U.S. patent application number 11/325460 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for method and apparatus for reproducing data from recording medium using local storage.
Invention is credited to Byung Jin Kim, Kang Soo Seo, Jea Yong Yoo.
Application Number | 20060153022 11/325460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37172370 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060153022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seo; Kang Soo ; et
al. |
July 13, 2006 |
Method and apparatus for reproducing data from recording medium
using local storage
Abstract
A method and apparatus for reproducing data from a recording
medium using a local storage is disclosed. A method for reproducing
data from a recording medium using a local storage includes the
steps of: a) downloading data associated with the recording medium,
and storing the downloaded data in the local storage; b) generating
a virtual package using a binding unit with missing data associated
with the recording medium, such that the virtual package includes a
PlayList capable of being played before all the data is completely;
and c) playing the PlayList while the missing data is downloaded.
Therefore, the method can effectively reproduce additional data,
which is downloaded in the local storage in association with the
recording medium, resulting in the creation of more convenient
functions for a user.
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: |
37172370 |
Appl. No.: |
11/325460 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60641780 |
Jan 7, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
369/30.23 ;
369/30.01; G9B/27.017; G9B/27.021; G9B/27.05 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 2220/2541 20130101;
G11B 20/00115 20130101; G11B 20/1217 20130101; G11B 2020/1288
20130101; G11B 20/10 20130101; G11B 27/329 20130101; G11B 27/11
20130101; G11B 27/105 20130101; G11B 27/034 20130101; G11B 7/004
20130101; G11B 27/10 20130101; G11B 20/00086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
369/030.23 ;
369/030.01 |
International
Class: |
G11B 21/08 20060101
G11B021/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 13, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0096450 |
Claims
1. A method for reproducing data from a recording medium using a
local storage comprising the steps of: a) downloading data
associated with the recording medium from an external source, and
storing the downloaded data in the local storage; b) generating a
virtual package using a binding unit with missing data associated
with the recording medium, such that the virtual package includes a
PlayList capable of being played before all the data is completely
downloaded; and c) playing the PlayList while the missing data is
downloaded.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the missing data is
indicative of stream data.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the PlayList reproduces
data downloaded in the local storage.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the virtual package is
generated by a binding unit manifest file associated with the
recording medium.
5. A method for reproducing data from a recording medium using a
local storage comprising the steps of: a) generating a virtual
package for reproducing data in the recording medium and data in
the local storage; b) downloading data associated with the
recording medium, and updating the virtual package using a binding
unit with missing data, such that the virtual package includes a
PlayList capable of being played before all the data is completely
downloaded; and c) playing the PlayList while the missing data is
downloaded.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the PlayList includes a
main path and at least one sub path, and data referenced by the
main path and data referenced by the sub path are simultaneously
downloaded.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the sub path is
configured with a single SubPlayItem, and downloaded part of a clip
referenced by the SubPlayItem is reproduced while the missing part
of the clip is downloaded.
8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the sub path is
configured with a plurality of SubPlayItems, and downloaded clips
referenced by the SubPlayItems are reproduced while the missing
clips are downloaded.
9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the sub path is
configured with a plurality of SubPlayItems, and downloaded part of
a clip referenced by one of the SubPlayItems is reproduced while
the missing part of the clip is downloaded.
10. The method according to claim 5, wherein the PlayList is played
by a BD-J module.
11. The method according to claim 5, wherein the virtual package is
updated by a request of BD-J applications.
12. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step
of: in case that playback position by the PlayList reaches the
missing data point during playback, stopping the playback.
13. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step
of: in case that an error occurs while the PlayList is played, the
error is corrected by execution of BD-J applications.
14. The method according to claim 5, wherein the PlayList is
indicative of a Progressive PlayList.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein data referenced by
the Progressive PlayList is indicated by a binding unit manifest
file associated with the recording medium.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step b) for
updating the virtual package includes the step of: confirming
whether the binding unit manifest file contains Progressive
PlayList information.
17. An apparatus for reproducing data from a recording medium using
a local storage comprising: a pickup unit for reading data of the
recording medium; a local storage for downloading the data
associated with the recording medium, and storing the downloaded
data; and a controller for generating a virtual package using a
binding unit with missing data associated with the recording
medium, such that the virtual package includes a PlayList capable
of being played before all the data is completely downloaded, the
controller for playing the PlayList while the missing data is
downloaded.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein in case that the
virtual package exists, the controller updates the virtual package
to generate a new virtual package, such that the new virtual
package includes the PlayList capable of being played before all
the data is completely downloaded.
19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the missing data
is indicative of stream data.
20. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the PlayList
reproduces data downloaded in the local storage.
21. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the controller
generates the virtual package by a binding unit manifest file
associated with the recording medium.
22. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the PlayList
includes a main path and at least one sub path, and controller
simultaneously downloads data referenced by the main path and data
referenced by the sub path.
23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the sub path is
configured with a single SubPlayItem, and the controller reproduces
downloaded part of a clip referenced by the SubPlayItem while the
missing part of the clip is downloaded.
24. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the sub path is
configured with a plurality of SubPlayItems, and the controller
reproduces downloaded clips referenced by the SubPlayItems while
the missing clips are downloaded.
25. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the sub path is
configured with a plurality of SubPlayItems, and the controller
reproduces downloaded part of a clip referenced by one of the
SubPlayItems while the missing part of the clip is downloaded.
26. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the controller
includes a BD-J module, and wherein the BD-J module plays the
PlayList.
27. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the PlayList is
indicative of a Progressive PlayList.
28. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein data referenced by
the Progressive PlayList is indicated by a binding unit manifest
file associated with the recording medium.
29. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the controller, in
generating the virtual package, confirms whether the binding unit
manifest file contains Progressive PlayList information.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2005-0096450, filed on Oct. 13, 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. 60/641,780, filed on Jan. 7, 2005, in the name of
inventors Jea Yong YOO, Kang Soo SEO, and Byung Jin Kim, entitled
"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
reproducing data from a recording medium, and more particularly to
a method and apparatus for reproducing data from a recording medium
using 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, an apparatus for reproducing data from the
recording medium to simultaneously reproduce the external input
signal and data of the BD 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 reproducing data from a recording medium using 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 downloading data associated with a recording
medium from an external part, storing the downloaded data in a
local storage, and reproducing the downloaded data using the
recording medium associated with the local storage.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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 reproducing data from a
recording medium using a local storage comprises the steps of: a)
downloading data associated with the recording medium, and storing
the downloaded data in the local storage; b) generating a virtual
package using a binding unit with missing data associated with the
recording medium, such that the virtual package includes a PlayList
capable of being played before all the data is completely
downloaded, and c) playing the PlayList while the missing data is
downloaded.
[0015] The missing data can be indicative of stream data.
[0016] The PlayList can reproduce data downloaded in the local
storage.
[0017] The virtual package can be generated by a binding unit
manifest file associated with the recoding medium.
[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method for reproducing data from a recording medium
using a local storage comprising the steps of: a) generating a
virtual package for reproducing data in the recording medium and
data in the local storage; b) downloading data associated with the
recording medium, and updating the virtual package using a binding
unit with missing data, such that the virtual packaged includes a
PlayList capable of being played before all the data is completely
downloaded, and c) playing the PlayList while the missing data is
downloaded.
[0019] The PlayList can a main path and at least one sub path, and
data referenced by the main path and data referenced by the sub
path can be simultaneously downloaded.
[0020] The sub path can be configured with a single SubPlayItem,
and downloaded part of a clip referenced by the SubPlayItem can be
reproduced while the missing part of the clip is downloaded.
[0021] The sub path can be configured with a plurality of
SubPlayItems, and downloaded clips referenced by the SubPlayItems
can be reproduced while the missing clips can be downloaded. Also
downloaded part of a clip referenced by one of the SubPlayItems can
be reproduced while the missing part of the clip is downloaded.
[0022] The PlayList can be played by a BD-J module.
[0023] The virtual package can be updated by a request of BD-J
applications
[0024] The method can further comprise the step of: in case that
playback position by the PlayList reaches the missing data point
during playback, stopping the playback.
[0025] The method can further comprise the step of: in case that an
error occurs while the PlayList is played, the error is corrected
by execution of BD-j applications.
[0026] The PlayList can be indicative of a Progressive PlayList.
Data referenced by the Progressive PlayList can be indicated by a
binding unit manifest file associated with the recording medium.
The step b) for updating the virtual package can include the step
of: confirming whether the binding unit manifest file contains
Progressive PlayList information.
[0027] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an apparatus for reproducing data from a recording medium
using a local storage comprising: a pickup unit for reading data of
the recording medium; a local storage for downloading data
associated with the recording medium, and storing the downloaded
data; and a controller for generating a virtual package using a
binding unit with missing data associated with the recoding medium,
such that the virtual package includes a PlayList capable of being
played before all the data is completely downloaded, the controller
for playing the PlayList while the missing data is downloaded.
[0028] In case that the virtual package exists, the controller can
update the virtual package to generate a ney virtual package, such
that the new virtual package includes the PlayList capble of being
played before all the data is completely downloaded.
[0029] The missing data can be indicative of stream data.
[0030] The PlayList can reproduce data downloaded in the local
storage.
[0031] The controller can generate the virtual package by a binding
unit manifest file associated with the recording medium.
[0032] The PlayList can include a main path and at least one sub
path. In this case, the controller can download data referenced by
the main path and data referenced by the sub path
simultaneously.
[0033] The controller can reproduce downloaded part of a clip
referenced by the PlayList while the missing part of the clip is
downloaded. The controller can reproduce downloaded clips by the
PlayList while the missing clips are downloaded. Also, the
controller can reproduce downloaded part of a clip referenced by
the PlayList while the missing part of the clip is downloaded.
[0034] The controller includes a BD-j module, and the BD-J module
can play the PlayList.
[0035] The PlayList can be indicative of a Progressive PlayList.
Data referenced by the Progressive PlayList can be indicated by a
binding unit manifest file associated with the recording medium. In
generating the virtual package, the controller can confirm whether
the binding unit manifest file contains Progressive PlayList
information.
[0036] 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
[0037] 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:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method and
apparatus for reproducing data from a recording medium according to
the present invention;
[0039] 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;
[0040] 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;
[0041] FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating an optical
recording/reproducing device according to the present
invention;
[0042] 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;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for
generating a virtual package according to the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a relationship
for generating a virtual package according to the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 7 is a structural diagram illustrating a PlayList and
an example for playing the PlayList according to the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 8 is a structural diagram illustrating an apparatus for
reproducing data of a recording medium using a playback system
according to the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 9 shows a PlayList including a sub path configured with
a single SubPlayItem (SPI) and an example for playing the PlayList
according to the present invention; and
[0048] FIG. 10 shows a PlayList including a sub path configured
with a plurality of SubPlayItems (SPIs) and an example for
reproducing the PlayList according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] 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.
[0050] A method and apparatus for reproducing data from a recording
medium using a local storage will hereinafter be described with
reference to the annexed drawings.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
It should be noted that the term "Disc" is considered to be the
same as the recording medium according to the present
invention.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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 source.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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".
