality of encoded program sections.
56. The apparatus according to claim 51 further comprising means
for appending a time code information to each of said plurality of
encoded program sections.
57. The apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said means for
appending a time code information comprises means for appending
time code information regarding a timing of each of said plurality
of encoded program sections relative to a leading end of at least
one of said plurality of versions.
58. The apparatus according to claim 51 further comprising means
for appending a track number information to each of said plurality
of encoded program sections.
59. The apparatus according to claim 58 wherein said means for
appending a track number information comprises means for appending
track number information regarding a track indication of each of
said plurality of encoded program sections relative to a leading
end of at least one of said plurality of versions.
60. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said means for
appending a version information comprises means for appending at
least one path number to each of said plurality of encoded program
sections.
61. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said means for
appending a version information comprises means for appending at
least one rating information to each of said plurality of encoded
program sections.
62. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said means for
appending a version information comprises means for appending at
least one version identification information to each of said
plurality of encoded program sections.
63. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said means for
appending a version information comprises means for appending at
least one path descriptor information to each of said plurality of
encoded program sections.
64. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said means for
recording comprises: means for recording a first completed access
unit immediately prior to a jump point on said information carrier;
and means for recording a second completed access unit immediately
following said jump point on said information carrier.
65. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said means for
recording comprises: means for recording a first completed access
unit immediately prior to each respective jump point on said
information carrier; and means for recording a second completed
access unit immediately following said each respective jump point
on said information carrier.
66. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein said means for
recording comprises: means for recording a first plurality of
access units on a first side of a jump point; and means for
recording a second plurality of access units on a second side of
said jump point without recording an access unit which requires for
decoding one of a prediction and a reference with respect to one of
said first plurality of access units.
67. The apparatus according to claim 51 wherein one of said
plurality of versions comprises a single program section on said
information carrier.
68. A method for reproducing one of a plurality of versions of a
program recorded on an information carrier, said plurality of
versions comprising a plurality of program sections, said method
comprising the steps of: reproducing from said information carrier
a first program section that includes a plurality of version
information and a plurality of address information; detecting in
said first program section a version information corresponding to
said one of said plurality of versions and an address information
corresponding to said version information; and reproducing from
said information carrier a second program section according to said
address information.
69. The method according to claim 68 further comprising the steps
of: detecting in said second program section a second version
information corresponding to said one of said plurality of versions
and a second address information corresponding to said second
version information; and reproducing from said information carrier
a third program section according to said second address
information.
70. The method according to claim 68 further comprising the step of
receiving from a user a selection indicating said one of said
plurality of versions.
71. The method according to claim 68 wherein said version
information comprises a version identification information.
72. The method according to claim 68 wherein said version
information comprises a rating information.
73. The method according to claim 68 wherein said version
information comprises an entry packet information.
74. The method according to claim 68 wherein said version
information comprises a path descriptor information.
75. The method according to claim 68 further comprising the step of
displaying to a user said first program section and said second
program section without a perceptible interruption in display.
76. The method according to claim 68 wherein said step of detecting
comprises the step of detecting an entry point.
77. The method according to claim 76 wherein said entry point is an
entry sector.
78. The method according to claim 76 wherein said entry point is an
entry packet.
79. The method according to claim 76 wherein said entry point is a
path descriptor area.
80. The method according to claim 76 wherein said address
information comprises a next section start address information.
81. The method according to claim 68 wherein each of said plurality
of program sections includes a time code information and wherein
said step of reproducing a first program section comprises the step
of reproducing a first time code information and wherein said step
of reproducing a second program section comprises the step of
reproducing a second time code information.
82. The method according to claim 68 wherein each of said plurality
of program sections includes a track number information and wherein
said step of reproducing a first program section comprises the step
of reproducing a first track number information and wherein said
step of reproducing a second program section comprises the step of
reproducing a second track number information.
83. An apparatus for reproducing one of a plurality of versions of
a program recorded on an information carrier, said plurality of
versions comprising a plurality of program sections, said apparatus
comprising: means for reproducing from said information carrier a
first program section that includes a plurality of version
information and a plurality of address information; means for
detecting in said first program section a version information
corresponding to said one of said plurality of versions and an
address information corresponding to said version information; and
means for reproducing from said information carrier a second
program section according to said address information.
84. The apparatus according to claim 83 further comprising: means
for detecting in said second program section a second version
information corresponding to said one of said plurality of versions
and a second address information corresponding to said second
version information; and means for reproducing from said
information carrier a third program section according to said
second address information.
85. The apparatus according to claim 83 further comprising means
for receiving from a user a selection indicating said one of said
plurality of versions.
86. The apparatus according to claim 83 wherein said version
information comprises a rating information.
87. The apparatus according to claim 83 further comprising means
for displaying to a user said first program section and said second
program section without a perceptible interruption in display.
88. The apparatus according to claim 83 wherein said means for
detecting comprises means for detecting an entry point.
89. The apparatus according to claim 83 wherein each of said
plurality of program sections includes a time code information and
wherein said means for reproducing a first program section
comprises means for reproducing a first time code information and
wherein said means for reproducing a second program section
comprises means for reproducing a second time code information.
90. The apparatus according to claim 83 wherein each of said
plurality of program sections includes a track number information
and wherein said means for reproducing a first program section
comprises means for reproducing a first track number information
and wherein said means for reproducing a second program section
comprises means for reproducing a second track number
information.
91. A method for reproducing one of a plurality of versions of a
program recorded on an information carrier, said plurality of
versions comprising a plurality of program sections, said method
comprising the steps of: reproducing from said information carrier
a version information corresponding to said one of a plurality of
versions and an address information corresponding to said version
information; and reproducing from said information carrier a
program section according to said address information.
92. The method according to claim 91 wherein said step of
reproducing comprises the step of reproducing a table of contents
information.
93. The method according to claim 92 further comprising the step of
reproducing from said information carrier a plurality of program
sections according to said address information.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to an information carrier on which an
information signal is recorded, the signal representing picture
information intended to be displayed on a picture screen, the
picture information comprising video information of at least a
single video program and control information for displaying various
versions of the video program.
[0002] The invention further relates to a device for reading and a
device for providing the information carrier.
[0003] The invention also relates to a method of transmitting
picture information via the information carrier. Such an
information carrier, reading device and transmitting method are
disclosed in published U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,158. On the known
information carrier, such as, for example, a video tape, a video
program is recorded and for fully reproducing the video program the
information carrier can be read on a standard playback system. When
played back on the known system, the video program may also be
reproduced selectively while certain parts of the video program are
not displayed. For this purpose, the video signal repeatedly
contains classification codes, for example, via digital codes
stored on an invisible video line. The recovered classification
code is compared with a classification selected by the user and, in
dependence on the result, the replay is interrupted or the output
signal is blocked until a permitted classification code is
detected. This may avoid, for example, children viewing
pornographic or violent scenes.
[0004] A problem with the known information carrier is that the
picture reproduction is interrupted during selective replay when
classified parts of the video signal occur. Such an interruption is
continued until again a permitted classification code is detected
in the video signal. These interruptions cause the viewing of the
video program during selective replay to be annoying, the more so
because one does not know how long such an interruption will
last.
[0005] More specifically still, this invention relates to a method
of recording time-division multiplexed compressed audio and video
data on a data recording medium, a method of reproducing such data,
an apparatus for recording such data, and an apparatus for
reproducing such data. A data recording medium may take a number of
different forms, including magnetic tapes or disks, magneto-optical
disks, optical disks, semiconductor memory, and the like.
[0006] In the production of video works, e.g. motion pictures,
television programs, etc., it is commonplace for different versions
of a particular work to be created. Although sharing certain video
images and portions of soundtrack, each version of a work can
differ from others by including or excluding other images and audio
segments. For example, certain scenes of a motion picture may be
cut entirely or a selection may be made from a number of different
photographed versions of a particular scene. Such versions may be
created to satisfy management concerns or to reflect political
policy or cultural standards. Multiple versions of a work may
created, each work having a different length and each being adapted
particularly for display in a theater, for transmission via
television broadcast, or for recording/reproduction by domestic
consumer recording/reproducing devices.
[0007] Further, the version of a work initially released to a
market may be later modified and re-released to reflect changed
circumstances or the author's intention. For example, a director
may re-edit a work to produce a "director's cut edition" which
differs from the originally-released version. Further, a "complete
edition," a "special edition," and so forth may also be produced in
connection with a particular work.
[0008] Particularly relevant to the present invention is the
international practice of rating video works according to the
content of the work, e.g. certain material is determined to be
unsuitable for viewing by certain audiences. In some countries,
video works are designated for viewing by only adult audiences
while minor-aged persons are prohibited from viewing or purchasing
such works. In the United States, the rating system is not law but
is a voluntary system adopted by film makers, distributors, and
sellers. According to this voluntary system, movies may be
classified into the following five categories: G--General
audiences, all ages permitted; PG--Parental Guidance Suggested,
some material may not be suitable for children; PG-13--Parents
strongly cautioned, some material may be inappropriate for children
under the age of 13; R--Restricted, children under the age of 17
must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian; and NC-17--No
children under the age of 17 admitted. In accordance with this
system, access to certain video works, whether displayed in a
theater or available for purchase or rental on a prerecorded video
media, has been restricted for certain categories of consumers.
Inherent in this system has been the practice of rating an entire
video work as a whole as opposed to rating component portions.
[0009] Compliance with the voluntary rating system in connection
with video works available on prerecorded media may be increased by
implementing a rating monitoring system in the device for
reproducing the video work. The video work is coded with an
indication of its rating, e.g. a flag indicating adult
entertainment is written to the prerecorded media, and this coding
is detected by the reproduction system. When it is determined that
the viewer does not meet the rating criteria, reproduction of the
video work is prohibited.
[0010] In a European digital telecasting system, a "Parental
Rating" function is available. Where a scene of a program deserves
a particular rating, a rating identification code is placed before
the beginning of the program. In "rating" mode, the receiver is
able to receive/display only those programs consistent with the
parental rating. Specifically, the receiver detects the rating
identification code at the start of the video program and
discontinues reproduction of the program if its rating is
inconsistent with the parental rating. In this manner, viewing of a
program can be inhibited.
[0011] As an alternative to the above-described system, viewer
compliance with video program rating may be achieved on a
scene-by-scene basis. A rating code may be inserted before a
particular scene for detection by the reproduction system. If the
rating code is inconsistent with a previously established rating,
the rated scene may not be reproduced and "noise" or another video
image or scene may be displayed. Normal reproduction of the
original video program is resumed once the rated scene comes to a
close.
[0012] Such a system has the disadvantage that the continuity of
the display of the program is interrupted. If the length of the
rated scene is not known to the viewer, the "noise" or other
temporary image is necessarily viewed until display of the original
program is resumed. Similarly, when the program is reproduced from
a prerecorded medium, a special reproduction operation, such as
high-speed search, may be initiated by the reproduction device upon
detection of the rating identification code. In certain
implementations, such a system may suffer the disadvantage of
reproducing for viewing the rated scene.
