U.S. patent application number 10/098587 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-26 for encoding apparatus and decoding apparatus for a digital video disc.
This patent application is currently assigned to Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Tanaka, Yoshiaki, Ueno, Shoji.
Application Number | 20020136536 10/098587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 16015016 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020136536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanaka, Yoshiaki ; et
al. |
September 26, 2002 |
Encoding apparatus and decoding apparatus for a digital video
disc
Abstract
At least one musical composition is transmitted via a digital
video disc together with bonus information relating to the musical
composition and an approved interactive data required when a user
accesses the bonus information. An arbitrary interactive data is
entered by the user accessing the bonus information. The
transmitted musical composition is reproducible regardless of the
entered interactive data. However, a reproduction of the bonus
information is allowed only when the entered interactive data
agrees with the approved interactive data.
Inventors: |
Tanaka, Yoshiaki;
(Fujisawa-shi, JP) ; Ueno, Shoji; (Fujisawa-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONNOLLY BOVE LODGE & HUTZ LLP
SUITE 800
1990 M STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-3425
US
|
Assignee: |
Victor Company of Japan,
Ltd.
Yokohama
JP
|
Family ID: |
16015016 |
Appl. No.: |
10/098587 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
10098587 |
Mar 18, 2002 |
|
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|
09094590 |
Jun 15, 1998 |
|
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6385387 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
386/252 ;
386/327; 386/328; 386/355; 386/E9.017; G9B/27.019; G9B/27.033 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/85 20130101; G11B
27/3027 20130101; H04N 9/8063 20130101; G11B 2220/2562 20130101;
H04N 9/8042 20130101; G11B 27/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/95 ; 386/96;
386/125 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/92; H04N
005/781 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 17, 1997 |
JP |
9-176517 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for recording and reproducing audio-related data to or
from a digital video disc, comprising the steps of: transmitting at
least one musical composition via a digital video disc, together
with bonus information relating to said musical composition and an
approved interactive data required when a user accesses said bonus
information; receiving an arbitrary interactive data entered by the
user accessing said bonus information; and reproducing the
transmitted musical composition regardless of said entered
interactive data, and allowing a reproduction of said bonus
information only when said entered interactive data agrees with
said approved interactive data.
2. The recording and reproducing method in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said musical composition is a main source to be recorded on
or reproduced from the digital video disc, and at least one
optional source is selectable from the group consisting of taped
accompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI codes, and inquiries.
3. The recording and reproducing method in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said approved interactive data is a password.
4. The recording and reproducing method in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said approved interactive data is obtainable by paying for
it.
5. The recording and reproducing method in accordance with claim 1,
wherein said approved interactive data is obtainable by answering a
given inquiry.
6. An encoding apparatus for a digital video disc comprising: an
A/D conversion means for converting audio analog signals of at
least one musical composition into a digital form and producing a
digital data stream; and a recording means for recording said
digital data stream on a digital video disc together with bonus
information relating to said musical composition and an approved
interactive data required when a user accesses said bonus
information.
7. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein said
musical composition is a main source to be recorded on the digital
video disc, and at least one optional source is selectable from the
group consisting of taped accompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI codes,
and inquiry.
8. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein said
approved interactive data is a password.
9. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein said
approved interactive data is obtainable by paying for it.
10. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein said
approved interactive data is obtainable by answering a given
inquiry.
11. A digital video disc comprising: a first recording portion for
storing a digital data stream obtained by A/D converting audio
analog signals of at least one musical composition; a second
recording portion for storing bonus information relating to said
musical composition; and a third recording portion for storing an
approved interactive data required when a user accesses said bonus
information.
12. The digital video disc in accordance with claim 11, wherein
said musical composition is a main source, and at least one
optional source is selectable from the group consisting of taped
accompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI codes, and inquiries.
13. The digital video disc in accordance with claim 11, wherein
said approved interactive data is a password.
14. The digital video disc in accordance with claim 11, wherein
said approved interactive data is obtainable by paying for it.
15. The digital video disc in accordance with claim 11, wherein
said approved interactive data is obtainable by answering a given
inquiry.
16. A decoding apparatus for a digital video disc which stores a
digital data stream obtained by A/D converting audio analog signals
of at least one musical composition, bonus information relating to
said musical composition, and an approved interactive data required
when a user accesses said bonus information, said decoding
apparatus comprising: an input means for receiving an arbitrary
interactive data entered by the user accessing said bonus
information; and a reproducing means for reproducing said musical
composition regardless of said entered interactive data, and
allowing a reproduction of said bonus information only when said
entered interactive data agrees with said approved interactive
data.
17. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein
said musical composition is a main source to be reproduced from the
digital video disc, and at least one optional source is selectable
from the group consisting of taped accompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI
codes, and inquiries.
18. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein
said approved interactive data is a password.
19. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein
said approved interactive data is obtainable by paying for it.
20. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein
said approved interactive data is obtainable by answering a given
inquiry.
21. A method for recording and reproducing audio-related data to
and from a digital video disc comprising the steps of: transmitting
at least one musical composition via a digital video disc, together
with a program for reproducing one of musical composition groups
and an approved interactive data required when a user accesses a
specific musical composition group; receiving an arbitrary
interactive data entered by the user accessing said specific
musical composition group; and allowing a reproduction of said
specific musical composition group only when said entered
interactive data agrees with said approved interactive data.
22. An encoding apparatus for a digital video disc comprising: an
A/D conversion means for converting audio analog signals of at
least one musical composition into a digital form and producing a
digital data stream; and a recording means for recording said
digital data stream on a digital video disc together with a program
for reproducing one of musical composition groups and an approved
interactive data required when a user accesses a specific musical
composition group.
23. A digital video disc comprising: a first recording portion for
storing a digital data stream obtained by A/D converting audio
analog signals of at least one musical composition; a second
recording portion for storing a program for reproducing one of
musical composition groups; and a third recording portion for
storing an approved interactive data required when a user accesses
a specific musical composition group.
24. A decoding apparatus for a digital video disc which stores a
digital data stream obtained by A/D converting audio analog signals
of at least one musical composition, a program for reproducing one
of musical composition groups, and an approved interactive data
required when a user accesses a specific musical composition group,
said decoding apparatus comprising: an input means for receiving an
arbitrary interactive data entered by said user accessing said
specific musical composition group; and a reproducing means for
reproducing said specific musical composition group only when said
entered interactive data agrees with said approved interactive
data.
25. An encoding apparatus for a digital video disc comprising: an
A/D converter for converting audio analog signals of at least one
musical composition into a digital form by sampling said audio
analog signals at a predetermined sampling frequency and producing
a digital data stream; a signal processing circuit for processing
said digital data stream to produce a user data pack; an encoding
circuit for receiving said user data pack together with bonus
information relating to said musical composition and an approved
interactive data required when a user accesses said bonus
information, and producing audio and video data; and a modulating
circuit for modulating said audio and video data according to a
modulation procedure suitable for the type of a digital video disc
on which said audio and video data are recorded.
26. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein
said encoding circuit produces packing data of said musical
composition as a main source to be recorded on said digital video
disc, as well as packing data of at least one optional source
selected from the group consisting of taped accompaniments, BGM
sounds, MIDI codes, and inquiries.
27. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein
said bonus information is a program for reproducing one of musical
composition groups and said approved interactive data is required
when the user accesses a specific musical composition group.
28. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein
said approved interactive data is a password.
29. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein
said approved interactive data is obtainable by paying for it.
30. The encoding apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein
said approved interactive data is obtainable by answering a given
inquiry.
31. A decoding apparatus for a digital video disc which stores a
digital data stream obtained by A/D converting audio analog signals
of at least one musical composition, bonus information relating to
said musical composition, and an approved interactive data required
when a user accesses said bonus information, said decoding
apparatus comprising: a judging means for judging whether or not an
arbitrary interactive data entered by the user agrees with said
approved interactive data; a modulation circuit for demodulating
received signals in compliance with a demodulation procedure
suitable for the digital video disc; a decoding circuit for
separating said demodulated signal into audio and video packing
data of said musical composition and said bonus information; a
reproduction control means for reproducing audio and video data of
said musical composition from said decoding circuit regardless of
said entered interactive data and for allowing a reproduction of
said bonus information in response to a judgement result of said
judging means only when said entered interactive data agrees with
said approved interactive data.
32. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein
said decoding circuit produces packing data of said musical
composition as a main source to be reproduced from said digital
video disc, as well as packing data of at least one optional source
selected from the group consisting of taped accompaniments, BGM
sounds, MIDI codes, and inquiries.
33. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein
said bonus information is a program for reproducing one of musical
composition groups and said approved interactive data is required
when the user accesses a specific musical composition group.
34. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein
said approved interactive data is a password.
35. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein
said approved interactive data is obtainable by paying for it.