[0059] The term "Title" is indicative of a reproduction unit
interfacing with a user, and each title is linked to a specific
object file, such that a stream associated with a corresponding
title recorded in a disc is reproduced according to a command or
program stored in the object file. Particularly, for the
convenience of description and better understanding of the present
invention, a first title in which movies and interactive
information according to an MPEG2 compression scheme are recorded
is called an HDMV title, and a second title in which movies and
interactive information according to a Java program are recorded is
called a BD-J title.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
In association with the above-mentioned 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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).
[0064] The term "Content" is indicative of content data of the
title, and is equal to data received from an author of a recording
medium.
[0065] 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 aims to reproduce
the additional data using the local storage.
[0066] 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 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.
[0067] For the convenience of description, although a signal
recorded in the disc is referred to as the original data, and other
signals existing in the outside of the disc are referred to as the
additional data, it should be noted that the original data and the
additional data classified according to their data acquisition
methods are not limited to only specific data.
[0068] 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.
[0069] In order to satisfy the above-mentioned user requests, 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 2, the file structure according to the
present invention includes one or more BDMV directories (BDMV)
under a single root directory. The BDMV directory 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), a BD-J directory (BDJO), a metadata
directory (META), and a backup directory (BACKUP). The
above-mentioned directories and a variety of files included in the
directory will hereinafter be described.
[0072] The META directory includes a metadata file acting as "Data
about Data". In other words, the META directory includes a search
file and a metadata file for Disc Library and the like.
[0073] The BDJO directory includes a BD-J object file for
reproducing a BD-J title.
[0074] 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.
[0075] The STREAM directory 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 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.
[0076] The CLIPNF directory is composed of a plurality of clip
information files (01000.clpi and 02000.clpi) connected to the
above-mentioned stream files on a one-to-one basis. Particularly,
the clip information files (*.clpi) record attribute information
and timing information of the stream files (*.m2ts) therein. The
clip information 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 information file
(*.clpi).
[0077] The PLAYLIST directory includes a plurality of PlayList
files (*.mpls). Each PlayList file (*.mpls) includes one or more
PlayItems and one or more SubPlayItems. Each PlayItem and each
SubPlayItem are adapted to designate a playing interval during
which a specific clip is reproduced. The PlayItem (PI) and
SubPlayItem (SPI) 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.
[0078] In association with the above-mentioned description, a
process for reproducing data using at least one PlayItem (PI) in
the PlayList file is referred to as a main path, and a process for
reproducing data using individual SubPlayItems (SPIs) 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 SubPlayItem (SPI) as
necessary.
[0079] 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.
[0080] The BACKUP directory 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,
and duplicate files of all clip information files (*.clpi)
contained in the CLPINF directory. 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 is designed to pre-store duplicate files of the
above-mentioned files as backup files.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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".
[0084] 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 Clip #3) configuring the title #1 are
reproduced by a specific PlayItem and/or SubPlayItem contained in
the PlayList file according to the PlayList file information.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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 information 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.
[0087] The present invention provides a method and apparatus for
simultaneously reproducing original data (e.g., a file structure
shown in FIG. 2) recorded in the disc and additional data recorded
in the local storage, and a variety of preferred embodiments
according to the present invention will hereinafter be
described.
[0088] FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating the optical
recording/reproducing device 10 according to the present
invention.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 4A, the optical recording/reproducing
device 10 includes a pickup 11, a servo 14, a signal processor 13,
and a microprocessor 16. The pickup 11 reads original data recorded
in the optical disc and management information including
reproduction/management file information. The servo 14 controls
operations of the pickup 11. The signal processor 13 receives a
reproduction signal from the pickup 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 overall operations of the
above-mentioned components.
[0090] A controller 12 downloads additional data from 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 binding unit using binding unit manifest information recorded in
a binding unit manifest file of the local storage. In addition, the
controller 12 generates a virtual file structure (hereinafter
referred to as a virtual package) using the binding unit manifest
information recorded in the binding unit manifest files, such that
it can reproduce data contained in the recording medium and data
contained in the local storage. The controller reproduces the
original data and/or the additional data using the virtual package
upon receiving a request from a user.
[0091] The virtual package generated by the controller 12 includes
at least one virtual PlayList including a PlayItem capable of
reproducing a plurality of clips.
[0092] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
binding unit manifest file, the name mapping information, and the
virtual package will hereinafter be described with reference to
FIG. 5.
[0093] The AV 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.
[0094] The AV 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.
[0095] The new virtual package may be stored in the local storage
15 such that it can be re-used in future. Also, the new virtual
package may be temporarily stored in an additional dynamic memory,
and may then be used.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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 for disc_ID #n
dependent) including directories and files of individual disc
identification (ID) information, and a plurality of additional
clips downloaded from an external part.
[0098] The local storage 15 may include a binding unit manifest
file for forming a binding unit of the local storage 15, and
performing a binding operation associated with a disc package.
[0099] Specifically, the local storage 15 may include a plurality
of file information units (Directory-File for disc_ID #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.
[0100] 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 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, generates 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.
[0101] In association with the above-mentioned description, if no
file information exists in the local storage 15, the optical
recording/reproducing device downloads data from an external input
source to form a binding unit, reads the binding unit file
information, and forms a virtual package by binding (or combining)
the read information with the disc package.
[0102] A method for generating the virtual package according to the
present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to
FIG. 5.