[0013] Japanese patent application Hei-6-335602 describes two
techniques for reproducing a video work from a prerecorded medium.
In one reproduction operation, only unrestricted portions of a
video work are reproduced. In another reproduction operation,
restricted portions of a video work are reproduced. The reference
does not describe the utilization of rating identification codes in
connection with scenes of a video work.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the invention, for example, to provide
means for transmitting video information by which a video program
can be reproduced selectively substantially without
interruptions.
[0015] According to a first aspect of the invention, an information
carrier of a type defined in the opening paragraph is characterized
in that the control information comprises path information
indicative of one or more versions of video information sections to
be reproduced in a linked fashion, the path information being
indicative of sections to be reproduced consecutively. The
information carrier according to the invention is advantageous, for
example, in that the path information indicates a path of linked
sections, so that a next section can be sought rapidly once the end
of a section has been reached. As a result, a substantially
continuous reproduction of a selective version of the video program
is possible. In addition, the sections may be selected differently
for each version, so that various versions are formed from the same
video program.
[0016] It is a further object of the invention to provide means for
transmitting picture information, so that a basic version of the
video program can be reproduced on a device not arranged for
selective playback. An embodiment of the information carrier
according to the invention is therefore characterized in that the
video information of a video program is subdivided into two
portions, the first portion comprising the video information of a
basic version and the second portion comprising additional video
information, and a version comprising at least one section of the
additional video information. The additional video information does
not form part of the non-selective basic version of the video
program. The inclusion of a section of the additional video
information in a version creates a selective version of the video
program, whereas the basic version can also be played back on a
player that is not arranged for reproducing sections that are
interlinked along a path. This is furthermore advantageous in that,
for example, a more aggressive scene may be substituted for another
scene without disturbing the story of the video program.
Alternatively, a longer version of the video program may be formed,
such as, for example, a director's cut.
[0017] A further embodiment of the information carrier according to
the invention is characterized in that the sections are addressable
and in that the path information comprises addresses of sections to
be displayed consecutively. This is advantageous in that a playback
device can search for the destination in the fastest possible way
after a section has ended, for example, the read head of a playback
device for an optical disc can jump forthwith to the address of the
next section.
[0018] A further embodiment of the information carrier according to
the invention is characterized in that the path information
comprises playtime information. This is advantageous in that the
user can be shown the exact playtime of a version after the
selection. During selective playback, this exact playtime will
differ from the original playtime.
[0019] A further embodiment of the information carrier according to
the invention is characterized in that the path information
comprises track information indicative of a subdivision into
tracks, while the tracks are numbered independently for each video
program. This is advantageous in that the user has the disposal of
a logical track arrangement with tracks numbered from 1 upwards for
each video program. In addition, a numbering in sequential form can
be used for each version.
[0020] A further embodiment of the information carrier according to
the invention is characterized in that path information for
displaying each version is recorded in an information carrier area
that can be located. This is advantageous in that the path
information of any desired version can be recovered in a simple
manner.
[0021] A further embodiment of the information carrier according to
the invention is characterized in that the path information is
recorded on the information carrier near to entry points, while
playback is possible from the entry points without the use of
previous picture information. This is advantageous in that relevant
path information is available forthwith when a jump is made to an
entry point in the video program and when the picture display is
started from an entry point.
[0022] A further embodiment of the information carrier according to
the invention is characterized in that the information carrier is
subdivided into addressable sectors and in that the path
information near to an entry point comprises address information
relative to the respective entry point. This is advantageous in
that, when a jump is made, the jump distance for controlling the
reading system is known from an entry point.
[0023] A further embodiment of the information carrier according to
the invention is characterized in that the video program is
subdivided into tracks and in that the path information near to an
entry point comprises address information indicative of the
beginning of the next track in the respective version. This is
advantageous in that a next track can forthwith be jumped to during
playback.
[0024] A further embodiment of the information carrier according to
the invention is characterized in that the path information near to
an entry point comprises address information of video information
to be displayed beforehand. This is advantageous in that during
reverse playback a previous section or track can simply be found
back.
[0025] A further embodiment of the information carrier according to
the invention is characterized in that the path information near to
an entry point comprises time code information indicative of the
playtime from the beginning of the respective version. This is
advantageous in that a continuously running time indication is
available from the start of a specific version that is played
back.
[0026] According to a second aspect of the invention, a device for
reading an information carrier of a type defined in the opening
paragraph, the device comprising first means for recovering the
picture information and control means for selectively reproducing
the video program in response to the control information, is
characterized in that the control information comprises path
information indicative of one or more versions of video information
sections to be reproduced in linked fashion, the path information
being indicative of sections to be reproduced consecutively, and in
that the device comprises second means for recovering the path
information and in that the control means are adapted for
consecutively reproducing the video program sections in response to
the path information. This is advantageous, for example, in that
selective versions of a video program, built up from consecutive
sections in an order denoted by the path information, are displayed
substantially or completely without interruptions.
[0027] An embodiment of the device according to the invention is
characterized in that the path information comprises playtime
information and the device comprises means for displaying the
playtime in response to the path information. This is advantageous
in that a user is shown the real playtime of the selected
version.
[0028] A further embodiment of the device according to the
invention is characterized in that path information for displaying
each version is recorded in a locatable area of the information
carrier and in that the second means are adapted for locating the
area. This is advantageous in that any possible version is known
and can be stored in a memory after the area has been located and
the path information has been recovered. As a result, the device
can timely read the video information necessary for a specific
version. It is also possible to skip directly to a specific part of
a version.
[0029] A further embodiment of the device is characterized in that
path information is recorded on the information carrier near to
entry points, while playback is possible from the entry points
without the use of previous picture information, and in that the
second means are adapted for recovering the path information near
to entry points. This is advantageous in that, after a jump to
another item of the video program, the path information relative to
that item is available forthwith. Consequently, a large memory in
the playing device for retaining all the path information has
become redundant.
[0030] A further embodiment of the device is characterized in that
the path information near to an entry point comprises address
information of video information to be displayed beforehand, and in
that the control means are adapted for displaying the picture
information in reverse direction in response to said addresses.
This is advantageous in that a selective version of the video
program can also be displayed in reverse direction substantially
without interruptions.
[0031] A further embodiment of the device is characterized in that
the path information near to an entry point comprises time code
information indicative of the playtime from the beginning of the
respective path, and in that the device comprises means for
displaying the playtime in response to the time code information.
This is advantageous in that the user can be shown a continuously
running time indication from the beginning of the playing of the
version.
[0032] According to a third aspect of the invention, a device for
providing an information carrier of a type defined in the opening
paragraph, the device comprising means for coding the picture
information and means for recording the information signal on the
information carrier, is characterized in that the control
information comprises path information indicative of one or more
versions of video information sections to be shown in linked
fashion, the path information being indicative of sections to be
displayed consecutively, and in that the device comprises means for
generating the path information and means for adding the path
information to the picture information.
[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of
transmitting picture information intended for being displayed on a
picture screen via an information carrier on which an information
signal representing picture information is recorded, this picture
information comprising video information of at least one video
program and control information for displaying various versions of
the video program, is characterized in that the control information
comprises path information indicative of one or more versions of
video information sections to be shown in a linked fashion, the
path information being indicative of sections to be displayed
consecutively. This is advantageous in that a plurality of versions
of a video program can be transmitted via information transfer
while the necessary transmission and storage capacity remains
restricted.
[0034] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide apparatus for recording on an information carrier different
versions of a video work, each version including one or more
portions of the work.
[0035] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide
apparatus that allows a user to select among plural recorded
versions of a work a version for reproduction that is consistent
with the user's preferences.
[0036] Another object of the present invention is to provide
apparatus for reproducing different versions of a work according
the rating assigned to the work.
[0037] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a
method for displaying one of a plurality of versions of a program
recorded on an information carrier is provided. The method includes
the steps of: displaying to a user rating information regarding at
least two of the versions of the program; receiving from the user a
selection of one of the versions; and reproducing from the
information carrier the selected version for display to the
user.
[0038] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a
method for recording a plurality of versions of a program on an
information carrier, where each version may include a number of
program sections, is provided. The method includes the steps of:
encoding the program sections to produce encoded program sections;
appending an address information to each of the encoded program
sections; appending a version information to each of the encoded
program sections; and recording the encoded program sections,
including the address information and the version information, on
the information carrier.
[0039] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a method for
reproducing one of a plurality of versions of a program recorded on
an information carrier, where the versions include a plurality of
program sections, is provided. The method includes the steps of:
reproducing from the information carrier a first program section
that includes a plurality of version information and a plurality of
address information; detecting in the first program section a
version information corresponding to the one version and an address
information corresponding to the version information; and
reproducing from the information carrier a second program section
according to the address information.
[0040] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a method for
reproducing one of a plurality of versions of a program recorded on
an information carrier, where the versions include a plurality of
program sections, is provided. The method includes the steps of:
reproducing from the information carrier a version information
corresponding to the one version and an address information
corresponding to the version information; and reproducing from the
information carrier a program section according to the address
information.
[0041] Apparatuses corresponding to each of the fifth, sixth, and
seventh aspects of the invention are also an aspect of the present
invention.
[0042] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent
from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described
hereinafter. Other objects, features, and advantages according to
the present invention will become apparent from the following
detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] In the drawings:
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a system for picture information
transmission,
[0045] FIG. 2 shows an information carrier,
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a video program and several paths of
sections,
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a video program and additional video
information as well as a path,
[0048] FIG. 5 shows a part of a video program with path information
near to entry points,
[0049] FIG. 6 shows a path_descriptor,
[0050] FIG. 6A shows a path_descriptor,
[0051] FIG. 6B shows a path_descriptor,
[0052] FIG. 6C shows a time_code_descriptor( ),
[0053] FIG. 7 shows a TOC structure,
[0054] FIG. 8 shows a device for reading an information
carrier,
[0055] FIG. 9 shows a device for providing information
carriers,
[0056] FIG. 10 shows a data format for recording information on an
information carrier,
[0057] FIG. 11 shows a data format according to ISO 9660,
[0058] FIG. 12 shows a disc table of contents,
[0059] FIG. 12A shows a disc_tracks,
[0060] FIG. 13 shows a program table of contents,
[0061] FIG. 13A shows a program_tracks,
[0062] FIG. 13B shows a path_table,
[0063] FIG. 14 shows the formation of different versions of a
program,
[0064] FIG. 15A shows a program stream,
[0065] FIG. 15B shows a PES packet,
[0066] FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D show a PES packet,
[0067] FIG. 17 shows a multiplexed bitstream,
[0068] FIG. 18 shows a multiplexed bitstream that includes entry
points,
[0069] FIG. 19 shows a data recording device,
[0070] FIG. 20 shows a multiplexing unit,
[0071] FIG. 21 shows a data reproducing device,
[0072] FIGS. 22A and 22B show a PSM packet,
[0073] FIG. 23A shows a completed access unit,
[0074] FIG. 23B shows an uncompleted access unit,
[0075] FIGS. 24A and 24B show different arrangements of video
data,
[0076] FIG. 25 shows a bitstream including plural data
sequences,
[0077] FIGS. 26A, 26B, and 26C show a reproduction operation,
and
[0078] FIGS. 27A, 27B, and 27C show entry points in plural
sections.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0079] Elements in the drawing Figures corresponding to elements
already described carry like reference characters.
[0080] FIG. 1 shows a system for picture information transmission
via an information carrier 1. The picture information is
transmitted via an information signal. Picture information contains
not only video information, but also any information related to the
picture such as, for example, sound, subtitles and control
information. An amount of video information that is intended to be
displayed as a whole is called a video program. The device 2 for
providing the information carrier codes picture information
supplied thereto through input 4 and modulates the information
signal with the coded picture signal and subsequently records the
modulated information signal on the record carrier 1. The reading
device 3 reads the information carrier 1 and demodulates and
decodes the information signal and reproduces the picture
information for the user on output 5. For example, a magnetic tape
or an optical disc such as a laser disc or digital video disc may
be used as an information carrier. The information signal may also
be transmitted to a user via a network from an information carrier
in a central storage means, such as a video server, in which case
the user's commands are transferred to the video server. The
information signal is at least a representation of the video
information, such as, for example, an analog video signal according
to the PAL or NTSC standard, or a digitally coded and compressed
video signal according to MPEG-1 or MPEG-2. The information signal
is furthermore a representation of the control information coded by
information symbols. In the case of an analog video signal the
symbols may be co-transmitted in the format of digital signals
during horizontal or vertical blanking, such as, for example, in
the known Teletext system. In the case of a fully digital picture
signal, such as MPEG-2, a separate data stream of user data may be
co-transmitted by multiplexing, for example, by subdividing the
digital stream into packets of, for example, 2048 bytes and
providing these packets with a header that denotes the type of
information. With respect to MPEG-2, the coding of picture
information is described in the international ITU/ISO 13818-2
standard, and the ITU/ISO 13818-1 standard (proposed in ISO/IEC
JTC1/SC29/WG11, Nov. 13, 1994) describes how elementary streams of
coded video data are multiplexed with other coded data which are
representative of, for example, audio and subtitles to become a
program stream. Information of a type not specified by MPEG-2 may
be included in "private packets" in an arbitrary format. MPEG-2
packets with an additional header of the prescribed format are then
distinguished as "private stream 1", and without as "private stream
2".
[0081] FIG. 2 shows a disc-shaped optically readable information
carrier 1, such as a CD or laser disc. The information signal
representing picture information intended for being displayed on a
picture screen is recorded in a helical or concentric track 21. The
picture information and the information signal are described with
reference to FIG. 1. A description of recording and reading a CD
may be found, in the title `Principles of optical disc systems` by
Bouwhuis et al., ISBN 0-85274-785-3. The track is subdivided into
addressable sectors 22. The information carrier may contain a Table
Of Contents 24 (TOC) in which a reference to the information of one
or more video programs is included. The TOC 24 is located at a
fixed position on the information carrier. The information carrier
may also have an information structure in which the space available
for information storage is arranged in directory Tables for the
storage of specific information. An example of this is described in
ISO 9660 standard, in which information storage in files 23 is
effected via directory Tables. These directory Tables may be
located via a reference address at a fixed position at the
beginning of the area intended for the information storage.
[0082] FIG. 3 shows a video program and several section paths
according to the invention. A video program is shown
diagrammatically by a bar 30. The video program can be played in
the original, non-selective version from beginning to end without
interruptions along a basic path 31. For selective playback, the
video program is subdivided into sections 35 for each version. The
original version is shown by the basic path 31, the total video
program being considered a single section A. When playback is
effected along the basic path 31, the video information is shown in
the order it was recorded. Playing a selected version along a path
32 is shown diagrammatically by line sections 35 to be displayed
and jumps with interrupted line sections 36.
[0083] For a first version, the total video program is subdivided
into sections B, C and E section B being the beginning, C being a
short middle section and section E being the end. The path
information denotes the linking information from B to C and from C
to E as is indicated by the interrupted line sections 36. Once a
section B has been played back, the reading of the information
carrier is continued at the beginning of the next section C, while
the intermediate area is covered by a jump. In consequence, a first
version of the video program B-C-E arises in which certain parts of
the original are skipped. For a second version which has a longer
middle section, section D is given, which contains section C
surrounded by video material. The second version then consists of
the sections B, D and E for which less video material is skipped
than for the first version. The path information for the second
path comprises the beginnings and ends of the sections B, D and E
and the linking information from B to D and from D to E, as well as
the information that E is the last section. Thus, in this manner
the path information provides after section B an option to split,
which option depends on the version selected.
[0084] In another embodiment of the information carrier 1, each
path is indicated from beginning to end of the respective version
of the video program, such as indicated, for example, by another
version 33 for which the video program is subdivided into the
sections F, G, H and I. The route along the particular path is
indicated as F, H, G and I by the linking information, so that
section H is thus shown prior to a section G, whereas in the
recording order H comes after G. However, the linking information
may provide an entirely random path for which the recording order
does not pose any restrictions. There may also be observed that the
last section I, and thus the playback part, ends earlier than the
original video program. For that matter, the path information
indicates forthwith that no further video information need be
reproduced any more. Alternatively, it is possible to record a type
indication for each section, for example, start section, middle
section or end section.
[0085] FIG. 4 shows a video program subdivided into two parts, that
is, basic video information 30 and additional video information 40.
Thus, additional video information 40 is recorded in addition to
the original video program 30. The original version is indicated by
the basic path 31 and section A. This basic version can also be
played back on a simple device that lacks the means for recovering
the path information. Sections K and L are indicated in the
original video program, and the sections X and Y are indicated in
the additional video information 40. A selective version of the
video program is indicated by part 41, formed by the sequence of
sections K, X, L and Y. Such a path thus includes at least one
section of the additional video information. This develops an
alternative version of the video program, for example, a happy
ending, or an extended version according to the director's personal
taste, a "director's cut." It is also possible to assemble modified
versions for specific countries, religions, habits or political
ideologies.
[0086] The linking information makes a direct jump possible when
the end of a section is displayed, so that a substantially
continuous picture display is obtained. When a tape is used as an
information carrier, the beginning of the next section may be
reached with only a brief interruption of the video program by
"fast forward". In the case of a disc a brief jump in radial
direction to the initial address of the next section is possible. A
continuous display is realized if shortly before a jump a buffer is
loaded with video information displayed during the jump. For that
matter, the position of the next section to be displayed is
known.
[0087] A suitable embodiment of the linking information is a Table
in which any possible subsequent sections are stored for each
section, as is indicated at 32 in the first example. At section B
there is indicated that sections C and D can be linked. Selection
parameters such as a classification code may be assigned to each
section and stored in the Table in addition to the initial and
final addresses. A selection of a next section from the available
linkable sections may then be derived from the selection
parameters. Another embodiment of the linking information is a
Table for each path with consecutive sections, in which sector
addresses of the first and last sectors of each section are stored.
Also the total number of sections, i.e. the length of the Table, is
stored, so that the end of the respective version is known. For
each video program the number of paths is recorded or a Table is
included for a given fixed number of paths. In the latter case the
Tables have a number of sections equal to 0 for unused paths. In
another embodiment, the video information is segmented while a
section is formed by one or more successive sections. A Table for a
path then contains addresses of all segments which in the given
order form a specific version. The segments may thus be recorded
consecutively, so that it is not necessary to jump after each
segment. In such a Table a section boundary thus appears from a
jump.
[0088] The path information always contains at least linking
information for consecutively displaying sections of video
information. This linking information may directly indicate the
addresses 22 of the respective sectors of the information carrier,
but in another embodiment indicators for the sections are smaller
segments, so that the video signal may be included consecutively in
its stead. In that case, a separate Table of indicators and
addresses of sections or segments is recorded. This Table then
contains, for example, always a segment number and the initial and
final addresses of the segment.
[0089] From that which precedes it appears that the playtime of the
selective versions of the video program may have a playtime that
differs from the original video program. For that matter, video
material is skipped or added. In an embodiment of the information
carrier, the playtime information is added to the path information.
For example, the playtime is indicated for any possible path. It is
also possible to include the playtime per segment or per section,
while the total playtime can be calculated by adding up these
playtimes for the respective version. This provides the possibility
of reading the playtime of the version selected by the user from
the information carrier and displaying same to the user.
[0090] In a disc-shaped information carrier as described with
reference to FIG. 2, it is attractive to store path information in
a file. Via the Directory Tables the information relating to a path
may be located and read rapidly. After the information carrier is
inserted into a player, the path information is available
forthwith. On other information carriers and playback equipment the
path information may be recorded in an area that is easy to locate,
such as, for example, at the beginning of a tape. In another
embodiment of the information carrier, the path information is
recorded next to the respective video information spread over the
carrier, as is described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In
consequence, the file need not constantly be located and read or,
once read, be stored in a large memory in the player. After a jump,
the respective path information can be read forthwith from the
information carrier. Alternatively, it is possible to combine these
embodiments in that the path information is recorded multiple
times. A survey of path information is then available in a central
file whereas, besides, path information multiplexed with the video
information is recorded.
[0091] FIG. 5 shows a part of a video program, in which the path
information is indicated near to a specific point in the
information stream. In this path information may be used absolute
addresses for the jump instruction, but also relative jump
addresses with respect to said point. An advantage of the relative
jump addresses is that the servo means in the player may take
account of the distance to be jumped. A path for a selective
version is referenced 34. The video signal is coded digitally then,
such as MPEG-2. For this coding, always a number of video frames
are coded dependently by forward or backward computation (P-frame),
or bidirectionally (B-frames) in the case of an independently coded
frame (I-frame). Playback may then be started only from an I-frame
and not from a dependent B or P-frame. The I-frame comprises an
intra-coded picture, while the P-frame comprises a predictive
encoding of a picture and the B-frame comprises a bidirectional
predictive encoding of a picture. An I-frame alone, or along with a
number of B-frames and/or P-frames may considered together as a
group of pictures (GOP).
[0092] The video signal is subdivided into segments 52 which
comprise each at least a single I-frame. The beginning of such
segments 52 is designated by entry points 51. After an entry point
51, the video signal first contains an I-frame. This spacing of
entry points 51 may vary; about two entry points per second of
playtime is a usual number. In the case of a jump, always the
sector address of an entry point 51 is taken as the destination
address. In an embodiment of an information carrier according to
the invention, also path information is recorded near to an entry
point. Further description of entry points is available in Japanese
patent application Hei-4-277956.