36. The decoding apparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein
said approved interactive data is obtainable by answering a given
inquiry.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a DVD (i.e., digital video
disc, digital versatile disc), its recording and reproducing
methods, and related encoding and decoding apparatuses using the
DVD.
[0002] The DVD has a large capacity compared with a CD (i.e.,
compact disc), and is preferably used as an audio disc for
recording and reproducing musical data.
[0003] The DVD has a capability of performing a high-density
recording. This provides a surplus recording time. Effectively
using the surplus recording time is important when the DVD is used
as a musical recording medium. For example, the DVD can be a
multipurpose musical source capable of providing various options,
such as taped accompaniments and BGM (i.e., background music)
sounds, in addition to the playback of original musical
compositions. This will broaden the enjoyment of each DVD user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a DVD
allowing users to enjoy the playback of the DVD in various ways or
allowing a disc producer to utilize the same disc by different
methods. Furthermore, the present invention provides recording and
reproducing methods for recording and reproducing audio-related
data to and from the DVD, and a related encoding apparatus and a
decoding apparatus using the DVD.
[0005] In order to accomplish the above and other related objects,
a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for
recording and reproducing audio-related data to or from a digital
video disc, comprising the following steps. In a first step, at
least one musical composition is transmitted via a digital video
disc together with bonus information relating to the musical
composition and an approved interactive data required when a user
accesses the bonus information. In a second step, an arbitrary
interactive data is entered by the user accessing the bonus
information. And, in a third step, the transmitted musical
composition is reproduced regardless of the entered interactive
data, while a reproduction of the bonus information is allowed only
when the entered interactive data agrees with the approved
interactive data.
[0006] A second aspect of the present invention provides an
encoding apparatus for a digital video disc comprising an A/D
conversion means for converting audio analog signals of at least
one musical composition into a digital form and producing a digital
data stream, and a recording means for recording the digital data
stream on a digital video disc together with bonus information
relating to the musical composition and an approved interactive
data required when a user accesses the bonus information.
[0007] A third aspect of the present invention provides a digital
video disc comprising a first recording portion for storing a
digital data stream obtained by A/D converting audio analog signals
of at least one musical composition, a second recording portion for
storing bonus information relating to the musical composition, and
a third recording portion for storing an approved interactive data
required when a user accesses the bonus information.
[0008] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a decoding
apparatus for a digital video disc which stores a digital data
stream obtained by A/D converting audio analog signals of at least
one musical composition, bonus information relating to the musical
composition, and an approved interactive data required when a user
accesses the bonus information. The decoding apparatus comprising
an input means for receiving an arbitrary interactive data entered
by the user accessing the bonus information, and a reproducing
means for reproducing the musical composition regardless of the
entered interactive data and allowing a reproduction of the bonus
information only when the entered interactive data agrees with the
approved interactive data.
[0009] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method
for recording and reproducing audio-related data to and from a
digital video disc comprising the following steps. In a first step,
at least one musical composition is transmitted via a digital video
disc together with a program for reproducing one of musical
composition groups and an approved interactive data required when a
user accesses a specific musical composition group. In a second
step, an arbitrary interactive data is entered by the user
accessing the specific musical composition group. And, in a third
step, a reproduction of the specific musical composition group is
allowed only when the entered interactive data agrees with the
approved interactive data.
[0010] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides an encoding
apparatus for a digital video disc comprising an A/D conversion
means for converting audio analog signals of at least one musical
composition into a digital form and producing a digital data
stream, and a recording means for recording the digital data stream
on a digital video disc together with a program for reproducing one
of musical composition groups and an approved interactive data
required when a user accesses a specific musical composition
group.
[0011] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a digital
video disc comprising a first recording portion for storing a
digital data stream obtained by A/D converting audio analog signals
of at least one musical composition, a second recording portion for
storing a program for reproducing one of musical composition
groups, and a third recording portion for storing an approved
interactive data required when a user accesses a specific musical
composition group.
[0012] An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a
decoding apparatus for a digital video disc which stores a digital
data stream obtained by A/D converting audio analog signals of at
least one musical composition, a program for reproducing one of
musical composition groups, and an approved interactive data
required when a user accesses a specific musical composition group,
The decoding apparatus comprises an input means for receiving an
arbitrary interactive data entered by the user accessing the
specific musical composition group, and a reproducing means for
reproducing the specific musical composition group only when the
entered interactive data agrees with the approved interactive
data.
[0013] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides an encoding
apparatus for a digital video disc comprising an A/D converter for
converting audio analog signals of at least one musical composition
into a digital form by sampling the audio analog signals at a
predetermined sampling frequency to produce a digital data stream.
A signal processing circuit processes the digital data stream to
produce a user data pack. An encoding circuit receives the user
data pack together with bonus information relating to the musical
composition and an approved interactive data required when a user
accesses the bonus information and producing audio and video data.
A modulating circuit modulates the audio and video data according
to a modulation procedure suitable for the type of a digital video
disc on which the audio and video data are recorded.
[0014] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a decoding
apparatus for a digital video disc which stores a digital data
stream obtained by A/D converting audio analog signals of at least
one musical composition, bonus information relating to the musical
composition, and an approved interactive data required when a user
accesses the bonus information. The decoding apparatus comprises a
judging means for judging whether or not an arbitrary interactive
data entered by the user agrees with the approved interactive data.
A modulation circuit demodulates received signals in compliance
with a demodulation procedure suitable for the digital video disc.
A decoding circuit separates the demodulated signal into audio and
video packing data of the musical composition and the bonus
information. A reproduction control means is provided for
reproducing audio and video data of the musical composition from
the decoding circuit regardless of the entered interactive data and
for allowing a reproduction of the bonus information in response to
a judgement result of the judging means only when the entered
interactive data agrees with the approved interactive data.
[0015] Preferably, the musical composition is a main source to be
recorded on or reproduced from the digital video disc. At least one
optional source is selectable from the group consisting of taped
accompaniments, BGM sounds, MIDI codes, and inquiries (e.g.,
quiz).
[0016] Preferably, the bonus information is a program for
reproducing one of musical composition groups and the approved
interactive data is required when the user accesses a specific
musical composition group.
[0017] Preferably, the approved interactive data is a password
obtainable by paying for it or by answering a given inquiry.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description which is to be read in conjunction with the
attached drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an encoding apparatus for
a DVD in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed arrangement of
a signal processing circuit shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating A/D converted data streams in
relation to sampling intervals of an A/D converter shown in FIG.
1;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a view showing a data format of user data
processed by the signal processing circuit shown in FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a view showing a data format of an audio pack or a
video pack formatted by a DVD encoding circuit shown in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing a DVD-video data format
and a DVD-audio data format formatted by the DVD encoding circuit
shown in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a view showing a detailed arrangement of ACBU
(i.e., audio contents block unit) shown in FIG. 6B;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a view showing a detailed arrangement of
A-CONT(i.e., audio control) pack shown in FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a view showing a detailed arrangement of ASD
(i.e., audio search data) in the A-CONT pack shown in FIG. 8;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a decoding apparatus for
the DVD in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a detailed arrangement of
a signal processing circuit shown in FIG. 10;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the interpolation processing
performed in the signal processing circuit shown in FIG. 11;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a flowchart explaining the playback processing
performed in a control section shown in FIG. 10;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of bonus information
areas; and
[0033] FIG. 15 is a view showing another example of bonus
information areas.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be explained with reference to the attached drawings.
Identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals
throughout the views.
[0035] FIG. 1 shows an arrangement of an encoding apparatus having
an input terminal IN. An audio analog signal, entered from the
input terminal IN, is supplied to an A/D converter 31. The A/D
converter 31 performs a sampling operation of the audio analog
signals at a predetermined sampling frequency (corresponding to a
predetermined sampling interval .DELTA.t shown in FIG. 3). For
example, the sampling operation can produce a high-resolution PCM
(i.e., pulse code modulation) signal of 24 bits at a sampling
frequency of 192 kHz
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a data stream (xbi, x2i-l, xai, x2i) consisting
of sampled data xb1, x1, xa1, x2, xb2, x3, xa2, - - - , xbi, x2i-l,
xai, x2i, - - - obtained from a given curve .alpha..
[0037] The obtained data stream (xbi, x2i-l, xai, x2i) is processed
by a signal processing circuit 32 associated with a memory 33. The
memory 33 is a buffer memory used when the audio data are encoded
and is functional as a calculation memory or its auxiliary memory
(e.g., settings of coefficients).
[0038] The output of the signal processing circuit 32 is supplied
to a DVD encoding circuit 34. The DVD encoding circuit 34 produces
a packing of the audio and video DVD data according to
predetermined DVD data formats. The packing data is directly output
from an output terminal OUT1, or modulated by a modulation circuit
35 according to a modulation procedure suitable for the type of DVD
and output from another output terminal OUT2.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a detailed arrangement of the signal processing
circuit 32. A low-pass filter 36 is, for example, an FIR (i.e.,
finite impulse response) filter that allows the data to pass a 1/2
band. The low-pass filter 36 inputs the data stream (xbi, x2i-l,
xai, x2i) corresponding to the curve .alpha. and produces a data
stream (xci, *, *, *) consisting of band-limited data xc1, *, *, *,
xc2, *, *, *, xc3, *, *, *, - - - , xci, *, *, *, - - -
corresponding to a curve .beta..
[0040] The band-limited data of the curve .beta. are then entered
into a thinning-out (i.e., decimating) circuit 37. The thinning-out
circuit 37 performs a thinning (i.e., decimating) operation and
produces a data stream (xci) consisting of thinned-out (i.e.,
decimated) data xc1, xc2, xc3, - - - , xci, - - - , as a result of
the thinning operation for removing all of the data "*".
[0041] The data stream (xci) is a data stream of sampling data
obtained as a result of a sampling operation performed at a 1/4
sampling frequency on the digital data converted by the A/D
converter 31.
[0042] Another thinning-out circuit 38 inputs the data stream (xbi,
x2i-l, xai, x2i) corresponding to the curve a and produces a data
stream (xbi, xa1) consisting of thinned-out data xb1, xa1, xb2,
xa2, - - - , xbi, xai, - - - , as a result of the thinning
operation for removing all of the data "xi".
[0043] An adder 39, serving as a differential calculator, obtains
the following differences based on the obtained data streams xci,
xbi and xai.
xbi-xci=.DELTA.1i
xai-xci=.DELTA.2i
[0044] The calculated differential data .DELTA.1i and .DELTA.2i are
equal to or less than 24 bits. The bit number is either a fixed
value or a variable value.
[0045] An allocation circuit 40 receives the data stream xci and
the differential data .DELTA.1i and .DELTA.2i to produce a user
data pack in a predetermined format shown in FIG. 4 (1 packet=2,034
bytes). The user data pack is sent to the DVD encoding circuit
34.
[0046] The DVD encoding circuit 34 produces an audio pack (or a
video pack) including a pack header of 14 bytes in addition to one
packet of the user data (=2,034 bytes). As shown in FIG. 5, the
pack header includes a pack start information area of 4 bytes, an
SCR (i.e., system clock reference) information area of 6 bytes, a
Mux (i.e., multiplex) rate information area of 3 bytes, and a
stuffing information area of 1 byte. Thus, one audio (or video)
pack consists of a total of 2,048 bytes. The audio pack includes
the audio data in its user data area, while the video pack includes
related video data in its user data area.
[0047] In this case, the SCR information serves as a time stamp.
The SCR is "1" in a head pack of an ACB (i.e., audio contents
block) unit and continuous in the same album. This makes it
possible to administrate the time of each audio pack in the same
album. Furthermore, it is possible to use the SCR information for
numbering a plurality of audio pack groups.
[0048] The DVD encoding circuit 34 produces packing data of a main
source of musical compositions to be recorded on the DVD, as well
as packing data of taped accompaniments (i.e., so-called KARAOKE,
audio and video signals), BGM sounds (audio signals), MIDI codes
(data), and quiz information (data).
[0049] FIG. 6A shows a pack format used for recording the DVD-video
data on the DVD. FIG. 6B is a pack format used for recording the
DVD-audio data on the DVD. The DVD-audio data format of FIG. 6B is
compatible with the DVD-video data format of FIG. 6A, although they
use different area names. For example, the DVD-video data format of
FIG. 6A comprises a VMG (i.e., video manager) area at a head
thereof and a plurality of VTS (i.e., video title set) areas
succeeding the VMG area. On the other hand, the DVD-audio data
format of FIG. 6B comprises an AMG (i.e., audio manager) area at a
head thereof and a plurality of AAS (i.e., audio album set) areas
succeeding the AMG area, as counterparts of the VMG and VTS area of
the DVD-video data format.
[0050] The VTS area comprises a leading VTSI (i.e., VTS
information) area located at a head thereof, at least one VCBS
(i.e., video contents block set) area succeeding the leading VTSI
area, and a trailing VTSI area located at the last position.
Similarly, the AAS area comprises a leading AASI (i.e., AAS
information) area located at a head thereof, at least one ACBS
(i.e., audio contends block set) area succeeding the leading AASI
area, and a trailing AASI area located at the last position. The
AASI information includes actual performance times of respective
musical compositions stored in the ACBS area.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 6A, each VCBS area includes a plurality of
VCB areas each corresponding to one title of video. Each VCB (i.e.,
one title) area consists of a plurality of chapters. The chapter
includes PTT (i.e., part of title). Each chapter consists of a
plurality of cells. Each cell consists of a plurality of VCBU
(i.e., VCB unit). Each VCBU consists of a plurality of packs. Each
pack is 2,048 bytes. Each VCBU comprises a CONT (i.e., control)
pack positioned at a head thereof, a plurality of V (i.e., video),
A (i.e., audio) and SP (i.e., sub picture) packs succeeding the
CONT pack. The CONT pack includes control information for
controlling the succeeding V packs. The user data area of each V
pack stores various video data, including video images of the taped
accompaniments, superimposition data for each taped accompaniment,
MIDI codes, and quiz data.
[0052] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, each ACBS area
includes a plurality of ACB areas each corresponding to one album
of audio. Each ACB (i.e., one album) area consists of a plurality
of tracks. The track includes PTA (i.e., part of album). Each track
consists of a plurality of indexes corresponding to the cells of
the chapter. Each index consists of a plurality of ACBU (i.e., ACB
unit). Each ACBU consists of a plurality of packs. Each pack is
2,048 bytes. Each ACBU comprises an A-CONT (i.e., audio control)
pack positioned at a head thereof. This A-CONT is a counterpart of
the CONT pack of the VCBU. A plurality of A (i.e., audio) packs, as
well as V (i.e., video) and SP (i.e., sub picture) packs if
necessary, succeed the A-CONT pack. FIG. 7 shows a detailed
arrangement of the ACBU. The A-CONT pack includes administration
information, such as TOC (i.e., table of contens) information, for
administrating audio signals of the succeeding "A" packs. The user
data area of each "A" pack stores various audio data including
original musical compositions as well as the bonus information or
group information, such as taped accompaniments and BGM sounds.
[0053] FIG. 8 shows a detailed arrangement of the A-CONT pack. The
A-CONT pack comprises a pack header of 14 bytes, a system header of
24 bytes, an ACD (i.e., audio character display) packet of 1,003
bytes, and an ASD (i.e., audio search data) packet of 1,007 bytes.
The ACD packet consists of a packet header of 6 bytes, a sub-stream
ID of 1 byte, an ACD area of 636 bytes, and a hold area of 360
bytes. The ACD area includes audio character display information,
an approved password for reproducing the bonus information, and a
computer program for reproducing each group of the musical
compositions. The hold area can be used as a spare area for storing
the password and the computer program. Similarly, the ASD packet
consists of a packet header of 6 bytes, a sub-stream ID of 1 byte,
and an ASD (i.e., audio search data) area of 1,000 bytes.
[0054] FIG. 9 shows a detailed arrangement of ASD storing various
information. More specifically, the ASD includes a general
information area of 16 bytes, a present number information area of
8 bytes, a present time information area of 16 bytes, an album set
search information area of 8 bytes, an album search information
area of 8 bytes, a track search information area of 404 bytes, an
index search information area of 408 bytes, a highlight search
information area of 80 bytes, and a hold area of 52 bytes. The
highlight search information is required to search the bonus
information.
[0055] According to the above-described data format of the
preferred embodiment, an arbitrary "A" pack can store the audio
signals of an original musical composition. An adjacent "A" pack
may store the bonus information relating to the original musical
composition, such as optional music signals of the corresponding
taped accompaniments. An adjacent "V" pack may store
superimposition data for the taped accompaniments. Furthermore,
another adjacent "A" pack may store BGM sound signals or rehearsal
voice data. Another adjacent "V" pack may store MIDI codes of the
original musical compositions.
[0056] For each user purchasing this DVD, reproducing the original
musical composition is free of charge. However, when the user
desires to reproduce any bonus information other than the original
musical composition, the user must enter a right or registered
password and pay for it.
[0057] According to another possible method for utilizing this DVD,
a quiz program (free of charge) can be stored. The quiz is
displayed at a decoder. When a right answer is entered, each user
is allowed to reproduce the bonus information. Alternatively, the
musical compositions can be divided into a plurality of groups. The
A-CONT pack stores a reproduction program for reproducing each
music composition group. Each user enters a designated password to
reproduce a preferable musical composition group.
[0058] Next, a detailed arrangement of a decoding apparatus will be
explained with reference to FIG. 10. The decoding apparatus
comprises an input terminal 41a for receiving signals read from the
DVD. A demodulating circuit 41 demodulates the received signals in
compliance with a demodulation procedure corresponding to the
modulation procedure at the modulation circuit 35 of the encoding
apparatus. Each demodulated signal enters in a DVD decoding circuit
42. The DVD decoding circuit 42 separates the demodulated signal
into an A-CONT pack, or a CONT pack, and a predetermined number of
"A" and "V" packs. The "A" pack stores user data (i.e., data stream
xci and differential data .DELTA.1i and .DELTA.2i) that are
supplied to a bit-stream output terminal 52 via a switch 51 and
also supplied to a signal processing circuit 43. The signal
processing circuit 43 is associated with a memory 44. The memory 44
is a buffer memory used when the audio data are decoded and is
functional as a calculation memory or its auxiliary memory.
[0059] FIG. 11 shows a detailed arrangement of the signal
processing circuit 43. The video data stored in the "V" pack are
supplied to a video processor 48 of the signal processing circuit
43 and then sent to an external display unit (not shown) via a
video output terminal 64. Furthermore, the MIDI codes stored in the
"V" pack are supplied to a MIDI processor 49a of the signal
processing circuit 43 and then sent to an external electronic
musical instrument (e.g., a synthesizer) via a MIDI output terminal
65.
[0060] The signal processing circuit 43 comprises an adder 46 that
performs the following calculations to restore the data streams xbi
and xbi.
.DELTA.1i+xci=xbi
.DELTA.2i+xci=xai
[0061] The restored data streams xbi and xbi, being the same 24
bits as the original ones, are then supplied to an interpolation
processing circuit 47. FIG. 12 shows the interpolation processing
performed by the interpolation processing circuit 47, according to
which the data stream xi is interpolated by using a plurality of
data of the data streams xai and xbi.
[0062] The interpolation processing circuit 47 may use an
up-sampling method to obtain the interpolated data stream xi.
Alternatively, the interpolated data stream xi can be obtained by
using a curve fitting or a predictive approximation. In this case,
transmitting additional and supplemental data is effective to
increase the accuracy in the curve fitting or predictive
approximation.
[0063] The data, obtained through this interpolation, are
rearranged in the following manner.
xb1, x1, xa1, x2, xb2, x3, xa2, - - - , xbi, x2i-l, xai, x2i, - -
-
[0064] The rearranged data are supplied to a D/A converter 45 shown
in FIG. 10 and also to an LPF (i.e., low-pass filter) 56.
[0065] The D/A converter 45 converts the received data into an
analog signal according to a quantized bit number (i.e., 24 bits)
of the encoding apparatus. In short, the data stream (xbi, x2i-l,
xai, x2i) is converted into an audio analog signal at a sampling
frequency of 192 kHz. The analog audio signal is output through an
analog output terminal 55. Furthermore, the LPF 56 limits the input
data into a 1/4 band (i.e., 48 kHz). The band-limited data, in the
digital form, are output from an output terminal 53.
[0066] According to this embodiment, the bit stream (i.e., data
stream xci and differential data .DELTA.1i and .DELTA.2i)
transmitted via a recording medium can be directly output through
the switch 51 and the bit-stream output terminal 52. Furthermore,
the decoding apparatus comprises a deciphering section 50 that
receives a password entered by a user from an input terminal 49.
The input terminal 49 serves as a terminal for generating a copy
(recording) allowance signal, as well as a terminal for inputting
the password. The deciphering section 50 on-and-off controls the
switch 51 based on the entered password and copyrights information
stored in a sub header. The deciphering section 50 has an
authentication function for judging whether or not the entered
password is correct.
[0067] When the password is entered, the deciphering section 50
performs the authentication processing. When the password is
correct, the deciphering section 50 checks the copy allowance
conditions, such as an amount and a way of payment, referring to
the copyrights information stored in the sub header. When the copy
allowance conditions are all established, the deciphering section
50 closes the switch 51 to permit the user to copy the bit stream
data.
[0068] Furthermore, the decoding apparatus comprises an operating
section 62, such as a keyboard of a computer. The operating section
62 is connected to a control section 63. The operating section 62
allows the user to enter an interactive input signal for
designating a portion to be reproduced, and allows the user to
enter an answer of the quiz displayed on a display section 61. The
operating section 62 can be used as the input terminal for entering
the password. The display section 61 is connected to the control
section 63. In this case, the band pass can be arbitrarily limited.
Furthermore, it is possible to select a desirable scene with its
sounds and images to realize a storied (or highlighted)
reproduction.
[0069] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a reproduction processing
performed in the control section 63. In a step S1, it is checked
whether or not a bonus computer program is selected. When no bonus
computer program is selected (i.e., NO in step S1), the control
flow proceeds to a step S5. When the bonus computer program is
selected (i.e., YES in step S1), the control flow proceeds to a
step S2 to check whether or not any password is entered by the
user. The processing of step S2 is repeated until any password is
entered (i.e., NO in step S2). When the user enters an arbitrary
password (i.e., YES in step S2), the control flow proceeds to a
step S3 to check whether or not the entered password agrees with
the approved or registered password. When the password is correct
(i.e., YES in step S3), the control flow proceeds to a step S4 to
select the designated bonus computer program. A loading of the
bonus computer program is allowed. Then, the control flow proceeds
to the step S5. On the other hand, when the password is incorrect
(i.e., NO in step S3), the control flow skips the step S4 and
proceeds to the step S5 to perform the reproduction of the DVD
according to the instruction.
[0070] The bonus information pack can be disposed in a mixed
relationship with the "A" pack storing the original musical
composition. Alternatively, it is possible to record the bonus
information on specific tracks of the DVD.
[0071] As another embodiment, a program may set a valid term
limiting the use of the disc. In this case, it is preferable that
the users can have a chance to use the disc even after the valid
term expires. To realize this, each user can be allowed to extend
the valid term by entering a password. In response to the entry of
the password, a bonus program effecting the extension of the valid
term is selected. To store the entered password, the deciphering
section 50 may have a nonvolatile memory capable of storing the
password until the extended valid term expires. The user can
repetitively access the disc information without entering the
password.
[0072] FIG. 14 shows an example of bonus information areas
allocated on specific tracks of the DVD. More specifically, a first
read-in area 7a, a first data area 7b, a first read-out area 7c, a
second read-in area 7d, a second data area 7e, and a second
read-out area 7f are located from a radially inward end to a
radially outward end. The first data area 7b and the second data
area 7e are separated into main data tracks and bonus information
tracks, respectively.
[0073] In this case, the bonus information tracks can be accessed
only when the reproduction allowance conditions are all
established. For example, the reproduction allowance conditions can
be established when the entered password is correct or when a right
answer is entered in response to the quiz provided from the
computer program. Alternatively, it is possible to perform the
reproduction based on the highlight search information stored in
the ASD shown in FIG. 9.
[0074] FIG. 15 shows another example of bonus information areas,
according to which only one read-in area 7a is provided and the
data area 7b is dedicated to the computer program including the
bonus information areas.
[0075] The DVD used in the present invention is not limited to a
single-layered DVD. The present invention can be applicable to a
DVD having two-layered or double-sided data layers.
[0076] As explained in the foregoing description, the preferred
embodiment of the present invention includes the software
classified in the following categories.
1 A bonus information (i.e., bonus musical compositions) B
another-purpose program (e.g., taped accompaniments reproduction
program) C bonus program
[0077] The programs B and C are stored in the following areas.
2 a A-CONT pack b program area, such as first data area 7b
[0078] The following is a possible ten combinations of the
program(s) and the recording area.
3 1 A + a Only one program is available, and the bonus information
"A" is reproducible by paying for it or by answering a quiz. 2 A +
b Only one program is available, and the bonus information "A" is
reproducible by paying for it or by answering a quiz. 3 B + a Two
or more programs are available, and one of them is selectable and
useable as another disc software, such as taped accompaniments. 4 B
+ b Two or more programs are included, and a selected program is
available as another disc software. 5 A + B + a Two or more
programs are stored in the A-CONT pack, and a selected program is
available as another disc software. The bonus information "A" is
reproducible by paying for it or by answering a quiz. 6 A + B + b
Two or more programs are stored in the program area, and a selected
program is available as another disc software. The bonus
information "A" is reproducible by paying for it or by answering a
quiz. 7 C + a Only one program is available as a basic program,
although a bonus program is selectable as an option and usable as
another disc software. Refer to FIG. 13. 8 C + b Only one program
is available as a basic program, although a bonus program is
selectable as an option and usable as another disc software. Refer
to FIG. 13. 9 A + C + a Only one program is stored in the A-CONT
pack as an available basic program, although a bonus program is
selectable as an option and usable as another disc software. The
bonus information "A" is reproducible by paying for it or by
answering a quiz. 10 A + C + b Only one program is stored in the
program area as an available basic program, although a bonus
program is selectable as an option and usable as another disc
software. The bonus information "A" is reproducible by paying for
it or by answering a quiz. Refer to FIG. 14.
[0079] This invention may be embodied in several forms without
departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof. The
present embodiments as described are therefore intended to be only
illustrative and not restrictive, since the scope of the invention
is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description
preceding them. All changes that fall within the metes and bounds
of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds, are
therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.
* * * * *