[0103] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for
generating the virtual package according to the present
invention.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 5, if a specific disc is loaded in the
optical recording/reproducing device 10 on the condition that the
information and contents shown in FIG. 4b are stored in the local
storage 15, the optical recording/reproducing device 10 reads the
file system information 41 contained in the local storage 15, and
at the same time reads disc file system information 42 including
the file structure recorded in the disc, resulting in the creation
of the VFS. In more detail, the virtual file system (VFS) is
indicative of a file system virtually constructed to manage both
the file system contained in the local storage 15 and the other
file system of the loaded disc.
[0105] The optical recording/reproducing device generates a new
virtual package to simultaneously reproduce original data recorded
in the disc and additional data recorded in the local storage using
the above-mentioned virtual file system (VFS). For this purpose,
the optical recording/reproducing device 10 reads file information
(Directory-File for disc_ID #1 dependent) associated with the disc
(e.g., disc_ID #1) from the file system, forms a binding unit
according the read binding unit manifest information, reads the
formed binding unit, and performs a binding operation for replacing
the read file information with a disc package of the loaded disc
(disc_ID #1) according to either name mapping information or
Progressive PlayList information recorded in the binding unit
manifest file, or appending the read file information to the disc
package according to either name mapping information or Progressive
PlayList information recorded in the binding unit manifest file. A
detailed description of the Progressive PlayList will be described
with reference to the annexed drawings from FIG. 7.
[0106] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
name mapping information according to the present invention is
indicative of information recorded in the binding unit manifest
file contained in a directory and/or a file structure of a local
storage, and is used when the binding unit is formed or when the
binding operation is executed to form the virtual package.
[0107] "Files and Titles Relation List" information, "Progressive
PlayList" information, and "Credential" information may be
contained in the binding unit manifest file. The aforementioned
"Files and Titles Relation List" information is adapted to
delete/verify data in title units. The aforementioned "Credential"
information is adapted to bind or combine files shared by different
content providers with each other.
[0108] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
virtual package formed by the aforementioned binding operation is
indicative of a file structure for reproducing/managing an original
clip 422 and an additional clip 412. The original clip 422 is
composed of original data recorded in the disc. The additional clip
412 is composed of additional data recorded in the local
storage.
[0109] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a relationship
for generating a virtual package according to the present
invention.
[0110] A specific file structure (i.e., the disc package of FIG. 2)
is recorded in the loaded disc, and may be referred to as a disc
package. A local storage file system 41 is contained in the local
storage. The local storage file system 41 includes a binding unit
combined with the loaded disc (e.g., disc_ID #1), and a binding
unit manifest file.
[0111] In association with the above-mentioned description, all
files referenced by the binding unit manifest file and the binding
unit manifest file of the disc may act as Read-only files.
[0112] The binding unit manifest file includes name mapping
information. The name mapping information includes a variety of
information associated with the binding unit. For example, the name
mapping information includes list information of files contained in
the binding unit, location information where the files of the
binding unit are located in the virtual package when the binding
unit is combined with the disc, and file name information in the
virtual package, etc.
[0113] Therefore, the virtual file system (VFS) performs a binding
operation for combining the binding unit with the disc package of
the loaded disc using the above-mentioned binding unit manifest
information, such that it forms a new virtual package.
[0114] For example, according to the disc package of the disc shown
in FIG. 6, the BDMV directory acting as a lower directory of the
root directory includes an index file (index.bdmv), an object file
(MovieObject.bdmv), a PlayList file (00000.mpls), a clip
information file (01000.clpi), a stream file (01000.m2ts), and an
Auxiliary file (sound.bdmv). Under the aforementioned condition of
the disc package, if the binding unit 61 associated with the loaded
disc (e.g., the disc having information "org_ID #1 and disc_ID #1")
includes a specific PlayList file (Apr2005.mpls) 611, and clips
(i.e., a clip information file (Apr2005.clpi) 612 and a stream file
(Apr2005.m2ts) 613) managed by the PlayList file (Apr2005.mpls)
611, and the disc-dependent-shared directory (Shared) includes an
Auxiliary file (Japanese.otf) 614. A method for generating the
virtual package 51 using the disc package and the binding unit will
hereinafter be described.
[0115] The name mapping information according to the present
invention is indicative of information associated with files
contained in the binding unit. A PlayList file (Apr2005.mpls) 611
is changed (or modified) to a PlayList file (00000.mpls) 511 of the
PLAYLIST directory in the virtual package 51, a clip information
file (Apr2005.clpi) 612 is changed to a clip information file
(02000.clpi) 512 of the CLIPINF directory in the virtual package
51, a stream file (Apr2005.m2ts) 613 is changed to a stream file
(02000.m2ts) 513 of the STREAM directory in the virtual package 51,
and an auxiliary file (Japanese.otf) 614 is changed to an auxiliary
file (11111.otf) 514 of the AUXDATA directory in the virtual
package 51. The name mapping information includes location- and
file name-information of the aforementioned changed files.
[0116] Therefore, when the virtual file system (VFS) 40 performs
the binding operation, if the binding operation is performed
according to the name mapping information recorded within the
binding unit manifest file in the local storage 15 and the virtual
package is generated by the binding operation, the resultant file
structure is as follows.
[0117] The virtual package 51 includes the BDMV directory acting as
a lower directory of the root directory. The BDMV directory
includes an index file (Index.bdmv), an object file
(MovieObject.bdmv), a PLAYLIST directory), a CLIPINF directory, a
STREAM directory, and an AUXDATA directory. The PLAYLIST directory
includes a PlayList file (00000.mpls) 511 acquired when a PlayList
file of the disc package 62 is replaced with a PlayList file of the
binding unit. The CLIPINF directory includes a clip information
files (02000.clpi) 512 of the binding unit which is appended to the
clip information file (01000.clpi) of the disc package 62. The
STREAM directory includes a stream file a stream file (02000.m2ts)
513 of the binding unit which is appended to the stream file
(01000.m2ts) of the disc package 62. The AUXDATA directory includes
an Auxiliary file (11111.otf) 514 of the binding unit which is
appended to the Auxiliary file (sound.bdmv) of the disc package 62.
In this process, the virtual package 51 is generated.
[0118] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
index file (index.bdmv) and the object file (MovieObject.bdmv),
which act as upper files of the virtual package 51, may be updated
in conventional index and object files (Index.bdmv and
MovieObject.bdmv) contained in the disc on the basis of the
newly-formed virtual PlayList file (00000.mpls) 511. Specifically,
if a title is changed to another title by the PlayList file
(00000.mpls) 511 contained in the virtual package 51 (e.g., if a
new title is added, a conventional title is deleted, or a title
reproduction scenario is changed to another scenario), the
aforementioned index and object files may be updated on the basis
of the newly-formed virtual package.
[0119] In association with the above-mentioned description, a
method for downloading data to construct a virtual package, and a
method for updating the virtual package using the downloaded data
will hereinafter be described.
[0120] Firstly, the downloading application recognizes current
binding unit structure information contained in the loaded
disc-dependent directory and the disc-dependent-shared directory
(Shared), and informs an external CP of the recognized binding unit
structure information. A user selects content data downloaded for
reproducing data of the disc.
[0121] Thereafter, the CP provides all data (e.g., an index table
and a PlayList, etc.) of database files appropriate for a disc on
the basis of the report result received from the downloading
application associated with the current binding unit structure
information.
[0122] Finally, the downloading application of the optical
recording/reproducing device downloads data of the selected files
for the disc in the local storage, forms a virtual file system
(VFS), and forms/update a virtual package using the virtual file
system (VFS).
[0123] FIG. 7 is a structural diagram illustrating a PlayList and
an example for reproducing the PlayList according to the present
invention.
[0124] According to the present invention, PlayList reproduction is
performed by downloading data reproduced by the PlayList.
[0125] In association with the above-mentioned description, a
PlayList reproducible by the local storage can be classified into
two types (i.e., a first PlayList and a second PlayList). The first
PlayList can be played after all data reproduced by the PlayList
has been completely downloaded. The second PlayList can be played
although data is not completely downloaded, such that the remaining
data can be downloaded simultaneously with reproducing
pre-downloaded data. The present invention relates to the
aforementioned second PlayList. Specifically, the Progressive
PlayList shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the second PlayList.
Hereinafter, the remaining data is named as missing data (missing
stream file, missing clip and etc.). Namely, the missing data means
undownloaded data before data reproduction by a PlayList according
to present invention starts.
[0126] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
PlayList may be a Disc-dependent PlayList or a Disc-independent
PlayList. If the second PlayList is equal to the disc-dependent
PlayList, a user can freely download/reproduce data referenced by
the second PlayList at any time, or data referenced by the second
PlayList can be reproduced by itself without being combined with a
disc package. The present invention relates to the disc-dependent
PlayList. According to the present invention, data associated with
a specific disc is downloaded from an external part, and the
downloaded data is combined with the disc package as previously
stated above.
[0127] A method for reproducing data according to the
aforementioned second PlayList will hereinafter be described with
reference to FIG. 7. Specifically, Progressive PlayList is used as
an example in FIG. 7. It is assumed that the virtual package exists
before downloading data associated with a loaded disc from an
external source in FIG. 7.
[0128] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
virtual package may be generated from a disc package contained in
the disc after the disc is loaded in the optical
recording/reproducing device. Otherwise, the virtual package may be
generated by combining data of the disc package with data of the
local storage. The virtual package may be updated by the data
downloaded from the external source. A method for updating the
virtual package after downloading some stream files will
hereinafter be described in detail.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 7, a PlayList file (*.mpls) of the
Progressive PlayList #1, the clip information file 701 of a clip
reproduced by the Progressive PlayList #1, and some (1.m2ts,
2.m2ts, and 3.m2ts) of the stream file 702 are downloaded before
data reproduction starts.
[0130] If a update request for the virtual package occurs when all
data associated with the Progressive PlayList #1 is not fully
downloaded, the virtual package including the Progressive PlayList
#1 is generated using the downloaded data (i.e., a PlayList file
(*.mpls), a clip information file 701, and stream files 1, 2, and 3
(1.m2ts, 2.m2ts, and 3.m2ts)) according to the binding unit
manifest file.
[0131] The aforementioned Progressive PlayList #1 is indicative of
a PlayList capable of being played before all the data is
downloaded. Therefore, after the virtual package is updated by the
binding unit with missing stream files, the BD-J application can
play the PlayList although all stream files required to play the
PlayList are not in place. The missing stream data
(4.m2ts.about.n.m2ts) not downloaded before the virtual package is
updated is downloaded while the virtual package is updated or while
the Progressive PlayList #1 is played.
[0132] After the missing stream data (4.m2ts.about.n.m2ts) is
stored at the location indicated by a binding unit manifest file, a
BD-J application generates a request to reproduce a specified clip.
After the player receives the above-mentioned request, it does not
need to wait for a predetermined time to pass until a title is
changed to another title. The player sets specified stream data to
be read-only, and can immediately reproduce a corresponding clip
according to the name mapping information contained in the binding
unit manifest file.
[0133] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
data reproduced by the Progressive PlayList #1 may be determined by
Progressive PlayList information of the binding unit manifest
file.
[0134] In association with the above-mentioned description, if data
receiving a playback command is not equal to data specified by the
Progressive PlayList information of the binding unit manifest file,
or is determined to be pre-reproduced data, the aforementioned data
receiving the playback command cannot be reproduced.
[0135] If a request for updating the virtual package occurs before
all data is not completely downloaded, it is confirmed whether the
update of the virtual package is allowed by referring to the
binding unit manifest file. In other words, it is confirmed whether
the binding unit manifest file allows the PlayList (e.g.,
Progressive PlayList) of the present invention.
[0136] In association with the above-mentioned description,
specific information indicative of the allowance or rejection of
the Progressive PlayList may be included in the Progressive
PlayList information. Namely, it can be confirmed by confirming
whether the binding unit manifest file contains Progressive
PlayList information. If the binding unit manifest file contains
the Progressive PlayList information, the virtual package is
updated so that the updated virtual package includes the
Progressive PlayList. However, if the binding unit manifest file
does not contain the Progressive PlayList information, the virtual
package cannot be updated before the download of data is
completed.
[0137] The update request of the virtual package may be executed by
the BD-J application. If the missing data downloaded after the
PlayList starts its reproduction is stored in a specific location
indicated by the binding unit manifest file, the BD-J application
may generate a command for reproducing the stored data, and may
delete unnecessary data, which is not to be reproduced in the
future, by referring to the binding unit manifest file.
[0138] The PlayList file (*.mpls) and the clip information file
(*.clpi) may be downloaded before the Progressive PlayList starts
its reproduction. In other words, data, which is downloaded during
the reproduction time of the Progressive PlayList whereas it is not
downloaded before the reproduction begins, may be stream data.
[0139] The Progressive PlayList may reproduce downloaded stream
files instead of stream files recorded in a recording medium. In
other words, the Progressive PlayList should be treated as a new
title that is bound to a disc. After streaming and playback
operations are performed, the PlayList should be treated as a
normal BD-J title.
[0140] FIG. 7 shows an example in which some of stream files are
downloaded and then the virtual package is updated, but it should
be noted that the present invention is not limited to the example
of FIG. 7 and is applicable to other examples. For example, the
virtual package may be updated on the condition that only the
PlayList file (*.mpls) and the clip information file (*.clpi) are
downloaded. In this case, stream data unused for updating the
virtual package may be immediately downloaded simultaneously with
updating the virtual package, or may be reproduced simultaneously
with being downloaded upon receiving a playback command from a
user.
[0141] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
PlayList of the present invention may also be played by the
following BD-J module.
[0142] The present invention downloads data associated with a
recording medium from an external source, stores the downloaded
data in a local storage, and generating a new virtual package using
a binding unit with missing data before the data is completely
downloaded in the local storage, such that the new virtual package
includes a PlayList capable of being played while the missing data
is downloaded. In this case, the PlayList is played by the
generated virtual package, and the downloading/reproducing
operations of the remaining data are the same as in FIG. 7.
[0143] In association with the above-mentioned description, if the
missing data must be reproduced during the playback by the PlayList
of the present invention, the present invention can stop the
playback. In association with the above-mentioned description, a
malfunction or error (e.g., undownloaded data needs to be
reproduced) generated during the playback by the PlayList may be
corrected by the BD-J application.
[0144] The BD-J application can play the Progressive PlayList even
if the Progressive PlayList includes the missing clips. However, if
the playback position reaches the missing stream point during the
playback operation, the player allows the media player and the
Playback Control Engine to enter a stopped state. If the playback
position is changed to the missing clip point by a jump operation
of a user, the playback operation may stop at the jumped place and
then the stop event may be transmitted to the BD-J application. If
the BD-J application specifies a playback position with the missing
stream, the player may allow the media player and the Playback
Control Engine to enter a stopped state.
[0145] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for
reproducing data from a recording medium using a playback system
according to the present invention.
[0146] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
term "playback system" is indicative of a collective reproduction
processor implemented by software and/or hardware contained in the
optical recording/reproducing device. The playback system is
indicative of a system which reproduces data of a recording medium
loaded in the optical recording/reproducing device, and at the same
time reproduces/manages data (e.g., data downloaded from an
external part) stored in the local storage in association with the
recording medium.
[0147] Specifically, the playback system 17 includes a user event
manager 171, a module manager 172, an HDMV module 174, a BD-J
module 175, a playback control engine 176, a presentation engine
177, and a virtual file system 40. A detailed description thereof
will hereinafter be described.
[0148] The HDMV module 174 acting as an additional reproduction
process module capable of reproducing the HDMV title and the BD-J
module 175 acting as an additional reproduction process module
capable of reproducing the BD-J title are constructed independently
of each other. The HDMV module 174 receives a command or program
contained in the above-mentioned object file "Movie Object", and
the BD-J module 175 receives a command or program contained in the
above-mentioned object file "BD-J Object", such that the HDMV
module 174 and the BD-J module 175 process the received command or
program. The HDMV module 174 includes a command processor 174a, and
the BD-J module 175 includes an application manager 175a and a Java
VM 175b, such that the HDMV module 174 and the BD-J module 175 can
receive/process the above-mentioned command.
[0149] The playback system includes the module manager 172, the
playback control engine 176, and the presentation engine 177. The
module manager 172 transmits a user command to the HDMV module 174
and the BD-J module 175, and controls operations of the HDMV module
174 and the BD-J module 175. The playback control engine 176
analyzes PlayList file content data recorded in a disc upon
receiving a reproduction command from the HDMV module 174 and the
BD-J module 175, and performs a reproduction function on the basis
of the analyzed result. The presentation engine 177
decodes/displays a specific a specific stream reproduced/managed by
the playback control engine 176.
[0150] Specifically, the playback control engine 176 is classified
into a playback control function 176a for managing all the
reproduction operations, and a player register 176b for storing
player status register (PSR) information and general purpose
register (GPR) information. The playback control function 176a may
also be indicative of the playback control engine 176 as
necessary.
[0151] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
playback control engine 176 can access one of a plurality of
smaller clips contained in the Progressive PlayList while another
clip is downloaded.
[0152] The module manager 172, the HDMV module 174, the BD-J module
175, and the playback control engine 176 contained in the playback
system can be processed by software. It is preferable that the
above-mentioned components 172, 174, 175, and 176 are processed by
software instead of hardware. The presentation engine 177, the
decoder, and the planes are generally hardware based. Constituent
components (e.g., 172, 174, 175, and 176) processed by software may
be integrated in one unit, such that the integrated unit may be
installed into the controller 12. Therefore, it should be noted
that the above-mentioned components of the present invention be
understood on the basis of their meanings, and are not limited to
their implementation methods such as hardware or software
implementation.
[0153] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
characteristics of the playback system 17 are as follows.
[0154] Firstly, as stated above, the HDMV module 174 for the HDMV
title and the BD-J module 175 for the BD-J title are configured
independently of each other, and the two modules 174 and 175 cannot
be executed at the same time. In more detail, the BD-J title cannot
be reproduced when the HDMV title is reproduced, and the HDMV title
cannot be reproduced when the BD-J title is reproduced.
[0155] Secondly, the playback system includes a BD-J applications
for actually managing the local storage 15, such that the BD-J
applications can manage a network function contained in the optical
recording/reproducing device in the same manner as in additional
data downloaded from an external part, and can form a virtual
package by editing files stored in the local storage 15 or
combining the files with the disc package. In other words, the BD-J
applications form a virtual file system (VFS) 40 capable of
managing a disc file system and a local storage file system as a
single system, and form/manage the virtual package for reproducing
original data and additional data using the virtual file system
(VFS) 40. In association with the above-mentioned description, a
method for generating the virtual package using the virtual file
system (VFS) 40 has been previously stated above.
[0156] Thirdly, the HDMV title and the BD-J title receive user
commands based on different schemes, respectively. The HDMV title
and the BD-J title use different methods for performing individual
user commands. There is needed a predetermined unit capable of
receiving the user command, and transmitting the received user
command to either the HDMV module 174 or the BD-J module 175. In
this case, the above-mentioned operations are performed by the user
event manager 171a. For example, if the received command is
determined to be a user command entered by a User Operation (UO),
the user event manager 171a transmits the user command to the
module manager 172 or the UO controller 171a. Otherwise, if the
received command is determined to be a user command entered by a
key event, the user event manager 171a transmits the received user
command to the Java VM 175b contained in the BD-J module 175.
[0157] Fourthly, one of the modules 174 and 175 manages the
above-mentioned playback control engine 176 (also called a master).
In more detail, when reproducing the HDMV title, the HDMV module
174 acts as a master of the playback control engine 176. When
reproducing the BD-J title, the BDJ module 175 acts as a master of
the playback control engine 176.
[0158] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
playback system may include a metadata manager 173. The metadata
manager 173 provides a user with the Disc Library and Enhanced
Search Metadata Application.
[0159] The PlayList according to the present invention may include
at least one sub path along with a main path. If the PlayList
includes the sub path, the main path and the sub path must be
decoded/displayed at the same time.
[0160] In association with the above-mentioned description, in
order to reproduce the main path and the sub path contained in the
PlayList, data reproduced by the sub path is pre-downloaded, and
other data reproduced by the main path is downloaded, such that a
playback operation may begin. In this case, data referenced by the
sub path must be pre-downloaded, such that a playback time is
delayed a little.
[0161] To decode/display the main path and the sub path at the same
time, data reproduced (referenced) by the main path of the PlayList
and data reproduced (referenced) by the sub path of the PlayList
are simultaneously downloaded and reproduced. A method for
simultaneously downloading/reproducing data referenced by the main
path of the PlayList and data referenced by the sub path of the
PlayList will hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 9
and 10.
[0162] FIG. 9 shows a PlayList including a sub path configured with
a single SubPlayItem (SPI) and an example for playing the PlayList
according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a PlayList
including a sub path configured with a plurality of SubPlayItems
(SPIs) and an example for playing the PlayList according to the
present invention.
[0163] The PlayList including a sub path configured with a single
SubPlayItem (SPI) and its reproduction example are shown in FIG.
9.
[0164] The present invention may update the virtual package and may
play the PlayList on the condition that only some part of the clip
specified by the SubPlayItem is downloaded. The missing part of the
clip may be downloaded while the virtual package is updated or
while the PlayList is played, and a detailed description thereof
will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0165] The SubPlayItem (SPI) of the sub path of the Progressive
PlayList #1 includes IN-Time information and Out-Time information
of a clip to be reproduced. The clip specified by the SubPlayItem
includes a single clip information file (11.clpi) 903 and a single
stream file (11.m2ts) 904.
[0166] The update request of the virtual package may occur on the
condition that the PlayList file (*.mpls) of the Progressive
PlayList #1, a clip information file 901 and some files (1.m2ts and
2.m2ts) of the stream files 902 reproduced by the main path, and a
clip information file (11.clpi) 903 of the clips and some parts
904a of the stream file (11.m2ts) 904 reproduced by the sub path
are downloaded. If the above-mentioned update request of the
virtual package occurs, the virtual package is updated by the
downloaded data. If the virtual package is updated, the
aforementioned Progressive PlayList #1 can be played.
[0167] The missing data data (3.m2ts.about.n.m2ts) 904b not
downloaded before the virtual package is updated is downloaded
while the Progressive PlayList #1 is played. The player can
recognize how much data of the clip reproduced by the sub path is
downloaded on the basis of information indicative of a downloaded
length of the sub path data.
[0168] The PlayList (denoted by "Progressive PlayList #1" in FIG.
10) including a sub path configured with a plurality of
SubPlayItems (SPIs) and its reproduction example are shown in FIG.
10.
[0169] If the sub path is configured with a plurality of
SubPlayItems (SPIs), the clips referenced by the SPIs may be
downloaded while the virtual package is updated or while the
PlayList is reproduced in the same manner as in the aforementioned
clips referenced by the PlayItem (PI) of the main path.
[0170] Referring to FIG. 10, similar to the main path configured
with a plurality of PlayItems (PIs), the sub path is configured
with a plurality of SubPlayItems (SPIS) (SPI #11.about.SPI #m), and
each SubPlayItem (SPI) designates a single clip.
[0171] The PlayList file (*.mpls) of the Progressive PlayList #1,
the clip information file 1001 of the main path, the clip
information file 1003 of the sub path, some files (1.m2ts and
2.m2ts) of the stream file 1002 of the main path, and some files
(11.m2ts and 12.m2ts) of the stream file 1004 of the sub path are
downloaded, and a request for updating the virtual package may
occur.
[0172] The virtual package is updated before all the data
reproduced by the Progressive PlayList #1 is downloaded, such that
the virtual package includes the Progressive PlayList #1 according
to the binding unit manifest file of the virtual package. If the
virtual package is updated, the Progressive PlayList #1 may be
played by the updated virtual package.
[0173] The missing data (3.m2ts.about.n.m2ts) not downloaded before
the aforementioned reproduction operation begins may be downloaded
while the virtual package is updated or while the Progressive
PlayList #1 is reproduced, as previously stated above.
[0174] In association with the above-mentioned description, if the
sub path is configured with a plurality of SubPlayItems (SPIs), the
PlayList can be played on the condition that only some data of the
clip is downloaded as in FIG. 9. The reproduction or playback
methods shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may be properly mixed according to
the size of a downloaded clip. It is obvious to those skilled in
the art that the aforementioned reproduction method of the PlayList
may be applied to the main path as well.
[0175] Although the single sub path is exemplarily depicted in
FIGS. 9 and 10, at least one or two sub paths may exist in FIGS. 9
and 10. In this case, the simultaneous reproduction of the main
path and the sub path may be performed as previously stated above,
such that a detailed description thereof will be omitted for the
convenience of description.
[0176] In association with the above-mentioned description,
although FIGS. 9 and 10 exemplarily show a method for updating the
virtual package after some stream files are downloaded, the present
invention may update the virtual package on the condition that only
the PlayList file (*.mpls) and the clip information file (*.clpi)
are downloaded. In this case, stream data unused for updating the
virtual package may be downloaded simultaneously with updating the
virtual package, or may be downloaded/reproduced after a user
enters a playback command, as previously stated in FIG. 7.
[0177] According to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a new virtual package may be generated before all the
data is completely downloaded, such that the new virtual package
includes a PlayList capable of being played before all the data is
completely downloaded, as previously stated in FIG. 7.
[0178] In association with the playback or reproduction operation
of the present invention, the player must get to the next data to
be reproduced before the playback or reproduction of current data
is terminated, due to latency time of the decoder. In association
with the present invention, the aforementioned situation means that
the data to be reproduced must be downloaded and stored at a
specified location, before the player goes to a data storage
location to reproduce the data. In this manner, it is preferable
that data reproduced by the sub path is downloaded and stored at a
specified location while other data is reproduced prior to the
aforementioned movement of the player.
[0179] An apparatus for reproducing data from a recording medium
using a local storage will hereinafter be described with reference
to FIGS. 4a and 8. The apparatus for reproducing data from the
recording medium using the local storage includes a pickup 11 for
reading data of the recording medium; a local storage 15 for
downloading data associated with the recording medium, and storing
the downloaded data; and a controller 12 for generating a virtual
package using a binding unit with missing data associated with the
recording medium. Wherein the virtual package includes a PlayList
capable of being played before all the data is completely
downloaded. Also, the controller 12 can plays the PlayList while
the missing data is downloaded.
[0180] In association with the above-mentioned description, in case
that the virtual package already exists, the controller 12 updates
the virtual package to generate new virtual package, such that the
new virtual package includes the inventive PlayList.
[0181] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
inventive PlayList can be called as Progressive PlayList. The
controller 12 can generate the virtual package by a binding unit
manifest file associated with the recording medium. The binding
unit manifest file can contain Progressive PlayList information. In
case that the binding unit manifest file does not contain
Progressive PlayList information, the virtual package may not be
generated before all the data is completely downloaded.
[0182] In association with the above-mentioned description, the
missing data is indicative of stream data. The inventive PlayList
reproduces data downloaded in the local storage. The PlayList can
be configured with a main path and at least one sub path. In this
case, the controller 12 can control to download simultaneously data
referenced by the main path and data referenced by the sub path.
The controller 12 can reproduce some clips or part of a clip while
missing clip or missing part of the clip is downloaded.
[0183] The inventive PlayList may be reproduced/managed by the BD-J
module 175, and the controller 12 may include the BD-J module.
[0184] As apparent from the above description, a method and
apparatus for reproducing data from a recording medium using a
local storage according to the present invention can effectively
reproduce additional data, which is downloaded in the local storage
in association with the recording medium, resulting in the creation
of more convenient functions for a user.
[0185] 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.
* * * * *