[0093] In FIG. 5 the path information is recorded as packets of
control information in the segments 52 directly following entry
points 51. The packets of the path information are marked as
control information, for example, as Program Stream Map (PSM)
packets in the manner customary for MPEG-2. Reference be further
made to the ISO 13818-1 standard mentioned with reference to FIG.
1. ISO 13818-1 further defines a program stream directory (PSD) and
a sector that includes both a PSM and a PSD is termed an entry
sector.
[0094] An entry point may be defined by an entry packet provided
directly ahead of the packet where the first I-frame of the GOP
exists. The entry packet may be associated with an identification
flag and position information regarding three neighboring entry
points. Such position information may include the distance from the
entry point to the neighboring entry point. Alternatively, an entry
point may be defined simply by appending an identification code to
a regular data packet.
[0095] By jumping from one entry point to a neighboring entry
point, I-frames can be efficiently located to facilitate
"high-speed search" -type reproduction operations.
[0096] The Program Stream Map according to the invention describes
the contents of the information stream in descriptors. They are
information structures describing the different information streams
in the total multiplexed information stream, such as the video,
audio or subtitle stream, but also, for example, the paths. An
actual time code, tracks and sections are given for each path. Time
codes denote the period of time elapsed since the beginning of the
programme or track. Tracks denote a subdivision for the user of a
total program and track numbers are denoted T4, T5, T6 and T7 in
FIG. 5. In a path it is also possible for a jump to occur within a
track, as is denoted by the arrows 60 at T6.
[0097] FIG. 6 shows an example of a path_descriptor of a path. A
descriptor commences with a descriptor_tag which denotes the type
of descriptor and a descriptor_length. The path_number denotes for
which path the data in the descriptor are intended. The time codes
pX_track_tc and pX_path_tc from the beginning of the actual track
and from the beginning of the actual path respectively, are valid
at a specific system instant denoted by the Presentation Time Stamp
PTS in a manner customary in MPEG-2. The system time is also
contained in the video signal, so that a proper synchronization
between the various types of information may be achieved. After a
jump, however, there may be a discontinuity in the system time, so
that this system time is unsuitable for denoting the elapsed
playtime. A track_number denotes the track number of the respective
path.
[0098] A more complete definition of the path_descriptor( ) area is
illustrated in FIG. 6A. The path_descriptor( ) area defines areas
for various paths and describes the path number, track number,
sector number, sector offset, track time codes and path time codes.
Alternatively, areas for track number, track time codes, and path
time codes may be defined in another area, such as a
time_code_descriptor area for common definition for all paths.
[0099] Preferably, the path number (path_number) is a 3-bit value
providing a path number which identifies the descriptor. The track
number (track_number) is preferably a 16-bit value representing the
current track number encoded relative to the program start
position. The track number of a segment may be used by one or more
paths and may be incremented via the path. The absolute track
number may be determined from the relative track number and the
track number offset stored in program_linkage area of the D_TOC
area.
[0100] The sector number (pX_sectors_to_read) is preferably an
unsigned integer indicating the number of sectors, inclusive,
remaining prior to the end of the program section for the
particular path. If the sector number (pX_sectors_to_read) is zero,
then that sector is not a portion of that particular path.
[0101] The sector number (pX_sectors_from_start) is preferably an
unsigned integer indicating the number of sectors between the that
sector in the particular path from the start position of the
current section. If px_sectors_from_start has a zero value then
that sector is the first sector of the section. Preferably, a
program is comprised of one or more sections and each section is
comprised of one or more sectors.
[0102] The offset (pX_offset_next_section) preferably indicates the
number of sectors in the particular path between the entry sector
of the current section and the entry sector at the start position
of the next section. If pX_offset_next_section equals zero, then
the last section according to the particular path has been
reached.
[0103] The offset (pX_offset_previous_section) preferably indicates
the number of sectors in the particular path between the entry
sector of the current section and the last entry sector in the
immediately previous section. If pX_offset_previous_section equals
zero, then the current section according to the particular path is
the first section to be reproduced.
[0104] If px_sectors_to_read, pX_sector_from_start,
pX_offset_next_section, and pX_offset_previous_section each equal
zero then the particular path is not in use or the entry sector
does not constitute a part of that particular path.
[0105] The offset (pX_offset_next_track) is preferably the sector
offset from the current sector of the particular path to the entry
sector of the start position of the next track. If
pX_offset_next_track equals zero, then the current track is the
last track of the particular path.
[0106] The offset (pX_offset_start_track) is preferably the sector
offset from the current sector of the particular path to the entry
sector of the start position of the current track. If pX offset
start track equals zero, then the current track is the first track
of the particular path. If the current entry sector is the leading
sector of the current track, then pX_offset_start_track represents
the offset to the start position of the previous track.
[0107] The track time codes, indicated with the prefix
"pX_track_tc", specify the relative time in units of
hour-minute-second with respect to the starting end of a track. The
starting end of the track of a particular path is defined as hour
0, minute 0, and second 0. Similarly, the path time codes,
indicated with the prefix "pX_path_tc", specify the relative time
in units of hour-minute-second with respect to the starting end of
a path. The starting end of a particular path is defined as hour 0,
minute 0, and second 0.
[0108] A path_descriptor( ) area as detailed above is provided in
the PSM of the entry sector and includes time codes for each path.
An illustration of the path descriptor( ) is shown in FIG. 6B. By
storing the time code for each of the different paths in each entry
sector, the exact elapsed time of reproduction of a particular path
can be accessed from the path_descriptor( ) and displayed to the
user concurrent with data reproduction and display. An accurate
time indication is given for each particular path even though
certain sections of data may be common to different paths. In an
analogous manner, track numbers for each path may be included in
the path_descriptor( ) area in the PSM of the entry sector.
[0109] Alternatively, a time code may be assigned, preferably
consecutively, to each entry sector and stored in the
time_code_descriptor( ) area of the particular entry sector as
illustrated in FIG. 6C. A time code assigned in this manner may be
used for searching scene indexing information and identification
information. In an analogous manner, a track number may be
assigned, preferably consecutively, to each entry sector and stored
in an area of the particular entry sector, for example in a
track_number_descriptor area.
[0110] When a video program is played, so-called trick modes are
often used. The video signal may then be displayed in fast forward
or in reverse mode. In the case of an MPEG-2 signal, always a
number of sectors are skipped in such trick modes. In order to have
this possibility also in a specific path, there is given in
pX_sectors_to_read (in FIG. 5 arrow 56) how many sectors of the
present section are yet to follow before the end of the section
and, for the reverse mode, in pX_sectors_from_start (FIG. 5 arrow
55) how many sectors precede in the section. If the segment does
not form part of the respective path, this may be denoted by a
given value, for example, 0. In such case the path_descriptor for
that path could also be omitted, but no address of a direct jump to
a section of the video material that does belong to the selected
path will then be available.
[0111] For a jump from the end of a section to the consecutive
section, the distance to this section is denoted as
pX_offset_next_section, in FIG. 5 arrow 54. With the last section
of a path, a predetermined value may be given, for example,
pX_offset_next_section=O. For a jump to the previous section in the
case of reverse mode, the distance is given in
pX_offset_previous_section, in FIG. 5 arrow 53. The last entry
point in the previous section is then taken as the destination. The
first section may be indicated by a predetermined value. Needless
to observe that in another embodiment the first and last sections
are indicated by separate flags. Alternatively, it is possible to
include the path information in a descriptor not for each path but
in a combination for all sorts of paths.
[0112] As stated above, it is customary to subdivide such programs
for the user into tracks. The user can then rapidly obtain a survey
of the course of a program and, if so desired, can jump to another
part. A player will often know the operating functions "next" and
"previous" for this purpose, or have a direct track number
selection. In FIG. 5 the track numbers for the selected path 34 are
referenced T4, T5, T6 and T7. Furthermore, there should be observed
that the boundaries of a track generally do not coincide with the
section boundaries, since violent or other selective scenes may
occur anywhere in the program. In the given path 34 there is a jump
to, for example, track T7 in section 0, but for another path the
transition from T6 to T7 may lie in the area between sections N and
0. In the path_descriptor shown in FIG. 6 there is a direct jump
address present in pX_offset_next_track, so that a jump to the
proper entry point of the next track along the respective path is
possible in a simple manner from any point, denoted in FIG. 5 by
arrow 59. For a previous jump, the address is given in
pX_offset_previous-track- , in FIG. 5 arrows 57 and 58. In FIG. 5
the jump to a previous track for the first entry point of a section
is denoted by arrow 57; at the further entry points is given the
beginning of the actual track shown in arrow 58. The user may then
jump back to the beginning of the present track and from there
further back, if desired.
[0113] In a further embodiment of the information carrier there is
also a descriptor present, similar to FIG. 6, for other information
related to the video program, such as audio or subtitles, which
descriptor indicates for which paths a certain stream is suitable.
The descriptor contains, for example, a flag for each path. For
example, with the same video material, bad language may be replaced
by more acceptable language. In another path are then included the
same video sections, but with a separate audio stream and/or
subtitle stream, in which flags then indicate which stream is to be
used for a selected path. The separate audio or subtitle stream may
be present during the whole video program. The separate audio
and/or subtitle stream, however, is only necessary during the
sections in which it is used. During the rest of the video program
they may be omitted. The playback device must then comprise means
for selecting for each individual segment the audio and/or subtitle
stream that belongs to the selected path. In another embodiment,
parallel video streams may be included in which a similar
arrangement of the descriptor with a flag for each path is then
possible. This could be used, for example, for including various
camera angles with the same audio and subtitles.
[0114] FIG. 7 diagrammatically shows a possible structure of Tables
Of Contents of an information carrier according to the invention.
In a Disc Table Of Contents (D_TOC) 70 can be found information
which is valid for the whole disc. This relates, for example, to a
name of the whole disc and data about the origin. This Table Of
Contents also includes a Table 71 containing data about the
classification. This Table gives a number of classification or
rating levels customary in a specific country, in the language of
that country and links thereto a definition_number. For example, 0
then denotes "no rating" and the number increases with the rating
level. D_TOC is also an indication of the number of video programs
on the information carrier and of the references to the respective
Program Tables Of Contents (P_TOC) 72 indicated by lines 75. P_TOC
includes, for example, information about the paths in one or more
path_tables 74, so that this path information is thus easily
locatable, as was described with reference to FIG. 3. The P_TOC 72
also includes a Table 73 in which a rating_definition number is
given to the respective program per country and per path, which
number corresponds to a definition number defined in the D_TOC 71.
Also a name for the respective program is included per path and per
country, so that the various possible versions may be distinguished
by the user. In this manner, the name and the rating of a specific
version of a video program can be given in the language country to
which the playing device is set. It is also possible to block
rating levels starting from a certain level in the player, so that
the parents can allow their children to watch only video programs
up to a specific rating. They can then utilize the indications
customary in their country. However, it is still the responsibility
of the supplier of the video program to assign the correct rating
levels and record them on the information carrier in Table 73.
[0115] The described way of classifying the rating levels is only
an example. Another embodiment of a rating system is, for example,
assigning a rating directly for each path. The weight of the rating
codes is established beforehand. It is also possible to include one
or more classification codes per segment, which codes denote the
weight of the whole, or the weight for each category, such as sex
or violence. When a next section is selected, the user-selected
preferences on the player can then be taken into account.
[0116] As denoted by lines 75 in FIG. 7, it is possible to record a
plurality of video programs on an information carrier. Customarily,
an information carrier is subdivided into tracks which have an
(absolute) track numbering, for example, starting from 1. However,
to a user it is annoying if the subdivision into tracks counts on
during the various programs. The third program could then start,
for example, at track 29. Therefore, it is attractive to apply
relative track numbers starting from 1 to each video program. If so
desired, it is also possible to make different track subdivisions
per path.
[0117] In an embodiment of the information carrier, the D_TOC 70
includes a Table stating for each available path a list of initial
and final addresses, a last entry point, a playtime and a final
system time of each track. It also includes for each track a track
number and a program number, so that the assignment of the track
number within each program is completely free. The user can then
jump directly to a specific track of a specific program.
[0118] Another option is to include program linkage information in
the D_TOC 70, which contains for each of the possible paths, for
example, for each program, the first track number, the last track
number and the addresses of these tracks. As a result, the user may
be shown the total number of tracks in the version of the video
program selected by him. It is also possible for the user to jump
directly from one video program to a next video program.
[0119] In an embodiment of the information carrier, a relation from
the first track of the video program to an absolute track number
into which the information carrier as a whole is subdivided, can be
established in D_TOC 70 or P_TOC 72. For example, an offset which
is to be added to the relative track number to obtain the absolute
track number, is to be included for this purpose. Track boundaries
of relatively numbered tracks are then to be equal to track
boundaries of absolute tracks.
[0120] In another embodiment, the P_TOC 72 includes a Table of
track information. For each available path are included initial and
final addresses per track, a last entry point, a playtime, an
end-of-system-time and a track number, so that the assignment of
track numbers is again completely free. The P_TOC 72 also includes
the number of tracks per path for each program. The track
subdivision is completely independent of the track subdivision of
further video programs. Another option is to let a Table have a
track number for each consecutive segment of a specific
section.
[0121] In another embodiment, track information is embedded in the
video stream, for example, included in the path information as
described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 6, track_number
is the track number for the respective path valid for the selected
version of the respective video program. Via this facility the user
can be simply shown a track numbering in his version of the video
program. As denoted by arrows 57, 58 and 59, also jump addresses to
subsequent and previous tracks and the beginning of the actual
track are embedded in the video stream.
[0122] FIG. 8 shows a device for reading an information carrier 1
according to the invention such as, for example, a Multi Media
Compact Disc (MMCD). The device comprises scanning means 80 for
scanning the track 21 by an optical beam. A description of similar
reading of a CD may be found back in the title mentioned with
reference to FIG. 2. The scanned signal goes to means 81 to be
demodulated and error corrected. From there the signal goes to a
buffer 82 where a monitoring signal 88 is generated indicative of
the degree of fill. The control means 84 displace and focus the
scanning means 80 for reading the desired sectors from the
information carrier 1. The monitoring signal 88 goes to the control
means 84 which, as required, read picture information from the
information carrier to maintain a sufficient degree of fill for the
buffer 82. As a result, the video and audio signal are continued as
uninterruptedly as possible during jumps. The information signal
from buffer 82 goes to a decoder 83 for the reproduction of the
video signal on output 86 and the audio signal on output 87. The
information signal also goes to means 85 for the recovery of the
path information. The means 85 receive through an input 89
information about the path to be selected. This may be manually
selected directly by the user on the basis of the available
versions, or a specific permitted rating level may be set on the
player (for example, by the parents), which can only be deviated
from after a code has been keyed in. The path information is read
out prior to the reproduction of the video program and stored in a
memory, or, each time when path information is necessary, read
directly from the file on the information carrier. After a section
has been read completely, the consecutive section will have to be
known to the means 85. The path information is indicative of
sections to be displayed consecutively, as described with reference
to FIGS. 3 to 6. Jump instructions are derived therefrom and passed
on to the control means 84. Once the jump has been completed,
further picture information is read from the buffer 82. During the
jump, no new picture information reaches buffer 82 for a while, but
the picture display may continue uninterruptedly as a result of the
information still present in the buffer. As a result, a continuous
series of consecutive sections is displayed along a path as
indicated by the path information.
[0123] If the buffer 82 contains insufficient video information for
bridging the jump, it is possible to show on a display (for
example, the TV screen) the (estimated) period of time that is
necessary for reaching the next section to be displayed. If so
desired, it is possible to show a diminishing time value, an
hourglass, or shrinking time bar. If one only needs to wait for a
brief period of time, it is also possible to show the last image of
the present section on the picture screen as a still picture until
the new section is displayed.
[0124] In an embodiment of the reading device, the playtime of the
video program can be shown to the user, for example, on the picture
screen or on a separate display. For this purpose, means 85 are
adapted for recovering the playtime information of the information
carrier, so that the playtime of the program or of the track is
shown for the selected path.
[0125] In an embodiment of the reading device, an information
carrier having a picture signal with entry points is used as
described with reference to FIG. 5. The means 85 then recover the
control information multiplexed with the video stream and then
recover the path information from this control information. In the
reverse mode, addresses of segments preceding the actual section
are used for determining the jump addresses. It is also possible to
show the time elapsed per path or per track, if the information
carrier contains the respective time codes.
[0126] In other embodiments of the reading device, a buffer 82
which is present, for example, on an analog video disc, is absent.
In that case, there are brief interruptions of the video and audio
signal. A reading device can either comprise a decoder 83 of its
own, or the information signal may be applied to a decoder in
another display device. In another embodiment, the reading device
comprises a picture screen on which the picture is displayed
directly.
[0127] FIG. 9 shows a device for providing information carriers of
said type, such as a CD or a MMCD. Firstly, a master information
carrier 97 is made by said device. From this master information
carrier 97 are then produced a multiplicity of information carriers
by a customary process of moulds and presses (not shown). The
picture information is applied to the picture encoder means 93;
tile video information through an input 90 and the audio
information and further information through a separate input 91.
The picture encoder means 93 code the video information and the
further information and generate the information signal.
Information about sections, classification codes and paths to be
selected is applied through input 92 to path information generator
means 94 which add the path information described with reference to
FIGS. 3 to 6 to the coded picture information. The channel coding
unit 95 codes the information signal in a manner customary for the
disc-shaped carrier and passes it on to a write unit 96. Write unit
96 writes, for example, by a high-intensity laser beam, the coded
information signal on the master information carrier 97. A
customary type of system controller (not shown) provides a control
of the speed of rotation of the disc and the positioning of the
write unit over track 21 to obtain the desired pit and track
density. For a further description of the CD system, reference be
made to FIG. 2 of said title.
[0128] In another embodiment, a similar device is suitable for
recording the information signal on an information carrier which
can be played back forthwith, such as a CD recordable. Another
embodiment of this is, for example, a device for writing and
reading a VCR tape or an optical tape. In a further embodiment it
is possible to add the path information at a later stage, for
example, for making various versions of a home video. The complete
basic program has then been recorded previously and the path
information is determined afterwards and added, for example, in a
separate file.
[0129] FIG. 10 illustrates a preferred format for the recording of
information on an information carrier according to the present
invention. As shown, the format includes a primary volume
descriptor area (PVD), a disc table of contents recording area
(D_TOC), multiple program table of contents recording areas
(P_TOC1, P_TOC2, P_TOC3), and multiple program information
recording areas (PRG1, PRG2, PRG3, . . . PRGN). In the PVD area,
primary volume descriptors, defined pursuant to ISO 9660, are
recorded. An exemplary implementation of ISO 9660 is illustrated in
FIG. 11.
[0130] A preferred syntax for a D_TOC area is illustrated in FIG.
12. A D_TOC area stores information regarding the contents of the
information carrier. For example, the rating codes may be stored in
the rating_definitions( ) area of a D_TOC area. Preferably, the
rating_definitions( ) area include areas for storing the number of
countries defining the rating (num_of_countries), a 2-byte country
code (iso_country_code) as defined in ISO3166, a number of
definition of the rating (num_of_definition), a number specifying
the rating type (rating_type_number), and a letter string for
specifying the rating type (rating_type_string) as defined in
ISO646. Optionally, the syntax for a D_TOC area may omit a
rating_definitions_offset area.
[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the disc_tracks( ) area may
include areas for storing the number of tracks (number_of_tracks),
program number (program_number), track number (track_number),
logical sector address of track starting (start_lsa), logical
sector address of the last sector of the track (last_lsa), and the
logical sector address of the last entry sector in the track
(start_es_lsa).
[0132] A preferred syntax for a P_TOC area is illustrated in FIG.
13. A P_TOC area stores information regarding the contents of the
information carrier in a specific recorded PRGx area. Program
information for each program 1, 2, . . . N is recorded in a
corresponding program information recording area (PRG1, PRG2, PRG3,
. . . PRGN). The program information for each program is divided
into packets of program data. For example, path_rating_assignments(
) areas, program_tracks( ) areas, entry_points( ) areas, and
path_table( ) areas are included in a P_TOC area.
[0133] In path_rating_assignments( ) areas, areas are defined for a
number of countries defining the rating (num_of_countries), a
2-byte country code (iso_country_code) as defined in ISO3166, and a
letter string for specifying the path name (path_name) as defined
in ISO646. The location of specific entry points may be stored in
the P_TOC area to facilitate the selective reproduction of sections
of the recorded program to form different versions comprising
different sequences of recorded sections.
[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the program_tracks( ) area
includes areas for the total number of tracks employed in each path
defining the reproducing sequence (number of_path_tracks), track
number (track_number), relative sector address of track starting
(start_rsa), relative sector address of the last sector of the
track (last_rsa) and the relative sector address of the last entry
sector in the track (start_es_rsa). A relative sector address
("rsa") may be determined relative to the beginning of the program.
For example, the beginning of a program may be assigned an address
of zero.
[0135] As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the path_table( ) area includes
areas for the number of sections in the path (number_of_sections),
the relative sector address of the first entry sector of the
section, and the relative sector address of the last entry sector
in the section (last_es_rsa).
[0136] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the formation of different
versions of a program by selectively reproducing different
sequences of recorded sections of program information. Each version
is produced by following a particular "path" which indicates the
sequence of recorded sections that comprises the particular version
of the program. According to the illustrated path 0, a program
version is formed from a single section of program data which
extends from a starting segment to an ending segment and includes a
starting entry point and an end point. To facilitate explanation,
each of paths 0, 1, 2, and 3 are shown sharing a common pair of
starting and ending segments; the sharing of certain segments among
different versions is not required.
[0137] In path 1 of FIG. 14, a program version is formed from two
sections of recorded data wherein the start of each section is
designated by an entry point and the end of the version is
designated by an end point. As shown, the version defined by path 1
differs from that of path 0 in that a portion of data included in
path 0 is not included in path 1. In path 2, a program version is
formed from three sections of recorded data wherein the start of
each section is designated by an entry point and the end of the
version is designated by an end point. As shown, the version
defined by path 2 differs from that of path 0 in that path 2
includes a portion of data not included in path 0, specifically the
second section of path 2.
[0138] In path 3, a program version is formed from five sections of
recorded data wherein the start of each section is designated by an
entry point and the end of the version is designated by an end
point. As shown, the version defined by path 3 differs from that of
path 0 in that path 3 includes two portions of data not included in
path 0, specifically the second and fourth sections of path 3, but
omits a portion of data included in path 0.
[0139] Placement of a complete access unit, such as an audio frame,
an I-frame, a P-frame, or a B-frame at the beginning and end of
each section facilitates "jumping" of the reproduction operation
from one section to another, allowing the uninterrupted
reproduction of at least one of the video data or the audio
data.
[0140] If at least one path, for example path 0, is comprised of
only one section and is free of "jumps" then it may be reproduced
with a simplified reproduction system not designed for
"jumping".
[0141] In the MPEG system proposed in ISO/IEC JTC1/SC29/WG11 ,
video data and audio data are divided into packets to form a video
packet stream, also referred to as a "video packeted elementary
stream," and an audio packet stream, also referred to as an "audio
packetized elementary stream." The two streams are time-division
multiplexed to produce a program stream. The elementary stream of
the program stream is defined in a program stream map. The program
stream is further processed for storage on an information
carrier.
[0142] FIG. 15A illustrates a preferred embodiment of the program
stream. As shown, the program stream comprises a system header and
at least one PES packet. According to the MPEG standard, the
program stream includes a system layer and a compression layer. A
pack layer and a packetized elementary stream (PES) constitute a
system layer. Each multiplexed bitstream comprises one or more
packs. Each pack includes at least one PES packet or a program
stream map.
[0143] Typically, a pack comprises a header which includes areas
for a pack-start-code, a system clock reference (SCR) or a
program-mux rate, and a number of PES packets. Preferably, the
pack-start-code is the 32-bit code 0x000001B4 (hexadecimal
notation).
[0144] FIG. 15B illustrates the structure of a PES packet, while
FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D, together show a preferred syntax for
the PES packet. As shown, a PES packet includes a PES packet header
and accompanying packet data. A PES packet header includes areas
for a packet-start-code-prefix, a stream id, a PES-packet-length,
and an optical-PES-header. The optical-PES-header includes a
presentation time stamp (PTS) and a decoding time stamp (DTS).
Preferably, the packet-start-code-prefix is the 24-bit code
0x000001 and the stream-id is an 8-bit code representing the length
of a succeeding packet. PES-packet-length may vary up to a maximum
of 2048 bytes. Preferably, packet data may be video data,
corresponding to a video stream, or audio data, corresponding to an
audio stream.
[0145] Advantageously, the above-described definition of pack and
packet facilitates reproduction of multiplexed data from any sector
of the information carrier on a random access basis.
[0146] In accordance with the above, an entry point, implemented as
an entry packet, may be described with two packets, a PSD packet
and a PSM packet. In a PSD packet, the program stream directory
(PSD) describes the current directory offset (previous directory
offset) of the current PES packet. The PSD further includes the
distances between the current PES packet and up to six neighboring
entry points (three before and three after). The syntax and layout
of a PSM packet is illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B. The PSM
defines the elementary stream of the program stream, for example,
the PES data type such as MPEG-video, MPEG-audio or the like is
defined. The descriptor( ) area defined in the PSM packet may
include a variety of descriptors including a path_descriptor or a
program_descriptor.
[0147] In another implementation of the MPEG system defined in
ISO11172 and illustrated in FIG. 17, each multiplexed bitstream is
comprised of one or more packs and one ISO.sub.--11172_end_code. An
ISO.sub.--11172_end_code is preferably the 32-bit code 0x000001B9
(hexadecimal notation). Each pack includes a header and one or more
packets. The header includes a pack_start_code, preferably the
32-bit code 0x000001B4, and a system clock reference (SCR). Each
packet includes a packet_start_code_prefix, a stream_id, a
packet_length, a presentation time stamp (PTS), a decoding time
stamp (DTS), and packet data. Preferably, the
packet_start_code_prefix is the 24-bit code 0x000001. The stream_id
represents the type of packet and the packet_length (16 bits)
represents the succeeding packet length. This arrangement allows
audio and video data to be multiplexed.
[0148] FIG. 18 illustrates a multiplexed bitstream format which
includes entry points. The format comprises, in order, a pack
header, a video_packet_header, video data, an entry point, a
video_packet_header, video data which includes an I-frame, an
audio_packet_header, and audio data. A program stream directory
(PSD) and a program stream map (PSM) are included in the entry
point which is implemented as an entry packet. It should be noted
that the entry point is positioned before the video_packet_header
which immediately precedes the I-frame.
[0149] A sector having both the PSD and PSM recorded therein is
referred to as an "entry sector."
[0150] A data recording device implementing the above-described
data formats is illustrated in FIG. 19. The recording device,
indicated generally at 1900, receives audio and video input,
packets the audio and video input, time-division multiplexes the
packets, and records the stream of multiplexed packets on an
information carrier. Recording device 1900 includes an audio
encoder 1902, a video encoder 1904, a multiplexing unit 1906, a
storage medium 1908, a table of contents (TOC) data generating
circuit 1910, a table of contents (TOC) appending circuit 1912, a
sector header appending circuit 1914, an error correction code
(ECC) encoder 1916, a modulation circuit 1918, and a cutting
machine 1920. Although shown in connection with a disk 1922,
recording device 1900 may record data to any information carrier
including, for example, a magnetic tape or disk, a magneto-optical
disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.
[0151] Audio encoder 1902 and video encoder 1904 are conventional
signal encoders which, for example, may perform compression
encoding. Multiplexing unit 1906 multiplexes the encoded audio and
video data and determines the locations of entry points in the
data. A preferred embodiment of multiplexing unit 1906 is discussed
below in connection with FIG. 20.
[0152] Storage medium 1908 stores multiplexed encoded audio and
video data and may comprise any conventional data storage medium.
Preferably, storage medium 1908 is a digital storage medium
comprising a disk drive for reading to and writing from a magnetic
disc, a magneto-optical disk or an optical disk.
[0153] TOC data generating circuit 1910 generates TOC data as a
function of entry point information. TOC appending circuit 1912
appends TOC data to multiplexed data. Sector header appending
circuit 1914 divides data into sectors and appends a header to each
sector. ECC encoder 1916 is a conventional error correction code
encoder for appending error correction codes to data.
[0154] Modulation circuit 1918 is a conventional signal modulator
for modulating a signal suitably for utilization by cutting machine
1920. Cutting machine 1920 is a conventional data recording device
for recording data on an information carrier.
[0155] In operation, video signals are supplied through the video
input to video encoder 1904 and audio signals are supplied through
the audio input to audio encoder 1902. Video encoder 1904 supplies
encoded video signals to multiplexing unit 1906. Audio encoder 1902
supplies encoded audio signals to multiplexing unit 1906.
Multiplexing unit 1906 supplies multiplexed encoded audio and video
data to storage medium 1908 for temporary storage.
[0156] Multiplexed encoded audio and video data from storage medium
1908 are supplied to TOC appending circuit 1912 which appends TOC
data to the multiplexed bitstream. The TOC data includes entry
point information, e.g. sector addresses, regarding entry points in
the multiplexed data and is supplied to TOC appending circuit 1912
by TOC data generating circuit 1910. The TOC data is generated by
TOC data generating circuit 1910 from entry point data supplied
from multiplexing unit 1906.
[0157] The multiplexed bitstream, incorporating TOC data, is
supplied to sector header appending circuit 1914 which divides the
bitstream into data sectors appropriately sized for storage in
sectors of an information carrier. It is preferred that the
bitstream is divided into 2048 byte sectors for storage in
corresponding physical sectors of an information carrier. A sector
header, preferably comprising 16 bytes and indicating the sector
number of that sector, is appended to each sector of data. A pack
or packet header is placed at the beginning of each sector.
[0158] The sectors of data are then supplied to ECC encoder 1916
which appends error correction codes, such as parity codes, to the
sectors of data. The sectors of data, augmented with error
correction codes, are supplied to modulation circuit 1918 for
modulation to produce a modulated signal. The modulated signal is
supplied to cutting machine 1920 for recording on disk 1922.
[0159] FIG. 20 illustrates a preferred embodiment of multiplexing
unit 1906. As shown, multiplexing unit 1906 includes a video entry
point detecting circuit 2002, code buffers 2004 and 2006, a
switching circuit 2008, a header appending circuit 2010, an entry
point generating circuit 2012, a controller 2014, a multiplexed
system clock generating circuit 2016, an entry point storing unit
2018, and a rating appending circuit 2020. Also shown is a switch
2024 and a local decoder 2022.
[0160] Video entry point detecting circuit 2002 detects the
presence of I-frames in the encoded video data supplied from video
encoder 1904 and generates an entry point generating signal in
response to each occurrence of an I-frame. Alternatively, video
encoder 1904 is coupled directly to controller 2014 and generates
an entry point generating signal each time an I-frame is encoded.
Accordingly, video entry point detecting circuit 2002 may be
omitted.
[0161] Code buffers 2004 and 2006 and entry point storing unit 2018
are conventional data storage devices. Switching circuit 2008 is a
conventional controlled switching device. Controller 2014 may
comprise a microprocessor-based device. Multiplexed system clock
generating circuit 2016 generates a system clock signal.
[0162] Rating appending circuit 2020 generates a path-descriptor
for the current entry point. A programmer programs the rating
appending circuit 2020 for each section that is incorporated into
the reproduction sequence of a particular path and determines the
section boundaries. Optionally, a switch 2024 (shown) is coupled to
rating appending circuit 2020 and a local decoder 2022 (shown) is
coupled to storage medium 1908 and to controller 2014. Switch 2024
and local decoder 2022 may be omitted when appropriate.
[0163] Encoded video signals are supplied by video encoder 1904
through video entry point detecting circuit 2002 to code buffer
2004. Encoded audio signals are supplied by audio encoder 1902 to
coder buffer 2006. The output of buffer 2004 is coupled to terminal
E1 of switching circuit 2008. The output of buffer 2006 is coupled
to terminal E2 of switching circuit 2008. The output of entry point
generating circuit 2012 is coupled to terminal E3 of switching
circuit 2008. Output terminal F of switching circuit 2008 is
coupled to header appending circuit 2010. Multiplexed audio and
video data and header information, including specifically PSD and
PSM information, is supplied from header appending circuit 2010 to
storage medium 1908.
[0164] Controller 2014, responsive to the system clock signal,
controls switching circuit 2008 to sequentially and periodically
couple input terminals E1 and E2 to output terminal F. In this
manner, encoded data is supplied from buffers 2004 and 2006 to
header appending circuit 2010. Controller 2014 controls switching
circuit 2008 to complete an access unit, such as an audio frame, an
I-frame, a P-frame, or a B-frame at the jump point. This will be
described in detail below in connection with FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A,
and 24B.
[0165] Circuit 2010 is controlled by controller 2014 to generate an
MPEG-type bitstream from the encoded data. Specifically, header
appending circuit 2010 is controlled to append a video packet
header to video data supplied from buffer 2004 and to append an
audio packet header to audio data supplied from buffer 2006.
[0166] Controller 2014 receives the entry point generating signal
and, in response, controls entry point generating circuit 2012 to
supply a program stream directory and a program stream map to input
E3 of switching circuit 2008. Controller 2014 controls switching
circuit 2008 to insert the PSD and PSM directly before the video
entry point (I-frame) by appropriately controlling the timing of
the coupling of input terminal E3 with output terminal F. In this
manner, the PSD and PSM are supplied to header appending circuit
for multiplexing with the encoded audio and video data.
[0167] In the PSD of each entry point, the locations of the three
entry points located immediately adjacent but before the respective
entry point are stored in three prev_directory_offset areas. The
locations of the three entry points located immediately adjacent
but after the particular entry point are also stored in the PSD in
three next_directory_offset areas. However, since the locations of
future entry points may not be determined until such points are
processed, such storage is deferred until the three succeeding
entry points have been processed. Accordingly, controller 2014
controls entry point storing unit 2018 to store the location of
each entry point. Actual storage of the entry point locations in
each of the PSDs occurs following the storage of the multiplexed
audio and video data in storage medium 1908.
[0168] After the video and audio data have been multiplexed and
stored in storage medium 1908, controller 2014 accesses the
location information stored in entry point storing unit 2018 and
routes the location information to storage medium 1908. For each of
the entry points stored in storage medium 1908, the locations of
the three entry points after the particular entry point and the
locations of the three entry points before the particular entry
point are supplied from entry point storing unit 2018 to storage
medium 1908 for storage in association with that particular entry
point. Entry point storing unit 2018 also supplies entry point
information to TOC data generating circuit 1910. In an alternate
embodiment, actual storage of the locations of the three entry
points preceding a particular entry point occurs concurrent with
the storage of the multiplexed data.
[0169] FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of a data reproducing
device 2100 according to the present invention. Data reproducing
device 2100 is comprised of tracking servo circuit 2102, pickup
2104, drive control circuit 2106, demodulation circuit 2108, error
correction code (ECC) circuit 2110, header separation circuit 2112,
switch 2114, video decoder 2116, audio decoder 2118, controller
2120, entry point storing unit 2122, and TOC storing unit 2124.
[0170] Pickup 2104 is a conventional pickup device for reading
information from an information carrier. Preferably, pickup 2104
comprises an optical pickup for optically accessing data recorded
on an optical disk. Similarly, tracking servo circuit 2102, drive
control circuit 2106, demodulation circuit 2108, and error
correction code circuit 2110, are conventional devices.
[0171] Entry point storing unit 2122 and TOC storing unit 2124 are
conventional data storage devices. Switch 2114 is a conventional
controlled switching device. Controller 2120 may comprise a
microprocessor-based device.
[0172] In operation, controller 2120 issues a control signal to
drive control circuit 2106 to read the leading sector on
information carrier 1922. Drive control circuit 2106 drives pickup
2104 by means of tracking servo circuit 2102 to initiate
reproduction of data from the leading sector on information carrier
1922. Pickup 2104 reproduces data from information carrier 1922 and
supplies the reproduced data to demodulation circuit 2108.
Demodulation circuit 2108 demodulates the reproduced data and
supplies demodulated data to ECC circuit 2110 for error
correction.
[0173] ECC circuit 2110 detects and corrects errors found in the
reproduced data and supplies the error-corrected data to header
separation circuit 2112. Header separation circuit 2112 separates
TOC information from the error-corrected data and supplies the TOC
information to controller 2120. Controller 2120 stores the TOC
information in TOC storing unit 2124 and displays the TOC
information to a user by means of a display unit (not shown).
[0174] In response to user input, controller 2120 issues a control
signal to drive control circuit 2106 to initiate a reproduction
operation. Drive control circuit 2106 drives pickup 2104 by means
of tracking servo circuit 2102 to a position on the information
carrier 1922 selected by the user. Controller 2120 also issues a
control signal to video decoder 2116 and to audio decoder 2118 in
preparation for data decoding. In accordance with the process
described above, data is reproduced from the information carrier,
demodulated, and error-corrected. The error-corrected data is
supplied to header separation circuit 2112. Position information
regarding the current position on information carrier 1922 from
which data is being reproduced is supplied by drive control circuit
2106 to controller 2120.
[0175] From the error-corrected data, header separation circuit
2112 separates the pack header, packet header, program directory,
program stream directory (PSD), and program stream map (PSM) and
supplies such header data to controller 2120. The time-division
multiplexed data which remains is supplied to input terminal G of
switch 2114. Output terminal H1 of switch 2114 is coupled to an
input of video decoder 2116 while output terminal H2 is coupled to
an input of audio decoder 2118.
[0176] Controller 2120 stores entry point information included in
the header data in entry point storing unit 2122. Along with each
entry point is stored the location of the point as determined from
the current position information supplied by drive control circuit
2106. The relative location of the entry points with respect to one
another may also be stored.
[0177] Controller 2120 controls switch 2114 to sequentially couple
input terminal G with either output terminal H1 or H2 in accordance
with the stream_id included in the corresponding packet header. The
time-division multiplexed data is thus selectively routed to either
video decoder 2116 or audio decoder 2118, as appropriate.
[0178] In a reproduction operation, controller 2120 retrieves from
TOC storing unit 2124 rating information stored in the
rating_definition( ) area of the D_TOC area. Controller 2120 causes
the display unit to display a list of countries having the
particular rating definition and corresponding to the country code
stored as part of the rating information. From this list, a user
selects the appropriate country, e.g. the country in which the data
is to be reproduced. The user enters the selection through a user
interface, not shown, which transmits the user's selection to
controller 2120. For example, the user interface may comprise an
operating button located on reproducing device 2100 or a remote
control device for controlling reproducing device 2100.
[0179] Following receipt of the user's selection of a particular
country, controller 2120 controls the display unit to display a
list of corresponding rating_type_number information and
rating_type_string information. The user indicates the
rating_type_number information which is to be allowed for
reproduction and enters the selection into the user interface. The
user interface transmits the user's selection to controller 2120.
Following receipt of the user's selection of allowable
rating_type_number information, controller 2120 retrieves
path_rating_assignments( ) information included in P_TOC
information from TOC storing unit 2124.
[0180] As a function of the country code and rating_type_number
information selected by the user, controller 2120 determines from
the path_rating_assignments( ) information the path_name
information of an allowable path of reproduction. If only one path
is determined to be allowable, reproduction according to that path
is commenced by controller 2120.
[0181] If multiple paths are determined to be allowable, controller
2120 controls the display unit to display rating_type_string
information and path_name information corresponding to the selected
rating_type_number information. The user then selects among the
path_name information and corresponding rating_type_string
information for the path which is desired for reproduction and
enters the selection into the user interface. The user interface
transmits the user's selection to controller 2120 which controls
reproducing device 2100 to reproduce the selected version of the
video work according to the selected path. By the above-described
process, a user selects among plural versions of a video work to
select the version that has a rating which is consistent with the
user's preference.
[0182] Alternatively, if multiple paths are determined to be
allowable, controller 2120 may commence reproduction according to
the path corresponding to the smallest path_number information. As
a further alternative, a default path information may be
pre-recorded on the information carrier which is retrieved by
controller 2120 which then commences reproduction according to the
default path information. Preferably, such default path information
is stored as path_rating_assignments information. Optionally, a
default path information may be pre-stored in controller 2120.
[0183] In an alternate embodiment, reproducing device 2100 includes
an input device (not shown), such as a switch, which may be set by
a user to indicate the rating_type_number information which
reflects the user's preferences. Controller 2120 accesses the
user's preferences from the input device and initiates reproduction
of the video work version that has a rating consistent with the
user's preferences. The input device maintains the user's selection
for future use by reproducing device 2100. Optionally, the input
device may be positioned so as to be inaccessible to minor-aged
persons, constructed so as to be too complicated to be operated by
minor-aged persons, or otherwise locked to prevent or at least to
deter reproduction of certain version of a video work.
[0184] In another alternate embodiment, rating_type_string
information and path_name information, based upon
rating_definition( ) information or path_rating_assignments( )
information, for every version of a video work recorded on the
information carrier is displayed to the user by means of a display
unit (not shown) controlled by controller 2120. Such an embodiment
enables a user to choose from among all versions of the video work
that are available on the information carrier.
[0185] In a reproducing operation, controller 2120 receives a
command from a main controller (not shown) to enter into a rating
mode. In rating mode, controller 2120 monitors data flowing through
header separating circuit 2112. If a PSM is detected, controller
2120 monitors the data for a path descriptor. If no path descriptor
is detected, straightforward data reproduction occurs.
[0186] FIG. 23A illustrates completed access units on both sides of
a jump point located between two sectors. FIG. 23B illustrates
uncompleted access units on both sides of a jump point located
between two sectors. FIG. 24A illustrates an arrangement of video
data in which prediction or reference for decoding a portion of
data need only be made with respect to data on the same side of a
jump point as the data to be decoded. A video encoder 1904 which
does not perform prediction or reference across a jump point for
decoding access units may be utilized if data is arranged as shown
in FIG. 24A. FIG. 24B illustrates an arrangement of video data
according to which the decoding of certain data on one side of a
jump point will necessitate prediction or reference with respect to
data located on the opposite side of the jump point.
[0187] FIG. 25 illustrates a data format according to the invention
produced when plural data sequences, that is paths, are recorded on
the information carrier. As shown, the bitstream in the recording
medium has its path constituted by three sections S1, S2, and S3
which are separated by two unused portions of the information
carrier. Reproduction of a version of the program constitutes
reproduction of sections S1, S2, S3 in order. Section S1 is
recorded on tracks 1 and 2, section S2 is recorded on tracks 2 and
3, and section S3 is recorded on tracks 3 and 4.
[0188] In a straightforward reproduction operation, controller 2120
controls data reproduction to commence at the leading end of the
first section which is presumed to be recorded in the first section
S1. Controller 2120 detects the program stream map (PSM) stored in
the entry point recorded in the first section S1 and detects the
path_descriptor( ) associated with the path to be reproduced from
the path_descriptors( ) area. Controller 2120 stores the
path_descriptor information in entry point storing unit 2122.
Plural path_descriptors may be present in each path of the PSM.
[0189] The information of pX_sectors_to_read, indicated by arrow
26.sub.1, pX_sectors_from_first, indicated by arrow 26.sub.2,
pX_offset next_section, indicated by arrow 26.sub.3,
pX_offset_previous_section, indicated by arrow 26.sub.4,
pX_offset_next_track, indicated by arrow 26.sub.5 and
pX_offset_previous_track, indicated by arrow 26.sub.6, are included
in path_descriptor information, as explained above and illustrated
in FIGS. 26A, 26B, and 26C.
[0190] After storing the path_descriptor( ) information, controller
2120 compares the sector address of the sector currently reproduced
from the drive control circuit 2106 to the sector address stored in
entry point storing unit 2122, as indicated by arrow 26.sub.1 in
FIG. 26A. When the end point of the first section S1 is reached,
shown at the tip of arrow 26.sub.1 in FIG. 26A, the controller 2120
controls the drive controlling circuit 2106 to access the start
position of the next section. Accordingly, reproduction is started
from the leading end of the second section S2, indicated by arrow
26.sub.3 in FIG. 26A.
[0191] After starting reproduction from the leading end of the
second section S2, controller 2120 detects in the PSM of the entry
point recorded in the second section S2 the path_descriptor
information associated with the path to be reproduced, and causes
the detected path_descriptor information to be stored in storing
unit 2122.
[0192] After storing the path_descriptor information, the
controller 2120 compares the sector address of the sector currently
reproduced by drive control circuit 2106 with the end address
stored in entry point storing unit 2122, indicated by arrow
26.sub.1 of FIG. 26B. Reproduction of the second section continues
until the end as indicated by arrow 26.sub.1 in FIG. 26B. When the
reproduction of the second section S2 comes to a close, controller
2120 controls drive control circuit 2106 to access the start
position of section S3, as indicated by arrow 26.sub.3 in FIG. 26B.
Reproduction continues at the leading end of section S3.
[0193] After starting reproduction at the leading end of section
S3, controller 2120 detects in the PSM of the entry point recorded
in the section S3 the path descriptor information corresponding to
the path to be reproduced and stores the information in entry point
storing unit 2122.
[0194] In section S3, pX_offset_next_section will contain a zero
value indicating that a next section is not present. Accordingly,
controller 2120 allows reproduction of section S3 to proceed to the
end of the section, as shown by arrow 26.sub.1 in FIG. 26C, before
reproduction is terminated.
[0195] Thus, reproduction of plural sections occurs as described
above in accordance with the information stored in the
path_descriptor areas of the sections.
[0196] An example of a fast forward (FF) reproduction operation
according to the invention is described in the following. If fast
forward reproduction is commanded during reproduction of section S1
and the path_descriptor information recorded in section S1 has not
yet been stored in the entry point storing unit 2122, controller
2120 detects the path_descriptor information associated with the
path to be reproduced from the PSM of an arbitrary entry point in
section Si, and that path_descriptor information is stored in
storing unit 2122.
[0197] Controller 2120 controls device 2100 to sequentially access
the recorded entry points in accordance with the location
information regarding forward and backward adjacent entry points
stored in the PSD and to reproduce the I-picture placed directly
after the access entry point. The sector address of the entry point
being accessed is compared to the sector address indicated by arrow
26.sub.1 of FIG. 26A stored in the entry point storing unit 2122,
and FF reproduction is continued until the end point of section S1
is reached or exceeded.
[0198] When the end point of section S1 is reached or exceeded,
controller 2120 controls drive control circuit 2106 to access the
start position of the next section, that is to a position indicated
by arrow 26.sub.3 of FIG. 26A, for resuming FF reproduction at the
leading end of section S2. FF reproduction continues in accordance
with the above-described operation to the end point of section
S3.
[0199] As will be clear to one of ordinary skill, the
above-described operation may adapted to achieve a FF reproduction
of a program having any number of sections.
[0200] An example of a fast reverse (FR) reproduction operation
according to the invention is described in the following. If fast
reverse reproduction is commanded during reproduction of section S3
and the path_descriptor information recorded in section S3 has not
yet been stored in the entry point storing unit 2122, controller
2120 detects the path_descriptor information associated with the
path to be reproduced from the PSM of an arbitrary entry point in
section S3, and that path_descriptor information is stored in
storing unit 2122.
[0201] Controller 2120 controls device 2100 to sequentially access
the recorded entry points in accordance with the location
information regarding forward and backward adjacent entry points
stored in the PSD and to reproduce the I-picture placed directly
after the access entry point. The sector address of the entry point
being accessed is compared to the sector address indicated by arrow
26.sub.2 of FIG. 26C stored in the entry point storing unit 2122,
and FR reproduction is continued until the start point of section
S3 is reached or exceeded.
[0202] When the start point of section S3 is reached or exceeded,
controller 2120 controls drive control circuit 2106 to access the
last entry point of the previous section, that is to a position
indicated by arrow 26.sub.4 of FIG. 26C, for resuming FR
reproduction at the last entry point of section S2.
[0203] Controller 2120 detects the path_descriptor information
associated with the path to be reproduced from the PSM of an entry
point in section S2, and that path_descriptor information is stored
in storing unit 2122. Controller 2120 then controls device 2100 to
sequentially access the recorded entry points and compares the
sector address of the entry point being accessed with the sector
address stored in the entry point storing unit 2122, indicated by
arrow 26.sub.2 of FIG. 26B. FR reproduction is continued until the
start point of section S2 is reached or exceeded.
[0204] When the start point of section S2 is reached or exceeded,
controller 2120 controls drive control circuit 2106 to access the
last entry point of the previous section, that is to a position
indicated by arrow 26.sub.4 of FIG. 26B, for resuming FR
reproduction at the last entry point of section S1. Controller 2120
detects the path_descriptor information associated with the path to
be reproduced from the PSM of an entry point in section S1, and
that path_descriptor information is stored in storing unit
2122.
[0205] In section S1, pX_offset_previous_section will contain a
zero value indicating that a prior section is not present.
Accordingly, controller 2120 allows reproduction of section S1 to
proceed to the start of the section, as shown by arrow 26.sub.2 in
FIG. 26A, before reproduction is terminated.
[0206] As will be clear to one of ordinary skill, the
above-described operation may adapted to achieve a FR reproduction
of a program having any number of sections.
[0207] An example of a track searching reproduction operation
according to the invention is described in the following. If
forward track search or backwards track search reproduction is
commanded and the path_descriptor information has not yet been
stored in the entry point storing unit 2122, controller 2120
detects the PSM of the entry point near to the current point while
detecting from plural path_descriptors present in each path in the
PSM the path_descriptor information associated with the path to be
reproduced, and that path_descriptor information is stored in
storing unit 2122.
[0208] Controller 2120 controls drive control circuit 2106 to
access the position in the path descriptor information represented
by the pX_offset_next_track information, associated with arrow
27.sub.6 of FIG. 27. Since the information from which the leading
position of the track directly preceding and directly succeeding
the track is recorded as pX_offset_previous track information and
pX_offset_next_track information in the path_descriptor information
of the entry point at the leading end of the track, the leading end
of the track preceding or succeeding the track by a number of
tracks can be accessed by repeating the accessing operation.
[0209] FIGS. 27A, 27B, and 27C illustrate examples of entry points
arranged in each section. The positions represented by
pX_offset_previous_track information are indicated by arrows
27.sub.6 and the positions represented by pX_offset_next_track
information are indicated by arrow 27.sub.5. Both
pX_offset_previous_track information and pX_offset_next_track
information are recorded at an entry point. As shown in FIGS. 27A,
27B, and 27C, since pX_offset_previous_track information and
pX_offset_next_track information specify the positions of the
starting points of the directly preceding and directly succeeding
tracks beyond the boundaries of the current section, the starting
points of tracks can be speedily and correctly accessed even when
the path comprises plural sections.
[0210] Analogously, a time code search may also be achieved
utilizing path descriptor information. In response to a command to
search for a particular time code, controller 2120 may access entry
points in other sections to locate the entry point having a
particular time code according to the processes described above in
connection with FF reproduction and FR reproduction. Alternatively,
search for an entry point having a particular time code may be
achieved by initially sequentially detecting the time code of the
entry point of the leading end and/or the end point of each
section. From the relative magnitudes of the time codes and by
having access to the entry points in other sections as described
above, controller 2120 may determine in which section lies the
targeted time code.
[0211] The above-described operations may utilize time code
information and/or track number information recorded in
path_descriptor information or time code_descriptor information of
each entry point.
[0212] In another embodiment of the reproducing device of FIG. 21,
a less expensive reproducing device may be constructed by limiting
the functionality of controller 2120. Specifically, such a device
may not be capable of detecting path_descriptor information
sufficiently during reproduction or special reproduction
operations. In such a reproducing device, reproduction and fast
reproduction in the forward and reverse directions may be achieved
for a particular path which is constituted by only one section by
reading out and storing the leading points and end points of the
path from table-of-contents (TOC) information prior to reproduction
of the program. If time code information or track number
information need not be displayed, path_descriptor information need
not be reproduced during a reproduction operation. A controller
2120 which cannot reproduce path_descriptor information can be
constructed at a lower cost and hence an inexpensive reproducing
device may be produced.
[0213] In the above-described embodiments, the information
representing the data reproducing sequence (path) is placed and
recorded in the path_descriptor information in the program stream
map (PSM) information included in the multiplexed data. This format
enables a reproducing device not having abundant memory to access
and store information required during a particular period of
reproduction in order to control the reproducing sequence and to
perform editing reproduction processing.
[0214] Alternatively, information representing the data reproducing
sequence (path) may be collectively recorded outside the
multiplexed data instead of being incorporated into the multiplexed
data. Path_descriptor information for each entry point may be
combined with the sector addresses of the entry points and recorded
at a single recording position, such as a table-of-contents
area.
[0215] As a further alternative, the starting addresses and last
entry point addresses of program sections may be arranged according
to each path and recorded at a single recording position, such as a
table-of-contents area. A reproducing device have a relatively
large storage capacity may then access the address information
prior to reproduction of the multiplexed data and thus have
information sufficient for random access to any section of any
path. As another alternative, the reproduction sequence of a
particular path may be re-arranged and transferred to another
information carrier with reference to only table of contents data
and without reproducing the multiplexed data itself.
[0216] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention
and modifications thereof have been described in detail herein, it
is to be understood that this invention is not limited to these
precise embodiments and modifications, and that other modifications
and variations may be affected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *