U.S. patent application number 11/292110 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for method and apparatus for managing data files stored in local storage.
Invention is credited to Byung Jin Kim, Kang Soo Seo, Jea Yong Yoo.
Application Number | 20060123034 11/292110 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37159573 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060123034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seo; Kang Soo ; et
al. |
June 8, 2006 |
Method and apparatus for managing data files stored in local
storage
Abstract
A method and apparatus for managing data files of a local
storage is disclosed. The method for managing data files of a local
storage includes the steps of: a) downloading at least one data
file from a content provider, storing the downloaded data file in
the local storage, and forming a binding unit using the stored
file; and b) upon receiving a command for deleting a specific file
contained in the binding unit, deleting all files contained in the
binding unit, deleting all files associated with a title including
a specific file to be deleted, or deleting only the specific file
to be deleted.
Inventors: |
Seo; Kang Soo; (Anyang-si,
KR) ; Yoo; Jea Yong; (Seoul, KR) ; Kim; Byung
Jin; (Seongnam-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 8910
RESTON
VA
20195
US
|
Family ID: |
37159573 |
Appl. No.: |
11/292110 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60632645 |
Dec 3, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
707/999.101; 707/E17.01; G9B/19.001; G9B/27.012; G9B/27.021 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 19/02 20130101;
G11B 20/00731 20130101; G11B 20/00094 20130101; G11B 20/00115
20130101; G11B 2220/2541 20130101; G11B 20/10 20130101; G11B 27/11
20130101; G11B 2020/10537 20130101; G11B 20/00086 20130101; G11B
20/00855 20130101; G11B 27/034 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/00 20060101
G06F017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0049468 |
Claims
1. A method for managing data files of a local storage comprising
the steps of: a) downloading at least one data file from a content
provider, storing the downloaded data file in the local storage,
and forming a binding unit using the stored file; and b) upon
receiving a command for deleting a specific file contained in the
binding unit, deleting all files contained in the binding unit.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data file is stored
in the local storage in units of a corresponding disc.
3. A method for managing data files of a local storage comprising
the steps of: a) downloading at least one data file from a content
provider, storing the downloaded data file in the local storage,
and forming a binding unit using the stored file; and b) upon
receiving a command for deleting a specific file contained in the
binding unit, deleting all files associated with a title including
the specific file to be deleted.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the binding unit
includes information associated with the title (i.e.,
title-associated information).
5. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of:
after deleting the overall files associated with the title,
modifying a database file contained in the binding unit.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the database file is
indicative of an index file.
7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the database file is
indicative of an object file.
8. The method according to claim 3, wherein the data file is stored
in the local storage in title units for each disc.
9. The method according to claim 3, wherein the title-associated
information is contained in a binding unit manifest file, and is
then downloaded.
10. A method for managing data files of a local storage comprising
the steps of: a) downloading at least one data file from a content
provider, storing the downloaded data file in the local storage,
and forming a binding unit using the stored file; and b) upon
receiving a command for deleting a specific file contained in the
binding unit, deleting only the specific file to be deleted, and
correcting a database file associated with the deletion of the
file.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the data file is
stored in the local storage in content units for each disc.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: a local storage file
structure configured in content units includes a playlist file per
content.
13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the database file is
indicative of an index file.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the database file is
indicative of an object file.
15. An apparatus for managing data files of a local storage
comprising: a pickup unit for reading data from a recording medium;
a local storage for downloading at least one file associated with
the recording medium data, and storing the downloaded file; and a
controller for forming a binding unit using the file stored in the
local storage, and deleting a specific file or specific files from
the binding unit in disc units, title units, or content units.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the controller
includes a BDJ application such that it downloads/stores the file
in the local storage using the BDJ application.
17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the controller
includes a resident application such that it deletes a specific
file or specific files from the binding unit using the resident
application.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2005-0049468, filed on, Jun. 9, 2005, which is
hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
[0002] This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/632,645, filed on Dec. 3, 2004, in the name of
inventors Kang Soo SEO, Jea Yong YOO, and Byung Jin Kim, entitled
"METHOD OF MANAGING LOCAL STORAGE FOR HIGH DENSITY OPTICAL DISC",
which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
managing data files stored in a local storage contained in an
optical recording/reproducing device.
[0005] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0006] Generally, there has been widely used an optical disc acting
as a recording medium capable of recording a large amount of data
therein. Particularly, there has recently been developed a
high-density optical recording medium capable of recording/storing
high-quality video data and high-quality audio data for a long
period of time, for example, a Blu-ray Disc (BD).
[0007] The BD based on the next-generation recording medium
technique has been considered to be the next-generation optical
recording solution capable of storing much more data than a
conventional DVD. In recent times, many developers have conducted
intensive research into the international standard technical
specification associated with the BD along with those of other
digital devices.
[0008] In association with the above-mentioned situation, there has
recently been developed an optical recording/reproducing device
based on the BD international standard, but the BD international
standard has not yet been completed, such that many limitations and
problems occur in developing the optical recording/reproducing
device.
[0009] Particularly, the above-mentioned optical
recording/reproducing device must consider not only a basic
function for recording/reproducing data of the BD, but also an
additional function for enabling the optical recording/reproducing
device to interact with peripheral digital devices. In other words,
the optical recording/reproducing device must receive an external
input signal, must display the received signal, and must reproduce
desired data using the external input signal and the BD.
[0010] However, a method for deleting local storage data to
simultaneously reproduce a downloaded external input signal and
data of the BD and to effectively manage data stored in the local
storage has not yet been established, such that many limitations
and problems occur in developing a BD-based optical
recording/reproducing device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method
and apparatus for managing data files stored in a local storage
that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations
and disadvantages of the related art.
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a method
and apparatus for effectively managing data files stored in a local
storage.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method and apparatus for deleting data files stored in a local
storage in disc units, content units, or content units.
[0014] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0015] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a method for managing data files of a
local storage comprises the steps of: a) downloading at least one
data file from a content provider, storing the downloaded data file
in the local storage, and forming a binding unit using the stored
file; and b) upon receiving a command for deleting a specific file
contained in the binding unit, deleting all files contained in the
binding unit.
[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method for managing data files of a local storage
comprising the steps of: a) downloading at least one data file from
a content provider, storing the downloaded data file in the local
storage, and forming a binding unit using the stored file; and b)
upon receiving a command for deleting a specific file contained in
the binding unit, simultaneously deleting all files associated with
a title including the specific file to be deleted.
[0017] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method for managing data files of a local storage
comprising the steps of: a) downloading at least one data file from
a content provider, storing the downloaded data file in the local
storage, and forming a binding unit using the stored file; and b)
upon receiving a command for deleting a specific file contained in
the binding unit, deleting only the specific file to be deleted,
and correcting a database file associated with the deletion of the
file.
[0018] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an apparatus for managing data files of a local storage
comprising: a pickup unit for reading data from a recording medium;
a local storage for downloading at least one file associated with
the recording medium data, and storing the downloaded file; and a
controller for forming a binding unit using the file stored in the
local storage, and deleting a specific file or specific files from
the binding unit in disc units, title units, or content units.
[0019] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method and
apparatus for reproducing data from a recording medium according to
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a file structure
recorded in an optical disc acting as a recording medium and a
method for reproducing a specific title using the file
structure;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a structural diagram illustrating a data record
structure of an optical disc acting as a recording medium according
to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating an optical
recording/reproducing device according to the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
reproducing data using a local storage from among overall
components contained in the optical recording/reproducing device
according to the present invention;
[0026] FIGS. 5A.about.5B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a
method for deleting local storage data in accordance with a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a binding
unit of the local storage is configured in disc units (i.e., per
disc);
[0027] FIGS. 6A.about.6B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a
method for deleting local storage data in accordance with a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a binding
unit of the local storage is configured in title units (i.e., per
title); and
[0028] FIGS. 7A.about.7B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a
method for deleting local storage data in accordance with a third
preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a binding
unit of the local storage is configured in content units (i.e., per
content).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0030] A method and apparatus for deleting local storage data
according to the present invention will hereinafter be described
with reference to the annexed drawings.
[0031] Prior to describing the present invention, it should be
noted that most terms disclosed in the present invention correspond
to general terms well known in the art, but some terms have been
selected by the applicant as necessary and will hereinafter be
disclosed in the following description of the present invention.
Therefore, it is preferable that the terms defined by the applicant
be understood on the basis of their meanings in the present
invention.
[0032] A recording medium for use in the present invention is
indicative of all recordable mediums, for example, an optical disc,
and a magnetic tape, etc., according to various recording
schemes.
[0033] For the convenience of description and better understanding
of the present invention, the optical disc, such as a BD, will
hereinafter be exemplarily used as the above-mentioned recording
medium in the present invention. It should be noted that technical
ideas of the present invention can be applied to other recording
mediums without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention.
[0034] The term "local storage" is indicative of a storage unit
contained in an optical recording/reproducing device 10 shown in
FIG. 1. In more detail, the term "local storage" is indicative of a
component capable of receiving necessary information or data from a
user, and storing the received information or data. For example, a
general local storage may be indicative of a Hard Disc Drive (HDD),
but it should be noted that the term "local storage" of the present
invention is not limited to the HDD, and is applicable to other
examples as necessary.
[0035] Particularly, the term "local storage" is indicative of a
storage unit for storing data associated with a recording medium
such as a BD. The data associated with the recording medium is
generally downloaded from an external device.
[0036] In association with the above-mentioned description, a
directory area capable of storing the downloaded data of the local
storage is referred to as a local storage file structure.
[0037] In association with the above-mentioned description, it is
obvious to those skilled in the art that the local storage may
directly read some permission data from the recording medium, and
may generate system data (e.g., metadata) associated with
record/reproduction operations of the recording medium, such that
the system data may be stored in the local storage.
[0038] The term "binding unit" is indicative of a set of files
stored in the local storage. Particularly, the binding unit is
indicative of a set of information (i.e., information set)
associated with a specific recording medium. In this case, the
information set is combined with or is added to a file contained in
the recording medium, such that it can simultaneously reproduce
data of the recording medium and data of the local storage.
[0039] For the convenience of description, data recorded in the
recording medium is referred to as "original data", data associated
with the recording medium from among a plurality of data units
stored in the local storage is referred to as "additional
data".
[0040] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method and
apparatus for reproducing data according to the present invention.
Unified usages of the optical recording/reproducing 10 and
peripheral devices are shown in FIG. 1.
[0041] The optical recording/reproducing device 10 can
record/reproduce data in/from various optical discs having
different formats. If necessary, the optical recording/reproducing
device 10 can record/reproduce specific data in/from only a
specific optical disc such as a BD, or can reproduce the data from
the optical disc without recording the data in the same. It should
be noted that the present invention exemplarily uses a BD-player
capable of reproducing data from the BD or a BD-recorder capable of
recording data in the BD in consideration of correlation between
the BD and peripheral devices for the convenience of description.
It is well known in the art that the optical recording/reproduction
device 10 is also applicable to a drive embedded in a specific
device such as a computer.
[0042] The optical recording/reproducing device 10 records or
reproduces data in/from the optical disc 30, receives an external
input signal, performs a signal process on the received signal, and
transmits the signal processed result to the external display 20,
such that a user can view the signal processed result on the
display 20. In this case, there is no limitation in a receivable
external signal. For example, representative external input signals
may be determined to be a DTV-associated signal and an
Internet-associated signal, etc. Specifically, the Internet is
indicative of a communication network to which a user easily gains
access, such that the user can download specific Internet data
using the optical recording/reproducing device 10, and can use the
downloaded data.
[0043] In association with the above-mentioned description, a
person for providing content data used as an external source is
generally referred to as a content provider (CP).
[0044] For example, it is assumed that multiplexed AV (Audio/Video)
streams are recorded as the original data recorded in the optical
disc, and additional data for use in the Internet is an audio
stream different from an audio stream (e.g., Korean) of the
original data. In this case, some users may download a specific
audio stream (e.g., English) acting as additional data from the
Internet, may desire to reproduce the downloaded audio stream along
with the AV stream acting as original data, or may desire to
reproduce only the additional data. In order to implement the
above-mentioned desires of the users, correlation between the
original data and the additional data must be established, and
there is needed a systemized method for managing/reproducing the
above-mentioned data according to a user request.
[0045] For the convenience of description, although a signal
recorded in the disc is called the original data, and other signals
existing in the outside of the disc are called the additional data,
it should be noted that the original data and the additional data
are not limited to only specific data.
[0046] Generally, additional data may be indicative of audio data,
presentation graphic (PG) data, interactive graphic (IG) data, or
text subtitle, etc., but the additional data may also be indicative
of a multiplexed AV stream including the above-mentioned data and
video data. In other words, data associated with the original data
simultaneously existing in the outside of the optical disc may act
as additional data.
[0047] When original data is recorded in the optical disc 30 seated
in the optical recording/reproducing device 10, and additional data
associated with the original data is present in other storage
places (e.g., Internet), the present invention deletes unnecessary
files, forms a binding unit to be combined with original data, such
that it reproduces the original data and the additional data at the
same time. In addition, if a local storage must be empty to
download new data from an external content provider (CP), the
present invention provides a method for deleting additional data
files stored in the local storage.
[0048] In order to satisfy the above-mentioned original and
additional data desired by a user, a predetermined file structure
must be established between the original data and the additional
data. Accordingly, a file structure and data record structure for
use in the BD will hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS.
2.about.3.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a file structure
for reproducing/managing the original data recorded in an optical
disc, and a method for reproducing a specific title according to
the file structure.
[0050] An example of the above-mentioned file structure is shown in
FIG. 2. The file structure according to the present invention
includes one or more BD directories (BDMV) under a single root
directory. The BD directory (BDMV) includes not only an index file
"index" acting as a general file (i.e., an upper file) capable of
guaranteeing user interactivity, but also the above-mentioned
object. The file structure includes a variety of directories for
storing information of actual data recorded in a disc and other
information associated with a method for reproducing the data, for
example, a playlist directory (PLAYLIST), a clip information
directory (CLIPINF), a stream directory (STREAM), an auxiliary
directory (AUXDATA), and a backup directory (BACKUP). The
above-mentioned directories and a variety of files included in the
directory will hereinafter be described.
[0051] The AUXDATA directory includes an additional data file for
reproducing data of the disc. For example, the AUXDATA directory
includes a "Sound.bdmv" file for providing a user with sound data
when an interactive graphic function is executed, and an
"11111.otf" file for providing the user with font information when
data of the disc is reproduced.
[0052] The stream directory (STREAM) includes a plurality of AV
stream files recorded in a disc according to a specific format.
Generally, individual streams are recorded using an MPEG-2 based
transport packet, and the stream directory (STREAM) uses extension
names of stream files (01000.m2ts and 02000.m2ts) as a specific
extension name "*.m2ts". Particularly, if video/audio/graphic
information from among the above-mentioned streams is multiplexed,
the multiplexed information is called an AV stream, and a single
title is composed of at least one AV stream file.
[0053] The clip information (Clip-info) directory (CLIPINF) is
composed of a plurality of clip-info files (01000.clpi and
02000.clpi) connected to the above-mentioned stream files on a
one-to-one basis. Particularly, the clip-info files (*.clpi) record
attribute information and timing information of the stream files
(*.m2ts) therein. The clip-info files (*.Clpi) connected to the
stream files (*.m2ts) on a one-to-one basis are generically named a
"Clip". In other words, this means that a single clip is indicative
of data composed of a stream file (*.m2ts) and a clip-info file
(*.clpi). A clip recorded in the disc is referred to as an original
clip. A clip, which is downloaded and stored in a local storage, is
referred to as an additional clip.
[0054] The playlist directory (PLAYLIST) includes a plurality of
playlist files (*.mpls). Each playlist file (*.mpls) includes one
or more playitems (PlayItem) and one or more sub-playitems
(SubPlayItem). Each playitem (PlayItem) and each sub-playitem
(SubPlayItem) are adapted to designate a playing interval during
which a specific clip is reproduced. The playitem (PlayItem) and
the sub-playitem (SubPlayItem) include information associated with
a specific clip to be reproduced, i.e., information associated with
a reproduction start time (IN-Time) and other information
associated with a reproduction termination time (OUT-Time) of the
specific clip.
[0055] In association with the above-mentioned description, a
process for reproducing data using at least one playitem (PlayItem)
in the playlist file is referred to as a main path, and a process
for reproducing data using individual sub-play items (SubPlayItem)
is referred to as a sub-path. The playlist file must contain a
single main path. The playlist file may contain at least one
sub-path according to the presence or absence of the sub-playitem
(SubPlayItem) as necessary.
[0056] In conclusion, the playlist file acts as a basic
reproduction/management file unit contained in overall
reproduction/management file structures for reproducing a desired
clip by combination of one or more playitems (PlayItem).
[0057] The backup directory (BACKUP) stores a plurality of
duplicate files, i.e., a duplicate file (also called "copied
files") of the index file "index" storing information associated
with disc reproduction, a duplicate file of the object file
"MovieObject", duplicate files of all playlist files (*.mpls)
contained in the playlist directory (PLAYLIST), and duplicate files
of all clip-info files (*.clpi) contained in the clip-info
directory (CLIPINF). If the above-mentioned files ("index",
"MovieObject", "*.mpls", and "*.clpi") are damaged, a disc
reproduction process is also fatally damaged, such that the backup
directory (BACKUP) is designed to pre-store duplicate files of the
above-mentioned files as backup files.
[0058] In association with the above-mentioned description, a
method for reproducing a specific title using the above-mentioned
disc file structure is shown in FIG. 2.
[0059] If a user enters a title reproduction command in association
with a title used as an index file (also called "index table"),
reproduction of the title begins. A detailed description thereof
will hereinafter be described.
[0060] The index file (index.bdmv) includes first playback
information "First Playback" indicative of information associated
with a first reproduction image when data of a corresponding disc
is loaded, top menu information "Top Menu" for providing a menu
image, and at least one title information "Title #1.about.Title
#n".
[0061] If the optical disc 30 is loaded in the optical
recording/reproducing device 10, title menu information associated
with the index table is provided to the user via the display 20. If
the user selects a specific title or a specific menu contained in a
menu image, data reproduction begins according to a scenario
pre-defined by a disc manufacturer. In other words, if the user
enters a command for reproducing a specific title (e.g., title #1),
a specific playlist file is executed according to a command
contained in the object file (MovieObject) of the
reproduction/management file structure. Thereafter, one or more
clips (e.g., Clip #1.about.Clip #3) constructing the title #1 are
reproduced by a specific playitem and/or sub-playitem contained in
the playlist file according to the playlist file information.
[0062] FIG. 3 is a structural diagram illustrating a data record
structure recorded in a recording medium according to the present
invention. In more detail, FIG. 3 shows a disc record format of
information associated with the file structure. As shown in FIG. 3,
from the viewpoint of an inner area of the disc, the
above-mentioned disc structure sequentially includes a file system
information area serving as system information for managing overall
files, a database area for recording a playlist file and a
clip-info file to reproduce a recorded AV stream (*.m2ts), and an
AV stream area for recording a plurality of streams composed of
audio data, video data, and graphic data, etc. Particularly, it
should be noted that data recorded in the AV stream area may be
determined to be original data as previously stated above.
[0063] The present invention provides a method and apparatus for
downloading external additional data in a local storage, and
deleting specific data from the downloaded data upon receiving a
request command from a user, before reproducing original data
(e.g., a file structure shown in FIG. 2) recorded in the disc and
additional data recorded in the local storage, such that a variety
of preferred embodiments according to the present invention will
hereinafter be described.
[0064] FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating the optical
recording/reproducing device 10 according to the present
invention.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 4A, the optical recording/reproducing
device 10 includes a pickup unit 11, a servo unit 14, a signal
processor 13, and a microprocessor 16. The pickup unit 11
reproduces original data recorded in the optical disc and
management information including reproduction/management file
information. The servo unit 14 controls operations of the pickup
unit 11. The signal processor 13 receives a reproduction signal
from the pickup unit 11, restores the received reproduction signal
to a desired signal value, or modulates a signal to be recorded
into another signal recorded in the optical disc, such that it
transmits the restored or modulated result. The microprocessor 16
controls mutual operations of the above-mentioned components.
[0066] A controller 12 downloads additional data existing outside
of the optical disc upon receiving a command from a user, stores
the downloaded additional data in the local storage 15, and
configures a virtual file system (VFS) to reproduce the original
data recorded in the optical disc and the additional data stored in
the local storage. The controller 12 forms a virtual package
including the original data and associated additional data using
the VFS, and reproduces the original data and/or the additional
data using the formed virtual package upon receiving a request from
a user.
[0067] In this case, the virtual file system (VFS) is indicative of
a virtual file system which unifies a file system contained in the
local storage 15 and a file system of the loaded disc such that it
manages the unified system.
[0068] In order to simultaneously reproduce the original data
contained in the disc and the additional data contained in the
local storage using the virtual file system (VFS), a new virtual
package is formed. The virtual package formed by the binding
operation acts as a reproduction management file structure for
reproducing/managing an original clip composed of the original data
of the disc and an additional clip composed of the additional data
of the local storage. In this case, the original clip and the
additional clip are stored in different areas.
[0069] In association with the local storage 15, a local storage
file structure includes a binding unit whose additional data
associated with original data is configured in disc units, title
units, or content units. Therefore, the additional data is stored
in the local storage file structure.
[0070] The controller 12 forms a local storage file structure in
the local storage 15, and controls external data in the local
storage file structure. In addition, the controller 12 controls a
function for storing the downloaded data in the local storage file
structure, and a function for deleting user-selected files
contained in the downloaded data from the local storage file
structure.
[0071] A decoder 17 finally decodes output data (i.e., original
data and/or additional data) upon receiving a control signal from
the controller 12, and provides the user with the decoded
result.
[0072] An encoder 18 converts an input signal into a specific
format signal (e.g., an MPEG2 transport stream) upon receiving a
control signal from the controller 12, and transmits the converted
result to the signal processor 13.
[0073] The new virtual package may be stored in the local storage
15 such that it can be re-used in the future. Also, the new virtual
package may be temporarily stored in an additional dynamic memory,
and may then be used.
[0074] FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
reproducing data of an optical disc using a local storage from
among overall components contained in the optical
recording/reproducing device 10 according to the present
invention.
[0075] Information stored in the local storage 15 will hereinafter
be described. The local storage 15 according to the present
invention stores file information (Directory-File Tree Information
for Disc_id #n) including directories and files for every
individual disc identification (ID) information, and a plurality of
additional clips downloaded from an external part. A binding unit
of the local storage 15 is formed, and the binding unit manifest
files including binding unit manifest information for a binding
operation associated with a disc file structure (i.e., a disc
package) may be formed.
[0076] Specifically, the local storage 15 may include a plurality
of file information units (Directory-File for disc_IDs #n
dependent) to cope with different discs. Therefore, the local
storage 15 additionally requires a file system for managing the
above-mentioned file information units. Specifically, the file
system is also referred to as a local storage file system 41, and
the local storage file system 41 is indicative of a system for
managing all files stored in the local storage 15.
[0077] Therefore, if an optical disc (e.g., disc_ID #1) of a
specific disc ID (disc_ID) is loaded in the optical
recording/reproducing device 10, the controller 12 contained in the
optical recording/reproducing device 10 recognizes ID information
of the disc using the pickup unit 11 and the signal processor 13.
If the local storage 15 stores file information, the controller
reads binding unit file information equal to the loaded disc ID
information from among all file information units stored in the
local storage 15, forms a virtual package by binding (or combining)
the read information and the disc package, and reproduces both the
original data of the disc and the additional data of the local
storage using the formed virtual package.
[0078] However, if the data pre-downloaded from the external
content provider (CP) is not stored in the local storage file
structure, i.e., if no file information is contained in the local
storage 15, the data downloaded from the content provider (CP)
acting as an external input source is downloaded in the local
storage file structure, such that a binding unit is formed. And,
the controller 12 reads the binding unit file information, and
forms a virtual package by binding (or combining) the read
information and the disc package.
[0079] If data downloaded from the external content provider (CP)
is stored in disc units, title units, or content units, the present
invention provides a method and apparatus for deleting data files
from the local storage file structure upon receiving a deletion
command from a user.
[0080] In association with a method for downloading data in a local
storage and deleting the downloaded data from the local storage, a
local storage binding unit configured in disc units (i.e., per
disc), a local storage binding unit configured in title units
(i.e., per title), and a local storage binding unit configured in
content units (i.e., per content) will hereinafter be described
with reference to FIGS. 5A.about.7B.
[0081] FIGS. 5A.about.5B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a
method for deleting local storage data in accordance with a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a binding
unit of the local storage is configured in disc units (i.e., per
disc).
[0082] The local storage file structure includes a binding unit
data (BindingUnitData) directory including a plurality of binding
units in a root directory. The local storage file structure may
include an organization directory (e.g., org_ID #1) indicative of a
content provider (CP) equal to a disc author in the binding unit
data (BindingUnitData) directory. The organization directory
(org_ID #1) includes a plurality of specific disc directories
(disc_ID) and a shared directory (Shared) in the org_ID directory
of the content provider.
[0083] A method for deleting local storage data according to the
present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to
FIG. 5B.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 5B, if a disc is loaded in an optical
recording/reproducing device, the optical recording/reproducing
device downloads additional data from an external content provider
(CP), forms a local storage file structure in disc units, and
stores the local storage file structure in a local storage at step
S10.
[0085] When the local storage downloads data from the external
content provider (CP), the controller of the optical
recording/reproducing device forms a binding unit acting as a local
storage file structure in disc units using a BDJ application
serving as a download application, and downloads the additional
data.
[0086] The local storage file structure including the downloaded
data includes a disc specific directory (disc_ID #1) and another
specific directory (disc_ID #1) in a directory (e.g., org_ID #1)
for each content provider (CP). A BD directory (BDMV) indicative of
a binding unit 60 is contained in the disc specific directory
(disc_ID #1).
[0087] The binding unit 60 indicated by the BDMV directory is
configured in disc units. The binding unit 60 includes an index
file (index.bdmv) 61 acting as a general file (i.e., an upper file)
capable of guaranteeing user interactivity, an object file
(MovieObject.bdmv) 62, a playlist directory (PLAYLIST) composed of
playlist files (00000.mpls:63 and 00002.mpls:64), a clip-info
directory (CLIPINF) composed of a clip-info file (01002.clpi) 65,
and a stream directory (STREAM) composed of a stream file
(01002.m2ts) 66 in the BDMV directory.
[0088] After performing the above step S10, the optical
recording/reproducing device determines the presence of a command
for deleting specific disc (disc #1) files downloaded/stored in the
local storage at step S11.
[0089] If the absence of the aforementioned deletion command for
deleting the specific disc (disc #1) files is determined, the
optical recording/reproducing device does not delete all files of
the specific disc at step S12.
[0090] If the presence of the deletion command for deleting the
specific disc (disc #1) files is determined at step S11, the
optical recording/reproducing device deletes all files of a
specific disc from the local storage file structure at step S13,
such that it can delete the binding unit 60.
[0091] Preferably, the deletion of the specific disc files at the
above step S13 may be executed by a resident application of the
controller contained in the optical recording/reproducing device,
such that it means that all downloaded content data of the binding
unit for the disc is deleted.
[0092] Also, all the content data of the binding unit is deleted at
step S13, there is no need to modify a data structure of an index
table of the index file (index.bdmv) and/or an object file
(MovieObject.bdmv).
[0093] Therefore, the local storage file structure deleted by the
above step S13 includes only the disc specific directory (disc_ID
#2) in a directory (e.g., org_ID #1 directory) for each content
provider (CP).
[0094] FIGS. 6A-6B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method
for deleting local storage data in accordance with a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a binding
unit of the local storage is configured in title units (i.e., per
title).
[0095] The basic directory structure of the local storage in FIG.
6A is equal to that of FIG. 5A. Differently from the first
preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, files contained in individual
directories of the binding unit 70 of the local storage file
structure are changed according to individual titles, and a
detailed description thereof will hereinafter be described with
reference to FIGS. 6A.about.6B.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 6A.about.6B, if a disc is loaded in an
optical recording/reproducing device, the optical
recording/reproducing device downloads additional data from an
external content provider (CP), forms a local storage file
structure in title units, and stores the local storage file
structure in a local storage at step S20.
[0097] When the local storage downloads data from the external
content provider (CP), the controller of the optical
recording/reproducing device forms a binding unit acting as a local
storage file structure in title units using a BDJ application
serving as a download application, and downloads the additional
data.
[0098] In association with specific information indicating whether
files of the binding unit 70 contained in the local storage file
structure are indicative of files of a specific title, the local
storage downloads not only data but also the file information of
the titles. In this case, it is obvious to those skilled in the art
that the local storage downloads not only first information
indicating that specific files (00000.mpls:74, 01002.clpi:76, and
01002.m2ts:77) are equal to files associated with the title #1
binding unit, but also second information indicating that a
specific file (00002.mpls) 75 is equal to a file associated with
the title #2 binding unit while it downloads data from the external
content provider (CP).
[0099] Specifically, it should be noted that specific information,
which indicates whether files of the binding unit 70 contained in
the aforementioned local storage file structure are equal to files
of a specific title, may be included in information of the binding
unit manifest files downloaded from the content provider (CP).
[0100] The local storage file structure including the downloaded
data includes a disc specific directory (disc_ID #1) and another
specific directory (disc_ID #1) in a directory (e.g., org_ID #1)
for each content provider (CP). A BD directory (BDMV) indicative of
a binding unit 70 is contained in the disc specific directory
(disc_ID #1).
[0101] The binding unit 70 indicated by the BDMV directory is
configured in title units. The binding unit 70 includes an index
file (index.bdmv) 71 acting as a general file (i.e., an upper file)
capable of guaranteeing user interactivity, a title #1's object
file (MovieObject.bdmv) 72, a title #2's object file
(MovieObject.bdmv) 73, a playlist directory (PLAYLIST) composed of
playlist files (00000.mpls:74 and 00002.mpls:75), a clip-info
directory (CLIPINF) composed of a clip-info file (01002.clpi) 76,
and a stream directory (STREAM) composed of a stream file
(01002.m2ts) 77 in the BDMV directory.
[0102] In this case, the object file (MovieObject.bdmv) 72, the
playlist file (00000.mpls) 74, the clip-info file (01002.clpi) 76,
and the stream file (01002.m2ts) 77 from among the aforementioned
files of the binding unit 70 are available for the title #1. The
object file (MovieObject.bdmv) 73 and the playlist file
(00002.mpls) 75 are available for the title #2.
[0103] After performing the above step S20, the optical
recording/reproducing device determines the presence of a command
for deleting specific title (Title #1) files downloaded/stored in
the local storage at step S21.
[0104] If the absence of the aforementioned deletion command for
deleting the specific title (Title #1) files is determined, the
optical recording/reproducing device does not delete the files of
the specific title (Title #1) at step S22.
[0105] If the presence of the deletion command for deleting the
specific title (Title #1) files is determined at step S21, the
optical recording/reproducing device deletes the files of a
specific title (Title #1) from the local storage file structure at
step S23.
[0106] In other words, a plurality of files of the specific title
(Title #1) (i.e., the object file (MovieObject.bdmv) 72, the
playlist file (00000.mpls) 74, the clip-info file (01002.clpi) 76,
and the stream file (01002.m2ts) 77) are deleted from the binding
unit 70 at step S23.
[0107] Preferably, the deletion of the specific title files at the
above step S23 may be executed by a resident application of the
controller contained in the optical recording/reproducing device,
such that it means that all downloaded content data of the binding
unit for the title #1 is deleted.
[0108] After performing the above step S23, the optical
recording/reproducing device modifies a database structure of a
specific file from among the files of the local storage at step
S24. For example, an index table of an index file (Index.bdmv) 71-1
may be modified according to a title formed after the database
structure is deleted, or a database structure of the object file
(MovieObject.bdmv) 73 may be modified.
[0109] Therefore, according to the local storage file structure
formed after the aforementioned files are deleted/modified by the
above steps, the binding unit 70-1 includes an index file
(Index.bdmv) 71-1 having a modified database file structure, an
object file (Movieobject2.bdmv) 73, a playlist directory (PLAYLIST)
equipped with a playlist file (00002.mpls) 75 for the title #2, a
clip-info directory (CLIPINF) having no files, and a stream
directory (STREAM) having no files in the BDMV directory.
[0110] FIGS. 7A.about.7B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a
method for deleting local storage data in accordance with a third
preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a binding
unit of the local storage is configured in content units (i.e., per
content).
[0111] Referring to FIGS. 7A.about.7B, if a disc is loaded in an
optical recording/reproducing device, the optical
recording/reproducing device downloads additional data from an
external content provider (CP), forms a local storage file
structure in content units, and stores the local storage file
structure in a local storage at step S30.
[0112] When the local storage downloads data from the external
content provider (CP), the controller of the optical
recording/reproducing device forms a binding unit acting as a local
storage file structure in content units using a BDJ application
serving as a download application, and downloads the additional
data.
[0113] The local storage file structure including the downloaded
data includes a disc specific directory (disc_ID #1) and another
specific directory (disc_ID #1) in a directory (e.g., org_ID #1)
for each content provider (CP). The BDMV directory indicative of a
binding unit 80 is contained in the disc specific directory
(disc_ID #1).
[0114] The binding unit 80 indicated by the BDMV directory is
configured in content units. The binding unit 80 includes an index
file (index.bdmv) 81 acting as a general file (i.e., an upper file)
capable of guaranteeing user interactivity, an object file
(MovieObject.bdmv) 82, a playlist directory (PLAYLIST) composed of
playlist files (00000.00.mpls:83, 00000.01.mpls:84, and
00002.mpls:85), a clip-info directory (CLIPINF) composed of
clip-info files (01002.clpi:86 and 01003.clpi:87), and a stream
directory (STREAM) composed of a stream file (01002.m2ts:88 and
01003.m2ts:89) in the BDMV directory.
[0115] In this case, the playlist file (00000.00.mpls) 83, the
clip-info file (01002.clpi) 86, and the stream file (01002.m2ts) 88
from among the aforementioned files of the binding unit 80 are
available for the content #1. The playlist file (00000.01.mpls) 84,
the clip-info file (01003.clpi) 87, and the stream file
(01003.m2ts) 89 are available for the title #2.
[0116] After performing the above step S30, the optical
recording/reproducing device determines the presence of a command
for deleting specific content (Content #1) files downloaded/stored
in the local storage at step S31.
[0117] If the absence of the aforementioned deletion command for
deleting the specific content (Content #1) files is determined at
step S31, the optical recording/reproducing device does not delete
the files of the specific content (Content #1) at step S32.
[0118] If the presence of the deletion command for deleting the
specific content (Content #1) files is determined at step S31, the
optical recording/reproducing device deletes the files of a
specific content (Content #1) from the local storage file structure
at step S33.
[0119] In other words, a plurality of files of the specific content
(Content #1) (i.e., the playlist file (00000.00.mpls) 83, the
clip-info file (01002.clpi) 86, and the stream file (01002.m2ts)
88) are deleted from the binding unit 80 at step S33.
[0120] Preferably, the deletion of the specific content files at
the above step S33 may be executed by a resident application of the
controller contained in the optical recording/reproducing device,
such that it means that all downloaded content data of the binding
unit for the content is deleted.
[0121] After performing the above step S33, the optical
recording/reproducing device modifies a database structure of a
specific file from among the files of the local storage at step
S34. For example, an index table of a partial index file
(Index.bdmv) 81-1 and a database structure of the object file
(MovieObject.bdmv) 8201 may be mofidied according to a content
formed after the database structure is deleted.
[0122] Therefore, according to the local storage file structure
formed after the aforementioned files are deleted/modified by the
above steps, the binding unit 80-1 includes an index file
(Index.bdmv) 81-1 having a modified database file structure for the
content #2, an object file (MovieObject.bdmv) 82-1, a playlist
directory (PLAYLIST) equipped with playlist files (00000.01.mpls:84
and 00002.mpls:85) for the content #2, a clip-info directory
(CLIPINF) composed of a clip-info file (01003.clpi) 87, and a
stream directory (STREAM) composed of a stream file (01003.m2ts) 89
in the BDMV directory.
[0123] In association with the above-mentioned description,
provided that the binding unit configured in content units is
damaged or corrupted, the aforementioned method for deleting data
of the binding unit in content units can delete only the damaged or
corrupted content data. However, if data of the binding unit is
deleted in disc units, all disc files may be deleted. If data of
the binding unit is deleted in title units, all title files may be
deleted.
[0124] As apparent from the above description, a method and
apparatus for deleting local storage data according to the present
invention can delete data from the binding unit of the local
storage file structure in disc units, title units, or content
units, such that it can maximally use the local storage having
limited capacity. Also, the present invention can effectively
reproduce original data recorded in a recording medium and
additional data downloaded from an external part, resulting in the
creation of more convenient functions for a user.
[0125] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *